Dress to Hide That Spare Tire

How to Hide Your Spare Tire

“Well, honestly, it’s the last to go,” he said as he studied my reaction.  This was my personal trainer’s response two years ago when I told him losing the fat in my middle was my number one reason to begin strength training at 60 years of age! He was right, though. It is the last to go. But I am so glad I finally started to work out for a number of reasons. Until you whip that tummy bulge into shape, here’s how to dress to hide spare tire.

Let’s discuss that pesky fat around the middle. It bugs me more than my neck and the wrinkles around my mouth. It haunts me like a recurring nightmare. While it is much smaller than when I began, it still lingers and tightens at a snail’s pace. It returns quickly if I have to sit still; which recently happened to me after illness and surgery.

I have learned a few ways to mask that apple shape over the last 12 years, and I share these tips with you today.

How to Dress to Hide a Big Middle

Dress the Body You Have Now

It is most often a too-tight fit in the waistline that makes the spare tire look bigger and bulging. You can smooth out your middle simply by going up a size until the right size makes you look slimmed down.

Have the courage to buy a bigger size. You won’t be there forever and you’ll look better for it. And if a tailor is needed to get a more flattering fit on your body type, then it’s absolutely worth the investment.

Make Sure Your Bra Is the Right Size

Tried and true information right here. Most women are wearing the wrong sized bra. Get a proper fitting at a store with experienced fitters. If there’s not a specialty shop in your area, I’ve had good fittings at Victoria’s Secret and Soma.

Lifting the girls with a proper fit will slim you out and leave you looking 5 pounds thinner. Also, bras like the Vanishing Back style from Soma are both comfortable and smoothing of your back and sides.

Avoid the Wrong Kinds of Knitwear

Avoid thin, lightweight knits that show every bump, roll, and the line of your undergarments. A heavier or smoother knit fabric will skim the line of your body. This smooth fit shows off your figure to its advantage.

Again, with the courage to go up a size and not wear the knit fabrics that cling to your body, you will look better and your confidence will grow.

Do not get hung up on the size of the clothing. Be determined to look your flattering best!

Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Styles

Don’t be a slave to the latest fashion decrees, but also don’t be afraid to try fresh styles. The peplum style of top is very flattering over the tire in the middle. The style naturally hides the tummy on many women beautifully.

But before buying any new silhouette, you need to try it on and look in a three way mirror. See if it helps or just adds more volume. Again, fit and sizing are key!

Invest in Quality Shapewear

There are times I need a little something to help me out. Finding the right undergarment shouldn’t be that difficult. SPANX are excellent, but not the only brand of shapewear.

Go spend some time at your favorite department store to find the best fit and comfort for you. Special occasions will be even more special when entering the room with confidence. Good posture from confidence is always flattering.

Of course, the absolute best way to deal with this issue is healthy eating and exercise. While I keep working on it, I’ll also continue to practice these tips to hide it.

If you look in the mirror while shopping for clothes and don’t like what you see, remember that your body is strong and beautiful as it is now. The outfit might not be flattering, but that’s the fault of the clothes, not your body.