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tops that hide belly What about us short people?
halleyscomet   Intermediate PA USA Member since 3/27/07 Posts: 1372	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 6/15/12 6:21 PM Okay girls, I have developed this gut and am trying to sew tops that hide it. I think it's a challenge for us short people. If I get a tunic that's long enough to hide my belly, I can't have it too long or my legs look stubby....too short and I look preggers. Elastic waist or drawstring waist tops to me just emphasize my big waist. What's a good style for me? The last teal colored striped top I made (posted here on PR) I thought having the stripes vertical would make me look thinner and it's a little long, but I swear I look preggers in that top!
Sherril Miller   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7473	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 6/15/12 7:21 PM First, prints are your friend. It confuses the eye so that you don't stare right at the lumps and rolls. Second, don't make them any longer than it needs to be. My tops go right to the bottom of my belly right above my crotch. Also, some people agree that a shaped hemline can help, sort of like a shirt-tail hem. Make your tops with enough ease to sit down comfortably without straining around the belly but no bigger. Too much ease equals the pregnancy look. I'm a short plus as well. ------ Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well; and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
brissie71   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 11/6/07 Posts: 798	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sherril Miller << Like this post Date: 6/15/12 9:39 PM Great advice, Sherril. Another thing that I find helps sometimes is to draw up a croqui of yourself and sketch the outfit on that first, before wasting time and fabric on a silhouette that just isn't right. ------ Kelley (Brisbane, QLD) http://simplesewist.blogspot.com.au/
mary in FL   Intermediate FL USA Member since 4/28/02 Posts: 971	Login to reply to this post In reply to halleyscomet << 3 members like this. Date: 6/15/12 9:55 PM I have a belly that sticks out more than the girls, and my favorite style is the empire waist. ------ from Daytona Beach, FL http://mary-sews.blogspot.com/
simplystitches Intermediate NY USA Member since 2/12/06 Posts: 761	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/15/12 10:12 PM Although I'm thin I do have a noticeble belly. Unfortunately I look about 4 months pregnant! I agree with Sherrill, right at the bottom of the belly. I"m lucky enough that mine doesn't really spread when I sit so I find that the tops must fit closely at the hem. YMMV. Anything longer than that has to be big enough to fit the belly which means it's going to be too lose past the belly and, to me anyway, makes it stand out more. Also the fit of the bottom (pants, skirts) make a difference. Anything too tight or clingy will accentuate it. Debbie I had to play around a bit to get the length exactly right.
kath210 Member since 5/11/09 Posts: 288	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/16/12 2:38 PM Try googling fashions for a big belly; lots came up when I did that search. Maybe you'll fnd something that fits all your specifications.
Jane S   Intermediate FL USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 278	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 6/16/12 2:54 PM I second Mary's advice....empire waist tops. There was a clothing website whose name I have forgotten (help me, I'd love to go back there) that let you shop by boy shape. All of my top and dress recommendations had variations on the empire top. I'd love t find the site again since it gave me great ideas how to vary a similar silouette many different stylish ways. ------ www.luckysewandsew.blogspot.com
halleyscomet   Intermediate PA USA Member since 3/27/07 Posts: 1372	Login to reply to this post In reply to Jane S << Like this post Date: 6/16/12 8:44 PM Jane, I have been on that website. I can't remember the name of it. Shape or something comes to mind. I do like the empire waist tops too.
brissie71   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 11/6/07 Posts: 798	Login to reply to this post In reply to halleyscomet << Like this post Date: 6/18/12 11:02 PM I keep coming back to this topic, because this particular problem is my greatest challenge. My favourite pattern of all time, for tops, is the Hot Patterns Sunshine Top. I have that made up in several prints as well as some plain knits. I've also lengthened it into a dress, and made that up 3 or 4 times. I find it loose enough to be comfortable but not sloppy. It also doesn't have an empire line (which I actually love, but sometimes need a break from) and it looks great under a jacket. I find that if I make it (or any top, really) up in a darker colour, then wear a brighter jacket, the belly is as minimised as it's ever going to get. Of course, I live in Queensland, Australia, so I can wear jackets for about 4 weeks every year, but I make the most of it when those weeks roll around! ------ Kelley (Brisbane, QLD) http://simplesewist.blogspot.com.au/
brissie71   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 11/6/07 Posts: 798	Login to reply to this post In reply to halleyscomet << Like this post Date: 6/18/12 11:05 PM I'm fairly certain the website was myshape.com, but it doesn't seem to be operating at the moment. I used to love that site, too. Another valuable resource is this Inside Out blog. She gives all kinds of great advice on wardrobing for various body shapes and challenges, large belly included. ------ Kelley (Brisbane, QLD) http://simplesewist.blogspot.com.au/

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