The Best Bridal Shapewear for Wedding Dresses
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Comfort was a high priority when I got married. It affected my search for the best bridal shapewear, but also other decisions like my wedding shoes, hair, and makeup.
I just wanted to feel like myself and I’d never owned shapewear, let alone did I consider it as an essential. However, during my fittings I found that, depending on the wedding dress, it can help to create a more streamlined look–so I took the plunge.
Although I didn’t wear it with my “main” wedding gown (which had a fitted bodice that provided all the support I wanted without anything underneath anyway), I did decide to sport it when I slipped into my evening wedding dress—a pair of Skims shorts and a strapless bra to boot.
Instead of feeling restricted or confined, it helped me to feel more comfortable in a dress that erred on the slinky side, as the smooth line made the silk drape, rather than cling. But whether you’re planning on wearing something similar or you’re opting for a loose and flowy gown, wearing shapewear should have absolutely nothing to do with wanting to look or feel smaller, or alter your body shape.
“The choice to wear shapewear is a personal one and while by no means essential, if it gives some added confidence then go for it,” advises Kate Halfpenny, founder and creative director of Halfpenny London. “Some women swear by it, some can’t get on with it at all, and others choose to wear it primarily because it provides a smooth, seamless look under dresses. It totally depends on the individual.”
A lot of thought, attention, and craftsmanship goes into a wedding dress, and the last thing you want is a VPL on show due to some ill-fitting lingerie or undergarments. So try to not make it a last-minute decision a day or two before the wedding day, either, as you will want to spend time ensuring you have shapewear that will sit undetected under your bridal look. I’d even suggest wearing it during some of your fittings to be sure you’re happy.
“If you’re unsure of the best style to buy then always chat with your bridal stylist, and she’ll be happy to give you personalized recommendations specific to the bridal gown you’ve chosen, whether that be styles to suit a low back or a leg split, for example,” advises Halfpenny. “It’s essential to find the closest match to your skin tone and the edges should never pinch or roll, so if that’s happening you should try a different size. The perfect pair will be completely invisible under your dress.”
“Non VPL, sticky bras, nipple stickers, strapless plunge bras—wedding lingerie/bridal lingerie it is a bit of a minefield,” says Jess Kaye, cofounder and codesigner at The OWN Studio. Her advice is to stick to the styles you usually feel confident in; “Comfort is paramount, so if you don’t normally wear thongs for example, your wedding day is not the time to experiment,” she says.
See below for our extensive guide to the best bridal shapewear for your wedding day.
Skims Seamless Sculpt Low Back Mid Thigh Bodysuit
Why we love it: This is the bodysuit you need if your dress is backless, as it has a deep scoop on the back. It also has a strong compression level, helping to lift, support, and sculpt.
Sizes available: XXS–4X
Shades available: Six
Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 Shorts
Why we love it: Spanx is a reliable choice when it comes to shapewear, and these high-rise shorts will create a smooth silhouette thanks to the stretch fabric and contouring panels. The elastic-free edges will stop it from rolling or bunching, meaning these will work well under fitted or silk dresses.
Sizes available: XS–XL
Shades available: Seven
Commando Classic Control Microfibre Thong
Why we love it: If you aren’t looking for anything hugely supportive but want to ensure there are no visible lines, this seamless high-rise thong by Commando is a winner. This brand is a leader when it comes to lightweight underwear that goes undetected under slinky dresses.
Sizes available: XS–XXL
Shades available: Two
Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 High-Waist Leggings
Why we love it: For floor-length gowns, consider wearing these shaping capri pants for a sculpted finish. The elastic-free waistband will prevent any rolling or visible lines. Red-carpet stylists will often cut shapewear to make it invisible with slits.
Sizes available: XS–XXL
Shades available: Four
Skims Seamless Sculpt Mid Waist Brief Jasper
Why we love it: These briefs are listed as having “strong support” on the Skims website, and the strong compression is targeted to shape and sculpt. They also have round pockets on the butt, which are cleverly designed to give a lifting effect.
Sizes available: XXS–4X
Shades available: 10
Spanx OnCore Sculpting Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit
Why we love it: This “Oncore” bodysuit is made from stretch fabric, which smooths and sculpts the figure with a seamless neckline and adjustable straps that help you to create the perfect fit. Net-a-Porter recommends that you pair this bodysuit with a strapless bra.
Sizes available: S–XL
Shades available: One
Skims Solution Short Left Leg Exposed
Why we love it: These sculpting shorts have a strong support level, with compression across the tummy, waist, and thighs along with Skims’s trademark butt-lifting design. This is designed for dresses with a deep slit on the skirt, with an exposed left leg so you don’t need to worry about your shapewear showing as you move.
Sizes available: XXS–4X
Shades available: Six
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Shaperx Tummy Control Open Bust Thigh Slimmer Body Shaper
Why we love it: Amazon has a strong selection of shapewear and this bodysuit has a high waist to create a seamless, streamlined look. There are no hooks or zips and the compression ensures it won’t move or roll throughout the ceremony. The U-shape means you can pair it with your favorite bra, which gives you more flexibility than bodysuits with built-in cups.
Sizes available: S–XXL
Shades available: Seven
Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit
Why we love it: This is a cult Skims piece, and it’s designed to cinch the waist thanks to the extra compression at the core. Skims always recommends you take your typical size.
Sizes available: XXS–4X
Shades available: Seven
Spanx Tummy Control Underwear Everyday Shaping Thong
Why we love it: For any last-minute orders, remember that Amazon stocks Spanx. This thong ensures you will have no VPL for a seamless look. Plus, it’s machine-washable.
Sizes available: XS–XL
Shades available: Four
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Tips for finding the right shapewear for your wedding, plus how we chose the best bridal shapewear.
- Consider booking a fitting for your bridal underwear and shapewear.
- Buy it at least a few weeks in advance of the big day–when I came to buy a strapless bra they were sold out everywhere in my size as it was event season and it turns out there was a surge in demand.
- Don’t wear any underwear underneath your shapewear as this will ruin the smooth finish and create bumping or visible lines.
- Choose shapewear as close to your skin tone as possible so it will be invisible under your dress.
- Bring the shapewear to your final dress fitting and test whether you can see it as you walk and move.
- Remember: Shapewear should never compress your movement but sculpt and smooth instead.
- If you are wearing a silk dress, Kaye advises you avoid anything lacy and opt for non-VPL shapewear.
