Are your Google searches littered with things like ‘dresses to hide tummy’ and ‘dresses for mum tums’? We feel you. Everyone knows that finding clothes you feel confident in isn’t always an easy task, especially if you’re conscious of your tum. Though embracing the pop belly is the ideal scenario, it can’t hurt to dress in styles that skim your tummy and flatter your shape, rather than make you feel uncomfortable.
If you’re looking for flowing, tummy-flattering dresses – you know, ones that leave room for second (and third) helpings, or can accommodate a growing baby bump – we’ve got your back. Think pieces with gorgeous prints, relaxed tiered shapes, body-loving pleats, elasticated details, and so much more.
Take a look at a few of our all-time favourite tummy-flattering dresses here, plus tips on how to wear them.
Wrap up in flattering fits
Everyone has those days when they want a little extra coverage around the tummy area. Wrap dresses like this bright blue animal maxi dress are your best friend when it comes to accentuating your waist and drawing attention away from your belly.
They cinch you in at the smallest part of your waist, creating an hourglass shape. Look for dresses with ruching or gathering in the midsection to give you more fabric across your tummy, as this will help the dress hang comfortably without clinging.
A* for A-line designs
One of the best ways to avoid drawing attention to your belly? Avoid clingy fabrics and go for ones that give your body space to breathe. Opt for A-line dresses or empire waistline dresses that glide over the tummy, like this green animal wrap dress. This style has such a flattering print and a comfortable tie-waist detail that you can adjust if you’re out to dinner. Finish the look with some barely-there heels and simple jewellery.
Stay comfy in tiered or smock styles
A loose, tiered skirt is the perfect style for flattering a tummy, and the laidback Dotty day dress nails the brief! This is one of those pieces you can return to every season and is popular with new mums and mums-to-be. Plus, that timeless polka print will never go out of fashion, so you can wear it again and again. Style with trainers for low-key plans or add a pair of heeled sandals.
Prints draw the eye away from bloating
Eye-catching prints are an easy way to hide a bloated tummy. We love this tiered maxi dress in a dark floral print, and it’d be the perfect transitional piece to take you from summer into autumn. Simply complete the look with nude or black heels.
For more tummy-flattering prints, check out this boho-inspired Bardot midi. With a comfy floaty fit and bloat-friendly elasticated waist, this off-shoulder style is perfect for a day festival or beach trip.
Choose pleats, ruching or excess fabric
Pleated dresses are a seriously flattering addition to any wardrobe. They immediately draw the eye away from the tummy area and give you a loose fit that ensures you feel relaxed and unrestricted, for easy movement. This pink paisley will spark compliments with its pretty print also comes with a tie-belt, meaning it’s adjustable too.
You can also get your hands on the tummy-flattering Fathomless dress, an effortless green and yellow pleated midi that gives you a comfy all-day wear. It’s smart enough for all sorts of occasions, but it’s also super flattering around the waist.
