How to Wear Low Rise Jeans Without a Muffin Top

Co-authored by Elle Monus

Last Updated: March 9, 2022 References

A muffin top is another word for the bulge that can show up just above the waistline of your jeans. It’s usually a sign that your jeans are a little too tight around the waist. Low-rise jeans aren't the best option to wear if you have a little extra skin around that area, but you can still look great with the right fit and a flattering top. The size and material of your jeans also make a big difference in smoothing your silhouette, so pay attention to styles and fabrics when you’re buying a new pair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Hiding a Muffin Top under Your Shirt

1
Choose loose-fitting, flowy tops like tunics and empire-waist blouses. Choose a top that falls past the waistline of your jeans to hide your muffin top. Try an off-the-shoulder tunic or peasant top to show off your strong shoulders and décolletage.^{[1]
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- An empire-waist top cinches in just below your bust and flows outward down your torso—the perfect style to direct the eye away from your midsection.
- A peplum-style top with a plunging neckline will also keep the eye moving vertically instead of horizontally.
2
Wear a wrap top to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Wrap tops come with a small belt that cinches around your natural waist (just at or above your belly button). The loose fabric below the belt will flow outward, hiding your muffin top and giving you an hourglass-shape. As a plus, it’ll also flatter your bust (no matter what size you are)!^{[2]
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- Be careful not to tie it too tight because the belt can create more bulges around your body.
- The wrap top makes you look thinner up top because it draws the eye in a diagonal line instead of a horizontal one.
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3
Wear dark-colored shirts to make your torso look leaner. Stock up on dark-colored tops ranging from black to navy and deep purple. If you like prints or patterns, make sure the backdrop is a darker color so you still get the slimming effect.^{[3]
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- You can still dress bright and cheery with pops of color—a scarf or necklace is the perfect way to accent the darker backdrop of the top.
4
Opt for vertical stripes on your top to create a slimming effect. A top with vertical lines encourages the eye to move vertically instead of horizontally. Choose thin vertical stripes for the most slimming effect.^{[4]
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- Avoid thick vertical stripes because these can have the opposite effect, drawing the eye horizontally and making you look wider up top.
- Make sure the top isn't too tight because vertical stripes that are skewed because of the muffin top will put more attention on that area.
5
Trick the eye with an asymmetrical hem at the base of your top. Choose a structured top or loose tunic with an asymmetrical hemline at the base of the shirt. The idea is to trick the eye into moving upwards, downwards, and diagonally instead of from left to right.^{[5]
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- Make sure the entire hemline falls below the waistline of your jeans so you're not accidentally revealing your muffin top on one side and hiding it on the other.
6
Stay away from large prints on your top because they can widen your torso. Avoid large prints (like massive flowers or polka dots) because these can make your midsection look larger than it is. Instead, opt for smaller prints that are densely packed on the fabric—these types of prints keep the eye moving around the fabric, making you look slimmer.^{[6]
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- However, large prints with low color contrast can look just as slimming. For instance, a large green floral print on top of a slightly darker green backdrop is a great choice.
- You should especially avoid tops and sweaters that have color-blocking on the lower torso area. Any wide rectangles or hard, geometric shapes will make you look wider in that region.
7
Accentuate your best features with a flattering V-neckline. The neckline of your shirt can help draw the eye away from your waist and up to your face or another area you’re proud to show off.^{[7]
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Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} Be sure to stock up on V-necks because they keep the eye moving diagonally and are flattering to any shape.^{[8]
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- A scooped neckline is another good choice because it can accentuate a large bust and make your neck look longer.
- Boat necklines help widen your shoulders, which can help balance out your shape if you have wide hips.
8
Opt to wear a tailored jacket or vest on top of your shirt. Disguise your muffin top under another layer—vests and jackets look sharp and sassy when paired with laid-back jeans. Leave the vest or jacket unbuttoned for a more casual look. If you want to button it up, make sure it fits well at the top and is a little loose at the bottom—too tight and it will only exacerbate the muffin top.^{[9]
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- Avoid cropped varieties because that will only draw attention to the area above the waistline of your jeans.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Shopping for Low-Rise Jeans

1
Go for stretchier materials that won’t cut into your midsection. Look for a pair of stretch or ultra-stretch jeans that will better conform to your body shape. Check the label to see what material the jeans are made from—a balanced blend of lyra, polyester, and cotton denim will allow the most stretch in the waistline.^{[10]
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- Avoid jeans made of only (or mostly) cotton denim because they won't stretch at all, which means the waistband is more likely to pinch into your lower torso.
- When you’re buying jeans with a lot of stretch, it’s better to go for a size that’s a bit looser because they’ll shrink a little when you wash them.
2
Make sure you can fit at least 2 thumbs into the waistband. When you’re trying on jeans, stick your fingers between the waistband and your skin. There should be enough room to comfortably fit your thumbs in and still have some slack. If there’s not, go up a size and see how that pair works out.^{[11]
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- If you find a pair that fit perfectly around your butt but have a looser waistline, that’s a better option than going down a size and having the waistline cut into your lower torso. You can always wear a belt!
3
Choose a pair of jeans that are specially tailored for curvier shapes. Jeans made to hug your curves are cut differently at the sides and are usually more forgiving in the waistband, so look for a pair of jeans that are advertised as “curvy fit.” Avoid slim or ultra-slim fit jeans because they don’t allow for as much wiggle room on the sides of your hips.^{[12]
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- Jeans that are tight on the side-hip area will push extra skin and body fat upward, creating a muffin top.
4
Balance out wide hips with a flared leg. Look for straight cut jeans that flare slightly (or not so slightly) at the bottom. Try them on and make sure the seams at the hip are a good fit. Pair the jeans with a tailored blouse that isn’t too tight and falls below the waistline.^{[13]
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- This will balance out your curves and, as a plus, make your thighs look thinner.
- Jeans with a boot cut flare are a good choice to balance out your upper body, especially if you’re a pear or hourglass shape.
5
Sculpt your figure with stretchy skinny jeans. If you’re looking to lift your butt and cinch in your hips, choose a skinny jean made with at least 30% stretchy material (lycra or spandex). The material is made to adapt to your curves—just make sure they’re not too tight around your waist or hips so you’re not creating a muffin top.^{[14]
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- Skinny jeans are the perfect way to complement a loose tunic top or flowy off-the-shoulder blouse.
6
Move around in your jeans before you buy them. Kick your legs up, squat, breathe into your belly, and sit down in your jeans to make sure they’re a good fit. If you feel like your legs are constrained when you’re moving around or if you feel the waistband tighten as you sit, go up a size.^{[15]
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- Jeans will naturally stretch over time the more you move around in them, but if you’re on the fence about the tightness, it’s best to go up a size anyway (you can always shrink them in the wash if you need to!).

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Smoothing Your Figure

1
Wear shapewear under your clothing to create a smooth silhouette.^{[16]
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Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} Choose a mid-thigh short, bodysuit, high-waist brief, or mid-waist brief to cinch in the area just above the waistline of your jeans. Buy shapewear with medium to strong constriction if you're looking to alter your shape completely. Light constriction is better for smoothing lines and flattening a more subtle bulge when you're wearing jeans.^{[17]
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- Be sure to stay true to your size. Shapewear that's too small can roll down or create more of a bulge where the constricting material ends.
- Check the label to see how constrictive it is—the more nylon in the fabric, the tighter it will cinch your body.
- If it's summer or if you live in a hot area, look for shapewear that's made with a blend of cotton and microfiber. Those fabrics may not give as much constriction, but comfort is key to looking and feeling great in any outfit!
2
Cinch your waist with a tight camisole underneath your shirt. If you don't like the constricted feeling of shapewear, opt for a tight camisole to cinch your midsection. Tuck the camisole into your jeans if you're wearing a shorter top over it or leave it out if you're wearing a looser top like a tunic or button-up shirt.^{[18]
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- You can even wear it as is and top it with a long sweater or blazer.
3
Drape a wide belt around your hips. Try adding a low-slung belt over your top to tamp down your muffin top. Make sure it's wide and fits well so it's not cinching in more skin and creating extra bulges above and below it.^{[19]
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- The belt should fit around your waist right above the waistline of the jeans—literally right on top of the bulge.
- Choose a statement belt if you're wearing something more monochromatic and a more subtle belt if you're wearing lots of other accessories (like bracelets, necklaces, and rings).

Expert Q&A

Question

Are low-rise jeans still in style?

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked.

Elle Monus

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

They went away for a while, but this style is coming back, yes. Even so, if you buy the correct size and shape for your body, there's nothing to worry about.
Question

Do low rise jeans make you look fat?

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked.

Elle Monus

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Only if you buy them in the wrong size. If you have a muffin top, it means your pants are too small in the waist. If they fit everywhere else, opt for a different brand or fit — each brand is made differently and often there are several fits to a brand.
Question

Would low rise jeans show my crack?

Lorayna Pittsley

Community Answer

No, they should sit high enough to cover everything, but make sure they fit well in the waist, or they might come down a little when you bend over.

Warnings

Never wear crop tops with low-rise jeans if you’re trying to hide a muffin top because that will only put it on display.

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