Shape Advice

How to make your tummy look flatter

In our shape advice clinic you’ll find practical tricks and tips on how to make the most of your curves. A little expert knowledge along with some clever styling can work wonders when it comes to flaunting your figure.

Editor: Gabi van Rey

If you’re an oval shape and are looking for clothing that will flatter your figure and make it appear longer and leaner, look no further:

©Zizzi

The right underwear

Clever shapewear can flatter your tummy or even make it disappear completely. And these days shapewear does not equal discomfort. In fact, it is often the opposite because you feel more comfortable and confident when wearing it.

Exclusive to navabi, the Manon Baptiste Shape Collection offers dresses, tops and trousers with built-in shapewear inserts that smooth and sculpt your figure to create a seamless silhouette.

Comfortable leggings

Accentuate your beautiful legs and go for styles with a wide waistband that fits on the stomach comfortably. Generally, when deciding about trousers you should choose which rise is the most comfortable for you. Whether they should sit higher and shape a little, or whether you prefer lower trousers that end below the stomach and don’t constrict is entirely your preference.

Tunics and A-line tops look great with leggings. Tummy, what tummy?

©NÖR

Clever layering

Open cut pieces such as gilets, kimonos, cardigans, bouclé jackets or cropped coats are perfect because they flatter the midsection. Plus, some also feature tailored darts at the back which emphasise the waist from behind.

Layer cleverly by making sure you don’t choose tops that are too short. They automatically draw attention to the place where the garment ends, which is your stomach. Unless you choose trousers and tops with the same tone, because then they will simply blend into each other.

Cuts and cut outs

It’s like the empire line was made just for you. Dresses and tops with empire waists emphasise the thinnest part of your upper body, can push-up a small chest and flatter from below the chest downwards. Plus: Empire lines never go out of style.

You can also cleverly lengthen or distract with long necklaces, V cut outs or striking scarves. But vertical buttons and zippers are also ideal.

©Sallie Sahne

Stay loose

Loosely wear tops over skirts and trousers and don’t tuck them into the waistband. This draws attention to your midsection, while elegant long layers flatter instead.

Styles that have a waistband and which can be loosely pushed up, for example, are perfect. Or wear a narrow belt on the waist and push the top loosely over it.

Fabric

Punto jersey is crafted from a firm texture and has shaping properties, while flowing fabric like chiffon and silk effortlessly flatter.

Fabrics with sheen, striking patterns and light tones draw attention and emphasise, so it is better to avoid wearing them around the tummy.