How To Wear A Bodysuit If You Have a Big Belly
Bodysuits are one of my absolute favorite trends right now because they make every outfit look so much more polished but I’ll be the first to admit they can be intimidating. If you have a bigger tummy, the idea of a skin-tight base layer might feel like a "no-go." I totally get it; my postpartum belly is still a work in progress seven months later. But over the last year, I’ve found that you don't need a flat stomach to rock this look—you just need a few simple styling tricks.
The Quick Answer: My Top 3 Bodysuit Secrets
If you want to wear a bodysuit with confidence today, start here:
High-Rise is Non-Negotiable: Pair your bodysuit with bottoms that sit well above your belly button. This smooths out your silhouette and keeps you feeling secure.
Opt for "Supportive" Fabrics: Look for thicker, stretchy materials or built-in shapewear styles rather than thin, clingy knits that show every detail.
The "Vertical Line" Trick: Throwing on an open blazer, long cardigan, or denim jacket creates a vertical line down your frame that instantly minimizes the midsection.
I’m sharing these tips because I know how it feels to want to wear the latest trends while navigating a body that's changed. Whether you're dealing with a muffin top, a postpartum "pooch," or you've always had a belly, these hacks are about making the clothes work for you not the other way around.
The photos in this post are my own real-life experiments with what works (and what doesn't!) so you can skip the trial and error and go straight to feeling great in your outfit.
With a Textured Cardigan
A bodysuit works best as a clean base. Add a textured cardigan to soften the midsection and keep the outfit relaxed.
Why it works
An unbuttoned cardigan creates two vertical lines that slim the torso.
Texture pulls attention away from the belly and adds depth.
Style note: Choose a cardigan that falls just below the hip for gentle coverage.
Amazon
Short Sleeve Crew Neck
$19.99
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Fuzzy Trim Cardigan Sweater
$39.99
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Levi's Womens 318 Shaping Wide Leg
$79.99
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Pointed Toe Knit Ballet
$32.99
With Baggy Pants
Pair a snug bodysuit with loose, high-rise pants to balance proportions.
Why it works
Volume on the bottom half shifts focus away from the stomach.
A bodysuit stays tucked, so there’s no waistband bulk.
Style note: Monochrome colors make the look feel longer and smoother.
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Cropped Denim Jacket
$32.99
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Bodysuits Short Sleeve Crew Neck
$19.99
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Wide Leg Sweatpants
$31.99
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New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker
$99.95
With a Flannel
Tying a flannel around the waist is a practical, everyday hack.
Why it works
The knot creates a visual break at the natural waist.
The fabric masks the lower belly without feeling heavy.
Style note: Fold the collar before tying so it lies flat against your back.
Amazon
Button Down Flannel Shirt
$26.99
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Lace Scoop Neck
$29.97
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Straight Leg Jeans
$38.99
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adidas Women’s VL Court 3.0 Sneaker
$75.00
With Cargo Pants and a Denim Jacket
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Long Sleeve Bodysuit
$15.99
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High Waisted Cargo Pants
$33.99
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Oversized Jeans Jacket
$49.99
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Kitten Heel
$38.99
With a Asymmetrical Skirt
Draped skirts add movement and redirect the eye upward.
Why it works
Ruching disguises the stomach area.
A one-shoulder neckline lifts focus toward the face.
Style note: Bold colors or prints make the outfit feel intentional.
Amazon
One Shoulder Asymmetrical
$29.97
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Button Front Split Denim Midi Skirt
$29.99
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Square Heel
$34.99
With Wide Leg Trousers
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Square Neck Tummy Control Bodysuit
$25.99
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High Waisted Work Pants
$37.99
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New Balance Women's 237 V1 Sneaker
$84.99
With High Waisted Satin Trousers
High-waisted satin can work when the cut is right.
Why it works
A quality weight drapes instead of clinging.
The high rise defines the narrowest part of the torso.
Style note: Seamless shapewear helps satin glide smoothly.
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Mesh Boat Neck Shapewear
$36.99
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Satin Pull On Pants
$29.99
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Peep Pointed Toe Kitten Heeled Sandals
$59.99
With Wide Textured Pants
Ruched bodysuits pair well with structured fabrics like leather.
Why it works
Ruching disguises uneven lines.
Semi-rigid pants act like an outer layer of support.
Style note: Slightly cropped hems pull attention toward the ankles.
Amazon
Cropped Denim Jacket
$41.99
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Casual Ruched Mock Neck
$23.59
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Faux Leather Pants
$52.99
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Slingback Kitten Heels
$49.98
With a Blazer
A blazer is the most polished way to wear a bodysuit.
Why it works
Lapels create a slimming frame down the torso.
Structured shoulders skim over the stomach.
Style note: Oversized fits that hit below the hip give the cleanest finish.
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Open Front Oversized
$58.99
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Pink Fitted Basic Ribbed Bodysuit
$19.99
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High Waisted Baggy Jeans
$39.99
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Slingback Dressy Pumps
$37.99
With Bermuda Shorts
Longer shorts keep the look airy without highlighting the midsection.
Why it works
The extended hem balances the top half.
Soft fabrics skim the hips instead of gripping.
Style note: Flesh toned shoes or pointed shoes continue the vertical line.
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Short Sleeve Bodysuit
$18.99
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High Waisted Trouser
$29.99
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Lace Up Heeled Sandals
$34.99
Disclaimer: This blogpost was originally published October 10, 2022 but was updated February 9, 2026
Creator Images used for editorial purposes only. All rights belong to their respective creators. We always link and give credit.
