Planning for the big day is under way! You’ve narrowed down (or maybe already purchased) your stunning bridal gown. Now comes the fun part – putting together a winning set of undergarments that will keep you calm, chic and supported.
Sure, we know you’ve probably heard tall tales of rib-bruising girdles, gasping-for-air corsets, or worse, the dreaded cautionary tale of “bridal wardrobe malfunction”. Okay, girl, deep breath and remember, you got this! We have 21st Century smart fabrics, and even smarter designers…all there to give you great fitting undergarments that won’t put your panties in a bunch.
Our editors have pulled together a full arsenal of products and matched them against the 9 (count ’em!!) most popular necklines so you can choose your best bra or shapewear (if you’re craving control).
Interested in what works for the down below? Check out our sister article here, where we give you our best advice and recommendations for what to wear under the 7 most popular bridal gown silhouettes.
Without further adieu, let’s get started, shall we?
THE SWEETHEART
David’s Bridal Collection, Strapless Crystal Floral Bodice Dress $399.99
We’ll start with the most popular of all bridal necklines, the Sweetheart. As the name implies, the contour of the neckline’s top half shapes out like the top half of a heart. Usually strapless, but not always, the trick to supporting this style is ensuring the ladies have plenty of separation and support. Here’s some short and long bra options we like…
Wacoal, Red Carpet Strapless Full Busted Underwire Bra $72
As the saying goes, “When the straps come off, the true test of a bra is whether it stays up”. We couldn’t agree more. The Red Carpet Strapless Bra is available in sizes from a 30B to a 44I to ensure the best possible fit. Silicone on the top and bottom edges help keep things in place as you dance the night away. Soft and smooth fabric keeps you comfortable from ceremony to reception.
Elila Lace, Strapless Longline Underwire Bra $74
For a long bra look, this corset by Elila Lace’s has removable straps, push up pads, powermesh back fabric for extra control and a thick waist band to ensure zero rolling up.
THE HIGH NECKLINE
Melissa Sweet, Embroidered Mock Neck Plus Size Wedding Dress $1,199
Next in popularity, we have the High neckline. As the name implies, it has a high band collar and fits close to the neck. This style can be fully modest with solid material or slightly demure with lace or other sheer fabrics. Let’s look at some great options…
Wacoal, Evocative Edge Underwire Bra $68
Whether your High neckline is lacy or solid, the name of the game is comfort. That’s why we’re recommending the Evocative Edge. It comes in a 4-section cup, for the utmost lift and support while delivering a round shape. And the deco-inspired lace up top is so pretty, it’ll give you princess vibes all night long.
Madienform Shapewear, Love The Lift Shaping Camisole $58
Cute and comfortable, this light shaping camisole lifts and separates the girls while keeping a low profile under your neckline. Soft, flexible and flattering…we love it!
THE SABRINA
Terani Couture, Embroidered and Beaded Two-Piece Wedding Dress $330
Also referred to as the Boatneck, the Sabrina neckline gently follows the curve of the collarbone, creating a strikingly beautiful look, with just a hint of flirt as the edges of the shoulder line dip towards, but never fully off, the shoulders.
b.tempt’d, Modern Method Strapless Bra $44
The beauty of a well constructed strapless is how it creates a “shelf” for your gals, allowing the support needed to play well with your boatneck top. This lacy nude number looks as pretty by itself as it will under your gorgeous gown.
Va Bien, Vintage Strapless Longline Bra $65
Sometimes the best way to figure out your straps on a tricky neckline is to simply remove them altogether. This corseted longline bra by Va Bien gives great support for your girls while getting rid of any anxiety that your Sabrina neckline is too tricky for your bra straps to match.
THE JEWEL
Sachin and Babi, Kathryn Gown $795
The Jewel is a higher rounded neckline, focusing on exposing the neck and just a sneak peek of the collarbone. Just as if you were wearing a large, statement necklace. With so much of the front covered up, this style is almost always combined with a sleeveless shoulder. What makes the most sense for under this neckline? Here’s our recommendations…
Wacoal, Halo Lace Strapless Underwire Bra $55
Jewel necklines are tricky until you realize the easiest answer to no-show bra lines is to not have them. Don’t let the delicate lacy look of this strapless from Wacoal fool you. With silicone along the neckline to keep your gals in place and stretchy nylon + spandex lace creating a conforming bandeau around you, you feel secure and comfortable. No wonder they offer it in sizes all the way up to a 40DDD.
Fine Lines, Strapless Convertible Bustier $49.95
If you absolutely need to have straps, then you’ve got to get creative. This convertible longline by Fine Lines can crisscross in the front and go racerback in the back and so much more.
OFF-THE SHOULDER
David’s Bridal Collection, Off the Shoulder Satin Ball Gown $699
Also called Portrait, this neckline runs (as name implies) off the shoulder, with extra fabric framing the exposed shoulders. That side fabric may give the appearance of sleeves, but don’t be fooled and try to get yourself a bra with straps. You won’t find anything that matches, let alone gives any strap support. Best option is totally strapless. Here’s long and short versions we’re fond of…
Fashion Forms, Voluptuous Backless Strapless Bra $41.99
Strapless and backless in a short bra may sound like an impossible feat, but it can be done with the right materials. With wide adhesive grippers at the top edge of cup for a secure fit and memory foam front giving contoured support and comfort. We’ll toast to that!
b.tempt’d, Future Foundation Backless Strapless Bra $55
If you’re not feeling 100% confident in a silicone strapped bra then your best bet for off-the-shoulder and backless is a great fitting, low hook longline. This long bra from b.tempt’d is a perfect solution. No-seam outer shell keeps everything smooth under your bodice and the sturdy hook and eye back strap will keep everything in place.
THE QUEEN ANNE
BrideLady, Tulle & Satin Queen Anne Neckline Ball Gown Wedding Dress $339
This regal neckline rises high at the back of the neck while plunging low in the front. These seeming contradictions between daring and demure unite to create a stunning, powerfully feminine look, sure to draw all eyes on you. How to best support this concept? Here’s some great options we found…
Calvin Klein, Seductive Comfort Lace Demi Bra $34.50
With so much front cleavage showing, you want a bra that discreetly lifts and separates. Demi bras are made for this task, with their half to three-quarters coverage, they have a slight tilt, pushing the breasts towards center while lifting. Or at least that’s what a really great demi bra is supposed to do. Like this one by Calvin Klein, with 4.6 out of 5 stars review.
Maidenform Shapewear, Wear Your Own Bra Torsette $53
A torsette is a great solution to allow you the best of both worlds…your favorite lowest plunging bra and all the needed body shaping power of a corset. This version by Maidenform has the ideal cut for your Queen Anne neckline.
ONE-SHOULDER
Halston, Brianna Crepe Asymmetric Gown $445
Ah the one-shoulder. Seemingly easy enough, but wait – is it right or left shouldered? How far over does the strap go? Is the neckline high up halter style? Or edgy and down low? For this very trendy style, your best best is a well-constructed convertible bra. Here are our picks…
Wacoal, Future Foundation Wire Free Strapless $44
Left strap, right strap, high or low, this bra from Wacoal is really the future. With it’s combination of materials woven together to create a supportive yet supple and comfortable feel you can be fully confident that no matter how your one-shoulder is constructed, this bra can handle it.
Jezebel, Body Veil Strapless Bustier $58
For those times when you need both a versatile top for your one-shoulder and some corset control…oh, and you need all this plus a seamless look? Consider this bustier from Jezebel your ace-in-the-hole. YW.
SQUARE NECKLINE
DB Studio, Lace A-Line Square Neck Plus Gown $349
The square neckline shows a lot of real estate up top while still maintaining a mostly demure silhouette. Most commonly seen with an Empire waist gown, this season we’ve seen this neckline coming out in all sorts of ways from ball gowns to shealth. And there seems to be (at least for now) no slowing it down. That said, this style is pretty much begging for a great balconette bra.
b.tempt’d, Ciao Bella Balconette Bra $42
We’re just over the moon for this light and lacy number from b.tempt’d. It’s flirty lace adds a fun element over some solidly supporting foam cups. The cut is perfect for your best square neck gown.
Cosabella, Longline Balconette Bra $87.25
This balconette beauty adds some extra upper torso control, for those times when you need a little extra streamlining of your upper silhouette.
THE BRIDAL SUIT
Dsquared2 New Season, Double-Breasted 2-Pc Suit $2,600
Finally, our last neckline is a look that has been gaining popularity for some time now – the Bridal suit. As more brides are entering into relationships from many backgrounds, there are a growing group that crave a beautiful gown-less option, that’s no less stunning as they head down the aisle. The most trending of these options is to wear the suit sans shirt, which when you think about it, means this look has a lot in common with your deep plunge tops…simply put, you’ll want a deep plunge bra.
b.tempt’d, Etched in Style T-shirt Bra $44
With sizing all the way up to a 40DDD, this bra form b.tempt’d has the front plunge you’re looking for, the comfort of a t-shirt style bra, and all the bells and whistles of great support as well.
Full Figure Maidenform, Deep Plunge Longline $44
When you’re really taking the plunge, you’re going to need some additional side support. This longline version from Maidenform will let you show off your décolletage to your delight, while keeping your ladies in place as you dance the night away.
So that covers the Top 9 Most Popular Bridal Necklines and what to wear with them. Hope you enjoyed it, and if you’re looking for more advice on what undergarment to go under your gown, check out the sister article
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