How To Dress Your Left-Over Post-Baby Belly

24 Jul 2012

The day after I had Sophia, I remember putting my hands on my stomach; what was once my most "prized possession" had turned into mush and I still looked about six months pregnant. Were my abs ever going to return to their pre-pregnancy form?

Today, four months later, I am feeling good about the state of my abs. But there were certainly a few awkward months in between pregnancy and postpartum recovery where my belly was in transition.  Super excited not to be wearing maternity clothes anymore, I was anxious to get back into my normal wardrobe. But what clothes look right and would help disguise your left-over belly?

 

** Drapes Drapes Drapes! **

On a rainy day in June, Mizzfit and I set out to Athleta. Athleta is a fantastic store, with a ton of really cute apparel that I was eager to get my hands on. Immediately, I spotted their Swagger Tank in purple. This is a beautiful shirt! The draping across the middle your midsection cleverly disguise your midsection, and the upper portion of the shirt adds additional support for your chest which, especially if you are a nursing mom. I have worn this shirt running, to yoga, to boot camps, to barre classes. This shirt is also so stylish that, as a busy mom, I would absolutely wear this shirt out before a workout to Sunday brunch without having to bring a change.  

Drapes can be challenging; I have found that some shirts with extra material actually accentuate your mid section. And some shirts are too clingy. But the Swagger Tank does not.

And the color? So pretty!

 

** A Looser Look; But not Too Loose **

After hitting up Athleta, Mizzfit and I made our way to Jack Rabbit. There, we spotted Spilit 59's Sabrina Singlette Tank. I tried on the Sabrina; it looked fantastic if I do say so myself.

I tried on a few other shirts that were loose around the abdomen but they didnt do the trick; the Sabrina did. The Sabrina, one of Split 59's hottest item, hangs over your midsection in a way that does not cling to you, and the curve at the bottom of the shirt gives a more stylish finish and gives the illusion of your hips narrowing, in comparison to the shirts that hang down straight and tend to maximize your hips.

This shirt is also really stylish; with the black color, you could also wear a colorful sports bra underneath. I have also experimented with the layered look. where I have worn a lime-green tank underneath the Sabrina both to work out and also out and about. In fact, just the other day I sported that look to Sophia's movement class.

 

** Pants: Thicker Waist Section Flattens Your Tummy **

Throughout my pregnancy, I got away with wearing non-maternity workout pants. I found pants that settled right below my baby bump. But postpartum, I noticed that my stomach was slightly hanging over my pants in a not-so-flattering way.  

Not to fear: Athleta's Relay Capri pants in black offer a thicker waist section that helps conceal and flatten the belly. And the capri style has helped me wear these pants even during this summer, when the heat has been unbearable. Similar to my Swagger Tank, I have work these Relay Capri pants to a variety of classes. And they are extremely popular; I noticed some of my workout buddies were wearing the exact same pants the other day in class with me.  

$50 Gift Card Available For All You Atheta Lovers Out There! Please just leave a comment letting me know what workout apparel works best for your problem areas, whether you are a new mom or not.  I will announce the winner of the Athleta Gift Card on Monday, August 20, 2012.  

 

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WHAT DO YOU THINK? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW (32)

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#1. Amanda @HappyMotherRunner - Reply to this

Jul 29, 2012 8:27PM

I need that blue top. LIKE BADLY! LOL!

#2. Katie - Reply to this

Jul 29, 2012 8:29PM

OH! I wish we had an Athleta store near by!  So cute!

#3. Janna - Reply to this

Jul 30, 2012 12:01PM

You look great!! Good tips too….

From your workout buddy smile

#4. Lauren - Reply to this

Jul 31, 2012 9:43AM

Your column is so helpful - thank you for all the tips!

#5. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Jul 31, 2012 6:31PM

Thanks Janna, my “workout buddy” with the same pants smile

#6. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Jul 31, 2012 6:31PM

Thanks so much, Lauren, for writing in! Let me know if there is anything else you want to hear about smile

#7. MizzFIT - Reply to this

Aug 1, 2012 2:03AM

I’d love to see that layered Athleta top in fuschia and the capris in some fun neon colors. Big bold color is going to be even hotter next summer than it has been this year so far. Can’t wait! Maybe then, Athleta will make that top in a hot pink smile

Great article, Laura!

xoxo,

MizzFIT

#8. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 1, 2012 8:10PM

I agree Bianca!  I love the neon colors and fuchsia too!  I would love the Swagger tank in hot pink smile

#9. Cecilia - Reply to this

Aug 2, 2012 9:38PM

You look great, Laura.  Your tips are even more relevant now that I have my own budding bump to accommodate over the next few months.  Hope to see you at a Stoked in The Park class soon (or perhaps even P57).

#10. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 4, 2012 8:08PM

Cecilia- CONGRATS!! How exciting!
My next posting is actually about Physique’s Pre/Post natal class.
So happy for you and glad that I could be of help during this really exciting time!
xo
Laura

#11. Cecilia - Reply to this

Aug 4, 2012 8:50PM

Thanks, Laura!  Curious to hear your take on the Pre/Post natal class.  It’s still a bit early for me (read: I can take regular classes without the wedge and modifications), but I’ll probably try one once I get a bit bigger in a few weeks and need to learn the adjustments.  Hope to see you soon, and thanks for looking into the heart rate monitor for me!

#12. sarah - Reply to this

Aug 9, 2012 7:10AM

The skort and long top is PERFECT for my own workout and then hopping off with Avery.  I have lost count of how many athleta skorts I own.  Obsessed.  xo.

#13. lauren - Reply to this

Aug 9, 2012 8:02AM

I am also obsessed with the skorts! I wear them even when not working out.

#14. Debbie Rebell - Reply to this

Aug 9, 2012 8:29AM

Your blog is awesome. I am several years past the post baby feeling, but it has become a new normal to think about healthy eating and frequent exercising.  Great to hear what you have to say. Also, I love Athleta clothes, bathing suits, etc…just my style.

#15. MARISSA - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 11:06AM

I love those capris! This blog was so perfect for me right now, I have a 3.5 yr old and a 1.5 yr old and this is the smallest I have ever been in my life (lost 90 lbs) BUT I now have skin I need to hide. Would just love a giftcard!! smile

#16. Izzy - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 11:21AM

The Swagger tank (as well as the others!) looks great on you!! Fantastic Blog!

#17. Emily - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 11:27AM

The purple swagger tank is amazing! The layering and tiering adds a cool flare and would be a great distraction to my tummy. I would definitely feel good and look great in this flattering tank smile

#18. Shaina - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 11:49AM

I love to workout in running shorts with built-in underwear. It totally eliminates riding up and chafing and the stretchy elastic waist band helps hold down any unwanted tummy-giggling. Just being honest!!

#19. Katy - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 11:59AM

I’m a big fan of tanks without built in bras.  They tend to not be skin tight and I can wear more supportive sports bras under them-all without fat bulges!  Running shorts are my go-to bottoms.  Nike’s Tempo shorts and Brooks running shorts are just the right length so that they cover the largest parts of my thighs-making my legs look awesome!

#20. Heather - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 1:03PM

My workout must haves are a supportive sports bra. I have also found that compression capris make my legs and butt look great.

#21. Natalie - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 2:18PM

For me it’s all about hiding and slimming my midsection. I’m always looking for a patterned workout tank to create a slimming illusion. I love your tip about the swagger tank and the idea of draping to disguise, I’ll definitely be making a trip to Athleta soon! Great post Laura!

#22. Kate Zellers - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 8:26PM

Love the swagger tank!  There is an Athleta store only three blocks from my new job!!

#23. Dawn - Reply to this

Aug 14, 2012 9:20PM

I love longer shorts or running skirts to cover my big booty & thighs.

#24. Lina @ MomsButtIsOnFire - Reply to this

Aug 15, 2012 6:52AM

Thicker waste band defiantly helps this mamas tummy out… wink
Great post! And I do agree, that top would be so CUTE in HOT pink!!

#25. Sharon - Reply to this

Aug 16, 2012 3:55AM

My favorite is the SWAGGER Top.  The colors POP, great coverage and very STYLISH!  Just what a woman wants!

#26. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 19, 2012 5:05PM

Thanks for writing in Sarah!  Yes the skorts are awesome to wear both for a workout and then afterwards!

#27. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 19, 2012 5:06PM

Thanks for writing in Debbie and great to hear that the postings are still useful, even though you are past the “new baby” phase smile

#28. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 19, 2012 5:07PM

90 pounds!! Wow, Marissa that is amazing!  Big congrats!  Is it mostly diet or exercise?  Impressive with small kids too!

#29. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 19, 2012 5:08PM

Thanks so much, Izzy!

#30. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 19, 2012 5:09PM

Really interesting point, Shaina, about the chaffing.  I have noticed that has happened to me as well with the skorts and of course, yes, the riding up can be a challenge.

#31. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 19, 2012 5:11PM

Good point, Katy.  I sometimes prefer shirts that dont have the extra support.  Who likes those obnixious fat bulges anyway?!?!

#32. Laura Kovall - Reply to this

Aug 21, 2012 9:33AM

Thanks again for all of your comments; they were fantastic and I have never received this many from my postings!  The winner of the Athleta Card is Sarah from Mommiewurks.com!

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