Disguising A Chubby Body Part!

[ 22 May 2007 ]

“One quick question that might prompt another article for us guys who read you. Have you any tips on disguising or hiding a big tummy? I have more weight than I really need, but it is mostly concentrated on my belly – how can I make sure I look my best (while I try to lose some weight at the same time)?”

I love it when men ask me questions! (Hint, hint!)

Okay, the first thing you need to know is that, really, there is no “disguising” anything. If you have a big belly, you have a big belly, & unfortunately David Copperfield doesn’t manufacture clothing that will make your lumps, bumps or jigglies disappear forever. The good news is that with careful dressing, you can minimise the emphasis on your tummy. People will know it’s there, but it won’t be the most obvious part of your appearance.

So, what are the tricks to minimise a body part?

Wear dark colours
I know that the first article I ever wrote was about moving away from black clothing — but it definitely has its uses! Dark colours make things look smaller. You don’t have to do black if that looks too severe on you; try chocolate brown, navy blue & dark grey. The best way to do this is clothe your “secret” part in black, then wear a splash of colour somewhere else. It’s a great trick. Wear an electric blue scarf, for example.

Avoid weird fabrics
By this I mean shiny, stiff or bulky fabric. All of these things accentuate your size, by clinging to the parts of your body you don’t like & then catching the eye. Also, try to avoid horizontal stripes (they can make teeny people look big).

Learn to layer
The eye is automatically drawn anywhere there is a break in your clothing — say, where your t-shirt meets your trousers. This means that if you have wide hips & your t-shirt ends just there, you are going to look even wider. If you have a big belly, try wearing your shirt untucked. It might sound slovenly, but see how it looks. Often it will help in creating a sleeker look.

Work on your posture
Cheesy, but true. If you stand up tall, you will look better.

Good luck to you sir, & congratulations on your weight-loss effort!

Super-love & cupcakes,
Gala

Tags: advice, how to, madame, monsieur

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Remember that lots of boys and ladies find men with big bellies absolutely sexy and irresistible!
Lily · May 22, 10:24 AM · #
Really weird example, but for the best example of the first hint, I would look at Rosie O’Donnell. Her stylists usually dress her in a black shirt with a white coat overtop and honestly she looks 50 – 75lbs lighter! It’s only when she sits on the couch on The View that you ever really notice that she’s a larger girl. Could be very easily adapted for men as well!
S.A.W · May 22, 11:39 AM · #
First, i’d like to thank you for just being so inspirational and for being a big help. Lately i’ve been going through some tough times and i happened to stumble upon your iCing page and im happy that i did… with every entry i am inspired to do so much….

So THANK YOU soooooooo much!...

Secondly, While reading this i cant help but inquire about this problem i’ve been having for awhile now…
Im almost 20 and i stand at… 4’10. I’ve gotten used to and accepted the fact that yes i am short but the problem i’ve been having is finding clothes that wont make me look so short and that wont make me look like i am 12.(It’s funny the faces people give me when i tell them that im almost 20… hilarious)
Although im happy that i look young… there are times where i’d like to look my age…

Sometimes i get a little depressed because there are certain clothes that i’d like to wear but when i do try, it looks all disporportionate and/or makes me look even more shorter!... Is there any advice you can give me with this problem? thank you!

And lastly, thank you for being amazing and just YOU! ^__
Lanelea87 · May 22, 01:26 PM · #
What a great photo – I love it! Also: sterling advice here, Ms Darling.

Might I add, to avoid slovenliness with the untucking carry-on, wear a shirt that’s meant to be untucked, ie has a flat (not curved) hem. Own the untucked-ness – roll up your sleeves a bit, loosen your (optional) tie and undo the top button(s). Think about working men from the very early days of photography, riding horses or hammering nails in a shirt/tie/waistcoat/hat/braces, looking completely unstuffy. Hotness plus!
Nadine · May 22, 02:49 PM · #
Great advice as always Gala. Keep up the writing and photos! Thanking you.
Gary · May 23, 12:03 AM · #
Great advice! It is always nice when a man tries to look his best.
Another good place to look if you want to see an example of flattering clothing for men is Kevin James’s character in the movie Hitch, and how he transforms. At the beginning, he looked round and dumpy. Even though he hasn’t lost any weight (as far as I know), he looks taller, thinner, and more put together by the end of the movie.
And the posture thing? Totally true and uncheesy. There’s a guy I’d seen around for several years and thought he was about four inches taller than me. When I finally stood next to him, it turned out he was my height. It was all in the posture.
Kelly _/`
Kelly · May 23, 01:20 AM · #
Lily — That’s an excellent point! One of my best friends can’t abide the idea of dating a skinny boy. Even I, with a history of lusting after boys who look almost malnourished, have fallen for a couple of men who were carrying quite a lot of extra weight. A great personality trumps appearance every time!

Lanelea87 — Good question, I’ll write about it soon! & thank you so much!

Nadine — Absolutely! Thank you for your insight :>
Gala · May 23, 09:40 AM · #

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Disguising A Chubby Body Part!

[ 22 May 2007 ]

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