How to Disguise a Muffin Top

Dress wisely to hide your love handles.

Despite their misleadingly cute name, "muffin tops," or "love handles" as they're often called, are not cute. That roll of fat just below the waistline and just above the hip line has ruined many a cute outfit and made many an otherwise attractive girl look frumpy and fat. So, how does you go about disguising the muffin top? It's not easy, but the results are well worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

• Appropriate clothing choices

Instructions

1. Choose an appropriate pant style. Mid-rise is the only kind of pants you should be wearing if you are sporting a muffin top. Anything low-rise will puddle unattractively over the waistline, simulating a muffin top. Where did you think the name came from, anyway? Higher pants might seem to be even better for controlling love handles, but think again. The "mom jean" phenomenon, in which high waisted pants and a too-tight fit through the crotch area, accentuate a saggy, poochy tummy. This is can be even worse than a mere muffin top and should be avoided.

2. Make sure the pants you choose fit correctly. A too tight fit, besides being uncomfortable, only draws attention to your fluffier areas. A fit that's excessively baggy, while a sure way to prevent the characteristic muffin top appearance, is also unflattering. The fabric will skim from large area to large area, completely hiding any cute curves you may have. Instead of looking voluptuous, you will just look fat. The correct fit will allow you to insert one or two fingers comfortably between your skin and the closed waistband. You should be able to sit without gaps appearing between your waist and the waistband, and there should never be any visible camel-toe. Darker colors tend to be more flattering on larger figures, and while they won't directly reduce the appearance of love handles, a carefully chosen, flattering palette will help draw attention away from your unattractive features.

3. Choose an appropriate top. The most carefully chosen pant in the world won't make up for an ill fitting top that squeezes, or worse, completely exposes your love handles. The traditional T-shirt is a good option. Choose a slightly stretchy fabric that tapers slightly at the waist. It should be loose enough to skim over lumps and bumps and long enough that bending at the waist or raising your arms above your head will not expose any flesh. Tunic-style tops are also an excellent option, because they are long enough, and billowy enough, to conceal even the lumpiest torso. Take care, though, because if not chosen carefully, these shirts can look like maternity tops. A low-cut neckline will draw attention to your breasts and away from your chunk tummy. Other good options are the pull-over, hoody sweatshirt and the chunky sweater. Again, choose a flattering neckline with the sweater. V-necks and some turtlenecks are slimming. As with the T-shirt, the most flattering sweater styles are nipped in at the waist and long enough to allow movement without exposing your dirty secrets.

4. Add a flirtatious accessory -- a fancy handbag or a terrific hair clip for example -- to draw attention away from the midsection. Do not use a belt for this purpose. If you must wear one (many people feel under-dressed without one) it should be medium-width and a dark, yet neutral color. Think brown, black, or navy. The buckle should not be flashy, because it will draw the eye right to the chubby tummy you are trying to disguise.

5. If, despite the tips above, you still find that your muffin-top is painfully visible, try one of the many body-shapers on the market today. Select one with a high waist (many are designed to end right under the bra line) to completely smooth the tummy. If possible, choose a seamless version -- these tend to be the most comfortable. And a cotton crotch is always a winner -- it will allow your nether regions to "breathe" and prevent yeast infections, which can be common if you often wear underwear made of synthetic materials.

References

• Gloss: How to Disguise Love Handles

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish