Everything to Know About Shopping Bridal Shapewear from the Experts at Yummie

No matter how disciplined you’ve been with your wedding prep and fitness regime, there’s no denying that adding bridal shapewear underneath your dress gives you an extra confidence boost. That’s especially true if you have chosen a slim-fitting wedding dress that skims your silhouette.

Although some women like to keep it a secret, most brides have admitted to wearing some form of shapewear on their wedding day. After all, who doesn’t want a picture perfect silhouette on the biggest day of their lives? But not all foundation pieces fit the bill for your big day: Ahead, a few things to consider when choosing bridal shapewear.

Choose the right bra.

Yes, a bra definitely counts as shapewear. The wrong bra can completely mess with the shape and silhouette of your dress, not to mention leave you feeling uncomfortable throughout the day. That’s why it’s so crucial to get the right one.

A common mistake that brides make when choosing their wedding bra is matching it to their skin tone as opposed to their wedding dress. To avoid your skin-toned bra making an unwanted appearance, ensure it matches the wedding dress instead so it goes undetected, even if it does decide to play peek-a-boo.

You also need to make sure the bra fits you like a glove. Do the ‘two-finger’ check, which involves sliding two fingers underneath the band on its loosest hook. If your fingers slide through and it still manages to hold you in place, then you’ve found the perfect fit!

Wear your bra all day and all night to test its comfort, and also wear it for a night of dancing to make sure it supports you in all the right places. Oh, and don’t forget to take it with you to all wedding dress fittings!

Consider your dress fabric.

Some fabrics are far more forgiving than others, so take this into consideration when choosing your shapewear. Lighter fabrics such as silk, for example, are almost transparent and can show every little detail under the dress. If your dress is made of this type of fabric, you’ll definitely want to add shapewear to preserve your modesty.

Buy at the right time.

The ‘sooner the better’ might be the case when it comes to booking the wedding band or photographer, but you have to be a bit more strategic when it comes to your shapewear. 

Most brides make the mistake of buying their shapewear as soon as they choose their dress, but you should actually wait until you have your first fitting. Then, and only then, will you know exactly where you want to be nipped, tucked, or smoothed.

It all depends on the dress.

The style of your wedding dress will determine what type of shapewear you should go for.  If you’re going for a figure-hugging gown such as a trumpet or mermaid dress, for example, seamless shapewear is recommended to achieve that ultra-streamlined look. Seamless undergarments are perfect as they sit flat on the body,  hugging and flattering every curve without digging into the skin. Nylon, spandex, microfibers, and fine mesh are the best bridal shapewear fabrics to choose.

For clingy dresses: The best option for clingy dresses is any form of high-waisted shapewear that will fit over your tummy and smooth everything out. Look for seamless shorts or boy shorts to avoid visible panty lines (VPL).

For slip gowns: The best way to create a streamlined look is by wearing seamless shapewear. Look for bridal shapewear with added tummy compression for an extra smooth silhouette. 

For dresses that cling to the upper body: These dresses call for lightweight and flexible shapewear, and bodysuits are a great choice. Look for one that is completely invisible, so it will go undetected even through the sheerest of fabrics.

For dresses that hug the hips and thighs: Shapewear under your bridal dress will help you create that desired illusion of a smoother silhouette. Look for shapewear that will target specific areas, such as high-waisted or shaping boyshorts.

For full bodycon dresses: Shapewear will play a big part when it comes to achieving the perfect silhouette. Choose bridal shapewear that smooths and hugs every single curve flawlessly. A shaping panty or high-waisted boyshorts are great options as they tick all of those boxes. 

Bridal shapewear is a great choice for helping your figure look phenomenal on your big day. By keeping these points in mind when shopping, you’ll be able to buy the perfect foundation piece that will enhance your figure and have you looking stunning in your dream dress! 

We want to see your flawless bridal looks! Show us on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus!