How to Buy the Right Undergarments For Your Wedding Gown

Is there a secret to the perfect wedding gown fit?

Why yes there is and we’re here to tell you what it is! Surprisingly, your undergarment choices have a lot to do with whether your gown is ill-fitting or has any visible straps, bumps, or lines. Shopping for undergarments might seem less exciting than searching for your wedding dress, but whether you go braless, opt for shape-wear, or a matching bra and underwear set, undergarments are the foundational pieces of your bridal ensemble. Choose the wrong ones and you can completely offset the look of your wedding gown. If you’re unsure of what to wear underneath your specific wedding gown, here’s a pro bridal tip: in most cases, your everyday bra and underwear won’t be the right fit for your wedding gown. Different silhouettes and styles call for specific undergarments, so we’ve put together a mini-guide on how to find the right undergarments for your wedding gown!

Underwear

Your bridal underwear options come down to the style of gown you have chosen. If you are wearing a more classic silhouette like a ballgown, there is more wiggle room for the kind of undergarments you can wear. With the volume of a ballgown skirt, any lines your underwear may create will be hidden, so you can opt for something a bit more comfortable or express your style with some lingerie. A form-fitting or slip gown will require seamless underwear to blend in with your gown. There is typically one piece of fabric that hugs your curves, so any form of underwear with a smooth finish will work.

V-Neckline & Halter

Photography by All The Little Stories Photography

For a wedding gown with a lower neckline, try to find a bra that has a plunging front. This will ensure your bra remains unseen while still giving you that extra support. Depending on the kind of straps your gown has - spaghetti straps, halter, or thick straps - you may need to also find a low-cut bra that has clear or no straps. If you decide on shape-wear, some undergarments are designed as a bodysuit to prevent any lines or bumps.

Open Back or Illusion Panels

Open back and illusion gowns are the trickiest when it comes to bridal undergarments. If your gown has built-in support and you feel comfortable with its fit with no bra, then go for it! But, if you tend to need a bit more support or feel more at ease with your gown due to the revealing aspect of the silhouette, opt for an adhesive cup bra or a bra with a plunging back. This will hold you in place without exposing any straps in the back, front, or side of your gown. Don’t forget, if you choose to wear shape-wear, you have to make sure its waistline is in line with or below the back of your gown or illusion panels.

Strapless

Photography by Courtney Chau Photography

The most popular wedding gown silhouette is the easiest to buy undergarments for! Usually, you can wear a typical strapless bra that should keep you in place throughout the night (nude hues are always best). But, if your gown is a bit more form-fitting, you may want to choose a bra that has a seamless finish or no underwire. This will keep any lines from appearing and is more comfortable, as most wire bras tend to be uncomfortable after you’ve been wearing them for a long time. If your gown has a corset back or built-in cups, we suggest going without a bra, as it should be able to provide you with enough support.