The dreaded tummy bulge, we all know how it got there and how hard it is to get rid of, but, short of an old fashioned girdle, we don't seem to know how to hide it. It's easy to find swim suits and underwear for tummy control, but how does that work for jeans (especially low rise)? Believe me, if you think that no one will notice those control top pantyhose or that heavy duty body shaper sitting 5 inches above the waistband of your jeans, you are wrong!

To the rescue, a new crop of tummy control jeans that allow you to look great without the extra layers of spandex. Denim technology and the use of stretch have taken the jeans market in a whole new direction, allowing jeans to be soft, flexible, and supportive. Couple that with designers who recognize that all women, even those with a little extra tummy, want great style, and you've got yourself a denim revolution. No longer do you have to settle for boring 'mom' jeans (hey being a mom is great, but we don't want to look like that SNL skit). Designer brands like Not Your Daughter's Jeans, Nancy Bolen, and Christopher Blue are bringing together modern styling and body contouring in their newest jeans. Now you can have the latest looks in a style that you can really wear.

When it comes to that spare tire (muffin top for the hip crowd), we find that people have the style tips all wrong, wearing just the kind of jeans that will make them look bigger instead of smaller. We have 5 tips to beat the bulge:
? Look for mid rise jeans that offer plenty of coverage for your stomach
? Look for darker color denim and no extra wash treatments in the front. Those will draw attention to your stomach
? Look for wider shaped waistbands. They add an extra measure of slimness and shaping that will make your waist look great.
? Stay away from pleats. Instead keep it simple and clean in the front with classic 5 pocket or slash pocket styling.
? Stay away from elastic waists and button flys. You don't need the extra bulk.

One big question remains: Do tummy control jeans really work? We've tested hundreds of jeans to find out and we have great news. They do! Our top picks are listed below.

Not Your Daughters Jeans Tummy Tuck Stretch Jeans, $88: Patented stitch technology to trim your waist
Not only does this jean deliver on its promises, flattening your tummy, it's made of some of the softest denim we've felt. Patented 'criss-cross' stitching inside the front panel works wonders to add support and control to your tummy. It fits almost everyone well and has a flattering modern style that looks great in the slimming dark wash.

Not Your Daughters Jeans Stretch jeans, $118: Soft denim and a slim look
Like the Tummy Tuck style, this jean has specially engineered front pockets that help keep your waistline looking slim and trim. The waistband is cross cut for a comfortable, just below your waist fit. This is a great style that satisfies all of those fashion do's in one chic package.

Nancy Bolen Suddenly Slim 'R' jeans, $88: A Hidden front panel does the trick
Buy the smaller size and let the stretch do it's magic. The woven control panel will really control your tummy while the boot cut styling will bring an overall slender look. This jean won the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for excellence in comfort, quality, fit, ease of care, and appearance after wash. You'll love the overall smooth, sleek look this jean will give you.

Chadwick's straight leg jeans, $29: Power mesh for powerful control
The power mesh panel works, and so does the price! A more conservative style, this jean sits at your waist and tapers down to a smaller leg opening, emphasizing the curve of your hips and waist. The front has a smooth clean fit which is great for keeping the focus off of your tummy area. The waistband is fairly rigid and can feel a bit tight, but it is a good choice for those who have some waist definition.

Christopher Blue Ric Flair jeans, $145: A mid rise jean with great style
Not sold as a tummy control jean, it still does the trick. The high quality, high stretch denim will hold you in. The waistband will sit close to your body without folding over or binding your waist. We like that the waist is a bit lower for an updated look that still covers your problem area. The wash is concentrated on the thigh, drawing the eye away from your tummy.

Christopher Blue Lloyd's Sister jeans, $148: Subtle shaping to redefine your body
The soft stretch fabric of this jean will hold you in and mold to your curves. Not only will it offer control for your tummy, it will enhance the curve and shaping through your seat, redefining your whole look. This mid rise jean may seem a bit lower than you're used to, but it still offers plenty of coverage and has an updated look.

Jag Jeans 5 pocket stretch jeans, $79: A wardrobe essential for a slimmer look
Again, not specific for tummy control, this jean dips slightly at the front waist for an updated look that will still give you plenty of tummy coverage. There is extra room in the front panel to cover and smooth your body without pulling or feeling tight. Stretch denim is the key; evening out all of those bumps and bulges.

Newport News Stretch boot cut jeans, $29: Coverage you need with a smoothing fit
The slightly heavier stretch denim of this jean gives you good coverage and support for that left over baby bulge. It has clean straight forward styling and a classic boot cut leg shape making this a fantastic basic. You will be amazed at all of the color options. Just remember, dark colors are the most slimming.

Cambio Norah jeans, $195: Two way stretch for comfort and control
Cambio is one of the few brands that use 2 way stretch denim, allowing the Norah jean to support and control your tummy with unbelievable softness and comfort. The waist is a bit lower in the front and then tilts up in the back. This adds definition to your waist shape and lengthens the look of your legs. For a subtle wash, try the Dark Stonewash. The Precool wash shown here will place too much emphasis on your tummy area.

Gloria Vanderbilt Giselle jeans, $27: Balance your proportions with this boot cut style
There is a great texture to the denim in this jean that helps to smooth and contour your overall look. It has just the right amount of coverage and support for your tummy and a comfortable waistband that will not bind. The fashion boot cut leg is a little wider, making the overall proportions of this jean work well for your shape. The Giselle comes in a wide selection of colors, look for the darker ones to give you the ultimate slender look.