Best dresses to hide a tummy - according to our fashion experts

Becky Joiner-O'Riordan
·6-min read
Joe Browns Women's Moonlight Wrap Dress
Joe Browns Women's Moonlight Wrap Dress

Looking for dresses to hide a tummy? We've compiled all the best frocks to help you disguise your belly and feel your best.

With more time spent at home, gyms shut and the biscuit tin a little close for comfort, it's hard to always feel your best. So, like a fashionable fairy godmother, we've rounded up the very best confidence-boosting dresses to hide a tummy.

The good news is, if you're struggling to shift that extra weight around your abdomen, you’re not alone. But that stubborn area shouldn’t have to affect your style. Thanks to some simple styling tricks and tips on choosing the best slimming dresses to hide a tummy, you’ll soon be brimming with confidence, and looking fabulous.

If you have an apple-shaped figure or carry your weight around your stomach, you've probably already spent far too many hours searching for dresses that aren’t going to cling around your middle. But it's not all about trying to hide your belly bulge - it's about showing off your best assets instead.

Yes, we're talking about the enviable cleavage and killer legs your pear-shaped friends would kill for. Read on to find out how to hide a tummy and make the most of your best bits with our guide to finding the best dresses for an apple shaped body on the high street and beyond.

What is the best dress and tips to hide a tummy?

Wrap dresses

Flattering on all body shapes, a wrap dress is a great wardrobe staple. A well cut wrap dress will fit and flatter up top, then skim over your middle area. A deep v neckline is great if you have a larger bust, but works just as well if your bust is non-existent.

Empire line

This genius dress style draws attention to the smallest part of your torso directly underneath your bust. With an empire waistline, the rest of the dress should have a floaty A-line fit which skims over the tummy.

Bold prints

Don’t shy away from patterns and prints. A busy print acts as a sort of camouflage and helps to hide a multitude of sins, including helping to disguise a tummy. Wearing print is also an easy way to inject vibrant colours into your wardrobe.

Sleeve Detail

Drawing the eye away from area's you want to disguise is the oldest trick in the book. Puffed or detailed sleeves create volume and interest, moving the eye upwards.

Pleated dresses

Pleats will skim and not cling around your tummy area. They also create a natural vertical line that will draw the eye line downwards and elongate your body.

Trapeze dresses

Don't be put off by the name, trapeze dresses don't have to be like huge wide tents. Chose a style that drops down from under the arm pit with a gentle flow. The idea is that they don't cling to any part of your body. These are especially fabulous if you have great legs (and shoes) to show off.

Best dresses to hide a tummy you can buy now

Zara Printed Satin Dress
Zara Printed Satin Dress

(Image credit: Zara)

Zara Printed Satin Dress

Price: £49.99 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: 100% polyester | Care: Machine wash at 30

View at Zara

Includes belt for added definition

Quirky print

Limited sizing

Bored of florals and checks? This quirky zebra print is a fun addition to your dress collection. The silky fabric gives it a luxe finish so can easily be dressed up for the evening. It has a flattering v-neckline and the belt will cinch you in at the waist. Win-win.

Next Blue Ruffle Detail Wrap Dress
Next Blue Ruffle Detail Wrap Dress

(Image credit: Next)

Next Blue Ruffle Detail Wrap Dress

Price: £38 | Sizes: 6-26 | Fabric: 70% Cotton, 30% Tencel lyocell | Care: Machine washable

View at Next

Contains sustainably sourced fabrics

An everyday essential

May come up big

A denim dress is a worthy addition to your wardrobe and this one gets our vote. With its ruffle detailing and cuffed sleeves for extra interest and a wrap style to flatter the waist and bust it’s a no-brainer.

John Lewis & Partners Pebble Print Smock Shirt Dress
John Lewis & Partners Pebble Print Smock Shirt Dress

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

John Lewis & Partners Pebble Print Smock Shirt Dress

Price: £39 | Sizes: 8-20 | Fabric: 100% Lenzing EcoVero Viscose | Care: Machine wash at 40C

View at John Lewis

It has pockets

Good value

May be too short

This smock shape is the perfect throw-on style, draping elegantly over your figure. Chic and comfortable, wear with trainers for your weekend getup or smarten up with a blazer for your 9-5. And the best part? It has pockets!

Whistles Gingham Dress
Whistles Gingham Dress

(Image credit: Whistles)

Whistles Gingham Dress

Price: £119 | Sizes: 4-18 | Fabric: 64% Polyester, 34% Viscose, 2% Elastane | Care: Machine Wash

View at Whistles

Cute picnic print

Relaxed fit

May come up short

Limited sizing

Fitted at the bust, this cute gingham number falls loose at the hip for a relaxed and flattering fit. The picnic print is not just for summer either, wear now with boots and a leather jacket.

Mango Buttoned Midi Dress
Mango Buttoned Midi Dress

(Image credit: Mango)

Mango Buttoned Midi Dress

Price: £59.99 | Sizes: 8-14 | Fabric: 100% Cotton | Care: Machine wash at 30

View at Mango

Bold hue

Easy to style

Limited sizing

For those ‘nothing to wear’ days, this frock makes dressing a breeze. A simple shirt style with a flared design and puffed sleeves, it ticks every sartorial box. The bold red hue will liven up any dull day too. Wear with boots now and swap for pumps in the spring.

& Other Stories Wide Tiered Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
& Other Stories Wide Tiered Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

(Image credit: & Other Stories)

& Other Stories Wide Tiered Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Price: £95 | Sizes: 6-18 | Fabric: 57% Cotton, 43% Polyamide | Care: Machine wash at 30

View at & Other Stories

Trendy puff sleeves

Makes a statement

Limited sizing

May come up big

The voluminous sleeves gives this beauty extra style kudos, adding interest to the top half. It’s a real statement-maker so minimal accessories are needed when styling. Team with stompy boots for a fashion-forward look and finish with gold hoop earrings for a feminine flourish.

Boden Edie Jersey Wrap Dress
Boden Edie Jersey Wrap Dress

(Image credit: Boden)

Boden Edie Jersey Wrap Dress

Price: £90 | Sizes: 6-22 | Fabric: 95% viscose, 5% elastane | Care: Machine wash

View at Boden

Unique print

Flattering wrap style

More casual material

When all else fails, opt for the ever-reliable wrap dress. This fun floral print deserves a spot in your wardrobe. The tie waist makes it easy to adjust for the perfect fit and the jersey fabric keeps it comfy and easy to nail that effortless weekend look. Wear it on repeat.

H&M Long frill-trimmed dress
H&M Long frill-trimmed dress

(Image credit: H&M)

H&M Long frill-trimmed dress

Price: £34.99 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: 100% Polyester | Care: Machine wash at 40

View at H&M

Perfect for special occasions

Good value

Can come up big

This floor-sweeping frock just oozes romance – an ideal wedding guest outfit. The ruffle detailing takes centre stage, distracting from any other areas and the chiffon fabric gives it a whimsical edge. Pair with strappy sandals.

M&S Collection Jersey Floral High Neck Swing Dress
M&S Collection Jersey Floral High Neck Swing Dress

(Image credit: M&S)

M&S Collection Jersey Floral High Neck Swing Dress

Price: £19.50 | Sizes: 6-24 | Fabric: 95% viscose, 5% elastane | Care: Machine wash at 40 delicate

View at M&S

Vibrant print

Good value

More casual fabric

You can’t beat mood-boosting florals and this retro-style swing dress gets our vote. Finishing just at the knee, its shorter style is balanced out with a high neck in a light jersey style. A new everyday go-to, wear with a denim jacket and trainers.

Arket Printed Kaftan Dress
Arket Printed Kaftan Dress

(Image credit: Arket)

Arket Printed Kaftan Dress

Price: £69 | Sizes: XS-L | Fabric: 62% Lyocell, 38% Cotton | Care: Machine wash at 30

View at Arket

Made from sustainable fabrics

Timeless style

Limited sizing

Until we can rock this breezy kaftan on a beach, we’ll be wearing it over tights and boots instead. With its timeless monochrome print and relaxed fit, it will hide that lockdown bloat effortlessly.

Latest stories

  • 12 best low and alcohol-free drinks that are as good as the real thing

    Banishing the booze? The market for low ABV tipples is ever-growing, we've picked out the strongest contenders

  • That Family Is Trying To Finesse The System — Again

    Just weeks after Lori Loughlin’s brief stint behind bars for her involvement in Operation Varsity Blues came to an end, the Fuller House actress’ husband is also making moves to alleviate his own prison sentence. And, true to the privilege and audacity the couple has shown throughout this entire scandal, the latest development in the case is quite wild. Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli were prosecuted by the federal government after being named in a massive university admissions scandal; they and several other wealthy parents (including Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman) conspired with admissions expert William Singer to fraudulently help their kids gain admission to prestigious universities. As part of the scam, Singer’s college-prep business The Key Photoshopped students’ faces onto athletes’ bodies, hired people to proctor standardised tests for students, and funnelled money from parents in the form of “donations.” Once the news of the scandal broke, Giannulli and Loughlin were each charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and had to pay a total of $400,000 (£295,000) in fines. Loughlin was sentenced to a short two months in prison, and in later December, she was released early to return to her family home. Fashion designer Giannulli was sentenced to five months behind bars, set to be released in April of this year. However, his legal team is reportedly requesting that some terms of his sentence be altered in a major way. The couple was sent to prison at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and Giannulli was forced to quarantine when he reached the California facility. His lawyers claim that he wasn’t able to leave quarantine even after several negative COVID-19 tests; instead, he was kept in solitary confinement for almost two months. Because of that forced isolation, which Giannulli’s counsel reports had a “significant [impact] on his mental, physical, and emotional well-being,” they are now petitioning the judge to allow the designer to serve out the rest of his sentence at home. As in literally going home. If the request sounds ridiculous, it’s because it absolutely is. Giannulli’s sentence of just five months behind bars after committing such a blatant act of fraud was already extremely light to begin with — the charges brought against him and his wife could’ve seen them facing millions of dollars worth of fines and up to 50 years behind bars. And now he’s trying to dictate the terms of his sentence…the privilege is jumping out. When Giannulli and Loughlin’s daughter Olivia Jade appeared on an episode of The Red Table Talk, she insisted that her parents fully understood the error of their ways and wanted to take responsibility for their actions. I don’t know if I believed her then, and given this recent turn of events, her words seem pretty empty now. Does this look like the behavior of a person who wants to be held accountable? Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Gammy Read Olivia Jade Down On "Red Table Talk"Lori Loughlin Is Being Released From Prison EarlyLori Loughlin Sentenced To 2 Months In Prison

  • Fashion brand Chanel launches culture podcast featuring a starry celebrity line-up

    The Chanel Connects show will focus on all things culture and is set to feature a starry celebrity line-up.

  • Phil Spector

  • What should I know before taking pregabalin?

    Side effects to look out for, if you can drink or drive and if pregabalin is safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Davina McCall's fans go wild over her swishy halterneck minidress for The Masked Singer

    "Stunning as always!"

  • People are sharing pictures that 'prove' they went to a British school in hilarious viral Twitter thread

    Even Lily Allen has joined in...

  • Lucy Mecklenburgh reveals she's being 'kinder' to her body as she shares impressive post-baby pic

    The former reality star gave birth 10 months ago.

  • Matt Edmondson

  • This Virtual Library Is Offering Free Books During Lockdown

    A new virtual library is to offer children in England free books during the latest lockdown. The virtual library has been created by The National Literacy Trust in collaboration with Oak National Academy, a government-backed virtual school. A new book will be uploaded to the virtual library each week, beginning with Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s The Story of Tracy Beaker, which will be added on 17th January. Wilson said: “I think it’s vitally important that every child should have an opportunity to access books. As most schools – and their libraries – are closed at the moment, the free online library is needed more than ever.” The virtual library is opening its doors as all school children in England – except for vulnerable children and children of key workers – will be studying from remotely until at least the middle of February. Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We are entering another extremely difficult time and Oak Academy’s infrastructure and reach is essential for allowing as many children as possible to access a world of great literature.” He added: “Many children’s literacy skills were profoundly affected by the first lockdown and school closures. We will do everything in our power to support children, families and teachers during this new lockdown period.” You can visit the virtual library here. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Take These Audiobooks With You On Your Road TripR29 Reads: The Books We’re Picking Up This JanuaryThis Site Just Made Hundreds Of Audiobooks Free

  • Stacey Dooley reveals she 'underestimated' Strictly fame as she unveils new fringe

    The presenter won the 2018 series of the show.

  • What’s a rake? Bridgerton vocab explained

    All the words you can’t stop saying after bingeing Bridgerton

  • The Sex and the City revival will have a more diverse cast

    Will Caitlyn Jenner be joining the eagerly anticipated reboot?

  • Inside the Cornish hotel hosting the G7 summit this summer

    In June, seven of the world’s most powerful leaders will be heading to the butter-coloured sands and seaside villages of West Cornwall for the annual G7 summit. The event will see political leaders from the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States (plus delegations from other countries) descend on St Ives and Carbis Bay which are known for their year-round beaches, subtropical flora and fauna, and crystalline waters. The offical meeting (June 11-13) will take place at the Carbis Bay Estate and Hotel which occupies 125 acres of the pretty coastal enclave with excellent restaurants, a superb spa, watersports, a pool and myriad accommodation options including 38 stylish rooms in the main house, plus woodland cottages and beach houses, lodges and suites. Carbis Bay’s main house, erected by celebrated Cornish architect Sylvanus Trevail in 1894, blends historic grandeur – gilt mirrors, chandeliers – with cheery interior touches by co-owner Josie Baker. Including off-white armchairs and lamps made from stacked pebbles, these abound with low-key seaside chic. Buildings around and just off the estate deliver extra space, plus the same smart interiors. Some offer self-catering. Most appealing are a pair of two-storey, balconied Beach Houses, offering direct access onto the sand, and the eight Beach Lodges with spectacular views across the bay towards Godrevy lighthouse.

  • Naomi Campbell reveals how she stays fit at 50 by sharing full home workout video

    "You go girl!"

  • Myleene Klass reveals heartbreaking experience of losing baby while hosting radio show

    "I would go out, sob and come back in."

  • Glenn Hoddle

  • These Are The Best Companies In The UK, According To Employees

    Cloud-based software company Salesforce has been named the best company in the UK to work for. It finishes top of the 2021 Best Places to Work list compiled by Glassdoor. The annual list is based on anonymous feedback from employees who rated their job, work environment and employer over the past year. Salesforce is headquartered in San Francisco, but has a major office in London. One employee said that the company has a “friendly culture that priorities employees’ wellbeing and development, not just revenue generation”. Salesforce is also named the best company to work for in France. Management consultancy firm Bain & Company finishes top in the US. Microsoft finishes second on the UK list. One employee said the tech giant offers a “challenging environment” and “truly encourages and cares for development of staff”. In third, life sciences firm Abcam is praised for providing a “great culture” filled with “open, friendly, smart and ambitious” people.Restaurant chain Bella Italia also makes the top ten. One employee noted that it offers “a fantastic work-life balance” which is “hard to find in hospitality”. Facebook, also in the top ten, is praised for having a workforce which is “as diverse as the communities we serve”. “COVID-19 is in the driver’s seat and every employer has been impacted. This year’s winning employers have proven, according to employees, that even during extraordinary times, they’ll rise to the challenge to support their people,” said Glassdoor’s CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong. “A mission-driven culture, transparent leadership and career opportunities are always hallmarks of Best Places to Work winners. This year, we also see exceptional employers who have prioritised the health, safety and well-being of their employees.” You can check out the top 10 companies to work for below, and scroll through the top 50 on Glassdoor. 1. Salesforce (4.5 rating)2. Microsoft (4.4 rating)3. Abcam (4.4 rating)4. Google (4.4 rating)5. Softcat (4.4 rating)6. GTB (4.4 rating)7. Apple (4.3 rating)8. Bella Italia (4.3 rating)9. SAP (4.3 rating)10. Facebook (4.3 rating) Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?These Are The Best Countries For Remote WorkingThe Best Jobs For Work-Life Balance7 Managers Explain How To Get A Raise At Work

  • How a year of living cautiously changed the way my family travels

    We’ve never hesitated to drag our kids around the world on complicated holidays. My husband’s parents live in a small town in Alberta, Canada and we try to get out there every couple of years. One Christmas we took our daughter Georgia, then two years old, to meet her godparents in Vermont. That involved flying in to New York and staying the night, a time I’ll never forget because I was so deliriously tired that I took G out for a walk in the pram in Central Park at 2am to try to get her to sleep. The next day we drove six hours to Vermont. We wouldn’t do it if the kids didn’t love it. They talk nostalgically about hanging out in Dunkin’ Donuts in Hanna, Alberta, as if it were the best place on earth. One summer, we somewhat hastily booked an Airbnb in a coastal resort town on Gran Canaria that turned out to be an ugly, characterless place. The kids didn’t notice. We found a quiet, pretty beach down the coast and regularly ended our days with visits to an ice-cream parlour, followed by card games, and they were over the moon. There was nothing all that extraordinary about the trip, but they look back on it as their visit to paradise. Part of the appeal of air travel for Georgia and Hal (our son) may be that they can watch television uninterrupted for hours. If I’m honest, that’s partly why I love air travel. There’s nothing better than being cosily in your seat with three or four films queued up. The downside of these expeditions is that there is nothing worse than when a three-hour trip turns into a nine-hour one because something has gone wrong at the airport or with the transport links, and your family ends up getting frazzled before you’ve even started. Then Covid-19 changed the face of travel. One of my abiding memories of the first national lockdown was standing out in my garden in London, looking up at the sky and seeing... well, nothing but birds. In London, you get used to a lot of air traffic, to the web of contrails it leaves, and for the first time in my life, the sky was calm and empty.

  • Mel C opens up about depression she kept 'secret' for years

    'It’s so important to reach out and never, ever be embarrassed'