Which trousers should you choose if you have a bit of a tummy?

In the glamorous world of fashion, we tend to forget a simple truth: very few women don’t have a bit of a tummy. Whether it’s down to our genes or simply the story of a woman’s life, our belly is a natural, vibrant part of who we are.

Yet, it remains one of our biggest sources of insecurity when we want to dress well. We often feel limited, torn between loose clothes that hide our figure and fitted pants that feel uncomfortable. But having a tummy doesn’t mean giving up on elegance or style.

It’s simply about understanding how women’s pants and jeans can flatter our curves and suit every body shape, blending comfort with style.

Let’s discover together how to choose the ideal pants or jeans: the ones that flatter your figure and stay comfortable, so you never have to apologize for being yourself.

The goal? Choose cuts that embrace your curves rather than compress them. Here are our personalized tips to help you find the perfect pants or jeans—the ones that make you say “Wow” in the mirror.

Follow the guide!

1. The golden rule: Long live the high waist!

• Why does it work? A high waist, when it comes to pants or jeans, guarantees natural support. And it visually lengthens the legs.

• The little extra: Choose fabrics with a touch of elastane (2 to 3%) for comfort, without sacrificing support or going too slouchy.

2. Casual chic pants

Some cuts work wonders by flattering the hips without adding bulk or highlighting your tummy.

The Paperbag Pant

It’s the best friend of curvy silhouettes. With its gathered high waist and tie belt, it creates the impression of a defined waist and draws attention away from the tummy, thanks to its elegant structure.

The Sailor Pant

Inspired by the uniforms of sailors from days gone by, this pant was originally designed for men, with its double row of buttons at the front, and has become one of our favorites.

Style tip: Wear it without a belt—its flat buttons act like a plastron, keeping your tummy comfortably in place while adding a chic, structured touch.

The Wide Leg cut

By balancing the volume of the tummy with a wide leg from the hips, this cut instantly harmonizes your silhouette. It’s the ultimate in effortless chic.

These are our top three favorites. But of course, the list of pants or jeans that will suit you doesn’t stop here!

Every silhouette has its solution: Adapt to your body shape!

Not all silhouettes with a tummy are the same, so the cuts we suggest are designed for different body shapes. Here’s a quick list of tips and tricks to help you pick the right styles.

• O-shaped body type (Evenly distributed curves): If your shoulders and hips are aligned with your waist, go all in on the monochrome total look. When you wear pants and tops in the same color (or very similar shades), you create a vertical "column" that instantly slims your figure. Straight or slightly tapered pants are your best friend.

• V-shape body (broad shoulders, slim legs): You’re often lucky enough to have dream legs! Show them off with printed pants or bold colors, while keeping a high waist to support your tummy. This draws the eye downward and balances your silhouette.

• A-shape body (hips wider than shoulders): Your goal is to smooth the tummy without highlighting the hips. Go for the relaxed fit of Palazzo pants or Wide Leg Jeans in fluid fabrics: they fall straight from the widest part of your hips, naturally flattering your tummy and thighs.

• Targeted tummy: If you’re slim with a little belly, the sailor pant (with its double row of front buttons) is your secret weapon. It flatters your shape with a subtle sculpting effect.

Denim spotlight: Find your "flawless" jeans

In reality, jeans are often the trickiest piece to master when you have a bit of a tummy.

To avoid the "muffin top" (that little bulge that peeks out), go for High-Rise Jeans, which are making a big comeback on the runways.

• The Bootcut or Flare: The champion of balance. Its flared hem visually balances out wider hips and tummy, creating a beautifully harmonious hourglass silhouette.

• The Straight (straight cut): A timeless classic. Choose it in raw or dark denim. Its structured fabric naturally sculpts your figure—something lighter fabrics just can’t do.

• Pro tip: Opt for jeans with a button fly instead of a zipper. Even if it feels less convenient! The buttons create a firmer vertical line, acting like a mini-corset for your tummy. Also, check the fabric composition: the perfect jeans for you should have about 98% cotton and 2% elastane. More stretch, and they might lose their shape and sag during the day, giving you that "granny" look!

Flowy and sporty pants: Friends or foes?

It’s tempting to hide away in comfy men’s joggers or ultra-flowy pants. But be careful: without structure, these pieces can sometimes emphasize what you’re trying to balance and soften. Here’s a short list of tips and recommendations:

• Palazzo pants (or culottes): These are a true friend, as long as you pay attention to the fabric and fit. Choose a fabric with some weight (like heavy viscose) so it falls straight without clinging. The mistake to avoid? A waistband that’s too thin and elastic, creating gathers right at the tummy. Opt for a flat front waistband with elastic only at the back.

• Sporty pants (Leggings, Joggers): They can be a false friend. Thin cotton leggings tend to highlight every curve. On the other hand, technical sports leggings with a "wide compressive waistband" are a real ally: they sculpt your figure and smooth out little bumps, all while offering unmatched comfort.

• Style tip: For a fashion-forward look, pair flowy pants or chic joggers with a more structured top (like a men’s shirt or a blazer) to break up the "pajama" effect and add presence to your silhouette.

3 must-have accessories: Don’t forget belts!

How to enhance your pants when you have a tummy:

1. Wide belts (but not too tight)

Contrary to popular belief, belts are not off-limits. In fact, they’re recommended to structure your silhouette and energize your look.

• The tip: Choose a medium-width belt (about 3 to 4 cm), a "men’s style" belt, in the same color as your pants. This helps define your waist without creating a contrasting horizontal line that would "cut" your torso in two.

• The tip: Wear your belts with high-waisted pants for extra comfort, while also highlighting the narrowest part of your torso.

2. Pointed or elongated-toe shoes

It’s all about optical illusion. When you extend the end of your leg, you lengthen your whole silhouette, which visually slims your midsection.

• Top picks: Pointed-toe ankle boots, elongated loafers, or V-cut pumps.

• The little extra: If you’re wearing wide-leg or bootcut pants, let the tip of your shoe peek out slightly from under the hem for the illusion of endlessly long legs.

3. The long necklace or sautoir

If you’re wondering which necklace to choose, go for a long necklace without hesitation, whether it’s delicate or bold. It’s the perfect “verticalizing” accessory, beautifully suited to your gorgeous curves.

• The effect: By creating a vertical line down the center of your torso, a long necklace draws the eye up and down rather than side to side. This creates a dynamic that instantly slims the chest.

• To avoid: Chunky chokers that draw attention to the upper body, especially the neck, and by contrast emphasize volume at the waist.

The details that change everything (... and what to avoid)

For the best result, keep in mind these little technical details that can make all the difference:

The Holy Grail of style: Balancing absolute comfort and elegance

The secret to feeling comfortable in your pants (whether they’re too fitted or too loose) lies in choosing smart fabrics. Modern fashion isn’t about restriction—it’s about movement.

• Power Stretch: Look for pants made with innovative fibers that stretch without losing their shape. The right pair should move with you, without creating horizontal tension lines across the hips.

• The semi-elastic waistband: Once overlooked, elastic is making a stylish comeback on ultra-chic tailored pants. What’s the stylists’ secret? A flat, smooth waistband at the front for a modern touch, and an elastic section at the back—discreetly hidden by your jacket or blouse.

• Structured fluidity: Choose fabrics that are fluid yet have a nice drape (like heavy crepe or tencel). They skim your curves without clinging, giving you a stunning look while letting you move freely.

In the end, elegance is all about confidence. And nothing gives you more confidence than an outfit you forget you’re wearing—right from the moment you put it on, and all day long.

The color dilemma: Should you stick to black?

We’re often told that “black is slimming.” It’s true, because dark colors absorb light and soften the shadows created by your body’s contours. But limiting your wardrobe to black would be a shame! Here’s how to play with color confidently:

• The “faux black”: If you’re looking for a slimming effect without the harshness of black, try navy blue, charcoal grey, forest green, or burgundy. The list of options is endless, giving you plenty of choice... These deep shades offer the same visual benefits as black, while adding more depth and elegance to your complexion.

• Monochrome (or tonal color palettes): This is the ultimate style hack. Wearing pants and a top from the same color family (for example, beige or blue) creates a seamless visual flow. And if possible, match your belt too. Why? When the eye doesn’t encounter a horizontal break at the waist, your legs are instantly highlighted and your silhouette looks longer. 

• Matte vs. shiny: More than the color itself, it’s the finish that matters. Matte fabrics (cotton, wool, raw denim) smooth out curves. On the other hand, shiny materials (satin, patent leather) reflect light and highlight every little bump. The same goes for belts: avoid patent, python, or croc finishes.

• And what about patterns? They’re absolutely allowed! Go for medium-sized prints or fine vertical stripes to elongate your legs. Just avoid large prints placed right at the waistband or across the tummy area.

Feel elegant, without compromise

The perfect pair of trousers or jeans isn’t the one that changes you, but the one that fits your shape and lets you be fully yourself, with no discomfort or self-doubt. By choosing high waists, dense fabrics, and structured cuts, you make your clothes your best ally.

Remember, style isn’t about clothing size or following a list of fashion rules: it starts where your confidence shines!

Want to go further? Discover the world of Elora

If you’re looking for jeans and trousers that combine technical expertise with a keen eye for detail, take a look at the Elora collections.

Renowned for its expertise in women’s and men’s fashion sold at home, the brand offers trousers and jeans specifically designed with innovative materials, cuts, and waistbands that truly enhance you.

Whether you fall for jeans or trousers, Elora focuses on quality fabrics and refined finishes to flatter every silhouette, from size 32 to 52.

And if you’re unsure which cut is right for you, did you know you can enjoy personalized advice from a Fashion Consultant, who will guide you one-on-one during a home shopping session?

There’s nothing like the caring eye of a trained Fashion Consultant to spark that style revelation!

All this comes with outstanding value for money, plus premium benefits like fast delivery, easy returns, and dedicated customer care.