Wedding Underwear: What to Wear Under a Wedding Dress & Where to Buy It
Time to slip into something more comfortable? Discover our expert guide to shopping luxurious, flattering and supportive underwear that works for you and your dress style
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Choosing your wedding dress is a huge milestone to tick off your wedding planning checklist – but where do you start when it comes to finding the right wedding underwear?
After all the excitement of finding your dream dress, the idea of having to purchase wedding undergarments might feel like a less glamorous detail – but it is essential. Finding the right bridal underwear will amplify your confidence and comfort, so you can feel your absolute best on the big day.
And, just like shopping for the perfect wedding gown, selecting the right wedding underwear involves understanding the design of your dress – including the fabric, silhouette and neckline. Below, we delve deeper into all these details to help you discover all you need to know about the best underwear to wear with a wedding dress and where to buy it.
What to Wear Under a Wedding Dress: Top Picks & Expert Buying Tips
Finding the best wedding underwear for different dresses involves knowing which bras and undergarments pair best with which wedding dress styles. To help you in your search, we’ve tapped up the experts for their bridal lingerie tips.
- What Underwear to Wear Under a Wedding Dress?
- What Underwear to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping?
- How to Measure UK Bust Size for Wedding Underwear
- Where to Buy Wedding Lingerie in the UK
What Underwear to Wear Under a Wedding Dress?
First thing’s first: when we talk about wedding underwear, we’re not referring to the sexy wedding night lingerie reserved for the honeymoon suite. Instead, we’re focusing on the practical (yet essential) garments that will provide all the support and structure you need underneath your wedding dress.
The kind of wedding gown underwear you pick for the big day will very much come down to the wedding dress you’ve chosen – and you certainly shouldn’t pick it until you know that vital detail.
“I wouldn’t advise purchasing your wedding underwear before you find your wedding dress,” confirms Patricia Orelaja, bridal stylist and founder of plus-size bridal boutique Heavenly Bodies Bridal. “Different silhouettes can require different styles, and you won’t really know what you need until you’ve chosen your gown.
“The best time to purchase your wedding underwear is after you’ve chosen your dress but before your first fitting,” she adds.
In some cases, you might not even need a bra – many modern bridal styles now have built-in support, such as a corset or lining, that will have you feeling comfortable enough to refrain from wearing a bra or any kind of shapewear.
“There are so many great supportive dresses out there now and I’m a firm believer that the dress should do most of the work,” adds Patricia.
If you’re feeling unsure of what you might need to wear under your wedding dress, pose the question to your bridal stylist who will undoubtedly have years of experience helping brides feel their best ahead of the big day. They’ll be able to give you advice tailored to your choice of dress and support needs.
What to Wear Under a Sheer Wedding Dress
When your wedding dress boasts delicate sheer panelling or illusion details, choosing the right wedding underwear is even more crucial.
“For a dress with sheer elements, it’s best to opt for a smooth, seamless underwear set that closely matches your skin tone,” suggests Gemma Birtwistle, design and creative manager at Gossard. “Aim for an almost invisible finish to preserve the illusion created by the dress’s design.”
Invisible underwear is usually crafted from smooth, lightweight fabrics such as microfibre, nylon or spandex, all of which help to minimise that dreaded VPL.
Common types of invisible underwear for wedding dresses include seamless thongs or briefs with flat edges – ensuring they’re 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.
“In almost all cases, nude shades of underwear work best over white,” adds Patricia. “It’s also worth checking how your underwear looks underneath your dress in natural daylight to make sure it can’t be seen. Try on different options for the best results – and remember, your stylist is there to help you.”
What to Wear Under a Low Back Wedding Dress
For dresses with low backs or intricate panelling, adhesive backless wedding dress underwear can work if your dress doesn’t already have built-in support. When it comes to your bottom half, silicone stick-on thongs or lightweight microfibre briefs will keep the look smooth and promise comfort and discretion under various dress styles.
What to Wear Under a Plunge Neckline Wedding Dress
Wedding dresses with plunging necklines often have built-in support, but some brides might crave a little extra confidence boost. If this sounds like you, wedding 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 over the neckline,” says Gemma. “They come in various styles and levels of lift, so you can find the perfect balance for your needs.”
It’s worth noting that if your chosen neckline plunges even deeper than a standard plunge bra, you’ll likely require the magic of a skilled seamstress instead. Discuss your desire for additional support with your dressmaker who may be able to sew in bra cups or create a hidden support structure within the dress itself.
Remember, though, alterations like these will require time! So be sure to factor this in to your planning.
What to Wear Under a Strapless Wedding Dress
Similarly, the right bridal underwear will play a crucial role underneath a strapless gown:
“Look for strapless wedding dress bras specifically designed for that purpose, which often have a wider band for added support and stability,” says Gemma. “Built-in silicone bands or adhesive cups provide extra grip to prevent the bra from slipping down throughout the day.”
You may also want to consider a convertible bra for versatility. These bras often have detachable straps that can be removed for a strapless look during the ceremony and dinner – then easily reattached for additional support on the dancefloor.
What to Wear Under a Short Wedding Dress
When it comes to supportive underwear for bridal gowns with shorter hemlines, the most important thing is to be mindful of is the bottom length, so it doesn’t peek out from underneath your dress – particularly if you’re choosing shapewear.
What Underwear to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping?
Your choice of underwear is also important when it comes to your initial dress appointment and fittings.
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 brief set that you feel confident and supported in – this will allow you to focus on the dress and help you envision yourself walking down that aisle.
“I prefer brides to come in with a full brief when trying on dresses – it doesn’t need to be Spanx or anything restricting or uncomfortable, just something with a bit of coverage is usually best,” says Patricia. “Many of our plus size brides wear cycling short-type underwear – ultimately it’s what makes them feel comfortable.
“I’d also encourage brides to wear their usual bra, so there’s no need to purchase a strapless bra if you don’t already own one,” she adds. “You’ll find that a lot of dresses have built-in support so you’ll unlikely need it for your initial try-ons.”
Once you’ve chosen your wedding dress, it then becomes paramount that the undergarments you wear for your wedding dress fittings are similar – if not the ones you’ll be wearing on the big day. If you’re still not sure which underwear you’ll be wearing, use your fittings as a chance to try out the different styles you have, and decide there.
This is really important because the last thing you need on the morning of your wedding is to realise that your strapless bra comes up higher than your wedding dress, or the sheer panelling on your gown reveals your shapewear.
How to Measure UK Bust Size for Wedding Underwear
“Much like the phrase ‘beauty comes from within’, confidence will come from what you wear underneath your wedding dress,” says Gemma. “And – rather unsurprisingly – most women are wearing the incorrect size bra!
“Wearing the right bra size will enhance your natural shape, improve your posture and create a gorgeous silhouette while fully supporting you underneath your gown. It’s also essential to avoid any distractions or discomfort on the day.”
Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring your UK bust size for your wedding underwear:
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.
Choosing Shapewear for Your Wedding Dress
Wedding underwear options for brides also include shapewear. If this is the kind of thing you want to wear, think about the amount of ‘shaping’ you require: are you looking for a light smoothing effect or targeted control in areas like your tummy, hips or thighs? Understanding your needs will help guide you in selecting the right shapewear.
For full-body shaping, consider bodysuits that smooth the torso, hips and thighs. They come in various styles, including strapless iterations ideal for backless or strapless dresses. If you just want to target your lower half, shapewear shorts create a streamlined silhouette and are particularly suited to dresses with skirts that sit lower on the waist.
High-waisted briefs, meanwhile, will provide targeted tummy control and can be comfortable under form-fitting dresses.
The most important thing is to prioritise comfort. Opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics for ease of movement and ensure your shapewear fits properly – that it’s snug, but not constricting – to avoid discomfort, digging or visible lines.
And remember, while shapewear can enhance confidence for some, it is not essential. If you feel comfortable and supported without it, that’s great. Choose what makes you feel most beautiful and at ease.
Where to Buy Wedding Lingerie in the UK
Now that you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to shop! We’ve listed some of our favourite destinations to buy wedding underwear below.
1. Bravissimo
Bravissimo has an excellent range of both comfortable bridal lingerie and wedding underwear, along with helpful advice like virtual bra fittings and a wedding underwear guide of its own. We love its size inclusive seamless sets and multiway bras, perfect for unusual wedding dress necklines. It also fairly recently launched a range of boob-lift stickers which support fuller busts as well as those with smaller boobs.
- Sizing: 28D - 48L
2. Gossard
Gossard underwear is totally wedding-worthy. Its signature lace designs give ordinary wedding underwear a sexier, lingerie-like feel without the discomfort and, as an expert in its field, the brand also offers amazing insight on self-measuring and information on sister sizing in case the bra you’ve fallen in love with is out of stock.
The collections range from sexy lace numbers to supportive slips and it has a number of multi-way garments that offer flexibility for nearlyweds.
- Sizing: 30A - 44G
3. Marks & Spencer
M&S is known for its excellent underwear and affordable wedding lingerie, and offers bra fittings in almost all of its stores, supporting women across the UK in finding their perfect fit.
As well as having an amazing offering of supportive and size-inclusive underwear, it also offers amazing wedding shapewear ranging from long-line shorts and plunging bodysuits to all-in-ones and high-waisted knickers.
The range of shades makes finding a match for a nude or sheer wedding dress easier for those with darker skin tones and the seamless range will create that barely-there look to help maintain the illusion.
- Sizing: 28A - 44K
4. Boux Avenue
Boux Avenue has such a fun and playful range of underwear and lingerie, but its undergarments offer support for nearlyweds on a practical level, too.
The bras are as comfortable and supportive as they are beautiful and the sizes are inclusive, with a specific range available for those with a larger bust. The brand also has an amazing range of swimwear so you can get one or two honeymoon outfits at the same time!
- Sizing: 28A - 40G
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. Its vast collection features sizes ranging from 2 to 24.
In addition to its comprehensive size range, John Lewis's bridal underwear is known for its affordability. Whether you're looking for supportive bras, seamless shapewear, or delicate lace lingerie, you have options here!
- Sizing: A-J
6. Pour Moi
We adore Pour Moi's inclusive collection, which includes plus size bridal lingerie. Available in dress sizes 8-22 and bra cup sizes A to J, its underwear for wedding dresses ensures that every nearlywed can find the perfect fit. Choose from white and nude styles, including supportive strapless bras and seamless bridal underwear – and even stockings and suspenders (hello, wedding night underwear!).
- Sizing: A-J
Now that you've sorted your practical wedding underwear, it's time to think about something a little more daring for your wedding night. How about one of these alluring honeymoon lingerie sets…
