https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:45:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-964843 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:35:20 +0000 Janet 964843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>transition, I just do not understand how anyone could be so unkind as to call someone a name based on a "belly." I'm sorry.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am striving for acceptance, if not love. Not for my belly, which I have always been fine with. Y'all already know my uneasy relationship with my hips and thighs. Some days I almost envy your belly woes because it seems all of you have beautiful legs, and bellies *seem* to be easier to camouflage. </p> <p>However, I know that's my own warped perception, and&nbsp;that we ALL have bits we have to make an effort to accept or love. Well, maybe not Heidi Klum or Gisele. But all the rest of us mortals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-964687 Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:01:03 +0000 transition 964687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I try to at least accept mine.</p> <p>But I get enough negative/pregnant comments &amp; looks that I find it very difficult. I have a short torso, small breasts, and a huge belly. I had a belly &amp; was called "gutter" for it even at 5' 7" 110 lbs, and now at 40 as the mother of two it's much bigger. </p> <p>Tears here, because I can't imagine ever getting to the point of "love." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-963763 Mon, 24 Jun 2013 23:01:53 +0000 ironkurtin 963763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can love my body and still wish my stomach was flatter. Just like I can love my kid and still wish she'd pick up her room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-963723 Mon, 24 Jun 2013 21:45:06 +0000 Isis 963723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great message, Chewy!</p> <p>And I love this cartoon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-963695 Mon, 24 Jun 2013 20:53:32 +0000 harmonica 963695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for body love and yay for figure flattering dressing. Pregnant talk is sensitive stuff in so many ways, so better leave it in most cases. Thanks for the thread Chewy - important and needed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-963621 Mon, 24 Jun 2013 18:42:55 +0000 Aziraphale 963621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thumbs up to the body acceptance, and thank you, Chewyspaghetti, for reminding us. &nbsp;:-)</p> <p>I feel compelled to point out, though (because I'm argumentative and nitpicky), that female bellies aren't rounded because of our reproductive&nbsp;organs. &nbsp;I've heard this argument many times before, but it's incorrect. &nbsp;Unless it contains a foetus or a collection of bulky fibroids, a uterus is very small -- about the size of a pear. &nbsp;Ovaries are even tinier. &nbsp;Assuming her uterus is the normal size, if a woman's belly is rounded, it's because there is a layer of fat over top of the rectus muscles. &nbsp;And that's totally fine, and actually quite typical in a healthy woman. &nbsp;But a woman with a flat abdomen may be just as healthy, and just as womanly.</p> <p>There is also no shame in trying to downplay a protruding belly. &nbsp;We employ lots of tricks to make our bodies appear more beautiful, and while each person's idea of what "beautiful" means is a little different, there do tend to be some points on which most of us agree. &nbsp;Not looking pregnant unless you <i>are</i> in fact pregnant is one of them, I think. &nbsp;;-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-963372 Mon, 24 Jun 2013 14:02:21 +0000 Lisa 963372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 100% on board with the body love.&nbsp; After all, you only get one body, why spend all your time hating it right?&nbsp; Thanks for reminding us! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962916 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 20:24:21 +0000 Hil 962916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am never going to love my belly, but I am determined not to hate it, or any other part of my body either. Embracing what I have is very much&nbsp;a work in progress for me. </p> <p>On a slightly different note... what ChewySpahetti said about looking at the classic nudes... that struck home for me - when I was 22 I had breast reduction surgery because I hated what I had. 13 years later, I have mixed feelings about the surgery - definitely some regrets. My work as a doula has allowed me to intimately see so many women in all their beautiful forms and I have come to realise that what I thought of as being ugly and abnormal is really actually quite normal and beautiful in it's way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962869 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 19:18:05 +0000 catgirl 962869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and to Zaps point, I worked at a fancy toy store, a customer actually argued with my co-worker after asking if she was pregnant! She was all "oh, don't be shy, when's the due date, honey?". Appalling! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962865 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 19:10:03 +0000 catgirl 962865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene made the point I was trying to make... Dressing to minimize a body part does not equate to hating it in my mind. It's all part of the fun of style challenge. Figure flattery is not even a priority for me most of the time, but I don't want to be actively unflattered either. And I appreciate honesty if I say "does this make me look pregnant?".... Better you all tell me than someone ask me out loud! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962824 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 17:34:36 +0000 Gaylene 962824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is an important reminder why we need to check our assumptions at the door. It's not easy to infer the reasons for someone's request for assistance. I totally support Chewy's point that negative self-talk doesn't do anyone any good, but I also am firmly with Una in preferring to dress around aspects of my body. It's possible to hold both ideas concurrently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962774 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 14:57:28 +0000 Angie 962774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I noticed, Zap. That makes you special. Oh goodness :(. Tricky situations surrounding bellies and baby showers. Lets all toast to our good health! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962664 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 12:47:43 +0000 Anonymous 962664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree with you Angie! Unfortunately, people don't mind their mouths sometimes. Although, in this case, it was prompted by a not-so-clear invitation to a "shower", and we are talking about two somewhat close friends. For some reason, my friend decided to hide for most of her pregnancy, has not told anyone, so it seems, and all of the sudden, people are getting invites to her "shower". I am not really sure as to why, since she shut me out too, so it seems I respect that too.<br /> I always play devils advocate, often to my own detriment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962607 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 07:01:47 +0000 Mo 962607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just recently I've had some belly or muffin top to consider, but for most of my young adult life I felt I was a bottom heavy pear. &nbsp;I remember about a decade ago&nbsp;I mentioned offhandedly to a friend/coworker that I had been both 20 lb heavier and 10 lb lighter in the time that he'd known me. &nbsp;His response? &nbsp;He didn't notice one bit! &nbsp;And I'm talking about a ladies' man out on the town - a guy who would notice. &nbsp;So, I came to realize it was mostly magnified in my own mind. &nbsp;As an aside, 20 years ago I wanted larger breasts and now I realize mine fit great for my size. &nbsp;Makes me think growing into your own body (mentally) is a more prudent route than trying to change what you think is wrong. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962596 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 05:12:58 +0000 rae 962596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is definitely sometimes hard to accept our bodies... some of us aren't able to look at a belly and know that it brought a child into the world. There are days when I think I must be an extra lazy and unmotivated person because I have less responsibilities than many women and yet I don't have my ideal body, either... so then I'm not just down on my belly but on my entire being.</p> <p>I for one do appreciate the ability to discuss any body part we might want to downplay. If I don't see it when I look in the mirror, then I don't beat myself up about it! Candid discussion of body shape is healthy IMO.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, <i>abusive</i> language is not a part of this forum, and that should include abuse toward ourselves.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962591 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 04:44:09 +0000 Lantana 962591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for waving the flag for a bit of self love and self acceptance. My appearance is important to me and over the years I have variously felt myself to be too fat, too hairy, and too big-bottomed. Sigh. What a waste of energy. As I get older I try to be grateful for what I can DO, rather than how I look.<br /> Another thing I have to remind myself to embrace are the occasional and perfectly natural downs that come with the ups of life.<br /> Right now I am in mid winter and the energy levels are low; nothing to fret over and I know come spring my internal power house will crank up again. No point in fighting nature. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962585 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 04:32:18 +0000 Anonymous 962585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962467 Sun, 23 Jun 2013 00:36:56 +0000 chewyspaghetti 962467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, it wasn't your post in particular, but what seemed to be a rash of the same kinds of sentiment in posts over a couple of days. We all have areas that we want to downplay, but the negative self talk just doesn't do any good for anyone.<br />It's time for us to realize that the normal and natural shape for many women is the rounded one that we may associate with early pregnancy. Check out some classic female nudes. See many flat bellies?<br />Let it go and love yourself- at least, that is what I'm doing ;)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962446 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 23:39:19 +0000 Thistle 962446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very well said, Raisin! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962443 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 23:37:58 +0000 TraceyLiz65 962443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had a c-section so lower abs will never be flat, but I have the most incredible 26 year old son and it is well worth it!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962440 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 23:27:19 +0000 Raisin 962440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well said! </p> <p>We all have our insecure moments though. I am happy that as I get older and wiser, those moments are fewer and my gratitude and acceptance for my body grows. </p> <p>Here's a story. I had noticed that the portion of my belly below the belly button sticks out a little. Nothing major, it's just a little rounded. Can't complain too much but it's just not as flat since having 2 kids and endometriosis flare ups. But then one day I realized its only really noticeable from the view of me looking down on it. And I thought we'll no one else is ever going to have this view, so I might as well stop worrying about it now! </p> <p>Whenever a little doubt or self consciousness sneaks in I like to give myself a break by remembering my body works hard, it's had 2 kids, it deals with stuff like endo, hypothyroidism, and GI troubles. So I should treat it well, fuel it well, exercise a bit and try not to stress out. We all have our days, right! It's just a matter of putting things into perspective and trying to love your body as best you can.</p> <p>And there's no harm in dressing in whatever way makes you feel the best about your fab body! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962430 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 23:07:51 +0000 Thistle 962430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great positive body image post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962425 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 23:02:23 +0000 Caro in Oz 962425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't hate my belly either but I'd rather play it down than play it up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962388 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 21:10:08 +0000 catgirl 962388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm guessing I prompted this post! I don't hate my belly, but I certainly dress around it and have no wish to flaunt it. Mostly it's how I look in pictures that bothers me. What can I say? It doesn't take up a lot of my mental energy but it does frustrate me wardrobe wise (much like muffin top) and I appreciate that YLF has many options for addressing such concerns! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962318 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 17:12:06 +0000 bj1111 962318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>embrace the belly will be my new mantra &nbsp;:D :D</p> <p>hmmm, maybe i can get my hubs to adopt the mantra too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962308 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 16:57:49 +0000 Angie 962308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Khris. Love your dedication to positive body image. </p> <p>Nice one, Lyn.</p> <p>Zap, I like your devils advocate approach. There is truth is what you say too. </p> <p>It's a much better idea to NEVER ask or assume that someone is pregnant. For a myriad of reasons it's just about <b><i>the worst</i></b> question that you can ask someone - and I'm not just talking about when they have a belly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962229 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 14:19:47 +0000 Anonymous 962229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chewy, I know what you mean but we all have those moments where we wish we could change something about our appearances, and that's okay. That's the beauty of this site, we learn to dress for our goals (and yes, some people want to hide that "belly"), and I think that is okay too. Some people want to flaunt their bellies, some don't.</p> <p>And lastly, people *do* say stupid things... Actually, one of my friends, who is an apple shaped, plus size, is about 7 months pregnant at the moment and oh boy, the drama. People are actually afraid to ask her anything - and are calling me- just to make sure that she is pregnant, before congratulating her. Why? Because they have been burned in the past congratulating her in her pregnancy when SHE IS NOT pregnant. So yea, it is possible to look pregnant when you are not, and that's okay too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962226 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 14:18:41 +0000 Astrid 962226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well said. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962221 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 14:14:18 +0000 lyn* 962221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:) And if you had no belly, how could you belly dance? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/love-your-bellies-ladies#post-962215 Sat, 22 Jun 2013 13:49:49 +0000 chewyspaghetti 962215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK Ladies- this belly hating has got to stop!<br />For most of us, our bellies were not designed to be perfectly flat. They have organs in there- wonderful organs that do amazing things, both to keep us alive and to bring new life. Those organs need a home, and your belly is it. Many of us who have had children have stretched out a bit and never gone completely back in. Be proud of that pooch! Embrace the belly like you embrace the rest of you. Nobody else is thinking that you look pregnant from the side- it's a trick of your mind, so please blow it away.<br />Love the Belly! (that is all &nbsp;) </p>