I've asked myself what to wear under a see-through dress many times, and I’m an experienced fashion writer. I have this beautiful sheer dress from Rat & Boa in particular that I’d like to wear day and night, but it is so see-through. I’m talking “freshly polished glass” see-through, where absolutely nothing is left to the imagination. The straps are slim, too, which has made it even harder to figure out what to wear underneath.
I searched high and low for the right shapewear and lingerie that could work for my see-through dress and ended up landing on this heaven-sent Strapless Shortie Bodysuit from Skims. It not only looked completely invisible underneath, but it sculpted my figure in a way I really appreciated.
And then I thought, why should I let all this good research go to waste? I have no doubt you’ve been in the same situation as I have, trying everything from bodysuits to shapewear under your sheer outfit. And with party season and winter weddings in full swing, you likely need something to wear under your see-through dress ASAP.
The style tips below give you every type of coverage you may need, from boy shorts to camisoles, so you can avoid awkward peekaboos at the next family function. Read on for what to wear under a see-through dress in 2026.
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With a Half-Slip
What you wear under a see-through dress will depend a lot on the style of the dress. As much as we love a white dress, it can often be a little sheer even when that’s not the intention. If the dress isn’t skintight, however, you can get away with a full slip or a skirt slip underneath.
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With a Slip Dress
Some dresses are intentionally designed to be worn with something underneath. But instead of picking something to match your skin tone, try a colour that distinctly contrasts with the dress. The aim here is not to conceal what’s underneath, but to make it work hand-in-hand with the outer layer. Every closet should have at least one slip dress in it, and you’ll be surprised just how much wear you get out of it as a layering piece.
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With a Nude Bandeau and Matching Panties
On the other side of the spectrum is the statement-making dress, which certainly doesn’t need anything poking out from underneath. Case in point: This lace dress comes with intricate patterns all around. In order to keep the focus solely on the design, I recommend opting for a nude bandeau and matching panties as a base. The goal is to look “naked” underneath, without actually revealing anything through the cutouts.
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With a Bralette and Skirt
Crochet dresses are having a real moment this year, but as fun and quirky as they are, they’re the Swiss cheese of dresses. It raises the question: What can you wear underneath that won’t look strange? Celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Chrissy Teigan to Ari Lennox have been spotted wearing bralettes as shirts, making this a perfectly acceptable garment to wear under a crochet dress. If you’re feeling bold, go ahead and wear a matching underwear and call it a day. If that’s not your MO, go for a miniskirt instead.
With a Bodysuit
The bodysuit may be the most common item of clothing to wear under a see-through dress. I know I’ve done it plenty of times — it simply covers everything that needs to be covered and nothing more. And no matter how short the dress may be, it won’t accidentally show at the bottom hem. Rather than disappear completely, it often works in tandem with the dress, adding a bit of oomph to a see-through dress, as seen above.
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With More Lace
I adore the return of boho-chic outfits, but they’re frequently made of lace, which is notoriously see-through. I say lean into the aesthetic and layer even more lace underneath, like a lace bodysuit or bralette. The trick is to find pieces that pair well with the dress, but I wouldn’t overthink it — a classic lacy white or black bra top will do just fine.
With a Strapless Bodysuit
Summer dresses tend to come with skimpy straps or low-plunging necklines. And while lightweight fabrics are appreciated in the heat, they’re usually not that dense or opaque. So if you’re looking for something that’s strapless, provides chest support, and adds an additional layer of fabric under the sheer dress, the strapless bodysuit is the answer. If that still doesn’t feel like enough coverage, add a vest or blazer as an extra layer.
With a Complementary Dress
Your see-through dress can be one half of a whole look. If you combine it with a dress underneath that’s meant to be seen, they can work together to create one cohesive outfit. Play around with different colours and patterns, and choose something you would be happy to wear on its own too.
With Leggings or Mid-Thigh Shorts
Working with a plunging neckline? You may want to consider keeping your breasts uncovered so you don’t have to deal with undergarments poking out and messing with the V-neck. Your go-to in this situation should be leggings or mid-thigh shorts that cover everything but the chest. I adore this option from Spanx, which comes with additional sculpting around the midsection. However, it only works for midi- and maxi dresses. If you’re working with a shorter hemline, then allow me to direct you to the Skims High-Waist Mid-Thigh Shorts.
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With High-Waist Briefs and Nipple Covers
High-waist briefs are my first choice underneath sheer clothing because I know they’re only going to add to the look. Just look to the beaded lace dress above for proof; it’s made better by the black briefs underneath. Besides, this type of underwear is loosely accepted as a form of shorts these days. As for the top, I’d go with some nude-colour nipple coverings to keep the illusion of a bare chest. It’s probably not the vibe for a family wedding, sure, but this chic ensemble will turn heads on a date night, at a party with friends, or at any occasion where you can be a little more daring.
This story originally appeared on Glamour US.
