Five Ways to Hide Your Muffin Top This Summer

The term, "muffin top," has quickly become a common phrase to describe the unusual similarity between the top part of a muffin and the area of extra belly around the belly button area that can often form the shape of a muffin top when too-tight or extrememly low clothing force this extra cushioning to hang over and give the sillouette of a muffin top. The phrase muffin top has become so popular, that most people are able to recognize it in casual conversation. Many people struggle with a muffin top at some point in their lives, and the key to preventing muffin top exposure often relies on careful wardrobe considerations. There are five main ways to deal with the dreaded muffin top. The first few muffin top prevention tips are based on the avoidance of certain types of clothing, while the last tip requires more physical effort and long-term planning.

1. Avoid Tight Shirts and Tank Tops

The designers of the short, lycra-based tank tops seem to have forgotten that this type of clothing item can reveal even the most minimal of all muffin tops. Tank tops, which leave the lower abdominal area exposed, while sucking in all areas directly above, can create muffin tops where none had previously been noted. Longer tank tops, which are not lycra based or confining will allow for more breathing room and prevent the lower area of the abdomen from being squished into the shape of an obvious muffin top.

2. Stretch Waist Bands

Properly fitted pants or shorts can be a challenge when dealing with a muffin top. Many button and zipper shorts and pants may fit women differently across the waistline, and it can be difficult to find the correct size. When fitted shorts, jeans, or pants squeeze the waistline area, an unevitable muffin top can appear, even in women who normally have little extra cushion in the belly. Stretch waist bands are a better choice for those who find that their muffin tops suddenly appear everytime they put on a pair of fitted shorts or low-rise jeans.

Even shorts with some stretch in the waist area will help prevent the appearance of a muffin top. Another option is to buy fitted shorts, pants, or jeans one size bigger, to leave some room in the waist. Though it may seem that clothing falls looser by wearing a size larger, it can prevent any emphasis of a muffin top, since looser clothing is likely to hang more off the hips than cling to the abdomen area.

3. Choose Empire Style Tops and Halters

The Empire style waist has a high, fitted shape just below the chest, and usually hangs loose and long below. Summer fashion styles of halters this season offer many halters and sleeveless tops with the Empire style. Women who are battling the dreaded muffing top will benefit greatly by adding a few tops or halters this summer to their wardrobes. The tighter upper fit will draw attention away from the waistline area, where muffin tops are often apparent in tighter clothing. Another benefit of the Empire style top and halter is that the looseness will conveniently cover any muffin top issues. Empire style tops can also have a slimming effect for women who are trying to cover post-baby belly or extra mid-section weight.

4. Choose Summer Dresses Over Skorts or Skirts

The number of fashionable casual summer dresses available at everywhere from Wal-Mart to The Limited makes it easy for anyone to find a few cute summer outfits to wear this summer. Muffin tops are usually hidden well under one-piece summer dresses which hang loosely from the upper body. Women who are trying to hide muffin tops might consider choosing a few fun summer dresses over tighter fitting skorts or skirts. Many of the fashions featuring short skorts or skirts are designed for women who have the body of a slender teenage girl. Squeezing into a too-tight or low waisted skort and pairing it with a stretchy, and tight tank top will force that muffin top forward.

5. Losing the Muffin Top

Women who are serious about trying to lose the muffin top permanently may want to add a few simple diet tricks to their summer plans. One of the most helpful ways to at least diminish any water retention, which can add to or increase the likelihood of a muffin top appearance, is to drink more water. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day and avoiding high-calorie or high-sugar beverages can help to slim the mid-section area of the body. Casual exercises such as walking or doing yardwork or housework for 20 minutes each day can also help the battle of the muffin top. Classic sit-ups can help to tone the abdominal area.
Minor lifestyle and diet changes can go a long way to decreasing the appearance of a muffin top, and as an added bonus, many women find that their clothing fits better and the once apparent muffin top is no longer the focal point of their appearance in more fitted clothing.