Whether you’re cautious about celebrating too early or just want to keep the news to yourself for a little while longer, we’ve gathered 10 suggestions for how to hide your baby bump until you’re ready to announce your pregnancy.
From hiding a baby bump at work to finding flattering styles to utilize postpartum, these suggestions are versatile, allowing you to get extra use beyond just maternity wear. The further your pregnancy progresses, the more difficult it can be to disguise your growing bump, but these suggestions will continue to draw attention away from your midsection if you decide not to showcase it.
1. Bold Patterns
If you’re trying to hide a baby bump, our number one suggestion is to steer clear of maternity clothes. Most maternity styles are designed to be flattering while showcasing your bump. If your goal is to disguise your bump, you want to stay away from form-fitting clothing that will inevitably put your growing belly on display.
Instead, try bold patterns and colors, which are a great distraction for the eye, drawing attention away from your pregnancy belly. You can even layer multiple patterns for extra visual distraction. You don’t want to be too busy, though, so stick to the same color family, or use one pattern to dominate and the other to accent.
We recommend you go for busy patterns with a lot of detail, things like floral, polka dots, and vertical stripes. If you opt for stripes, the thinner the strip the thinner you look, so definitely keep that in mind! We suggest vertical stripes to help elongate your shape, rather than horizontal which will draw the eyes out.
We like this option from Utyful that allows room and movement with a darker styled bold pattern. The bell sleeves and V-neck add additional elements that people will focus on, without even noticing your mid-section. This top is great for casual wear, but can also be easily dressed up for work or an evening out. It is recommended that you wash separately in a mesh laundry bag, but we think you will find this flattering style worth it.
2. Loose Fit
Just because your belly is growing, doesn’t mean the rest of your body is, so avoid just sizing up to larger clothing. We recommend avoiding form-fitting clothing and instead opt for flowy tops and styles that are designed to allow for movement. Shirts that have side ruching or empire-waists are excellent options that will disguise a baby bump while remaining flattering. A tunic paired with leggings also makes a nice and flowy option that will cover a baby bump well.
If you’re all of a sudden just wearing large and baggy clothing you might get a couple of raised eyebrows, so try to pair loose and flowy tops with more form-fitting options on the bottom for a well-balanced look. Maternity leggings, slacks, and jeans have an elastic waistband that is easily hidden under your loose-fitting top which will allow you to pull off the more form-fitting bottoms without anyone knowing you’re rocking a maternity style.
Choose from long sleeve or short sleeve styles with this a.Jesdani Womens Plus Size Tunic Top which comes in a large variety of patterns and sizes. The pleated top is feminine and flattering and the raised empire-waist gives way to a loose and flowy midsection that will easily disguise a growing baby bump. Whether for a day at the office or every day, wear these tops can be dressed up or down allowing you many options for different settings.
This Sweetnight empire-waist peplum top is another great choice. The feminine ruffles add some extra texture to the loose-fitting style that will make hiding a baby bump easy and fun. You can choose the sleeveless option to layer under a cardigan or utilize the long sleeve option on its own and still comfortable hide your baby bump.
3. Front Tuck
A little front tuck can go a long way in helping to disguise your baby bump. Pair a looser fitting button-down shirt or flowy t-shirt with high rise pants and just tuck the front in for a flattering billowy look. You can dress this style up with work slacks or down with jeans while still maintaining your pregnancy privacy.
This may not be a great long-term option as your bump grows, but in the beginning stages, this is a flattering option that is stylish and effective.
This Daily Ritual long sleeve button down tunic option is great for the office, giving you business casual while remaining loose and flowy.
This more casual BMJL t-shirt option is perfect for everyday wear or layering under a blazer for hiding a baby bump at work. We like the fashionable leopard print that can also be used to distract from a growing bump, and we are confident that the soft lightweight fabric will keep you comfortable throughout the day.
4. Boxy Fit
When avoiding form-fitting shirts or dresses, it’s also important to keep style in mind to avoid the look of just wearing oversized clothes. A great way to accomplish this is with blouses or dresses featuring a boxy fit. The boxy fit will help keep straight lines drawing the attention down and leaving room for a bump without being clingy.
This loose-fitting linen box fit blouse from Soojun offers comfort and movement that will help disguise your baby bump. The mix of cotton and linen make this shirt breathable and comfortable without being clingy, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally giving away your baby bump hiding underneath. We like that the solid colors allow you to wear a patterned pant or accessorize for added flare and distraction.
This Daily Ritual t-shirt style dress is a straight and relaxed cut that leaves room for a growing bump without giving it away. You’ll definitely be comfortable, and we recommend going for the Black or Navy for the most slimming effect.
5. Dark Colors
It’s not a secret that black can be slimming, but you don’t want to limit yourself to a somber wardrobe when trying to hide your baby bump. We do recommend darker colors, especially over your belly to help avoid shadows your baby bump may create. Whether you opt for a color-blocked shirt or something solid, you definitely don’t have to stay away from colors altogether.
We love this Grace Karin high neck sweater as an option, the darker middle will help give a slimming effect while accentuating your arms in the lighter color, drawing all attention away from your torso allowing you to successfully disguise your baby bump.
Well placed ruffles add an extra element that helps to distract the eye. This KIRUNDO sleeveless pleated dress is perfect in the darker Black, Navy, and Wine Red, offering movement, comfort, and a feminine ruffle. The pleats help to hide your baby bump and you can add a layer for the cooler months. During the summer the adorable cap sleeves will also be a small statement that may draw attention rather than your belly.
6. Layers
There are so many ways to layer an outfit to help disguise your baby bump without feeling too bulky. Some options include vests, jackets, oversized sweaters, and blazers. We recommend choosing layers accordingly taking temperature and activity into consideration.
Vests
The flattering fit of this Democracy Women’s draped vest offers a texture that is also helpful in disguising a baby bump underneath. It’s cozy for the fall and winter while offering a stylish wardrobe addition that doesn’t need to be accessorized.
Cardigans
This open front Sidefeel Cardigan is another cozy option for layering while working to hide a baby bump. You can choose from a variety of styles and patterns that can work together to offer added camouflage. You can choose to wear open with a looser fitting shirt underneath or close a few buttons as your baby bump becomes a little more noticeable.
Blazers
If you have a more formal event to attend or need more business-appropriate outfits, a loose-fitting blazer is a great layering option.You can dress up any outfit with a form-fitting blazer like this Luvamia option. Whether you choose to keep the button open or closed you can bring style to a more formal outfit while keeping your baby bump discreet.
Chunky Sweaters
Sweaters can be worn over dresses as well as shirts, and can also have jackets or blazers layered on top. Make sure to keep in mind your comfort level if you’re going to be inside, you don’t want to be overheating, but you can always take off a top layer if needed. Chunky sweaters, like this Lovezesent Womens Striped Color Block Chunky Sweater are meant to be oversized and baggy, so it won’t seem unusual and can work well to conceal a baby bump.
Oversized Turtleneck
A loose-fitting turtleneck is a great way to layer under a vest or jacket as well as a layer over a dress or free-flowing skirt. Stay away from form-fitting shirts, and instead opt for a comfortable oversized style that will give you the ability to hide your baby bump well. We like this flowy option: ANRABESS Women Pullover Sweater Turtleneck.
Denim Jacket
There isn’t much a denim jacket doesn’t go with, making this the perfect accessory to layer with. Denim jackets (like the original from Levi’s) are great for all seasons, you can roll the sleeves up or keep them down, layer on top of a flowy shirt or turtleneck and even add a scarf for extra flare.
7. Overalls
Overalls have made a fashion comeback, and are a super cute way to disguise a baby bump. While it’s not a style that works for everyone, if it works for your style, then you’ll love this as a go-to.
Overalls also offer the added benefit of no waist line, providing an extra level of comfort as your belly starts to expand. You can opt for loose, flowy material or sturdier denim which will likely offer even more hiding ability when it comes to your baby bump.
Overalls are a little more difficult to accessorize, but they are their own style that doesn’t require much more. If you’re looking for something casual you can go the route of the classic jeans overalls, if you’re looking for something that can be a little more work-appropriate, we like this Verdusa option that is loose fitting and will offer comfort as well as style.
8. Draping
Tops with a sweeping draped front are a great option for disguising a baby bump. The intentional extra fabric in the front is a flattering style that doesn’t look too loose or flowy but offers that distraction you need for tucking a baby bump inside.
This lightweight cardigan option from Sharon’s Outletoffers a comfortable criss cross option in the front that drapes well over the midsection. Made from a Rayon and Spandex mix you will be comfortable with added stretch allowing you full range of movement as you go about your day.
If it’s summertime or you’re looking for something to layer under a cardigan or jacket, this Diukia sleeveless blouse offers a lovely draped look. It’s a simple style that can intentionally hide a baby bump while still being feminine and stylish.
9. Neckline
We want to draw attention away from the midsection so we recommend switching up the neckline. Options including scoop square, v-necks, or boat necks are more likely to draw attention upwards away from the hidden baby bump.
You might find clothing with boat necklines a little more formal, perfect for a dress if headed out for an event. A square neckline is definitely a little lesson common and sure to draw the attention of people.
We like this Scoop neck pleated blouse that offers a super flattering neckline that can be paired with a simple necklace if desired. The pleating gives an extra element that flares downwards giving natural movement and space for a baby bump. There are long and short sleeve options available and a variety of different colors.
10. Accessorize
Accessories are a great way to draw attention away from the midsection. You can utilize bold colored shoes, belts, large earrings or even various scarves draped to have attention focused on other areas. Accessories can easily be incorporated into an outfit without much effort to become the focal point, and a quick swap can change the style of each look.
Belts
Whether a big chunky statement belt or this skinny elegant piece, a belt is a great way to accessorize a dress and help hide a baby bump. You can create an empire-waist like look and draw attention to the belt rather than what lies beneath. Switch out different colors for an added pop, or dress up an outfit that needs a little oomph.
Large Earrings
Large earrings will help draw attention upwards and make your face a focal point rather than your baby bump. Try large hoops or sparkly statement pieces to catch people’s eye and they are sure to miss the bump you’re working to hide.
Statement Necklaces
Necklaces are also a great way to distract people and draw their eyes away from your belly. Swap out different styles and lengths depending on the neckline you’re wearing, but stick to a colorful statement piece that is going to draw attention to it.
Scarves
Scarves can do more than just keep you warm, they are the perfect accessory that can be draped strategically to help disguise a baby bump. From elegant silks to cozy blanket scarves, you can wrap around your neck once and drape them long to add an extra layer around your midsection.
Final Word
Your typical style will depend on how easy it is to transition to hiding a baby bump. If you typically wear more form-fitting clothing, slowly add in layers, accessorize and go for the busy patterns that can help trick the eye. If you’re trying to keep things under wraps you don’t want to suddenly show up with a whole new wardrobe that will create even more suspicion.
Steer clear of the maternity clothing until you are ready to show off your bump. While maternity clothes do have comfort in mind, they are also typically designed to accentuate and flatter your growing belly, so if you’re trying to hide that baby bump these 10 style tips are sure to be of some help.
As you transition from pregnancy to postpartum, or for anyone looking to draw attention away from their midsection, these style tips can certainly be utilized. We hope that these style tips can help make the time until you’re ready to share your good news one that is stress-free and comfortable.
