AIBU to be fed up trying to find clothes that hide my overhang?

[Sadie789]

After 2 sections and generally always having a fat middle and a sweet tooth, I now have this massive protruding stomach and a fat flap that hangs out and down.

As if this wasn't mortifying enough for general daily life (hiding from hubby, avoiding swimming or holidaywear, avoiding gym, constantly being asked when my baby is due) I am absolutely struggling to find tops that are long enough to cover my 'area'.

I'm short so not only fat but out of proportion (ie a sie 18/20 shoulders and sleeves drown me, but will be tight round the middle).

Losing weight and having a tummy tuck is the long term aim, but in the short term I need clothes that make me presentable at work.

I've tried high street names - new look, simply be, warehouse, oasis, next, scoured ASOS and the online ones, there is occasionally the odd thing that works but I have about three tops that cover me and one of them ripped when I put it on this morning.

I just want plain, smart tops, not flowery patterned stuff. It's seriously depressing me. No one else I know has this flap.

There are some good buys at Tu at the minute I think they are having a 25% off sale added with any Nectar points you can buy at some really good prices.

I would advise avoiding anything made from jersey fabric, it clings to bumps and accentuates them, also avoid any other clingy or stretchy fabrics. Loose linen tops, hip length or longer, no skinny jeans, try wider trousers to balance your shape. No long skirts, knee length with a fitted shape top which is still loose enough for comfort and confidence. Just check your front in the mirror, if you look ok and feel ok there's no need to worry about how you look from the back. The overhang is a bastard, I have one, I'm slim but I still have to dress to disguise it.

Have you tried Becca batwing tops from Phase Eight? Loose all over and so you can't see the flap underneath. I had them when I was immediately post C section and had a huge stomach for a good few months, but they still have a place in my wardrobe! Loads of colours and also some patterns. More choice online. I wear them with a long sleeve layer top underneath for warmth.

@Saucyjack

Actual lolz 😂

I know everyone is saying Jersey clings but the dress I linked to is magic. The slightly tulip shape is extremely forgiving and the mid length arm helpful if you’re short.

Don't compare yourself to others! I am 5'5 size 8 and others mums have complimented my appearance, how I always look put together, my figure or w.e.

They've never seen me naked! I still have the flap, I just have smaller boobs/waist which honestly makes the flap more obvious when there is nothing hiding it. I just wear shapewear to tuck it in under clothes, and never wear plain clothes so even though I've thrown it all on in 5 minutes while chivvying at a toddler I still look well-dressed. Usually in this weather a nice blouse/turtleneck and loose pinafore dress to skim the flap, or high waist a line skirt. Always pretty but comfortable shoes. Lipstick thrown on in ten seconds while toddler puts her shoes on. Little things distract the eye- lipstick, nice boots and a good, interesting coat make all the difference!

The flap can strike ANYONE and you don't know what's under their layers of clothing...