How to Conceal Your Tummy in Jeans: A Simple Style Guide

Say goodbye to belly bulge and hello to figure-flattering jeans

Co-authored by Stephanie Fajardo and Madeleine Flamiano

Last Updated: March 6, 2023 References

If you feel insecure about your belly, choosing the right jeans can be a challenge. Don’t sweat it, though! There are plenty of pairs available that’ll make you look like a real show-stopper without drawing attention to your stomach. Here, we’ll teach you how to feel comfortable and confident in denim. From certain styles of jeans to shapewear and flattering blouses, you’ve got a ton of options to work with. Jump right in to learn how to slide into the perfect pair of jeans.

Things You Should Know

Try on straight, slim, or skinny jeans that are well-fitting and aren’t too tight for a look that’s totally flattering.
Wear tailored blouses along with a pair of snug jeans for an amazing ensemble that’ll show off your curves without drawing attention to your belly.
Slide into dark-wash or black jeans since dark colored denim has a really slimming effect.
Steer clear of baggy jeans and loose blouses, which don’t do justice to your silhouette and instead might make your stomach look bigger.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Choosing the Right Jeans

1
Try on jeans that are a snug fit. Look for jeans that are labeled as “straight,” “slim,” or “skinny fit.” Try on each different type and pick a pair of jeans that feels snug and well-fitting but isn’t too constricting, which might be really uncomfortable and create the appearance of unwanted rolls.^{[1]
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- Avoid loose-fitting jeans. These types are usually labeled as relaxed, boyfriend, or wide-leg styles. Loose-fitting jeans may make your stomach look bigger than it actually is and won’t show off your wonderful silhouette.
2
Find a pants size that feels the most comfortable. Try on a wide variety of sizes before you decide on what pair to purchase. If a pair of jeans feels too small or too large, simply try the next size up or down. Ask the sales assistant to see if the sizing may change when the jeans are washed, as this could mean that you need to pick a different size.^{[2]
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- Choosing the right size is the most important part of feeling comfortable and confident with your belly while you are wearing jeans.^{[3]
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  Stephanie Fajardo
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  Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.}
- Sizes tend to differ between retailers, so make sure that you try on every pair of jeans before you buy them. Check that they feel right, even if the jeans are in your regular size.
- When you prioritize finding the right size, you'll be able to hide "fupa" (fat upper pubic area).
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3
Pick dark-wash or black jeans since they have a slimming effect. If you feel uncomfortable about your belly, dark-wash or black jeans are a great choice as they don't draw attention to your stomach and instead showcase your beautiful legs. Try dark navy, charcoal, dark grey, and black jeans to see what color you prefer.^{[4]
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- Try to avoid white or light-wash jeans since they can draw attention to your belly.
4
Choose mid-rise or high-rise jeans for the most flattering cut. Mid-rise and high-rise jeans help to cover your belly. These jeans are the most flattering shape if you have concerns about your tummy.^{[5]
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- Avoid wearing low-rise jeans. These don’t cover your belly and tend to cause a “muffin-top”— bulges of skin—which may make you feel uncomfortable.^{[6]
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5
Check that the jeans have firm fabric around the belly. While you are wearing the jeans, check how the fabric feels against your tummy. The fabric should feel firm and secure, like a control top, rather than loose or flimsy. Make sure that your belly feels supported, but not tightly restricted.^{[7]
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- If your stomach area feels supported and comfortable, you can pull off any cut or style of jeans!
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Invest in jeans with a stretchy waistband. Go for a pair of jeans with a waistband that has a stretchy material, like Spandex or elastic. A stretchy waistband will expand if you need a little extra room for your tummy, and it’ll allow for a much more comfy fit. Best of all, sewn-in waistbands are hidden, so no one will know your secret!
- All types of jeans, from mid-rise to high-rise jeans, are designed with stretchy waistbands.
7
Pick jeans that end at your ankle to get the right length. Jeans come in a variety of different lengths depending on how long your legs are. Try on a few different lengths in your preferred size to find a pair that brushes your ankles, which is most flattering for any shape since it elongates your legs. Avoid jeans that are too short or that bunch up at your ankles.^{[8]
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- Jeans that bunch up at your ankle are too long and can make your shape look short and rounded.^{[9]
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8
Look for jeans that have a zip fly and simple pockets. Pick jeans that are plain and simple around the fly and pockets, as this part of the jeans is closest to the area that you are trying to draw attention away from. When you choose jeans with a simple zipper, your belly won’t be accentuated. Instead, you’ll draw attention to your overall body shape for a more streamlined look.^{[10]
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- Avoid jeans that have a long row of buttons along the fly, as this will add more bulk to your stomach area and may make you feel uncomfortable.
9
Get the jeans professionally fitted to find the best fit for your shape. Getting help from a professional stylist or in-store sales assistant can make a significant difference in how well the jeans will fit you and how good you will feel when wearing them. Try out all of the different styles of jeans that they suggest and pick the pair that feels right for you.^{[11]
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- If you cannot have the jeans professionally fitted, bring along a trusted friend or family member when you go shopping. They’ll be able to give you some supportive and honest feedback about the style of jeans that best suits your shape.
- Alternatively, you can get jeans that are tailor-made just for you. Although this may be expensive, it’s a good investment in the long run as you will have a pair of jeans that you love and that are perfect for your shape.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Styling Your Jeans

1
Add shapewear underneath your jeans to slim your stomach. Pick shapewear that is designed to target your stomach area. Make sure that you get a size that is comfortable and that isn’t too tight. It’s best to try on shapewear in store rather than purchasing it online so that you can ensure that the size is right for you.^{[12]
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- Picking a smaller size in shapewear than what fits you won’t make your shape appear slimmer. Instead, it’s likely that you’ll just feel very uncomfortable; plus, the constrictive shapewear might create some bulges.
2
Choose fitted tops for the most flattering look. Pick your favorite tops in a size that fits you well to pair with your jeans. The fabric should rest comfortably over your body without feeling overly clingy or tight.^{[13]
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Stephanie Fajardo
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.} Avoid wearing tops that are baggy since they might make your belly look larger than it actually is and won’t accentuate the features that you like.^{[14]
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- Tailored tops that have structure are great for covering your belly and enhancing your figure.
3
Try asymmetrical tops over jeans. Pick tops, blouses, shirts, and tunics that have an element of asymmetry. For example, tops with an asymmetrical hem or drapes are very flattering to wear over jeans because they conceal your belly.^{[15]
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- Experiment with different styles of asymmetrical tops to see what you prefer. Asymmetrical tops help to give you style and shape while removing the focus from your stomach.
4
Pick tops that go no lower than the top of your thighs. Whether you have chosen a fitted or asymmetrical top to wear with your jeans, this is the most flattering length that will work to hide your stomach. Avoid tops that fall beneath the top of your thighs, as these will look baggy and won't work to enhance the features that you like.^{[16]
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- Similarly, avoid tops—like crop tops—that are shorter than your hips. These will draw attention to your belly.
5
Avoid wearing a belt around your hips. For a more “cinched” look that doesn’t create any belly bulge, wear high-waisted jeans. Try wearing the belt at different heights along your torso to find the place that is the most flattering for your shape. Aim to wear your belt around the slimmest part of your torso, which may be your high waist or your low waist, depending on your figure.^{[17]
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- If your jeans need a belt to stay on, they are too big for you. Go for a smaller size that fits you more snugly.
- Belts that go around your waist work especially well with asymmetrical prints.

Expert Q&A

Question

I'm 5ft 2 with fat at waist and stomach what and jeans/cut outs u recommend I'm 5'2" with a wide waist and tummy fat that sticks out. What jeans would you recommend?

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Expert Answer

Since you're petite, go for high-rise jeans, which will conceal your tummy and elongate your legs. Make sure that they end at your ankle and consider sliding into a casual pair of heels or lifted sneakers to give you a boost of height and to enhance your silhouette.
Question

My fupa hangs from weight loss: I've got thin legs and a flat butt. It's very hard to find good fitting jeans. If the waist fits, the butt and legs are to loose. What should I do?

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Expert Answer

Try out a pair of skinny jeans with a sewn-in stretchy waistband. The waistband will expand to accommodate any excess loose skin that's troubling you, and the cut and style of skinny jeans will fit the rest of you like a glove to show off your wonderful legs.
Question

I'm 70 years old. I have always been a size 0-2. However, in the last 4 months, I've been on a medication that made me gain 40 lbs. Currently, I'm 5'0" and 140 lb. I have a tummy now I hate. What clothing will hide my tummy?

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Our goal at wikiHow is to deliver trustworthy articles that engage our readers and meet their informational and emotional needs. For 15 years, we've committed to our step-by-step teaching model, and we continue to refine our content to create the best how-to experience on the Internet. We’ve helped millions of people solve problems, learn new skills, and feel supported in the ordinary and complex moments of life.

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Expert Answer

We're sorry to hear that you've had an adverse reaction to your medication! There are definitely steps you can take to flatter the wonderful figure that you have now. Consider high rise jeans to keep your tummy in check. Try on a blouse with an asymmetrical drape, which will fall over your stomach and be very efficient in concealing it. For an extra touch, style your hair and do your makeup to draw more attention to your face.