Once you have found your dream wedding dress, it’s important to think about what to wear under the dress. You want to ensure you are comfortable on wedding day and don’t want to stress about having any wardrobe mishaps. Wearing proper undergarments under your wedding dress also ensures that your dress will fit you perfectly.
As expert bridal stylists, we are often asked by brides shopping with us at The White Dress what they should plan to wear under their wedding dress. Wedding planning is hard enough so let us help you check one more item off that to-do list with our expert advice on choosing undergarments for your wedding dress.
So much thought and attention is paid to the wedding dress itself that what to wear underneath can often get overlooked or forgotten about until the last minute. A good foundation of comfortable wedding dress undergarments will leave you feeling secure in your bridal gown all day long and ensure your wedding dress fits correctly. Plus, planning ahead avoids running around scrambling before your wedding!
Do You Need To Wear A Bra With A Wedding Dress?
The most common question we hear from our brides while wedding dress shopping at TWD is about what type of bra they should wear with their wedding dress. This will all depend on the shape and silhouette of your wedding dress. Not all body types and wedding dresses will need a bra. Many wedding dresses are designed with bust cups and boning in the bodice to give support so brides won’t have to worry about wearing a bra with their wedding dress. You may also be able to work with your alterations seamstress to add additional boning and support to make you feel the most comfortable and worry-free.
If you are a bride who feels more comfortable wearing a bra on wedding day or want the extra support, we would recommend a strapless, long-line bra for under a wedding dress. This style of bra is often flattering under many different wedding dress silhouettes while giving brides the support they are looking for.
It may be helpful to look for a bra with a low back and even adjustable strap options, depending on the neckline of your wedding dress. We also always recommend choosing a bra in a shade close to your skin tone, something neutral that will not show through your wedding dress fabric. The ultimate style of bra you choose will depend on your specific wedding dress neckline and silhouette as you want to be sure nothing will peek through on wedding day.
If your bridal dress is a style that will not allow for a traditional bra to be worn, such as a plunging neckline or open back, you still have options to give your bust some support. We recommend a supportive fashion breast tape for under a wedding dress to give some lift or pasties to provide some coverage.
Should You Wear Shapewear Under Your Wedding Dress?
The next most common question we get from our TWD brides is if they should plan to wear shapewear under their wedding dress. This is ultimately a personal decision as to what makes you feel the most comfortable on wedding day, but it’s not a necessary item you have to wear. Many brides like the extra support shapewear can provide along with the smoothing effect to boost confidence.
In our experience, some brides like that shapewear can help keep them dry and cool on wedding day. Even if you are not getting married in summer or a warm climate, sweating is likely to happen on wedding day. Bridal dresses are often heavy and the fabrics may feel bulky. Or if you choose a more delicate fabric bridal dress like one made of silk or crepe, you don’t want to worry about sweat marks showing through. All of the emotions a bride experiences on wedding day, in addition to moving around in a bridal dress and dancing the night away can lead to sweating and overheating. Shapewear can help absorb some of the perspiration and give a barrier between your skin and your wedding dress fabric to help you feel cool and dry.
As with selecting the bra to wear under your wedding dress, color is just as important when it comes to shapewear. You’ll want a neutral shade that won’t show through your wedding dress. Also be sure to pay attention to the back neckline of your dress, particularly if you have an open back or low back dress, or if you have a slit in your dress skirt - no bride wants their shapewear on display on their wedding day!
If you decide shapewear is not for you, we would recommend choosing a nude or neutral tone underwear in a seamless style for under a wedding dress so you can be comfortable and not worry about panty lines.
Fashion Tape & Pasties
Our piece of advice on choosing undergarments for your wedding dress will be especially helpful for brides who have purchased a wedding dress with an intricate neckline, a lot of cutouts, illusion details and open backs. A traditional strapless bra is likely not going to work for a more complex designed wedding dress and so we would recommend using pasties or fashion tape.
These options will give brides some cover, and even some support if you choose the fashion tape option. Opt for a thin nipple cover for a less noticeable option under your wedding dress. It’s often helpful to have your best friend or sister help you with the fashion tape so you can be sure the pieces are cut to the correct shape. If you opt for tape or pasties, we highly recommend adding some coconut or baby oil to your wedding day fashion emergency kit to aid in the removal of the adhesive at the end of the night while also protecting your skin. But be sure to be careful around your wedding dress as oils can stain the fabric.
In the end, choose the undergarments that are most comfortable to you and work with your wedding dress without being seen. Don’t wait until wedding morning to try on your undergarments. It’s best to bring any of your bridal shapewear or undergarments you plan to wear on wedding day to your alterations appointments so you can be sure they work with your dress and fabric. You want your bridal dress to fit appropriately will all of your undergarment items and it’s better to know of any changes needed before wedding day, not right before walking down the aisle.
If you are ready to shop for your wedding dress undergarments, be sure to check out our full list of recommended bridal undergarments.
If you're searching for your perfect wedding dress (and undergarments!), visit us in our bridal store in Clinton, CT by booking a wedding dress shopping appointment. We can't wait to work with you!
xoxo,
TWD Lovelies