A pannus stomach is commonly referred to as an apron belly or mothers apron. The apron is a flap of excess skin, tissue, and fat that hangs at the bottom of the abdomen.
It’s not uncommon for people who are very plus size, have rapidly lost a lot of weight, or have had many babies to have a skin apron or hanging stomach. It also isn't something that a woman should be ashamed about but it often causes more emotional than physical distress.
We're going to talk about it and if you have an apron belly, please know that you are not alone!
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What's An Apron Belly?
When you Google “apron belly”, “stomach apron”, or “mothers apron” and you mainly get tips on how to get rid of apron belly – from weight loss (that often makes an apron belly hang lower but look more deflated) to surgery (that's not an option for many due to insurance or financial limitations).
This article isn't about changing your hanging stomach. It's about how to live with an apron belly and feel more comfortable on a daily basis!
Like a B Belly, an apron belly can be emotionally difficult for plus size women to have. Yet, unlike a B Belly, an apron belly can be a great source of discomfort.
Anytime there is skin-to-skin contact, like underneath large breasts for example, you need to be cautious with any build up of moisture and sweat because the skin there can become easily irritated.
It’s really important to keep a stomach apron clean because heat rashes, skin ulcers, and skin tags can occur due to the constant dampness in that area.
Related: Chub Rub Solutions for Thunder Thighs
One of the best ways to keep an apron belly clean is during your usual shower routine. The use of a shower brush or hand-held showerhead can be very helpful to thoroughly clean under the fold.
Following a shower, use extra time and care to make sure you get your skin completely dry. Using a hairdryer on cool can help an apron belly to get fully dry.
Then, depending upon the size of the apron, you might use pads or powders (anti-fungal powders are best and many plus size women recommend Micro-Guard Powder) to keep the area dry for the duration of your day. Coconut oil is anti-fungal and can be soothing under an apron belly. Please note that cornstarch powder shouldn’t be used because it can cause yeast infections.
Some women have shared that an apron stomach girdle, like a plus size maternity support belt or band, can help to alleviate discomfort.
Most importantly I think it's important to know that you're not alone if you have a mothers apron!
Below you'll read quotes from our community members sharing their tips for hygiene, clothing options, intimacy, and more! Many suggestions will have links provided to products and images you can click on.
Please note that it's a good idea to check with your care provider before using any products that are unfamiliar.
It's a change I bear that reminds me of the daughter I bore. Unfortunately, it means I can't wear what I wore. – Beth
This group finally gave me a name to my apron belly never thought of it technically, just have had it for years due to being pleasantly plump! – Janice
I just always called it my FUPA lol – Heather
My personal experience with this started after having my first daughter. I had always been big but my skin was tight not a hanging flap until after I gave birth. Then my body changed and I hated the way it looked now. I would wash under it every time I used the bathroom at home because sweat collected there. I began to no longer love myself.
Then I joined a moms group in our area and there were only 3 bigger moms there. I felt so out of place until one day one of smaller moms started complaining about her hanging skin and about 5 other smaller moms chimed in saying they had the same issue. That day I realized it wasn't from me being fat that I had the hanging skin it was from me bringing this beautiful life into this world and that I wasn't something that I suffered through alone.
That day I began to love myself again. I don't choose to hide my body anymore, its the only one I have got and I'm going to be proud of it. I even rocked a “fatkini” like this black one below at the beach on summer vacation this year. – Trista
Helpful Hygiene Products & Suggestions For A Stomach Apron
I've had an apron belly as far back as I can remember. It got worse after my first c-section. I started having problems with chaffing. I started using an invisible solid stick deodorant every day. – Rebecca
Hibiclens: this is soap surgeons use to scrub up before surgery. It kills EVERYTHING and it stays active on the skin for hours and hours.
Maxi pads are not just for periods, perfect for keeping post-c-section wounds dry and infection-free. I just folded a maxi pad in half and stuck that sucker under my hanging stomach and healed perfectly! – Daniella
Related: The Best Plus Size Maternity Underwear Options
Monistat puts out an anti-chafing gel-cream that is a lifesaver under the apron! – Candice
Got a nasty rash? Get diaper rash cream (Desitin is the best)! Helps so much!!! – Lori
Goldbond is a lifesaver! – Audra
Clothing Suggestions For A Mothers Apron
No jeans for this girl, my belly enjoys stretchy pants that kind of keeps my belly tight and I need them to be high wasted – Trudy
I wear plus size capri leggings, looser in the leg and have the tall waistband. Cowcow dresses, skater style and full skirt. – Olivia
Sizing up a 1-2 sizes of Spanx or similar support garments has offered me both support and shaping. It's uncomfortable to have my apron swing around when I walk even when I am not pregnant and this stops that. – Sarah
I had an apron belly before I got pregnant so gaining all the weight that I did really took a toll on me. The belly band was definitely great towards the end of my pregnancy and the first few weeks after my C-section. – Daniella
I've started wearing more plus size tunics and waist-less dresses or plus size empire dresses. I don't like the look of me in jeans or shorts anymore. Plus size leggings (Daily Ritual has leggings that go up to 5XL) and plus size compression leggings squish me down are ok, but only if the shirt is long enough to cover the strange shape – Beth
I continue to wear plus size maternity pants just to keep it tucked in. – Camille
I've had an apron literally since I was 4 years old, and right now I've been through two pregnancies and lots of weight fluctuations. The two things I hate the most are the way it claps against the tops of my thighs if I run or just move too quickly. It's a very strange noise that is very noticeable! Compression workout pants help with that. – Sarah
Plus Size Underwear
I wear my underwear under my belly and my pants over. I'm extremely particular about this. My underwear ALWAYS bunches up in the back because of all the extra fabric, or they fall down because they are too loose. – Ann
Related: The Best Plus Size Maternity Underwear Options
I gave up underwear mostly. I wear something like sleep shorts instead unless it's that time of the month, then it's plus size briefs. – Elizabeth
I'm totally about to embarrass the crap outta myself, but here goes: As I've lost weight and the belly hang is worst, I've noticed my butt is smaller and I'm in desperate need of new undies…. my solution? I bought a size up (these undies go to a size 6XL) and wear them backward!
Intimacy Tips When You Have A Mother's Apron
Pillows! Use under your hips especially. – Jessica
I wear a plus size baby doll lingerie top (like this 6XL lingerie below) that puts a lot of emphasis on my boobs, straighten my hair, and full-on makeup so eyes are fixated on my upper half – Samantha
I have 3 kids…the clothes just come off. No time for special lingerie, lol! I have occasionally done no panties under a skirt if I have time to think ahead. Ha! The older I get I've learned to just embrace it, it's my body…if you don't like it then that's on you. There are plenty of guys that don't mind it. – Rebecca
Mother's Apron Additional Obstacles & Solutions
Omg and seat belts!! The seatbelt is supposed to lay “flat across the hips”. Yeah right. It sits right on top of my belly. – Breanna
Try a seatbelt extender if you're having this struggle. Safety is important and there's also no shame in asking for an extender when you're on a plane.
Wiping!? Gosh the belly makes it hard! – Jordan
(There are some options here too like using a wiping wand for longer reach as well as a bidet sprayer.)
Shaving is the worst… You want to be trimmed and sexy but to get that way you have to either master a belly hold and razor shave or plan some alone time so that you can lay on the bed and do this in privacy. – Natalie
I found Nair works a lot easier than razors! Not a perfect smooth but enough that if you don't feel like razoring, you can at least feel clean! They have a cream you can use in the shower now so a bit easier. – Becky
As a plus size mom with an apron belly (thanks kids!) using the standard peri bottle from the hospital and midwives was never easy but I made it work each time with 4 babies and 4 vaginal deliveries. Someone gave me the Fridababy Peri Bottle this pregnancy and it's amazing. It is easier to use because of the bent nozzle and the shape fits better in my hand. – Sarah
Surgery
I got a panniculectomy. I haven't had a c-section and my apron was from weight loss. My insurance covered 100% – if you have documentation of rashes it can be covered to be removed. I had a great plastic surgeon. – Anna
My surgery with a tummy tuck, muscle repair, and lower body lift will be around $14,000. – Sue
As we shared above, for many women surgery isn't a possibility due to insurance and/or financial limitations. However, you can always talk to your care provider about options you may have.
Once again, please know that you're NOT alone if you have an apron belly!
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I agree with backwards undies. I have been doing it for as long as I can remember. I did happen to find a site with Apron underwear. Carol Ann’s dry apron underwear. I just ordered two pairs. They are kind of expensive. $35 a pair plus shipping and tax. They usually have sizes 8-15 but are currently out of 14 & 15. Once they arrive I will let you all know how well they work.
Thanks so much for the tip, Leah!
I received the dry apron underwear. They are true to size I typically wear a size 13 and they fit really well. They are a silky stretchy fabric. I would prefer something a little softer. If you bought a size down I think they would be a little restrictive but also may suck in my tummy a little more. In the end, I like them.
I was ecstatic to stumble upon this post while trying to find a site to purchase underwear/panties that would compress an apron belly. I WAS feeling alone & hearing other moms / women’s struggles is extremely supportive!
Thank you for the post 🙂
At almost 380 lbs, I have always had issues with a huge apron and pubis. I use Hibiclens to wash. If you have a yeast infection (itching and smell) you will have to use the cream to first get rid of the infection.
Then to maintain the area after it has healed and gone away: After my shower I keep a towel in my folds until ready to dress to completely dry the area.
I then use Monistat Chafing gel in nearly all of my folds that dont tolerate antiperspirant. It has been a godsend.
Back in the day, GoldBond powder worked okay, but had to be reapplied throughout the day creating a dusty mess. Monistat Chafing Gel has truly been a lifesaver.
Lanacane anti chafing gel is ok, but causes the skin to tug and grab more than Monistat does. So far trying the other anti chafe products… none come even close to Monistat.
Thanks so much for sharing all that has worked for you. We’re not alone!!!
Are these over the counter products? I use tea tree oil myself because powders tended to ball up with the moisture. The oil also keeps the hanging skin sliding against other parts rather than pulling, tearing and/or causing pain.
Oh my goodness. I just stumbled upon this site while trying to find undies that the leg hole isn’t so big. I am 4’8″ tall and too heavy for my height I know. I have an awful time with finding undies that fit that my belly doesn’t hang out the leg holes. I didn’t know there was a name for the belly I have. I had 2 c-sections many yrs ago and after the second had scar tissue from incision on belly a pubic area kind of grow together. When I had hysterectomy they tried to remove as much of the scar tissue as possible but still have some that creates some tiny areas to get dry. Will try some of the washes and gels mentioned. I use Qtips to try and dry it best I can then use Gold Bond powder. Now if I can just find some undies that are not tooooo expensive. Thanks for all the tips. And to think when I was a kid I was so skinny they gave me supplements to increase my appetite. Ha ha, don’t need them now. I will be keeping this website handy to check back and see if anything new. Thank YOU.
I’m so glad you found this resource helpful, Karen!!
I need help with finding underwear. I had a C-section 17 years ago and have an apron down to my knees. The underwear I was wearing actually bunched up in the scar, creating a “reverse wedgie” and tore part of my C-section scar open. I would like to find some workable undies but if not, I guess I will have to “go commando” because it was very painful to have this wound re-opened and pray that it did not get infected. Any suggestions?
I’m so sorry! A belly band might be helpful? https://plussizebirth.com/plus-size-maternity-support-belt/
Thanks for all the comments.
I too have an apron belly. I have found 100% aloe vera gel keeps me comfortable. Applied morning and at bed time. I am now going to try a belly band.
I just want to thank all of the women that shared their experiences. I do feel a lot better knowing that I am not alone and that there are things I can do to overcome this nightmare.
I have been stuck in a very depressed state for a couple of years. My daughter was born in 2013. Right before I got pregnant, I had lost 100lbs. It was hard and I was really proud of myself. I didn’t have a hanging belly even after that ordeal. I believe I was in the best shape of my life.
With my new body I met the man of my dreams and had a child. I had to have an emergency c section due to her size (almost 10lbs). The doctor who removed her accidentally cut major vessel and I bled out and almost died right there on the table. They got me stable, and the doctor thought it was a good idea to glue me closed instead of stitching me up.
About a week later my incision dehisced and was an open wound. I went to the emergency room but they could not fix it, they said, for risk of abscess. I had to live with that open wound. It was a long, hard recovery. My entire lower abdomen is numb (no feeling at all) to this day, 6 years later. What I am left with truly is a nightmare…
I have become very depressed, with high anxiety, and find it difficult to leave the house. I feel embarrassed and ashamed because no matter what I do, I can’t cover it up. I can’t wear shirts, jeans, or regular underwear. I only wear dresses. When I sit, I can feel the stomach on my upper legs (I can’t get used to that). When I move in bed, I am absolutely mortified if it slaps my legs. My husband and I still have wonderful sex, but I refuse to have a light on, it has to be from behind, and I must wear a tube dress. He has not seen me naked since they day I had my c-section.
I have to wash daily with anti-bacterial soap or I get painful, smelly rashes that last for days. If I sweat, I have to take another shower.
To make matters worse, I have COPD and can’t really work out… a short walk around the block is akin to a half marathon to my lungs…
I have tried compression tanks, and shorts…. they make me slightly more comfortable for an hour or two, but it isn’t a solution. I have come to loathe shopping… it stresses me out and then depresses me. I no longer dress to look good or buy things that are cute. I buy what I can find that covers the mess that is my stomach.
There is some vanity involved, but to be honest, it is a small part… I have stopped living my life. I am 44 and I want to play with my daughter. I want to ride roller coasters and go dancing. I don’t want to be disfigured. I don’t need my old body back… I just want this apron to go away. I just can’t live with it any longer.
It felt really, really good to finally say all that. Thank you so much for listening… and may we all just be the best we can be and find a way to live happy, full lives.
Oh MY Gosh Jennifer!!! Thank you for sharing! I can totally relate & share your pain!! So many of the things you detailed I too have experienced!! I pray both of us (correction) ALL OF US, find the resources & support we need!!
Hanging pannus after 3 C-sections and being morbidly obese. I’ve lost 100 pounds in 3 year and still overweight and incredibly disheartened with the belly but more so the hanging pubic mound, which hangs like a big bag behind my belly (to my knees). I cannot wear underwear as it binds the pubic mound and the belly hangs out of each leg of a pair of underwear. Shapewear just presses it down flat against my thighs and makes walking awkward as well as accelerating skin breakdown. Help.
I am 67 years old. In my 20’s I has 3 babies in 4 years. This left me with a Diastasis Recti (abdominal muscle never went back to normal so I’ve looked like I’m pregnant my whole life) I lost 40 lbs pretty quickly recently and the apron belly got worse. I also have a very hlarge scar from my naval almost to my pubic area from a surgery I had when I was 17. My abdomen is a mess. The skin infections are awful. They smell (and of course you feel everyone around you can smell it). I use a combination of hydrocortisone and bacitracin to cure the infections, works pretty quickly. I don’t like to use powders because of all the controversy about them. I sometimes use deodorant in the whole area to try to keep it dry. I too hate shopping. Fat belly, skinny legs makes it so hard to find pants that fit well. And I live in Florida and this heat and humidity doesn’t help. Not sure surgery is a good option at my age, not sure any doctor would want to do it. Anyhow, 40 years of hating my body. I have not had sex for 16 years, yup, 16 years. I’ve never talked to anyone about this. Feels good to know I’m not alone. Sorry if I went on too long.