Whether you’re the bride, part of the bridal party, or attending as a guest, weddings are an opportunity to look and feel your best. It’s a celebration of love where eyes (and camera lenses) are everywhere, making comfort and confidence crucial. Shapewear can be a game changer, helping you create a flattering silhouette to complement your outfit and keep you feeling amazing throughout the day and night.
This guide will walk you through selecting the best shapewear for weddings based on your role in the wedding and your choice of outfit style. We’ll help you to achieve not only the perfect fit and silhouette, but also ultimate comfort.
Shapewear for brides
Choosing your underwear for your wedding day can feel monumental! You want to find something that holds your shape, works with your choice of dress, is easy to dance (go to the loo) in, and feels both comfortable and sexy. Asking too much? We don’t think so! Here’s our pick of styles based on your dress:
Princess & A line dresses
If your gown flares out from the waist or hips, this is where your shaping needs to focus. A bodysuit is ideal here as it will cinch your waist and smooth your hips while also giving you a killer cleavage for plunge or sweetheart necklines.
Mermaid & trumpet line dresses
These clingy styles highlight curves, so high waisted shaping shorts provide an ideal foundation. They smooth and refine your line from under your bust right down your thighs for a super sleek look, while also lifting your bum and supporting your back. Granted, they’re not the sexiest of underwear choices, so balance this out in your planning – either take a change of underwear or own it!
Strapless gowns
For strapless styles, a corset offers support without peeking through. Be wary of fabric here as a corset that’s too structured or embellished is likely to work against the structure of the gown itself. A super supportive strapless bodice might work better with a waist focussed girdle, for example. For less structured gowns, you can use adhesive dresser’s tapes or gripper fabrics to keep everything in place.
Lingerie to make you feel spectacular
Bridal shapewear doesn’t need to be purely functional; it can also be beautiful! Lace or satin options elevate practicality to elegance, ensuring you feel fabulous from the inside out.
Shapewear for bridesmaids
Bridesmaids aren’t just there as part of a colour scheme! These ladies shoulder many responsibilities, from keeping nerves at bay to organising last-minute fixes to hitting the dancefloor with Great Uncle Bob. This means their shapewear needs to strike a balance between style, flexibility, and comfort.
Key features for bridesmaid shapewear
- All day comfort
Bridesmaid shapewear should offer light to medium compression since you’ll likely have many hours of wear. Bodysuits with adjustable straps or shaping slips with open bust designs are comfortable and secure accommodating various dress styles.
- Movement and flexibility
Panelled and seamless control briefs are great for keeping dresses smooth and comfortable as you move. Look for breathable fabrics and say no to restrictive underwear so you can focus on dancing the night away or leaping after flying bouquets!
Shapewear for mothers of the bride and groom
Mothers of the bride and groom have a long day of hosting and socialising ahead of them. So outfit choices are often both practical and elegant. From a tailored suit to a flowy dress or two piece, this shapewear for weddings enhances both form and function.
Comfort is key
With such a long day and evening of entertaining, you may favour lower compression garments. High-waisted shaping briefs are ideal for a structured waistline while allowing for comfortable, confident movement.
Tailored looks
For trouser suits, shaping shorts ensure a smooth trouser line. Think about adding posture support with girdle style or high waisted designs that also provide lower back support.
Shapewear for wedding guests
For guests, shapewear depends on your outfit style and how you prefer to present yourself. Here’s how you can find suitable foundation garments for popular dress codes:
Strapless & spaghetti strap dresses
A strapless shaping dress gives the ultimate in smooth dress line under any dress style. They provide full coverage and smoothness from the midsection to the thighs without interfering with delicate necklines.
Floaty summer dresses
Soft, flowing fabrics like chiffon can benefit from shaping shorts that smooth out the hips and thighs. Avoid heavy compression here to maintain the light and airy aesthetic.
Fitted mini or cocktail dresses
High waisted shorts or girdles work wonders under shorter dresses by contouring the midsection and avoiding visible panty lines.
Jumpsuits or playsuits
Choose shaping bodysuits with medium compression to enhance your natural curves while maintaining the drape of your jumpsuit.
Why the perfect fit matters
Regardless of your role or outfit, buying the right sized shapewear for weddings is critical for comfort and effectiveness. Incorrectly fitted shapewear can roll down, dig in, or even ruin the line of your outfit. To ensure a perfect fit:
- Measure your waist, hips, and bust: Use a tape measure to determine your exact dimensions and consult each brand’s size guide. Go by your waist measurement first and foremost.
- Round up if unsure: If you’re between sizes, always go for the larger size to avoid discomfort or compression that’s too tight.
- Fit test: Wear the shapewear under your outfit for a trial run before the big day. Check for any rolling, pinching, or visible edges.
Freedom to celebrate
Wedding days are about love and celebration. The most crucial aspect of shapewear for weddings is ensuring it works for you, not against you. Comfort is paramount, and great shapewear should enhance, not distract from, the magic of the occasion. Whether you’re gliding down the aisle, mixing it up on the dancefloor, or catching the bouquet, your confidence deserves to shine. When you look and feel your best, it’s easier to focus on what matters most: cherished moments with loved ones. No one wants their shapewear to detract from that! Shop for quality and comfort here.
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
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