Wedding Underwear: What to Wear Under a Wedding Dress & Where to Buy It

Choosing your wedding dress is a huge milestone to tick off your wedding planning checklist, but where do you even start when it comes to wedding underwear?

With the excitement of finding your dream dress settling in, the reality of wedding undergarments might seem like a less glamorous detail. However, finding the right bridal underwear is all about amplifying your confidence and comfort, letting your dress truly take centre stage. 

Just like finding the perfect dress, selecting the ideal undergarments involves understanding your dress's design, silhouette, sheerness, and neckline - We'll delve deeper into these details next, so get ready to find out all you need to know about what to wear under a wedding dress and where to buy it. 

Choosing Wedding Underwear: Top Picks and Buying Tips

Like we mentioned, finding the best wedding underwear and bridal underwear involves knowing which bras and undergarments pair best with different wedding dress styles.

However, choosing the right underwear for your wedding dress appointment and fitting is also crucial. You'd be surprised how important it is to get this detail right for these occasions!

To guide you through this exciting journey, we've enlisted the expertise of Gemma Birtwistle, Design and Creative Manager at Gossard. Get ready to discover the best underwear for wedding dresses that will make you feel confident and sexy on your special day!

• What to Wear Under a Wedding Dress
• What is Invisible Underwear for Wedding Dresses?
• What Underwear to Wear to a Wedding Dress Appointment? 
• What Underwear to Wear to a Wedding Dress Fitting?
• ​​How to Measure Bust Size for Wedding Underwear UK?
• How to Choose the Right Shapewear for a Wedding Dress? 
• Where to Buy Wedding Underwear UK?

What to Wear Under a Wedding Dress

When we talk about wedding underwear, we're not referring to the white lingerie for wedding nights and the luxurious lace pieces reserved for the honeymoon suite. Instead, we're focusing on the practical, yet essential, garments that provide the support and structure you need. These trusty companions will ensure everything stays in place, allowing your wedding dress to drape flawlessly and showcase its full splendour.

When it comes to deciding what to wear under a wedding dress, it will always depend on the kind of wedding dress you’ve chosen and what kind of body shape you have.

During your wedding dress appointment, you'll gain valuable insights into your dress's details – does it require a bra? Does it have sheer panels that need extra coverage? What kind of neckline does it feature? Knowing these elements will empower you to select the ideal undergarments, ensuring a flawless and comfortable fit.

A lot of modern wedding dresses now have built-in support around the bust area and many also have a corset or lining that will have you feeling comfortable enough to refrain from wearing a bra or undergarments - but this won’t be the case for everyone, so always make sure to check! 

If you're unsure, you can always ask when you're buying your wedding dress - your bridal stylist will be able to give you expert advice tailored to suit your choice of dress and support needs.

What to Wear Under a Sheer Wedding Dress

When your wedding dress boasts beautiful sheer panels or illusion details, choosing the right undergarments becomes even more crucial. While traditional wedding underwear comes in white, ivory, or nude, for a sheer dress, the specific colour choice is key to maintaining the illusion of seamless beauty.

Gemma Birtwistle, Design and Creative Manager at Gossard says, "For a dress with any sheer elements, opt for a smooth, seamless underwear set that closely matches your skin tone. Aim for an almost-invisible finish to preserve the illusion created by the dress's design."

By selecting underwear that disappears under the sheer fabric, you ensure your undergarments become part of the dress's overall aesthetic, not a separate element. This allows the intricate details of your gown to truly shine, creating a flawless and sophisticated look.

What to Wear Under a Plunge Neckline Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses with plunging necklines often offer built-in support, but some brides might crave a little extra confidence boost. If this sounds like you, the wedding gown underwear specifically designed for low necklines should be your first line of defence. 

“Look for ‘plunge bras’ – these undergarments are crafted with a lower centre gore and deeper cups to provide ample support without peeking through the neckline. They come in various styles and levels of lift, so you can find the perfect balance for your needs,” recommends Gemma. 

However, if your chosen neckline plunges even deeper, wedding gown underwear alone might not be enough. This is where the magic of a skilled seamstress comes in. Discuss your desire for additional support with your dressmaker. 

They can seamlessly sew in bra cups or create hidden support structures within the dress itself. This approach offers a comfortable and elegant solution for dramatic necklines, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout your wedding celebration - but remember, alterations often require additional time so be sure to factor this into your planning! 

What to Wear Under a Strapless Wedding Dress

When it comes to strapless wedding dress, the right bridal wedding underwear plays a crucial role, acting as your secret weapon to ensure both comfort and confidence on your big day.

“Look for a bra specifically designed for strapless wedding dresses. These bras often have a wider band for added support and stability. Built-in silicone bands or adhesive cups provide extra grip, preventing the bra from slipping down throughout the day,” says Gemma. 

You may also want to consider a convertible bra for added versatility. These bras offer detachable straps that can be removed for a strapless look during the ceremony and reception, then easily reattached for additional support during dancing or other activities later in the evening.

What to Wear Under a Short Wedding Dress

When it comes to underwear for bridal gowns with shorter hemlines, there are a few key considerations to ensure a flawless and comfortable look.

The golden rule is that your underwear for a bridal gown should never peek out from underneath the dress. This applies to both the shapewear and the underpants you choose. When selecting shapewear, be mindful of the bottom length. If the standard option extends below your dress's hemline, consider a shorter version or have it altered by a seamstress. This ensures a smooth, seamless look and prevents any unwanted lines from showing through.

What is Invisible Underwear for Wedding Dresses?

'Invisible underwear for wedding dresses' is basically undergarments specifically designed to remain discreet and seamless under various styles of wedding dresses. These are usually crafted from lightweight, smooth fabrics such as microfiber, nylon, or spandex, all which help minimise that dreaded VPL (Visible Panty Line)!

Common types of invisible underwear for wedding dresses include seamless thongs or briefs with flat edges and no seams, making them nearly imperceptible under tight-fitting or lightweight fabrics. No-show panties are also popular, made from thin, stretchy materials with laser-cut edges to prevent lines from showing through.

For dresses with low backs or intricate designs, silicone stick-on thongs or adhesive underwear can be ideal, adhering directly to the skin for coverage without visible straps or lines. Microfiber or nylon briefs offer full coverage while remaining smooth and lightweight, ensuring comfort and discretion under various dress styles.

When selecting invisible underwear for your wedding dress, consider the fabric and silhouette of your dress to ensure the undergarments blend seamlessly. It's crucial to try them on during dress fittings to ensure they provide the desired coverage and comfort without compromising the overall look of your bridal attire.

What Underwear to Wear to a Wedding Dress Appointment

Wedding dress underwear is also important when it comes to your initial appointments. 

The key to a successful wedding dress appointment is feeling at ease while trying on different styles. Opt for a comfortable, well-fitting bra and underwear set that you feel confident and supported in. This allows you to focus on the dress itself and truly envision yourself walking down the aisle.

If you have a multi-way bra or one with detachable straps, bring it along! This allows you to try on strapless and one-shoulder wedding dresses with and without bra support. It gives you a clearer picture of how the dress feels and drapes with different undergarment options.

What Underwear to Wear to a Wedding Dress Fitting?

It’s absolutely paramount that the undergarments you wear to your wedding dress fitting are similar, if not the ones you’ll be wearing on the big day. If you are unsure about which wedding underwear you’ll be wearing, use your wedding dress fitting as a chance to try out the different styles you have and make a decision there.

This is super important because the last thing you need on the morning of your wedding day is to realise your strapless bra comes up higher than your wedding dress, or the sheer panel in your dress shows your shapewear.

Often you will have more than one wedding dress fitting, especially if you are having alterations done, so you’ll have a few opportunities to double check.

How to Measure Bust Size for Wedding Underwear UK?

Gemma shares, “Much like beauty comes from within, confidence comes from what you wear underneath your wedding dress! Surprisingly most women are wearing the incorrect size bra!”

"Wearing the correct bra size can enhance your natural shape, improve your posture and create a gorgeous silhouette as well as fully supporting you throughout your wedding day. Whatever style you choose to go for, a correct fitting bra is essential to avoid any distractions or discomfort during the day.”

Here's a step-by-step guide to measuring your bust size for bridal underwear in the UK:

Step 1: Measure Your Band Size

• Wear a Non-Padded Bra: For the most accurate measurement, wear a non-padded bra that fits well.
• Measure Under Your Bust: Using a soft measuring tape, measure snugly around your ribcage, just under your bust. Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and snug but not tight.
• Record the Measurement: Note the measurement in inches. This is your band size. If the number is an odd figure, round up to the nearest even number. For example, if you measure 31 inches, round up to 32 inches.

Step 2: Measure Your Bust Size

• Measure at the Fullest Part of Your Bust: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust, ensuring it is parallel to the ground and not too tight or too loose.
• Record the Measurement: Note this measurement in inches.

Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size

• Subtract the Band Measurement from the Bust Measurement: The difference between these two measurements determines your cup size.
• Less than 1 inch: AA cup
• 1 inch: A cup
• 2 inches: B cup
• 3 inches: C cup
• 4 inches: D cup
• 5 inches: DD cup
• 6 inches: E cup
• 7 inches: F cup
• 8 inches: FF cup
• 9 inches: G cup
• 10 inches: GG cup

For example, if your bust measurement is 36 inches and your band size is 32 inches, the difference is 4 inches, making you a 32D.

Step 4: Check the Fit

• Try On Different Styles: Bridal underwear comes in various styles and fits. Try different bras to find the one that provides the best support and comfort for your dress.
• Adjust the Straps: Ensure the straps are adjusted correctly, and the band sits snugly around your ribcage without riding up.
• Check for Proper Support: Your bust should be fully supported, and there should be no spillage or gaps.

How to Choose the Right Shapewear for a Wedding Dress? 

Wedding underwear for brides also includes shapewear. The best underwear for wedding dresses usually consists of a combination of supportive bras and well-fitted shapewear designed to enhance your silhouette and provide comfort throughout your special day.

Think about the amount of shaping you desire. Are you looking for a light smoothing effect or targeted control in areas like your tummy, hips, or thighs? Understanding your needs will guide you in selecting the right shapewear.

For full-body shaping, consider bodysuits that smooth your torso, hips, and thighs. They come in various styles, including strapless options ideal for backless or strapless dresses. If you want to target your tummy, hips, and thighs, shapewear shorts create a streamlined silhouette, particularly suitable for dresses with skirts starting lower on the waist. High-waisted briefs provide targeted tummy control and are comfortable under form-fitting dresses.

On your wedding day, prioritise comfort. Opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics like nylon or spandex for ease of movement. Ensure your shapewear fits properly – snug but not constricting – to avoid discomfort, digging, or visible lines. Consider a professional fitting for the best results.

Remember, shapewear enhances confidence but is not essential. If you feel comfortable and supported without it, that's perfectly fine! Choose what makes you feel most beautiful and at ease on your special day.

Where to Buy Wedding Underwear?

Now you have a better idea of what it is you’re looking for, it’s time to buy that all-important wedding underwear. We’ve listed some of our favourite places to buy wedding underwear for you to browse through

1. Bravissimo

When it comes to shopping for wedding underwear in the UK there are a lot of great online stores, just like Bravissimo. 

They have an excellent range of both bridal lingerie and wedding underwear, along with virtual bra fittings and a wedding underwear guide of their own. We love their size inclusive seamless sets and multiway bras perfect for unusual wedding dress necklines for all nearlyweds. And, they also also just launched a range of boob-lift stickers which support fuller busts as well as those with smaller boobs.

• Sizing: 28D - 48L

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2. Gossard

Gossard underwear is completely wedding-worthy.

Their famous lace designs give wedding underwear a sexy, lingerie feel without anyone feeling uncomfortable and as experts in their field, they also offer amazing insight on self-measuring and information on sister sizing in case the bra you’ve fallen in love with is out of stock.

Their collections range from sexy lace to supportive slips and they have a number of multi-way garments that offer flexibility for nearlyweds. 

• Sizing: 30A - 44G

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3. M&S

M&S are known for their excellent underwear and offer bra fittings in almost all of their stores, supporting women across the UK in finding their perfect fit.

As well as having an amazing offering of supportive and inclusive underwear, they also offer amazing wedding shapewear ranging from long-line shorts and plunging bodysuits to all-in-ones and high-waisted knickers.

Their range of shades makes finding a match for a nude or sheer wedding dress easier for those with darker skin tones easier and their seamless range will create that barely-there look to help maintain the illusion.

• Sizing: 28A - 44K

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4. Boux Avenue

Boux Avenue have such a fun and playful range of underwear and lingerie, but their undergarments offer support for nearlyweds on a practical level too.

Their bras are as comfortable and supportive as they are beautiful and their sizes are inclusive with a specific range available for those with a larger bust. They also have an amazing range of swimwear so you can get your honeymoon outfits at the same time!

• Sizing: 28A - 40G

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5. John Lewis

John Lewis offers a diverse range of bridal underwear that caters to various body sizes and shapes, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for every nearlywed. Their collection features sizes ranging from 2 to 24, accommodating a wide spectrum of sizes. 

In addition to their comprehensive size range, John Lewis's bridal underwear is known for its affordability without compromising on quality. Whether you're looking for supportive bras, seamless shapewear, or delicate lace lingerie for your wedding day and beyond, John Lewis provides options that meet different style preferences and budget considerations.

• Sizing: A-J

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6. Pour Moi

Beautiful brides come in all shapes and sizes, and that's why we adore Pour Moi's inclusive collection. Available in sizes 8-22 and bra cup sizes A to J, their bridal lingerie ensures that every nearlywed can find the perfect fit.

Pour Moi's selection of bridal bras and bridal pants creates the perfect foundation for your wedding day look. Their range includes white and neutral lingerie styles, from supportive strapless bras to seamless shapewear, stockings, and suspenders. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to complement your gown and enhance your silhouette.

• Sizing: A-J

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Now that you've sorted your practical wedding underwear, it's time to think about something a little more daring for your wedding night. Grace your honeymoon suite with one of these alluring lingerie sets.