Clothes to hide a menopause belly

[JanisMoplin]

I am 51, menopausal and with a thick middle thanks to the menopause and fibroids. I am otherwise slim-ish ( size 12) and small busted/hipped, so my belly really sticks out.

I have been online shopping during the pandemic- I hate shopping anyway- but plan to go back to stores soon and do a big try on session with proper mirrors. Where should I be looking ? Also, I don't have a large budget. Mostly shop at Uniqlo, M and S, H and M, Monki. Either everything is too clingy and makes me look pregnant, or everything is massively oversized and makes me look fat ( I am looking at you, Uniqlo).

I prefer elastic waists and nothing too fitted. ( Please no diet and exercise suggestions; I am already doing that). I think I should be wearing something like this? www.seasaltcornwall.com/tregonning-organic-cotton-jersey-top?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&color=20161&lgw_code=11383-236212B003&gclid=CjwKCAiAx8KQBhAGEiwAD3EiP91rezb07w2H_YKtlEjQFxBxZjTRnH4hgZ7Iz8lYtxQTUy2UphvR5BoCBgAQAvD_BwE

Oh also I only wear cotton and viscose at a push, no polyester. What I really need is some going out tops as have spent the last two years in leggings.

I'm exactly the same. I've been living in faux leather skinnies and layered tops that skim.

High waisted or wrap dresses when I need to dress up a bit.

What I have found is that the slightly puffed sleeve around the cuff serves as a good visual distraction.

I'd go for an emperess line too so waist is under the boobs or a top where the fabric crosses over the tummy in a bow gather or tie.

https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/products/dark-green-floral-cap-sleeve-crossover-v-neck-wrap-top-swing-dress?variant=30331010777137&currency=GBP&utmmedium=producttsync&utmsource=google&utmmcontent=sagorganic&utmmcampaign=sagorganic&gclid=CjwKCAiAx8KQBhAGEiwAD3EiP3ih51ErDNazleLxo9C-y4Wy2n29NwaC-brN-H8Qooygt-hsRobOkxoCRw0QAvD_BwE

https://www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Clothing/Tops-and-T-shirts/TRISSIA-Spot-Jacquard-Tie-Back-Top-Dark-Brown/p/256768-DK-BROWN?cmpid=ppc~google~PLA~smartshoppinggukennwwmainnsitehighhmargin~111178005776~256768-DK-BROWN-2~na~na~UK&gclid=CjwKCAiAx8KQBhAGEiwAD3EiP6eOlmOGP0gs1VUbC7Bz0pXfCesUv-u1juinzpBOYPi6C656oJle2BoCPq4QAvD_BwE

www.hush-uk.com/mimi-puff-sleeve-t-shirt-periwinkle-blue/005460-1563.html

Like this

https://www.phase-eight.com/product/donna-sequin-top-53020972022.html?istCompanyId=c38fe7a0-ffd0-4925-94b3-cff8df449484&istFeedId=5a41320b-c741-4d1e-b90d-1091450d147c&istItemId=ptilmiirl&istBid=t&utmsource=google&utmmmedium=cpc&utmcampaign=11139655579&utmmcontent=108758083589&gclid=CjwKCAiAx8KQBhAGEiwAD3EiP6Q4pXuyPad6053rgwhRksPrKf-BZU9-zKG4ALaFR29uRPuQpiFPHxoCFfcQAvD_BwE

Thanks for the suggestions. They are useful though some are polyester. But I can see the shapes I should be looking for. Not ready for lagenlook yet!

I have the hush one I linked. It's great for dressing up or down. I don't like the empire line tops, I feel frumpy but they definitely do the job it come down to your own style.

I am similar age and shape to you and the belly thing is really annoying.

The Pretty Kitty dress is lovely - I'm wondering what the sizing is like? They haven't got the size I would go for in stock, wondering if it's worth going up or down?

@jeaux90

I have the hush one I linked. It's great for dressing up or down. I don't like the empire line tops, I feel frumpy but they definitely do the job it come down to your own style.

I am similar age and shape to you and the belly thing is really annoying.

The Hush one is very much my style. I like v simple cuts.

I have a menopause tum. What I find works well is tops that have interesting sleeves or cuffs, or batwing, and are baggy but then have a tighter hem around the hips - so the top is baggy over the stomach area and doesn’t cling to the stomach and isn’t too shapeless - like this:

www.phase-eight.com/product/cristine-batwing-fine-knit-jumper-403526351.html#q=Batwing&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=403526351&pos=3

I can’t wear empire line! I just look pregnant!

However I went to a shopping centre today in the hope of revamping my wardrobe and it was dismal! Lots of my favourite shops closed, and the ones that were open had poor stock. I just think the stock online seems to be better. I am going back to shopping online until the shops improve!

I can't wear empire either. It makes me look so pregnant. Which wasn't too bad when young enough for people to just wonder but now it's just weird. I like the Hush top

I find that long length hoodies with a pouch on the front help hide my menopause tum quite well, any top has to go my hips though. I find gilets help too, and scarves can help balance you out.

@Wandamakesporridge

I have a menopause tum. What I find works well is tops that have interesting sleeves or cuffs, or batwing, and are baggy but then have a tighter hem around the hips - so the top is baggy over the stomach area and doesn’t cling to the stomach and isn’t too shapeless - like this:

www.phase-eight.com/product/cristine-batwing-fine-knit-jumper-403526351.html#q=Batwing&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=403526351&pos=3

I can’t wear empire line! I just look pregnant!

I really like these jumpers and your explanation! I may not be an empire line person either. What I find with online shopping is that often the fabric is clingier or thinner than it appears to be. I need to invest in thicker fabrics.

Also find I look better in shirts or blouses than tshirts. Even button down shirts.

Another vote for the Cristine jumper from Phase 8. I have hysterectomy tum, and they are such a flattering jumper. The Becca jumper is also a good cut, but there doesn't seem to be much available on-line at the moment.

It's really worth keeping an eye out for both those styles in Phase Eight. They seem to keep the cut and make variations to it, so you've get the same flattering line without looking like you're just wearing the same top in different colours.

I tend to wear mine with Boden indigo or black slim straight jeans. I found they look smart without being overdressed. The waist on the jeans is high enough, and the fabric has enough weight that it supports my middle well.

That Hush jumper looks perfect in length. In fact the holy grail for tummy hiding and I'm resisting the temptation to get my credit card out!

I find there's a really fine line between loose fitting/ skimming when it comes to tummies. The Seasalt one, for me, would be too baggy.

I did a big clearout yesterday and am binning all the clothes that don't suit my new shape. Sob! I am ordering that Hush jumper and think I need to spend more now as budget clothes don't do it for me any more.

That said, I have a couple of Uniqlo 3 D knit cotton tops which work very well for menopause tum. The fabric is thick and non-clingy. www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-3d-knit-cotton-crew-neck-jumper-445195.html

Lots of flowey Boho dresses around at the moment. Not menopausal but I have a couple of stone and Cs overhang on my tummy so similar issues with clothes. I like the loose dress with boots look. Very forgiving.