So the big day is on its way and you’re looking at your options for gowns. Maybe you already have an idea of what you’d like, or maybe you’re still narrowing things down. Either way, there’s one very important rule of thumb to remember: When it comes to the silhouette of your gown, not all undergarments are created equal.
It may sound ominous, but it’s true. Your favorite stretch cottons may be fine under your skinny jeans, but they won’t be doing you any favors under a tight sheath dress or bodycon mermaid gown. Does this mean the end of all things comfortable? Absolutely not. It does mean that you need to think about how much comfort versus control you want, as well as what undergarments are going to work best with the style of dress you’ve chosen.
With wedding season in the air, we’ve been eagerly diving into this year’s Top 7 popular bridal silhouettes, and how best to support them underneath. We’ve found all kinds of great products to suit your personal taste – whether you prefer light, medium or full control of your body shape, there are a ton of options. We can’t wait to show you.
A quick note, if you’ve got a gown with a neckline that has you stumped, have a look at our sister article here.
THE MERMAID
Galina Signature, Off Shoulder Plunging Plus Mermaid Dress $699.99
If you have an hourglass or athletic frame, the Mermaid/Trumpet silhouette is a perfect pairing. The style is known for being body con from the torso through the hips, with a flair out around the mid thigh area. Because of this, you want an undergarment that ensures zero lines. Here’s our picks depending on your preference, from simple panty to supportive bottoms, to full body shapewear…
b.tempt’d Etched in Style Thong $14
When you need zero panty lines, your best option is a high quality thong. This one by b.temp’d has flat lace with smooth seams that won’t show under your dress. The waistband also lays flat, so it’ll sit perfectly on the hips.
Rhona, Shear Ultra Lightweight Longline $22
If thong’s are just not your thing, but you’re not interested in going full shapewear, we recommend a seamless long-leg bottom. Similar to shapewear shorts, these will read panty-line free, but unlike shapewear, the fabric is light and airy, with no more support than, say, your everyday stretch panty
Va Bien, Strapless Low Back Long Leg Bodysuit $80
If you want to be in full control of your body shape, this shapewear body suit delivers. It covers every bodycon area of the mermaid dress, giving you exactly the silhouette you want to present. Strapless option also helps cover your upper area bases as well.
THE A-LINE
DB Collection, A-line Chiffon Split-front Overlay $499.95
Considered the most universally flattering, the A Line silhouette works for full-figure through sweet petite. Apple and Pear shapes especially look good in this style. The skirt should drape freely around your curves, showing no pinching or bunching. Because of its simplicity, the A Line is usually partnered with more complex dress top designs. That means you’re probably wearing something pretty complex up above to cover it. So give your bottom a break. A simple high-waisted panty or shapewear bottom should do just fine for the occasion…
Wacoal, Light and Lacy Brief $19 or 3 for $48
These gorgeous lacy high briefs look delicate but are created with 19% spandex that makes them tough enough to wear everyday. They’re great to move in, but also fantastic at keeping everything in place.
Maidenform Shapewear SmoothTec Shaping Boyshorts $30
Craving a little middle area control but not full shapewear? These super smooth high waist boyshorts from Maidenform are a great happy medium. Light shaping gives you that extra bit of confidence with the easy feeling of wearing a regular panty.
BodyWrap, The Pinup Bodysuit w/Molded Cups $70.40
With many options of convertible straps (including strapless) this smooth panty bodysuit is a chameleon to handle whatever direction your options go topside, while keeping things smooth and simple down below.
THE SHEATH
Nicole Miller, Bianca Gown $600
A traditional sheath is a straight cut with a nipped waistline but no visible waist seam. Sometimes also called a Column dress, this silhouette works well with hourglass and athletic body shapes, and is especially flattering for petites and 5’7″+ ladies. The skirt portion is fitted, so as is the case with the Mermaid style, you’re going to want to choose something below the waist that won’t break up the sleek silhouette with pesky panty lines…
Wacoal, Perfectly Placed Hi-Cut Brief $19
Because a sheath is less form-fitting than a mermaid style, you don’t have to go full thong, however the fabric does hug more closely than an A Line, so you should be wary of potential panty lines. Meet your new best friend with this seamless, nylon-spandex stretch high-cut from Wacoal. Super comfy with no VPL (visible panty lines), and sizes from XS up to 2XL.
Wacoal, Elevated Allure Hi-Waist Thigh Shaper $54.60
If you’re a little concerned about tummy bulging or just want that extra bit of hip & thigh control, this firm control thigh shaper will work wonders. The high waist and tummy panel will handle that nipped sheath dress waistline while insuring no visible waist seam. The longer leg and thigh shaping makes sure things stay smooth through the hips.
Maidenform, Shapewear Firm Control Strapless Slip $68
Bring on the sheer, the clingy and the unforgiving fabrics ready to show every bulge and panty line. This mid-thigh strapless slip will cover all your “bases” while keeping your silhouette looking effortlessly smooth under that shealth dress.
THE BALL GOWN
DB Studio, Plus Tulle Strapless Dress $449
The Ball Gown silhouette leaves no doubt you are a Queen among brides. Be it frothy tulle or costly crepe, the ball gown is a 360 degree explosion of fabric that flows forth from a properly nipped-in waist. How tight that waist is, is entirely up to you. As for down below, you’ve got free reign. This style is especially flattering if you’re an Apple, a Pear or if your frame leans more towards Athletic.
ThirdLove, Lace Back Cheeky Panty $28
Give yourself the royal treatment with these low rise, cheeky coverage panties by ThirdLove. Gentle waistband won’t hamper your style, and wrap around lace will have you feeling like a true princess.
Wacoal, Beyond Naked Shaping Hi-Cut Brief $48
Want that corset-cinching power but can’t find the right bra style to match? This firm waist shaper plus smooth brief is just what the dress maker ordered.
Spanx, Red Hot Convertible Mid-Thigh Bodysuit $66
This all-in-one shaping solution gives you plenty of strap options, tons of smoothing material and moderate mid shaping to ensure a nice waist-nipped look without the heavy boning.
THE EMPIRE WAIST
David’s Bridal Collection, Short Sleeve Empire Waist Chiffon Dress $549
With a high waistline right under the bust, the Empire silhouette is second only to the A-Line in its versatility to look great on so many body types. In fact, just about every shape looks great in it with two exceptions. Hourglass ladies and those with an Athletic build, this look may still work but it will not be your most flattering. As for who looks best? Pear-shaped ladies, the Empire was positively made for you!
b.tempt’d, b.bare Hi-Waist Thong $14
It only makes sense that with such a high waistline on your gown, you’re going to look best with high-waisted panties. This “barely there” sleek thong adds a combination of smoothing spandex and stretchy soft nylon to kick your sexy look and comfy feel to a whole new level.
Va Bien, Minus Touch Firm Control High Waist Brief $46
If you’re feeling the need for some body sculpting with your gown, a high waist firm control bottom will help give you that exra piece of mind. This one by Va Bien offers firm control, so it will reduce your tummy sag by 1″ while the sleek outside keeps any bulging and bumps away from your natural waistline.
Va Bien Ultra Lift Strapless Low Back Bodysuit $95
With the Empire style the focus is on lifting and pushing up the breasts. Give your gals the lift and support they need to achieve this with a smooth bodysuit that comes with a built in push-up bra. This fun and flirty number by Va Bien checks all the boxes.
CUT OUT GOWN
Lulus, Trista White Cut Out Gown $111
When you think about it, wedding dresses have included things like keyhole cut outs and open backs for some time. This season’s cut out gowns are simply adding to these options. Beach destination and laidback weddings can easily handle the more racier options. If your ceremony is more on the conservative side? There are plenty of designer options out there for you too. Obviously the big thing to keep in mind with this style is where exactly those cut outs are going to occur. Up top will be the most tricky, but don’t forget the down below. Whether your cut out is a rib cage front or side cuts, your best bets are to go low (as in hipster) or find a bodysuit that matches your skin-showing areas.
b.tempt’d, b.bare Hipster $14
Offering lightweight, clean cut fabric, this b.bare hipster by b.tempt’d has smooth, flat lace below your hip area to ensure zero bulging or rolls. The low profile ensures no peekaboo while keeping you in comfort.
Body Wrap, The Catwalk Hi-Waist $52
If your cut outs are causing some unnecessary stress, this high waisted capri can pull double duty in adding nude “coloring” for either your side cuts or belly-grazing triangle cuts.
Rhonda Shear, Seamless Smoothing Body Suit $39.90
Whether your cutout is the sides, front or back this body suit gives you plenty of demure coverage so you can display some skin tone without it being actual skin.
THE BRIDAL SUIT
David’s Bridal Collection, Single Button Plus Size Suit Jacket $229.95 and Satin Waist Band Fitted Suit Pant $119.95
Not every bride dreams of wearing a dress at her wedding. Bridal suits are a popular option for many non-traditional minded brides. From tuxedo-inspired suits to unexpected modern silhouettes, the choices are practically endless.
Third Love, The No Show Bikini Kit (set of 5) $50
Even moreso than with gowns, white pants can be very tricky. Seamless briefs are great to keep away that VPL but making sure those panty colors don’t show through is another story. Third Love’s no-show bikini kit has five ‘nude’ color options from pale ivory to dark expresso. With this much selection, you’re sure to find your perfect shade.
Maidenform, Slim Waister Seamless High-Waist $53
With plenty of waist-nipping control, this slimmer also helps smooth thighs and the rear. The long length will also make sure nothing shows under even the clingiest of pants.
Self Expressions, WYOB Singlet Slip $19.60
Who doesn’t love a multi-tasker? This one-piece shaper helps slim your entire torso, including a built-in smoother if bra-bulge is something you’d rather not deal with. And of course, in addition to the tummy control there are the thigh smoother. One last bonus? You can use your own bra!
That’s the Top 7. We hope you came away with some great ideas to make your special day even more so. And if you’re still looking for ideas “up top”, check out our article on the Top 9 Bridal gown necklines and how to support them.
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