8 Ways to Hide That Muffin Top

Today we’re going to talk about the dreaded muffin top! The changes in our waistline seem to be a huge concern for women as they age. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to camouflage this area. (Actually women of all ages who struggle with added weight in this area can use this!)

8 Ways to Hide That Muffin Top

To be honest, I weigh about the same thing that I’ve always weighed but I have noticed a difference in my waistline. Clothes that once looked good on me, look “different” on me now. So here are 8 Ways to Hide (or help) That Muffin Top.

1. Exercise~Okay, I can’t talk about extra weight without talking about the importance of exercise. I’m preaching to myself, here. If we want to feel and look our best, exercise is going to have to be apart of our weekly routine.

8 Ways To Hide That Muffin Top

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2. Wear higher rise pants and jeans~If you have a muffin top, low rise pants are NOT your friend. We’ve all seen someone who is wearing low rise jeans and a tight t-shirt with a muffin top, it’s not appealing. So opt for a mid rise jean. I recently did a post for Liverpool jeans. They are jeans that flatter a woman’s body and help with hiding the muffin top.

8 Ways to Hide That Muffin Top

3. Wear a Camisole~This offers a similar effect to shapewear and 90% of the time, I’m wearing a camisole. It helps smooth and I need all the smoothing I can get!

8 Ways To Hide That Muffin Top

 4. Layer your clothing~This is one of the most effective ways to hide the muffin top, especially during the cooler months. It’s easy to conceal a midsection by layering a structured jacket, cardigan, or a loose top over a collared shirt because it draws attention away from the midriff.

8-Ways-To-hide-That-Muffin-Top

Okay, four down and four more to go! Go here as I share more ways to hide that muffin top.

Do you struggle with your waist line? Have you noticed it changing as you age?

Beauty For the Heart~~ I found this quote and Pinterest and I love it. “True beauty emantes from a woman who boldly and unabashedly knows who she is in Christ.” Amen!

Have a blessed day!

8 Ways To Hide That Muffin Top

leave a comment...

  1. Just saw your post on Pinterest. Love what I’m seeing. Where did the orange loafers come from? I LOVE loafers. That’s my favorite look!

  2. I just discovered you. Your posts are great and inspiring. PLEASE tell me where you got that adorable black and white checked shirt (in hiding the muffin top).

  3. I like the suggestions in this article. It’s too bad that shape wear manufacturers don’t realize that those of who wear an extra small, still need help with the muffin top. I have not found any shape wear that actually works. I wish some manufacturer would come out with something in XS petite.i liked the suggestion from one of the respondees that she got a corset like wrap and uses that – I’m going to look for one.

  4. First, you have one of the nicest over forty figures I seen with no muffin top! I’ve learned from a expert that if you are bigger on top, do NOT wear pants without some sort of flare. You must balance it out, otherwise you have the dreaded ice cream cone effect. I’ve also learned to wear my pants just below my belly button about an inch with a somewhat wide band to disguise my middle. Love all of your ideas here. All said and done though, over forties must should get to an endocrinologist to check their hormones out because that is the most common reason for developing a belly in middle age in the first place (so says my doctor) and she’s right! Mine’s starting to diminish!!!!

  5. Woman please! I do not see a muffin top any where near you. lol But for those of us who do have this thank you for your advice and dressing help.

  6. I never go anywhere without my invisabelt! I have a clear and a black. It is an adjustable belt that lies perfectly flat under clothes. Keeps your jeans right where they are supposed to be, no riding down after the jeans stretch out a little. Tremendously helpful in avoiding Muffin top. Love your blog!

  7. I got a fabulous piece of shapewear on amazon called Tummyband. It holds in my tummy, smooths me out and helps my clothes fit the way I want them to. It’s quality made and comfortable enough to wear all day. Best shapewear I’ve tried.

  8. the thyroid disease I can so empathize with you. I have had this turmoil in my life for decades and with aging it does not get any better.and so many people minimize this and even chuckle about it as though it is an excuse. my best to you and know there is at least one person empathizing

  9. I love, love that black plaid top Cyndi! It’s probably from a store we don’t have here? 🙂 Excercise is a must for me…. I love running; I do Jillian Michael workouts the odd time but find i cannot stay focused with indoor workouts lol

  10. Judith. YES!!!! But it’s really not the rise, but the entire cut of the pant’s bottom . I sew a lot and can tell you that it’s really the MONO-Derriere that creates the muffin top. There’s no room for a woman’s natural bottom in the seat of the pants so all the flesh is moved upward. Jeans used to conform to a woman’s buttocks and now they just form a flat panel across the behind. Unless you’re an adolescent, these pants will create a muffin top on anyone. I don’t carry any excess weight in my stomach or waist, but still get one if I wear these jeans.
    It’s all about money for the manufacturers (less fabric), and the fact that they all now use a small Asian body type as the prototype shape.
    I guess I’ll have to check out the Liverpool jeans.

    1. Teresa I believe you nailed it right on! The typical mass market manufacturer is aimed at and designed for growing teen girls who spend the highest percentage on fashion, and are based on the Asian sized dress form (where they are actually manufactured). However, there is a huge untapped market for non-Mom jean, non-frumpy, affordable, fully grown adult American woman – who is not necessarily plus sized. Middle aged does not mandate ugly or unstylish clothing. It is unfortunate that European made and designed garments are simply cost prohibitive and difficult to buy in the USA. Herumph.

  11. Yes, that middle age pooch is a struggle, but I too think exercize is a top way to deal with this issue… I Love the Melting it off With Mitch DVD I bought from ebay as it is all done standing with weights. I don’t have the weighted ball, but my handweights do the job just fine and inf fact I use heigher weights . Here is a sample : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8pigKm2Zn0 The other options your’ve mentioned here Cyndi, are also very useful and not at all to be overlooked!!!

  12. Great tips! I don’t have much of a muffin top, but I have much bigger hips, thighs, and bottom than I did 5 years even though my weight hasn’t changed. Your ideas are great for hiding those areas as well. Low rise and skinny jeans are not flattering on me.

  13. Well, I am definitely an excerciser as well, working out 4-5 times a week. I do Leslie Sansone’s “Walk At Home” series. I love her bc she doesn’t ‘bark’ out orders & even tells you to work at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Upbeat, happy & positive. I also have her Christian DVD, but it’s more beginner-style. Still good for those days when you don’t wanna work out & maybe only wanna walk a quick 2 miles. It works every part of your body too. Anyway, I STRUGGLE with weight loss, bc I have hypothyroidism. I’ve had to come to grips with the fact that I may never completely be the weight I used to be. Beauty on the inside is what I hold onto!!

  14. I just added kettlebells to my workout. So far….I’m really sore!! Supposed to be a great way to add weight training and tone muscles.

  15. I’m going to say what another reader said – you don’t look like you have a muffin top, but your tips are good and I DO HAVE A MUFFIN TOP and I’m also not 40 something, but 60 something. Camis are definitely our friend and so are Spanx, but you still need to wear the right size and style pants! I love your blog.

  16. I saw the two Jenner girls (half sisters to the Kardashians) on GMA last week. They have a clothing line coming out. There was a pair of jeans and one of them said “I love anything high waisted.” Of course, they weren’t high waisted as we used to wear, but it does give me hope that we will soon have alternatives to the low slung jeans which, honestly, an awful lot of us should not be wearing.

    Cyndi, since you mentioned them on here, I ordered SNUG camis, and seldom is there a day I don’t wear one now.

  17. I don’t think there was ever such a thing as muffin tops before pants, (jeans in particular) went to the 4 inch rise!

  18. My DVD is called “Pilates Conditioning for Weight Loss with Suzanne Deason” (GAIAM) I bought it several years ago at Sports Authority, but you may can find it online. It is long (nearly 40 mins), but shows 3 ladies doing the same moves at 3 different levels.

  19. Hi Cyndi.

    I am one of the regular exercisers that is well over 40. I am a Team Beachbody Coach because I love Beachbody’s products so much. 10 Minute Trainer is amazing, as is P90X, Les Mills Pump and Les Mills Combat. On the days my daughter has preschool, I go to the local Y and usually do 30-45 minutes of cardio and then strength training. Exercise is a must as we age. Variety in exercise is also important. I put on a significant amount of weight when I was pregnant in 2009, possibly because I was 43? and on house rest? Anyway, I have lost the weight and 16 pounds less that I started out. My point is that it is possible to lose weight and get in shape as we age; however, it is a lot more difficult. You will find yourself working twice as hard for half the results, but our quality of life is so much better. If you know of anyone looking for a “free” coach, I’m your contact! 🙂

    I hope you have an amazing week. I’d like to note that you certainly do not look like you have a “muffin top.” 🙂

    Gina

  20. Love these tips. I highly agree with the exercise. I have lost almost 25 pounds this past year. It has been a slow process but I am hoping that since it has taken this long that it will stick this time. I first started out with 10 Minute Trainer by Beachbody. It is 5 different workouts. They are all just each 10 min. a workout. I was not in any shape to workout for 45 min. to an hour. But I could do 10 min. After several months of doing the different workouts, I ordered Turbo Jam from Beachbody. It is more kick boxing but to music. I LOVE it. Thanks for all your advice.

  21. OH….why can’t muffin tops be in style rather than tattoos???? I would be all about that!!! Thankfully high rise jeans aren’t as hard to come by as they were for a while. Have a happy Monday!

  22. Great idea! I have 30 day Shred but I also do not like Jillian yelling out instructions. I got it thinking it would be good for those days at home but it just isn’t working for me with her yelling. I might try writing it down as well. It would make it travel friendly!

  23. This article is so timely as I’m struggling with the first affects of menopause. My middle has changed so much and I NEED to get back into the habit of exercising again. When I am working out, I like Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred – it’s a little intense, but really works. I can’t stand listening to it (don’t really like Jillian), so I watched once, counting the reps she did and wrote the exercises and reps down and now do the Shred to my own music or tv and I can do it anywhere. In fact, this morning I plan to do it in my hotel room as I hang out while my hubby is working in CA

    Can’t wait for the rest of the list!
    Sue

  24. Would you mind sharing the name of the DVD you use. I have one but it doesn’t seem relaxing or good for stretching. Thanks!
    Kathie

  25. So what is the favorite DVD you ladies like? I have been looking for awhile at a good one to do at home to alternate with gym days.

  26. I would like to add to your exercise advice… I have discovered that Pilates is the best exercise I can do for my middle! I have a DVD that I try to do 3 times a week, and can always tell a difference in how I’m better able to sit upright and hold my belly in. It is the simplest exercise I’ve found for my 40’s – no coordination needed, not hard on joints, lots of good stretching… It’s mostly done laying down on my living room floor, and the slower you go, the better results!