Dresses that flare out at the waist (gathers, pleats, etc) can accentuate your tummy. Photo / Thinkstock
Dresses that flare out at the waist (gathers, pleats, etc) can accentuate your tummy. Photo / Thinkstock
I wear a lot of lightweight dresses in the summer and I feel my tummy sticks out. Apart from sit-ups, which I have started, is there a specific type of underwear you can suggest for holding in tummies.
You're in luck, there are loads of different support briefs that holdyou in and give you a flatter, firmer look. The best thing is to visit a lingerie store and ask for advice. I have even taken my dresses in to try on just to be sure the underwear is giving me the look I'm after.
A few things to note:
*Don't buy your support briefs too tight. It's better to go up a size. If they're firm, your "excess" has to go somewhere so it sits either above the brief or where it ends on the legs; not such a hot look. And besides, you want to be comfortable. *Look for briefs that have added grip at the waistband and legs to ensure they don't roll down/slide up when you move about or sit down. *Support underwear is not something you wear everyday, so from a practical perspective, you might be best choosing a neutral colour that goes well under any garment.
In terms of dress style, avoid dresses that flare out at the waist (gathers, pleats, etc) - these can accentuate your tummy.
It's good that you're starting on sit-ups because as we age we don't have the same muscle control we used to have.
Make sure you're doing your sit-ups - and breathing - correctly, to work all layers of the stomach, not just the outer. As you probably also know, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods can also add to your tummy woes.
Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice. www.gorgeousme.co.nz
