While an apron belly body shape may not be classified as a “typical” female body type, many women have an apron belly. Characterized by excess fat and skin that hangs over the abdomen, making it look like an apron, an apron belly often appears after pregnancy, as you age, or after significant weight changes. Dressing an apron belly comes with its own set of challenges. The best thing you can do is embrace your body and work with it to enhance your best features! Here’s how to dress an apron belly body shape with 7 tips!
5 Types of Body Shapes
1. Apron Belly Body Shape
An apron belly gets its name from the excess skin and fatty tissue that hangs over the abdomen, making it look like an apron. It often occurs after pregnancy or weight changes, with excess tissue from a previous body shape hanging down, varying in length and size. Disguising an apron belly can be challenging without knowing how to properly dress your body type.
2. Apple Body Shape
You know you have an apple body shape if you have a larger bust, narrow hips, and a full midsection. Most of your fat is carried in your midsection, and less fat is stored in your hips, buttocks and thighs. You lack a defined waistline due to this fat distribution. You also have broader shoulders, and a fuller bust when compared to your hips. Your ribcage and back appear somewhat wide and you have slim limbs and nice legs.
3. Rectangle Body Shape
Those with a rectangle body shape are often tall with a lean build. You have a straight silhouette without many curves, making the body appear like a column or rectangle. Your shoulders, waist, and hips are approximately the same width, and you have little to no waist definition. Fat is evenly distributed throughout the body, creating a relatively straight top-down appearance.
4. Pear Body Shape
A pear-shaped body typically has narrower shoulders and a smaller bust, compared to your hips and thighs. This creates the pear-like shape. You have a defined waist and fuller hips and thighs, and tend to store more fat in the lower body, giving it a curvier appearance.
5. Hourglass Body Shape
The most rare body shape is the hourglass figure, with its hips and shoulders of a similar width, a narrow, defined waist, and a large bust. The hourglass figure is one of the most balanced and in-proportion body shapes, with beautiful curves. Your shoulders may be slightly rounded and you likely have a rounded buttocks.
3 Characteristics of an Apron Belly Body Shape
- Stretched abdominal skin/excess fat that hangs over the abdomen
- Stomach hangs down far enough to reach the pubic hairline
- Often occurs after pregnancy or significant weight changes
How to Dress an Apron Belly Body Shape
1. Bring the Eye Up
When people have a “problem” area, they tend to think they should focus on the area itself to try to hide it, but this can actually lead to more attention where you don’t want it. Instead, focus on bringing the eye up, broadening the shoulders, and adding detail to your top- even something as simple as a collar or a flutter sleeve. You can also add shoulder pads to your tops to give your shoulders more structure. This will help balance out your body and make your apron belly look smaller in comparison.
2. Play with Layering
Layering is a great way to add interest and depth to your outfits. Plus, if you’re feeling self conscious about your belly, it can help disguise it. Cardigans, long vests, kimonos, and blazers are stylish additions to your wardrobe that you can wear over a tank or bodysuit with jeans, trousers, or a dress. These pieces create vertical lines, which will elongate your figure. Layering is also awesome in between seasons so you can add or remove layers depending on the temperature.
3. A Line Skirts and Dresses
A line skirts and dresses are an apron belly’s best friend. They flow out from the waist, creating a beautiful silhouette that accommodates your midsection. This will keep you and your belly comfortable and also looks extremely flattering. It hides anything you’ve got going on below your waist, concealing the tummy and helping to create an hourglass shape.
4. Flattering Tops
Fit and flare, loose, buttoned tops, and flowy shirts with an empire waistline are all great options for an apron belly body shape. If you plan to layer, wear a tighter top underneath to highlight your bust and waist. Avoid wearing a looser, baggier top underneath as this will create more volume around your stomach area. Pairing a more fitted top with a kimono or cardigan, you’ll highlight your best features while helping to camouflage your belly.
5. Find the Right Jeans
If you have an apron belly, look for jeans that have a good stretch in them, although it’s also important for them to have structure. You want them to be able to hold your tummy in, but you don’t want them to be constricting. Steer clear of low rise jeans, which can cause a muffin top effect and draw the eye to your lower abdomen. Opt for dark wash jeans as they tend to be more slimming and create an elongated appearance. Bootcut or flared jeans are great for balancing out your figure and creating an hourglass look that makes your midsection appear slimmer.
6. Wear Similar Colours on Your Top and Bottom
When you wear a top in a contrasting colour to your bottom, it can draw the eye to the stomach area as that’s where the colour change occurs. Think about it: if you’re wearing a white top and dark blue jeans, there’s a line between the blue and white that hits right at your midsection. If you wear similar colours on your top and bottom (or the same colour), it camouflages your midsection rather than bringing attention to it.
7. Try Shapewear
Just because you have an apron belly, doesn’t mean that you can’t wear tighter, bodycon style dresses. If that’s more your vibe, go for it! And if you’re feeling like you want a way to camouflage your apron belly, consider wearing shapewear for tummy control. Depending on the size of your apron belly, the shapewear may not necessarily fully hide your belly, but it will help cinch your waist, lift your butt, and make you feel more comfortable than you would in regular underwear.
If you have an apron belly body shape, we hope these tips help you feel more confident when getting dressed!
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