The Dreaded "Muffin Top"
Muffin Top, Cup Cake, Mushroom, Popover...
All right, we're not talking tasty treats from the bakery - those cute, crumbly little creations from Panera Bread Company that eliminate the less-desireable bottom portion of the muffin, though they may be involved in creating the underlying conditions that cause a "Muffin Top". We're talking serious stuff here - major fashion blunders. Things you really don't want to see as an innocent bystander. Having a little bulge is not a crime, but displaying it inappropriately and subjecting others to involuntarily viewing certainly is a questionable venture. Knowing what to wear and how to wear it can make all the difference in the world.
Here we'll explore examples, causes, prevention and cures for the Muffin Top.
Thin or plump, no one is immune to the muffin top. It is a matter of how the clothing fits. The low-rise waist trend (thankfully on its way out!) is the biggest culprit. Even the "skinniest Minni" can have a spillover sensation.
Please remember to rate this lens in the stars before you go- Thanks!
Muffin Top Mania: A Village of Spillage...
Muffin Top Hall of Shame
Eww!
Muffin Top is not exclusive to the ladies, but due to current clothing trends and the natural shape of women, this is the gender it strikes the hardest. As the pictures below clearly show, it is not a matter of size. Even people of who are fit can suffer from the Muffin Top.
Which one do you think is the worst (best example of a) Muffin Top?
Vote with the arrows below!
Not a Beer Belly
Let's make this Clear
A Muffin Top is NOT the same thing as a Beer Belly/ Beer Gut or Pregnant Belly.
Strangely, Beer Bellies can remain suspended and taught, and never lap over the trousers of the owner. The ones that don't defy gravity really don't make a fair Muffin Top either. Often, they closely resemble pregnancy (also NOT a Muffin Top).
To qualify as a TRUE Muffin Top, there must be flesh spilling over more than one side. A mere troublesome tummy at just the front of the trousers (or skirt) does not qualify.
The flesh must give the effect of a bit of dough popping out of a smaller container on more than one edge, usually more toward the outer edges, and not concentrated in one spot.
And remember, a person need not be fighting the battle of the bulge to become a casualty of the Muffin Top.
Biergarten: Beer Belly Bonanza
Just a few examples to prevent any confusion
These portly paunches do NOT qualify as Muffin Tops
Pop Goes the Muffin Top: Muffin Top Video
Sadly the first version was pulled from YouTube so all I could find now was this remix and, typical to most home-made remixes, it is at least mildly annoying, but at least it gives the idea...
Text & lyrics from the original YouTube post:
Muffin Top 30 Rock Jane Krakowski
Jane Krakowski sings Muffin Top on 30 Rock, a "number 1 hit in Israel and number 5 in Berlin"! It's hilarious! "Muffin Top" is when someone wears pants too tight and their roll of fat flows over, like a muffin top... and yet she's trying to make it sexy here!!!
Everyone knows that the most delicious part of the muffin is the top...
My muffin top is all that Whole grain, low fat
I know you wanna piece of that
But I just wanna dance
You're checkin' out my sweet hips
My sugar coated berry lips
I know you wanna get with this
But I'm just here to dance
So back up off of me
You're weirding me out
I'm an independent lady (oh!)
So do not try to play me (oh!)
I run a tidy bakery (oh!)
All the boys (oh!) want (oh!) my (oh!) cake (oh!) for free (oh!)
Misfits of Fashion
The Root-Cause of Muffin Top
Muffin Top is caused by one thing, and one thing only:
Ill- fitting clothing (no matter your size)
People come in many sizes and shapes, and as long as we continue to buy off the rack and accept the cuts that designers and manufacturers, we will have problems like this. Most designers make clothing for one body type, and that is an idealized type that only represents about 10% of the population. It will probably give an "acceptable" fit to another 10% or 15%. The rest of us are left out in the cold - literally overexposed!
Liz Claiborne, God rest her soul, was brilliant enough to realize this and started to design specifically for the pear-shaped woman. It was simply smart business. She saw a vast untapped market, hungry for a product that would work.
Maybe we just need more designers that target specific body types. Not every woman is an hourglass (and even those who are have a hard time finding a good fit!), and not every man is that classic "V" shape. It is time for real clothes for real people.
Great Stuff on CafePress
Whether you love them or wish to prevent them...
I Love Muffin Tops Ash Grey T-Shirt
I heart Muffin Tops t-shirts and gifts for Muffin Tops lovers....
Anti Muffin Tops Women's Cap Sleeve T-Shirt
Anti Muffin Tops t-shirts and gifts for those who do not like Muffin Tops....
Put a Stop to the Muffin Top!
Simple Solutions to Flatter Your Figure
Though there is one primary cause of Muffin Top, there are multiple solutions. It all starts with finding the right fit!
Here are some practical fashion and fitting tips to keep you looking your best rather than like something in one of those glass pastry cases.
- SHOPPING Tip #1
Have a trusted friend shop with you. Sales people want to make a sale, most don't care how you look when you leave the store. The less scrupulous types won't steer you away from a bad choice. A few fine fashion boutiques will have the integrity and far-sightedness to care about how their patrons look because they are smart enough to know that is good business. They know that someone who looks good will be a walking advertisement for them. - SHOPPING Tip #2
ALWAYS check out your fit in a 3-Way mirror before buying. The front might look great, but it could be a disaster from the rear, and you'd never know it without seeing it in the 3-way mirror.
Better stores will have at least ONE on the premises. If there is no 3-way mirror available, this is where the trusted friend is essential. - SHOPPING tip #3
MAKE HASTE TO THE WAIST
Thankfully, the tide of ultra-low rise trouser is ebbing. Look for jeans and trousers with a higher waistband, one that comes up to just below the navel. This will give more coverage and less opportunity for the Muffin Top to sneak in! - SHOPPING Tip #4
SQUAT TEST
This is just a general all-purpose fitting tip.
When trying on Jeans or Trousers of any kind ALWAYS do the following in front of a mirror:
1. Bend over
2. Squat (or at least sit in a chair)
This will test the fit and range of motion you'll have in them, as well coverage.
Nothing like heading out in public in a new outfit to have your chinos rip out or your underwear playing peek-a-boo when you squat to pick up a pen. - SHOPPING Tip #5
SHRINKAGE
Remember, MOST clothing (esp. cotton and rayon) will shrink at least a little bit on the first washing. Be sure to allow for this. Cotton will usually "grow" throughout the day as you wear it.
Linen and ramie have very little shrinkage. - SHOPPING Tip #6
STOCK UP
Once you find that "perfect fit", unless you anticipate a drastic change in styles or your shape anytime soon, the wise thing to do is BUY MORE THAN ONE PAIR.
This is true of any wardrobe basic. If you love it and can afford to do it, buy several, and in more than one color.
It saves you the time of looking for something that fits and they won't wear out as fast, or when they do you'll have a back-up to give you more time to search for the new "perfect fit".
Unless you're talking about trendy cuts or pieces that will look dated in a couple of years, this is the way to shop! - GARMENT FEATURES
BEFORE YOU HEAD FOR THE FITTING ROOM
REMEMBER:
PLEATS - add volume. Unless you are a toothpick wanting to look bigger (like a woman with no hips), steer clear of pleated trousers, they will add bulk to that region.
POCKETS - Pocket add volume. Wherever you add a "feature" that adds bulk and draws the eye to it. Pockets with gussets and/or flaps are even worse. If you've got a tiny flat butt and want to make it look bigger, seek these out for the rear of your trousers and add an appliqué too. To minimize bulk, seek flat, slit-style pockets without flaps (as opposed to patched-on pockets).
STITCHING - Jeans with high-contrast stitching will make eyes wander around like following a road map, and you look big as the city of Detroit. Look for stitching that is close to the same color value (dark/light) of the fabric.
COLOR - For a slimming effect, stick with dark colors.
STRIPES - Stripes are tricky. To stay on the safe side, go ONLY with VERTICAL stripes, and not too wide or bold. Vertical stripes draw the eye up and down and will make you look longer and leaner.
DECORATION - This includes appliqué, sequins, metal studs, rhinestones, lace, piping, rick-rack and other trim as well as paint, prints & patterns. The busier the garment, the more it makes the eye dart about and you seem bigger. Remember LESS IS MORE. If you want that little rhinestone butterfly on your jeans fine, but stick with JUST ONE and make sure that it is small and well-placed so as not to draw attention to a "problem area". - TAILORING
Get to know a good tailor and have your clothes altered as needed.
Ok, so you just LOVE those trousers, but they're not quite a perfect fit. Go ahead and buy them with room to have them altered. Remember to factor this into your budget when purchasing the original item. Spending an extra $15 could have you looking like a Million Bucks. - BELT IN MODERATION
When wearing a belt with low-slung trousers and skirts, DO NOT cinch it in as tight as it will go.
THE TEST:
Buckle your belt and then sit in a chair and relax (don't suck your belly it, because you won't remember to do this all day long!). If flesh is spilling out (covered or not) then you must let the belt out to the point where it no longer does this. - SHAPEWEAR Quick Fix
Purchase a shapewear foundation garment. Modern shapewear is a far cry from the girdles of yesteryear, and will smooth any unsightly bulges without the awful stiff boning wires.
KEY- be sure that your top is long enough to be securely tucked into your trousers or skirt so that your shapewear garment does not show! - SHAPE UP
Most of us have a little surplus flesh here and there. For many it doesn't take a whole big "Rocky Balboa" scale workout routine to get where you want to be.
Body sculpting with targeted exercise can minimize and even eliminate the problem areas. (See below) - BODY AWARENESS
Know your own BODY TYPE.
People come in many shapes and builds. The first step to a good fit is knowing what your Body Type is. Be honest with yourself and develop a visual awareness of your own shape.
Some Typical Body Types:
(There are many variations within these)
Apple Shape- (Bigger on top and toward the Midsection, tapering in toward smaller hips. Thighs are usually slimmer.)
Pear Shaped- (smaller top, larger hips, thighs)
Hour Glass- Balanced chest and hips with a small waist.
Rectangle- Not much difference between Hip and Chest size, straight waist.
V-Shape- Broad Shoulders, Narrow Hips.
A-Shape- Narrow Shoulders, Broad Hips. Unlike Pear Shape, the waist is not small.
Barrel - Large Midsection, smaller shoulders & hips.
Do you have any bulges and where?
Has your body changed over the years? Maybe you've lost weight, gained weight or toned up. You might find that what works best for you has changed.
The SECOND STEP is knowing what cuts of clothing best flatter your body type. This will also cut down the time it takes to shop. I know to rule out certain styles, cuts and brands of clothing because they simply don't work on my body type. There is no need to even take them into the fitting room!
Stick with those cuts that minimize your problem areas and show off your assets. - The first step is AWARENESS. USE YOUR EYES. When trying clothing on in a store ALWAYS CHECK OUT YOUR BACKSIDE IN A 3-WAY MIRROR BEFORE BUYING! Get a full-length MIRROR at home and USE IT before heading out the door!
Neglecting this step is as bad as those high-school girls that only style the front of their hair because that is all they see. They have forgotten their heads are 3-dimensional. It looks very silly to have a carefully coiffed front and neglected sides and back!
Mirror, Mirror...
We've got your Back!
With a 3-Way Mirror!
Put one in your house and don't leave home without first checking your backside! (This can also prevent other embarrassments such as panty-lines, toilet tissue hanging out the back of your trousers or skirt, flat hair in the back, skirt tucked into underwear, etc.)
Know what's going on behind your back, before you face the world!
The nice folks at Amazon.com can help:
3 Way Posture Mirror With Casters - 3 Way With Casters
Amazon Price: $709.50 (as of 09/06/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Hind Sight & Rear Visions
When the 3-Way mirror just won't cut it, the "Butt Cam" offer customers a view from behind
If you're prepared to spend between $135 - $900 on a pair of jeans, then you can get a live "sneak preview" of what other will see when they check out your booty with the BUTT CAM (patent pending).
BBC News Player - 'Butt-cam' offers rear views
VIDEO - A shop in the US state of Arizona has inst more...2 points
Hub Clothing
The high-end clothing shop where it all started in more...0 points
Butt Cam provides bottom line for Scottsdale jeans buyers | www.tucsoncitizen.com ®
Associated Press article.0 points
7 Denim Sins
Finding Your Dream Jeans (for Women & Men)
Solutions from tips on fitting to custom-made for you!
Women, especially, know this quandary:
Finding the right pair of jeans for your body type. You can't even trust the same brand/ same cut from year to year as they insist on making minor alterations that change the fit. Maddening!
Here are some links to help find just the right fit - whatever your body type!
Jeans Therapy
Find the perfect pair of jeans with our body-speci more...0 points
Denim Dos and Don'ts: Jean Expert Stacy London
Stacy London, host of TLC's 'What Not to Wear,' wa more...0 points
Oprah's Bra and Jean Intervention: Best Jeans for Every Body
Oprah's jean expert Stacy London reveals the best more...0 points
TJ's - Tailored fit custom made jeans - Tailor Made Jeans Wear: Tailormade Jeanswear Home
Tailor Made Jeans, For all your custom designer je more...0 points
Suppress that Muffin Top
Muffin top is a relatively new term and a relative more...0 points
HELP - I Have to Look Good NOW!
Swift and Shapely Solutions
Short of exercise or surgical procedures, here are some simple, affordable quick-fixes for the Muffin Top!
A far cry from corsets and girdles of yesteryear, today's shapewear is flexible and made of sophisticated, breathable fabrics.
Choose overnight shipping for those "gotta look good tomorrow" emergencies.
Miraclesuit "Inches Off Waist" Cincher
A smooth finish? in a cinch. This comfortable wais more...0 points
Miraclesuit Shapewear. Inches Off cuff brief
Constructed to target the tummy, hips and rear, th more...0 points
Spanx Hide & Sleek 2 Bodyshapers - One Mid-thigh Shaper and One Panty Shaper - Nude or Black
79% Polyester 21% Spandex -<br /&am more...0 points
Spanx Hide and Sleek Girl Short Shapewear
Spanx Style 165. Firm control girl short. Construc more...0 points
Lipo in a Box Firm Control Bodysuit w/Legs w/Underwire, Nude or Black, XS thru 2X
The Lipo in a Box Bodysuit w/Leg w/Underwire is an more...0 points
Lipo in a Box Firm Control High Waist Brief, Nude or Black, XS thru 2X
The Lipo in a Box Firm Control High Waist Shaping more...0 points
Lipo in a Box Firm Control Capri Bodysuit w/Underwire Bra, Nude or Black, XS thru 2X
The Lipo in a Box Capri Bodysuit is the ultimate u more...0 points
Mega Muffin Top - In All Its Glory...
"Full Frontal" Muffin Top
Yikes! Someone call the Fashion Police!
Not a pretty sight, folks...
(Did she have to borrow her little sister's trousers or was she just that desperate to show off her tattoo?)
Talk about "costume malfunction"!
This was a very unfortunate wardrobe choice.
Intelligent Design: Smart Swim Wear
Smart design meets good engineering at Amazon.com
Most of us can use a bit of extra help to look our best at the pool or on the beach.
Here is some swim wear designed to minimize and conceal those little (or not so little) problem areas.
Vote for your favorite, or add it to the list if you don't see it here! (Be sure to refresh your screen and vote for it after adding it.)
Miraclesuit Utopia
Featuring the body-contouring capabilities of Mira more...0 points
Miraclesuit Aurora Swim Dress
Look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds! Miraclesuit more...0 points
It Figures! C Cup and up Collection Floral Shirred Front Tank Swimsuit $99
86% Nylon 14% Lycra - Hand Wash0 points
It Figures! Tummy Thinner Collection Paradise H-back Sarong Swimsuit $110
86% Nylon 14% Spandex - Hand Wash<b more...0 points
It Figures Tummy-Thinner Buckle-Strap One-Piece
This chic one-piece by It Figures is as glamorous more...0 points
It Figures! Hip Hider Collection Hawaiian Skortini Swimsuit $110
86% Nylon 14% Spandex - Hand Wash Color: Navy0 points