5 Outfit Ideas to Hide Period Bloat

Bloating is a common issue for many women, especially before and during their period. The slightly distended appearance of the abdomen is actually excessive fluid retention caused by the hormonal changes in the body during the menstrual cycle. While it is normal to experience bloating, its appearance can affect a woman’s self-esteem.

The fluctuation of hormones during the menstrual cycle can also make you moody and uncomfortable, so coupled with the bloating you may be experiencing, you may feel a blow to your self-confidence. On the other hand, dressing well and looking good in your clothes can give you an instant confidence boost. While you can’t completely avoid having a swollen tummy, you have various stylish outfit options to have fun with. If you are looking for style inspirations, here are some outfit ideas that can boost your mood and minimize the appearance of period bloat. We’ve also included a section on what clothes you might want to avoid wearing as well.

what to wear to hide period bloat

What to Wear to Hide Period Bloat

When looking for outfits to wear when you have a bloated tummy, select pieces that allow you to be comfortable without sacrificing style. You want clothes that won’t constrict your waist and make your bulge prominent. With this in mind, here are some of your options when creating a chic look.

Leggings with Oversized Tops

Leggings are one of the staple pieces you should have in your wardrobe. They give you ample lower body support when you are working out, and they are effective in hiding period bloat as well. Wearing cotton leggings in dark colors with an oversized sweater or shirt is an easy outfit that disguises your midsection. You can also select leggings that feature high-waist elastic bands to tuck your tummy in and create a flatter-looking belly. If you want something more formal and work-appropriate, pair your leggings with a crisp white button-down shirt and a blazer. Don’t forget the accessories and heels to complete the look.

Boxy Tops with Jeans

Another outfit you can experiment with is the boxy tee and jeans combo. Boxy tops offer a structured look without fitting tightly around your waist. They can also be dressed up or down easily and still look stylish. For a playful look, select tops with small and colorful prints to keep people from looking at your belly.

When it comes to your jeans, go for a high-rise pair so the waistband won’t dig into your tummy, which can make your belly more prominent. Another option is to wear boyfriend jeans. They sit high enough above your stomach without tightening on the hips. One other flattering pair of pants are mom jeans. These bottoms have a high waistband that can cover your tummy and hang loose on your hips. All these pant styles can go well with your boxy tops.

A-Line Skirts and Dresses

Dresses and skirts that start narrow at the top and flare out on the hips are also great for helping you hide a bloated stomach. They give you enough room around the waist and create the illusion of an hourglass figure with the wider skirt bottom. Make sure to get a skirt or dress with an elastic waistband for more comfortable wear. It’s also best to pair A-line skirts with tops in a similar hue for a more seamless silhouette. Wear heels to dress up the outfit and to make your body look more elongated.

Shift Dresses

When choosing a dress, opt for one that won’t hug your stomach as this will draw attention to your belly area. Make sure to get a dress that doesn’t have any waist seams, like a shift dress. This dress style won’t define your waist and is perfect to wear in spring and summer. It’s best to wear shift dresses that end just above your knees.

As an additional styling tip, wear plain shift dresses with big and bold accessories, like hoop earrings or statement necklaces. These accessories can distract people from looking at your tummy and draw their attention to your face instead.

T-Shirt Dresses

If you are looking for a casual dress option to hide your bloated tummy, a t-shirt dress is a great choice. When you are shopping for one, make sure to pick a dress that isn’t too tight. Some t-shirt styles are cut fairly close to the body and may hug your stomach in an unflattering way.

Select dresses that are on the loose side, with more room around your hips. If it isn’t tight on your hips, chances are it won’t constrict your tummy when you’re experiencing period bloat. When the weather starts to cool, switch to a sweater dress with a thicker knit material so you can stay warm without piling on too many layers.

period bloat

What Not to Wear to Hide Period Bloat

Now that you have various stylish outfit ideas that help to conceal period bloat, it’s time to be aware of looks to stay away from. Save these clothes for when you don’t feel conscious about your tummy.

Skinny jeans – These tight pants can be very unflattering when you’re bloated as they tend to highlight the belly area. If you truly enjoy wearing skinny jeans, it’s best to get a pair with highly stretchable fabric so you can be comfortable.
Low-rise pants – Even if these pants don’t cover your tummy area, they can still draw attention to that part of your body. The top band of low-rise bottoms usually lands on the area where your bloat begins to protrude, which can be very unflattering.
Body-fitting dresses and tops – Avoid any clothing that hugs your body tightly when you’re bloated. These won’t just highlight your belly, but they can also feel uncomfortable to wear over time. In a similar manner, stay away from wearing dresses that don’t have stretch on the stomach area as these will make you feel constricted.
Leather clothing – Leather doesn’t stretch and it can be very unforgiving to your bulge. Additionally, wearing leather pants can have a highlighting effect on the tummy because the fabric is shiny.
Overalls – Many overalls can look tight on the lower stomach. This can be both unflattering and uncomfortable.

There are many clothing options that help you look chic even when you have a bloated tummy. Try the outfit ideas mentioned above, and feel free to experiment with other styles. Remember, you don’t have to feel limited when it comes to choosing flattering pieces. Try different looks and enjoy wearing whatever makes you feel and look great.