How to Dress With a Pudgy Stomach

A large stomach can look good if you dress the part.

A pudgy stomach can cause embarrassment for men and women, young or old. The way you dress can have an enormous impact on how noticeable your stomach is to others. Whether you are single or married, you want to look your best all the time. Take advantage of clothing options that can mask the bulge in your midriff. Experiment with different ideas and find the one that works best for you.

Shapewear

Shapewear is clothing specifically designed to shape your body to make it look trimmer. It is most common for women to wear shapewear, but it is also available in men's styles. Bodysuits, slips and leotards all go under the clothing and give the illusion of a flat stomach. Shapewear for men usually comes in an undershirt style. Wear it as a regular undershirt to make your stomach look more toned and fit.

Pants

Although pants do not usually cover the stomach, they can affect how big your belly looks. Avoid low-waist pants if you have a bulge in the middle. When you wear low-waist pants, your tummy can hang over the belt-line, making your large stomach even more pronounced. At the same time, avoid pants that have a great deal of detail around the waist, such as bows or special pockets. Wearing plain pants will avoid calling attention to your waist.

Colors

Just knowing what color to wear can give the illusion of a flatter stomach. Black is the most flattering color and can help disguise your pudge. For women, a black dress can do wonders on the stomach. For men, a plain black T-shirt is slimming casual wear. Avoid all light colors. You should also avoid wearing shirts with lines or patterns on them, especially horizontal lines. As the lines curve around your stomach bulge, your tummy will be most visible. Vertical lines can appear slimming, in muted colors.

Size

Knowing what size to wear depends on your individual body. You might think that extra-large clothing can hide your stomach, but the billowy look can make it look like you're trying to hide something. At the same time, a shirt that is too small will emphasize your stomach. It is best to find clothing of a size that correctly fits your body. When in doubt, ask a close friend or family member to be honest with you and tell you what looks best.