What to Wear Underneath a Wedding Dress

Without a doubt, your wedding day calls for paying a little extra attention to your undergarments. That said, you want to find the right undetectable items that provide support while streamlining your silhouette. But choosing what to wear underneath a wedding dress can be tricky. There’s fit to consider, along with fabric, lines, and the way the undergarment will lie beneath your dress. By taking a moment to learn a few helpful tips, you’ll be equipped to find the perfect underthings to keep you looking gorgeous (and comfortable) on your wedding day. Here’s a quick guide to what to wear under wedding dresses across a range of styles.

Sleeveless Gowns

Sleeveless gowns are one of the most popular wedding dress styles (and one of the most difficult to find undergarments for). Before you rush off to buy a bra, wait until your first dress fitting, and don’t be shy about asking for recommendations. One of the best pieces of advice is to pay attention to fit. You may want to get your bust resized by a bra retailer before making a purchase. You may even find the wedding dress is sufficiently structured to not require a bra or might be able to accommodate a bra that’s sewn into the lining of the dress. (Note: This strategy is also key for open-back dresses.)

Halter Styles

While a sleek and supportive halter bra can be a good choice for some styles of halter dresses, you’ll want to pay close attention to the bra’s details. Convertible bras, for instance, often have little clips and bumps that don’t play well with sheer fabrics. You’ll also want to gauge how the straps on a halter bra will lie beneath your gown. Deep plunge necklines often pair well with adhesive bras, though these tend to work best for smaller cup sizes.

Sheath Dresses

Among the most form-flattering styles, sheath dresses call for barely there underthings with ultra-clean lines. This often means opting for nude, seamless thongs that offer a line-free silhouette. You might also consider full slip-style shapewear that provides smooth coverage.

Ball Gowns

Depending on the neckline, ball gowns tend to go well with strapless or corset-style bras. When it comes to what to wear from the waist down, we have great news: Wear anything you want. Because the skirt is roomy, you can wear lace, embellishments, or even your “something blue.”

Mermaid or Trumpet Styles

As with sheath dresses, mermaid and trumpet styles tend to hug the hips and bottom. This means smooth, minimalist undergarments with seamless edges are best. However (especially if your gown is textured), don’t be afraid to opt for luxe alternative fabrics like sheer mesh or lace.

Whatever your personal style and dress design, contemporary wedding lingerie offers endless options. Choose a lingerie shop that takes appointments and spend some time working with a friendly expert—you’ll be glad you did.