Nothing should ever stop you from wearing items that you love. However, that’s easier said than done, and we can all get a little self-conscious sometimes. From experiencing body changes due to everything from bloating to the menopause, if you worry about your middle, these stylish summer dresses to hide a tummy are guaranteed to help boost your confidence.
Dresses that make you feel and look your best should be key players in any summer capsule wardrobe, whether you're looking for everyday essentials or summer wedding guest dresses. Midis, maxis, and even minis are staples that soon become the backbone of any wardrobe.
Identifying the shape and style of dress that works best for your body type is a great way of simplifying getting dressed and, in the long run, will ensure you always feel confident. “Once you find a shape of dress you love, you can experiment with different colours, prints and lengths to build up a confidence-boosting wardrobe,” says Fashion Director Paula Moore.
From a timeless wrap dress to a breezy trapeze design, there are certain silhouettes to look for when hunting for dresses to hide a tummy, which is why we've rounded up 24 options to make you feel more confident and at ease.
The most stylish dresses to hide a tummy
Printed Dresses
Don’t shy away from bold print. A big and busy pattern can act like wardrobe camouflage to detract attention away from your tummy – and all while making a fashion statement! Abstract designs can draw the eye up and away from your middle. Hero prints like polka dots, stripes, and florals are a wise investment, as they are a total classic and work well for any age and style.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dresses from this British clothing brand. This floral dress is a bestseller for Aspiga, and the elasticated waist will be so comfortable in hot weather.
This leopard print dress by super chic French clothing brand Sezane is bound to sell out soon. It features a clever tie to cinch you in at the waist, and it's made from a soft cotton jersey fabric.
Next knows a thing or two about dreamy dress designs. This floral tiered dress is ideal if your calendar is full of wedding invitations, or if you're wondering what to wear to the races.
Dresses to hide a tummy: wrap dresses
Universally flattering, a wrap front dress is a total fashion failsafe for all shapes and sizes. The crossover front will pull you in at your waist, and wrapped designs often have a tie sash or knot to one side, which cleverly draws attention away from your stomach. As well as being tummy-flattering, the deep V-neckline on a wrap dress will suit bigger busts or give smaller chests a boost too.
An effortlessly stylish classic, this affordable dress is available in lots of different colours, and in sizes XS to 6XL. One reviewer wrote: "hits exactly above the knee, drapes in a flattering way so don't feel like I need Spanx or shapewear under it."
This olive-toned dress feels perfect for this time of year. Featuring a clever wrap front and a floaty mid-length skirt, it will flatter a range of body types.
A bold red with romantic flutter sleeve detailing, this head-turning number is a guaranteed confidence-booster. Keep the rest of your look simple with slingback heels and let the dress take centre stage.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Empire Line Dresses
Empire line dresses are fitted around the top, and then flare out from just below the bust, making them a wise choice for anybody feeling worried about their tummy. The fit-and-flare shape will draw attention to your slimmest point, and then the looser skirt will skim over your middle without swamping you in fabric.
This playful printed dress will serve you through the warmer seasons in style. Polka dots are a huge trend at the moment, and you simply cannot go wrong with a classic black and white colour palette.
Nobody's Child is a very popular choice for dresses, and aside from the flattering empire waist, this one also features a cutout at the back - but it's high enough that you can happily still wear your best bra.
The easiest dress to throw on in a heatwave, this tiered style is 100% cotton, and needs only a pair of your most comfortable sandals to keep you cool.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Belted Dresses
A great way to make your tummy appear smaller is by pulling your middle in with a belted detail. Wider belts will work wonders to cinch in your tummy for an instant hourglass silhouette, and if you opt for one in a matching colour to your dress, it will be even more flattering on your midsection.
The belt on this dress is optional, and as the model shows, you can even fashion it in other ways. Worn around the waist, it creates a beautiful fit and flare shape, and the chocolate brown colour is delicious.
We love the tie belt on this dress, which adds extra definition to the waist. You could dress this piece up with wedge heels or wear it in autumn paired with your best knee-high boots.
This light blue dress has a classic midi silhouette and features a smart collared neckline. The thick waist belt makes this dress one of the best stylish dresses to hide a tummy, as it will draw attention to the centre of your waist.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Illusion Dresses
A cleverly placed seam, contrast colour, or panel can completely transform how your figure looks. An illusion dress not only disguises any insecurities, but can also add curves to straighter body shapes. Vertical lines will attract attention and create the appearance of a narrower silhouette, which in turn will flatter your tummy.
A versatile choice, this polished dress will work for both weekend outings and the 9-5. Cleverly crafted with a scalloped belt and strategically placed panels, this dress has an extremely flattering design.
This seersucker design ticks all the figure-enhancing boxes with its vertical stripe pattern. It's selling fast, so don't wait to add it to your shopping basket.
When it comes to elevated occasionwear, Hobbs has you covered. A sleeveless shape with flattering side panels that create a slimming illusion, this dress is a fantastic option.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Ruched Dresses
Ruched areas across the front and sides of your dress can work wonders to cover up any lumps while adding extra style points to your outfit. Subtle pleating details can also add the illusion of curves to your waist and hips for the most flattering finish.
Ruched or draped dresses are an absolute winner when it comes to dresses to hide a tummy. The clever gathering will gently glide over your midriff and, depending on the angle, can highlight your waist, nipping you in, in the process.
This simple, elegant design has heaps of styling potential. Its gentle draped bodice and ruched detail add a flattering finish to the tummy area. Finish off with tan sandals and gold jewellery.
This cobalt blue dress will liven up your wardrobe effortlessly. The combination of ruching and the wrap shape makes it twice as flattering.
This floral number is spot on for wedding season. The ruched front means you won't worry about your tummy at all, and the long length makes it perfect for special occasions.
Dresses to hide a tummy: Trapeze Dresses
The light and airy shape of a trapeze dress makes it super easy and comfortable to wear, and despite the name, it doesn’t have to be huge and tent-like either. The cut doesn’t cling to your body so it will drape nicely over a larger midsection or curvier hips. Opt for trapeze dresses that are slightly fitted across the shoulders and upper chest to add some definition, and look for shorter lengths to avoid looking swamped in fabric.
This mini shirt dress has a floaty silhouette that's perfect for relaxed everyday styling. The short sleeves and mini length create a fresh, contemporary silhouette.
This floral dress is an instant hit. It features a pretty ditsy floral print and a bow-tied neckline that gives it a vintage feel, and it will work well into autumn too.
Talk about getting two for the price of one - you get one striped dress, and one brown dress in this set. You'll be reaching for these linen-blend maxis all summer long.
Stylish dresses to hide a tummy: Pleated & gathered front dresses
Dresses with a gathered or pleated front not only draw you in for a slimmed-down silhouette, but they are often more comfortable to wear. A gathered waist detail or a shirred top half will add shape and definition to an otherwise loose dress, and the gathered fabric detailing around the band cleverly disguises any insecurities around your stomach.
Allow us to introduce you to your new favourite frock. Featuring a gathered front, this dress is made from a linen blend fabric for an elegant finish. It's available in petite, regular or long lengths, too.
This teal dress is an elevated daywear piece that can work for work occasions as well as smart weekend styling. It has a waist-defining middle with gathered pleats, which makes it a flattering choice.
This denim dress has an enduring appeal that works from season to season. It also features a pleated front that will skim past your tummy and waist to create an hourglass silhouette.
What To Consider When Buying a Dress
- Your Body Shape - Aside from your budget and the occasion you're shopping for, a great starting point is to figure out your body shape. Rather than just focusing on covering your stomach, understanding your natural shape means you can find items that will accentuate and show off your best assets. As well as dresses, figuring out your body type will help you find all kinds of staple pieces, including the best jeans for your body shape . For example, hourglass shapes have a naturally smaller waist, so opting for dresses with details to cinch you in at your middle will look fantastic. While apple shapes often have a smaller bum and slender legs, shorter length frocks will be a wardrobe winner. Thinking about your body as a whole, rather than focusing on your tummy, will make dress shopping all the easier.
- Colours - While we are firm believers that you can wear whatever you want to wear, it’s worth keeping in mind that very light clothing tones can make paler skin look a little washed out. Take some time to think about what colour suits me, so you can aim for shades that pop against your skin tone and hair colour. This will add extra wow to your wardrobe while making you feel good.
- Fabrics - Materials are a big thing to consider too – cheaper dresses are often made of synthetic materials like polyester, and won’t have as much give. Opting for natural-based fabrics like cotton and linen when you can means that you’ll feel more comfortable and your dress will likely last longer, too.
FAQs
How to style a tummy-hiding dress?
woman&home's Digital Fashion Editor Caroline Parr gives us her top tips for styling your new frock - "When it comes to styling, accessories can help draw the eye away from your tummy. If it’s a loose style or simple midi dress you're wearing, statement jewellery, head-turning scarves, and colour pop bags are all good options to add interest and texture.
On the other hand, if you’re disguising your tummy with details like pleating and ruching, you might want to keep accessories to a minimum and allow the dress to do all the talking.
The best shapewear isn’t essential but can give you a confidence boost, particularly for a big occasion like a wedding (and if it’s only for a few hours). Avoid the firmest styles and instead opt for comfortable but smoothing options - they do exist!"
What material is best for hiding a tummy?
Very clingy and stretchy fabrics can highlight your mid-section, so if you're worried about your tummy, it's best to avoid them. Or at least look at designs that utilise wrap or draped silhouettes to balance out the clingy material.
Try slightly thicker fabrics with some hold and structure; cottons, linens, and even denim will all be roomier and won't be as skin-tight. As well as skimming over your middle, these fabrics will often be more breathable and so more comfortable to wear.
If you do want to opt for tighter fabrics, looking for breathable shapewear that supports and sculpts your shape should help you feel more confident in a more fitted dress.
What style of dress is most slimming?
There isn't just one style of dress that will universally fit and flatter everyone; finding a dress to hide a tummy is all down to personal preference, your body shape, and what you enjoy wearing. If I had to pick one, though, I'd suggest starting with a wrap dress, as the crossover front will accentuate curves on hourglass and pear shapes, or help to create them on apple shapes and sportier frames. As well as drawing you in at the waist, the diagonal cut will skim across lumps and bumps on your midriff nicely. The knotted or gathered side will draw the eye to the side of your figure rather than the front for a slimmed-down and smoother feel. Wrap shapes are a wardrobe winner if you're worried about your midriff.
