How To Wear A Bodysuit If You Have a Big Belly
Bodysuits are one of my favorite trends at the moment. I love how easy they are to style and the fact that I don’t have to decide if I should tuck my shirt in or not.
If you have a bigger tummy, you may feel a bit hesitant when it comes to wearing a bodysuit. And guess what I can relate to, my postpartum belly is still here 7 months later. However, bodysuits are a must-have. I find that they look so nice in all of my pants and skirts.
Inside this blogpost, I will be sharing a few simple tips to help you style a bodysuit even if you have a bigger tummy!
10 Quick Style Hacks for Wearing A Bodysuits
High-Rise Pants and Belt: Elevate your look with high-rise pants paired with a belt to cinch the waist, creating a flattering silhouette that draws attention away from the belly area.
Flowy Wide-Leg Pants and Bodysuit: Embrace the elegance of flowy high-rise wide-leg pants combined with a bodysuit for a balanced outfit. The wide pants provide coverage and movement, while the bodysuit keeps the look sleek and shows off your favorite features.
Flared or Skater Skirts: Opt for flared skirts or skater skirts with a high waist for a fun and flirty look that emphasizes the waist and minimizes focus on the belly.
Accessorize Strategically: Use accessories like fanny packs, waist bags, or belly chains to add a stylish distraction. Pairing with a hip-length jacket can also help in creating a balanced look.
Smoothing Undergarments: Boost your confidence by wearing smoothing underwear beneath your bodysuit to provide a more streamlined silhouette and minimize the visibility of belly outlines.
Bright Lipstick and Maxi Skirts: Draw attention upwards with a pop of bright lipstick and pair your bodysuit with a comfortable maxi skirt for a casual yet chic ensemble.
Paper Bag Waist Pants: Try slightly oversized paper bag waist pants for a comfortable and stylish option that compliments bodysuits while offering a flattering fit around the belly.
Fabric Choices: Be selective with your bodysuits, opting for those made from sturdy, thicker, yet stretchy fabrics. These materials offer better support and a smoother appearance compared to thinner, less substantial fabrics.
Layer with Pinafores or Overalls: Layering a bodysuit under a pinafore dress or overall dress can provide a playful look while keeping the focus on the overall style rather than the belly area.
Open Cardigans, Denim Jackets, or Vests: Adding an open cardigan, denim jacket, or vest can help balance out proportions, offering a stylish way to feel more covered without sacrificing style.
For more style hacks check out this Reddit Thread
Wear Bodysuit as a base layer
Start by choosing a bodysuit that fits well. It should fit snugly at the waistline and not leave any gaps between your skin and the material. I recommend shopping for a few different styles of bodysuits in various colors. For example long sleeve with a low neckline, long-sleeve with a cap sleeve, short sleeve. They even have bodysuits that have features similar to a blouse.
This will allow for you to create a variety of outfits based around your bodysuit.
By using your bodysuit as a base piece give you the opportunity to create outfits for different occasions. Whether that be wearing a bodysuit to the office, for dinner, or for a cozy night in.
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Wear The Bodysuit With A Baggy Bottom
The key to camouflage your tummy is either in the color you choose to wear, layers, accessories or the style of bottoms you wear. I recommend a pair of bottoms that are loose and flowy. This could be a pair of sweatpants, crop denim jeans, wide leg jeans or wide leg trousers. When it comes to wearing flowy pants it can often be a bit of a challenge to figure out what style of top to wear, or how to even wear your top without looking sloppy. This is one of the reasons why I love wearing bodysuits. They not only help me to look very polished throughout the day. But I can also style them with various style pants in my closet and not have to worry about how to tuck my top. Which is why I recommend purchasing a variety of tops.
Why It Works: Pairing a snug bodysuit with loose-fitting bottoms creates a balanced silhouette that draws attention away from the belly and towards the overall shape of the outfit. The flowy nature of the pants adds movement and a relaxed vibe, while the bodysuit keeps the look cohesive and streamlined. This combination is key to achieving an effortlessly chic look that feels as good as it looks.
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Tie A Jacket Around Your Waist
Another way to wear a bodysuit if you have a big belly. Is by tying a jacket around your waist. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be a jacket, but rather a flannel, a denim jacket etc. This not only makes your outfit look stylish, but also camouflage your belly as well.
Why It Works: Tying a jacket or flannel around the waist strategically adds a layer that conceals the belly area while introducing an element of style and casualness to the outfit. This technique also creates a visual break at the waist, which can give the illusion of a more defined waistline. It's a practical way to carry an extra layer for changing temperatures, all while keeping the outfit interesting and dynamic.
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Utility Cargo Pants + Seamless Bodysuit
Combine a form-fitting seamless bodysuit in a neutral shade with high-waisted utility cargo pants. The seamless bodysuit provides a smooth, tucked-in look without any lines, while the cargo pants are both trendy and functional, with their loose fit and strategic pockets drawing attention away from the belly.
Why It Works: The high waist of the cargo pants cinches at the smallest part of the waist, creating a flattering silhouette, and the bulkiness of the pockets can help disguise the belly area.
Asymmetrical Skirt + One-Shoulder Bodysuit
Pair a one-shoulder bodysuit with an asymmetrical skirt that has ruching or draping details. Opt for bold prints or colors to stay on trend. The asymmetry and texture of the skirt divert the eye, while the one-shoulder bodysuit adds an edgy, modern touch.
Why It Works: The ruching or draping of the skirt not only adds a fashionable flair but also cleverly camouflages the tummy area, and the one-shoulder design draws attention upwards.
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Explore More Bodysuit Outfit Ideas
Structured Wide-Leg Jeans + Scoop Neck Bodysuit
Wear a scoop neck bodysuit tucked into structured wide-leg jeans. Choose a bodysuit with a textured material like ribbing or a subtle print to add interest without bulk. The wide-leg jeans should sit high on the waist and fall smoothly over the hips.
Why It Works: The structured jeans provide support and shape around the waist and hips, minimizing the appearance of belly fat. The scoop neck of the bodysuit elongates the neck and balances the proportions.
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Layered Mesh Bodysuit + High-Waisted Satin Trousers
Layer a fitted mesh bodysuit under a loose, cropped tank top, pairing it with high-waisted satin trousers. The mesh adds a trendy, textural element, while the satin trousers offer a luxe feel and a flattering drape.
Why It Works: The layered tops create an interesting, dynamic look that draws the eye away from the belly, while the high waist of the satin trousers accentuates the narrowest part of the torso, offering a slimming effect.
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High-Waisted Straight-Leg Leather Pants + Ruched Bodysuit
Choose a ruched bodysuit that offers texture and dimension, tucking it into high-waisted straight-leg leather pants. The bodysuit can feature ruching along the sides or down the front, and the pants should have a slight crop to show off ankle boots or sleek sneakers.
Why It Works: Ruching on the bodysuit provides a flattering distraction that can mask the belly, and the high waist of the leather pants creates a smooth, defined waistline, with the leather adding an edgy, contemporary touch.
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Oversized Blazer + Plunging V-Neck Bodysuit
Style a plunging V-neck bodysuit with an oversized blazer and tailored cigarette pants. The bodysuit can be in a lustrous fabric like satin, adding a touch of glamour, while the blazer should have a modern cut with sharp lapels.
Why It Works: The plunging neckline draws the eye vertically, elongating the figure, while the oversized blazer adds structure and skims over the belly, creating a sleek silhouette.
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High-Waisted Bermuda Shorts + Textured Long Sleeve Bodysuit
Instead of tailored shorts, consider pairing a textured long sleeve bodysuit with high-waisted Bermuda shorts. Choose Bermuda shorts in a soft, draping fabric like silk or a silk blend, which provides a modern and sophisticated touch. The bodysuit can feature a subtle metallic thread or an embossed pattern to add depth and intrigue to the outfit.
Why It Works: The longer length of the Bermuda shorts offers a chic, updated silhouette that's both flattering and on-trend. High waists help in creating a smooth line around the midsection, minimizing the appearance of belly fat. The texture of the bodysuit draws the eye up and away from the belly, while the fluidity of the shorts' fabric ensures they don't cling to the body, providing a comfortable yet stylish look.
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5 Of The Best Bodysuits That Work For Belly Fat
When looking for bodysuits that not only complement your outfit but also offer a flattering fit for those concerned about belly fat, the key is to find styles that provide smooth lines and comfortable support without compromising on style. Here are five bodysuits that meet these criteria, each with its unique features to enhance your look:
1. PowerConceal™ Eco-Chic Shaping Bodysuit
This bodysuit is designed with eco-friendly fabrics that offer firm control across the tummy, smoothing out any lines for a sleek silhouette. Its seamless design ensures it remains invisible under clothing, making it perfect for tighter-fitting outfits.
Why It Works: The targeted compression around the belly area helps to minimize the appearance of belly fat, providing a confidence boost.
2. AirSlim® Deep Plunge Low Back Thong Bodysuit
Ideal for low-back dresses or tops, this bodysuit features a deep plunge and a low back, offering versatility in your wardrobe choices. Its thong cut ensures no visible panty lines.
Why It Works: The deep plunge draws the eye vertically, elongating the torso, while the snug fit around the waist helps to contour the belly area subtly.
3. Seamless Sculpt Scoop Neck Thong Bodysuit in Onyx
This light and airy bodysuit come in a soft sugar pink shade, perfect for adding a pop of color to your wardrobe. Like its onyx counterpart, it offers a seamless fit that’s ideal under sheer or close-fitting garments.
Why It Works: The gentle compression around the belly area helps to smooth and shape the midsection, while the playful color can brighten up your outfit and mood.
4. Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit in Sugar Pink
This light and airy bodysuit come in a soft sugar pink shade, perfect for adding a pop of color to your wardrobe. Like its onyx counterpart, it offers a seamless fit that’s ideal under sheer or close-fitting garments.
Why It Works: The gentle compression around the belly area helps to smooth and shape the midsection, while the playful color can brighten up your outfit and mood.
5. Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit in Onyx
For those who prefer a bit more coverage, this bodysuit with a brief cut provides the same seamless, sculpting benefits as the thong versions but with a classic brief bottom.
Why It Works: The added coverage of the brief cut, combined with the bodysuit’s sculpting properties, offers a smooth silhouette while ensuring comfort and confidence throughout the day.
Explore More Bodysuit Outfit Ideas
Disclaimer: This blogpost was originally published October 10, 2022 but was updated April 2, 2024
