Casual tops and a belly

Lisalou

I'm a bit stumped on what kind of casual tops will not cling to a belly. I had twins a year ago and haven't made it a huge priority to get rid of the post-baby belly (working on that now), but I am self conscious about it. Pre-babies, I'd wear long-sleeve tees or sweaters, but I find these cling to my gut and I don't feel comfortable like that. (power to all who embrace it! I find that I spend the day feeling self-conscious and just...uncomfortable)

What are my other options? I've done floaty tanks with a cardigan, which works okay. Oh, my bottoms are jeans 99% of the time. I'm digging boot cuts right now.

12 years ago

Dressing

5 replies

Latest reply was from K. Period.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You need tops that float away from the midriff, but aren't empire line. Tops in a knit or soft woven with a band at the hem work like magic. That way you achieve structure but don't feel like you're wearing a sack.

Think FLUID fits.

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Clingy knitwear is not the friend of a softer area. A bit more substance and less stretch is a good idea. I remember reading somewhere that you should put hard over soft and soft over hard. What the individual meant was if you have a softer area, then put a firmer fabric over it and if you have a sharper, more angular area, then a soft flowy fabric is best.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ha, that's an interesting idea, Dianthus. It doesn't work for me, though. I have angles in my top half and find structure works better there than soft. But that also has to do with facial shape, etc.

Anyway, in terms of tops....I agree with Angie that if you are going for a knit, look for a roomier, more fluid top with some structure to it (e.g. a banded bottom or try to semi-tuck or faux tuck).

OR Dianthus's advice -- go for a woven top, which will disguise the issue more effectively.

12 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Agree, a combination of the fluid fit and not too-thin or clingy fabric. Thin, smooth rayon knits are too clingy except if the banding or pleats or something keep it away from the body. Wovens can be better, or a knit with a bit of texture. Color and pattern can make a difference.

12 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

Agree with unfrumped! Pattern and texture are the great camouflagers. And ruching or gathering, but those can be tricky since you need to get them tight enough for the ruching to do its job, but not so tight as to be unflattering.

12 years ago

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