The best bridal shapewear to wear on your wedding day
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An underrated, but in our opinion crucial, consideration when planning your bridal look is comfort. When I planned my wedding, that desire impacted every decision - from the best bridal shapewear to my wedding dress, shoes, jewellery and even hair and makeup. Because is the ‘best day of your life’ really the best day of your life with burning blisters? Or itchy fabric? Or pants that are digging into your sides?
This is why, when I started with the base of my outfit – i.e. the best shapewear – I wanted to make sure they were perfectly matched to my wedding dress. Luckily, there are so many wedding shapewear options that I was spoilt for choice from the likes of M&S, Skims, Spanx and Commando (to name a few).
I just wanted to feel like myself on my wedding day, and as someone who had never owned solutionwear, I knew I had a big task at hand to find the best bridal shapewear for me. However, during my fittings I found that, no matter which type of wedding dress you try – be it a backless, strapless or even a short dress – shapewear can help to create a more streamlined look – so I took the plunge and decided to wear it on the big day.
And while I didn't wear any shapewear with my ‘main’ wedding gown (which had a fitted bodice that provided all the support I wanted without anything underneath anyway), I did decide to wear some of the best shapewear when I slipped into my evening wedding dress: a pair of Skims shorts and a strapless bra. And I would honestly say it boosted my confidence. Having bought them before I went wedding dress shopping, it also actually helped me in the quest to find the perfect dress, too. I even recommended them to my bridesmaids, and they also ended up adding shapewear to their dress styles. They're that good!
Instead of feeling restricted or confined, the addition of shapewear to my wedding dress really helped me to feel more comfortable in a dress that erred on the slinky side, as the smooth line made the silk drape, rather than cling. But whether you're planning on wearing something similar or you're opting for a loose and flowy gown, wearing shapewear should have absolutely nothing to do with wanting to look or feel ‘smaller’, or alter your body shape.
Fellow Freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, also opted for shapewear on her wedding day - not due to any desire to shrink her size (after all, her dress was flowy and not particularly fitted) but rather to make her feel a bit more put together.
“With so many light layers of frothy tulle skimming around my legs, opting for my usual go-to of a high-waisted thong felt a little naked somehow. I wanted to feel secure, modest and comfortable, and Spanx's Open-Bust Bodysuit ticked every box for me - avoiding any chance of that dreaded roll-down thanks to the straps but allowing my corseted dress to do all the work at the bust.”
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“The choice to wear shapewear is a personal one, and while by no means essential, if it gives some added confidence, then go for it,” advises Kate Halfpenny, founder of Halfpenny London. “Some women swear by it, some can’t get on with it at all, and others choose to wear it primarily because it provides a smooth, seamless look under dresses. It totally depends on the individual.”
A lot of thought, attention and craftsmanship go into a wedding dress, and the last thing you want is a VPL on show due to some ill-fitting lingerie or undergarments. So, try not to make it a last-minute decision a day or two before the wedding day, either, as you will want to spend time ensuring you have shapewear that will sit undetected under your bridal look. I'd even suggest wearing it to some of your fittings to be sure you're happy.
“If you’re unsure of the best style to buy, then always chat to your bridal stylist and she’d be happy to give you personalised recommendations specific to the bridal gown you’ve chosen, whether that be styles to suit a low back or leg split, for example,” advises Halfpenny. “It’s essential to find the closest match to your skin tone, and the edges should never pinch or roll, so if that’s happening, you should try a different size. The perfect pair will be completely invisible under your dress.”
“Non VPL, stick-on bras, nipple stickers, strapless plunge bras – wedding lingerie/bridal lingerie, it is a bit of a minefield,” says Jess Kaye, co-founder and co-designer at The OWN Studio. Her advice is to stick to the styles you usually feel confident in: “comfort is paramount, so if you don’t normally wear thongs, for example, your wedding day is not the time to experiment,” she says.
When it comes to brands, several bridal boutiques have told me that SKIMS is the best wedding shapewear, while on the high street, Marks and Spencer offers a number of clever solutions for under £30. “For shapewear, we generally look to SKIMS, Spanx, Fashion Forms or The Pantry Underwear,” says Kaye. “For nipple covers and sticky bras, we recommend silicone covers like those from Nipples and Nood.”
Ahead, the best bridal shapewear for your wedding day:
Why we love it: Giving it away in the name ‘SuperPower’, these could quite literally be your hidden super power on the big day. As a Honeylove bestseller, these shaping briefs with sculpting mid-section and dig-free shape are a real waist cincher. Not your typical knickers, they also have built-in side boning for 360-degree support, so this one would be best for a more fitted dress or one with waist-cinching detail.
- Sizes available: XXS - 4X.
- Shades available: Sand and black.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane.
Why we love it: "These are the sculpting shorts that I wore with my wedding party dress, and I can confirm that they were so comfortable I forgot I was wearing shapewear. The shorts hit the mid thigh, and so this is a great option for brides who are wearing a midi-length wedding dress. Skims is also undoubtedly the best option in terms of shade range and available sizes - especially for plus sizes, too. I would say these shaping shorts are my ultimate favourite when it comes to the best bridal shapewear - and I can confirm, they don't roll down." Emma Spedding, freelance fashion editor.
- Sizes available: XXS - 4X.
- Shades available: Four.
- Compression level: Medium.
- Materials: 82% nylon, 18% spandex.
Calvin Klein Shapewear Firm Sculpted Stay Put Mesh Short Bodysuit
Why we love it: For those who can't bear the roll-down that so often happens with high-waisted shapewear, the addition of straps to so many of these pairs of shorts is a real gamechanger. Particularly when they don't come with a built-in bra and therefore don't interfere with the bust of your dress. This one is super breathable and gives a great level of shaping without feeling restrictive.
- Sizes available: XS-XXXL.
- Shades available: Cedar, Black.
- Compression level: Moderate.
- Materials: 56% Polyamide, 44% Elastane.
Save when you shop for the best shapewear with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
SKIMS Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Thong
Why we love it: For some of us, it's hard to shake the thong. Luckily Kim K knows what she's doing when it comes to shapewear that truly offers variety - and she's not forgotten about the thong girlies. Offering genuinely brilliant sculpting without sacrificing comfort, this is a really great option beneath any style of dress.
- Sizes available: XXS-XXXXL.
- Shades available: Brown, Light Brown, Beige, Cream, Black.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 82% nylon, 18% elastane.
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Why we love it: This ‘Oncore’ bodysuit is made from stretch-fabric which smooths and sculpts the figure, with a seamless neckline and adjustable straps that help you to create the perfect fit. Although it has really firm compression, it didn't feel like it was a tight squeeze. And what we loved most about this one is that you can wear your own bra, so you can pick a style depending on your wedding dress.
- Sizes available: S - 3XL.
- Shades available: Natural and black.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane.
Skims Seamless Sculpt High Waist Brief Sienna
Why we love it: These high-rise briefs will smooth and support your waist, while also lifting your bottom - everything you can expect being created by Kim Kardashian. We tried these with quite a few dress styles, and can confirm they really help to give a waist-cinching effect, while also being comfy.
- Sizes available: XXS - 4X.
- Shades available: Eight.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 78% nylon, 22% spandex.
Superfit Full Cup Tummy Control Bodyshaper
Why we love it: This is the bodysuit you need if your dress allows you to still wear a bra. Avoiding showing marks you may get from a bra and pants, this all in one bodysuit is ideal for slipping on underneath your dress. In fitting white, this style proves that shapewear can be pretty, too. Non-padded and underwired, it has firm tummy control to make you feel supported and handy hook and eye detail on the crotch to make it easier to go to the loo.
- Sizes available: Cup sizes B-F back sizes 34-42.
- Shades available: White, natural and black.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 91% nylon, 9% elastane.
Commando Classic Contol High-Waisted Short
Why we love it: There's high rise, and then there's high HIGH rise. The latter - this pair - is where it's at. Minimal roll-down potential and seamlessly meeting at the bra, it gives a super smooth finish and is perfect for the slinkier dresses.
- Sizes available: XS-XL.
- Shades available: Mocha.
- Compression level: Firm to moderate.
- Materials: 68% Nylon, 32% Elastane.
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Why we love it: Spanx is a reliable choice when it comes to shapewear, and these high-rise shorts will create a smooth silhouette thanks to the stretch fabric and contouring panels. The elastic-free edges will stop it from rolling or bunching, meaning these will work well under fitted or silk dresses. The longer length of the shorts will also show no VPL and help to smooth thighs, too. No wonder they're a bestseller!
- Sizes available: XS to XL.
- Shades available: Champagne, cafe au lait and black.
- Compression level: Medium.
- Materials: 55% nylon, 45% Lycra elastane.
Save when you shop for the best bridal shapewear with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
M&S Magicwear™ Tummy Control & Thigh Slimmer
Why we love it: These control shorts are under £30, and have M&S’ Magicwear™ technology, which is waist-cinching and smoothing. It also has moisture-wicking technology, which is ideal for keeping you comfortable during a long wedding day. When it comes to the material, we found these slightly thicker than other pairs so they really do help to slim the thigh and hip areas – if this is what you're looking for.
- Sizes available: 8 - 22.
- Shades available: Quartz and black.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 61% polyamide, 39% elastane.
Why we love it: For those looking for a little more style over substance when it comes to shapewear (i.e. you're looking for something super beautiful with only a little ‘shaping’), this body is perfect. With a new improved fit that encourages a little cinching at the waist, the real focus here is on that ultra delicate lacework. No lingerie has ever screamed ‘bride’ more.
- Sizes available: XS-XXL.
- Shades available: Black, White, Red, Lilac, Light Nude, Medium Nude, Dark Nude, Pink
- Compression level: Light.
- Materials: 87% Polyamide, 13% Elastane.
Shaperx Tummy Control Bodysuit Shorts One Piece
Why we love it: This seamless bodysuit has panels of breathable mesh material, which will make you feel comfortable all day. And it just so happens to be an all-rounder when it comes to support. Designed to lift the bum, smooth tummies and thighs and also keep boobs supported – no wonder it's got nearly 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon. The sizing is also super inclusive, so it's perfect if you're curvier or plus size, too.
- Sizes available: XXS - 4XL.
- Shades available: Five.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 61% polyamide, 39% elastane.
Save when you shop for the best bridal shapewear with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
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SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit
Why we love it: This is a cult Skims piece, and it's designed to cinch the waist thanks to the extra compression at the core. Skims always recommends you take your typical size, but if you want it to be more comfy we would suggest sizing. Also be aware the straps aren't adjustable on this one and it has little support around the bust so you may want to consider a bra underneath, too. Whether you're a bride-to-be, bridesmaid or wedding guest, you'll want to wear this one.
- Sizes available: XXS - 4X.
- Shades available: Five.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 82% nylon, 18% elastane.
Wolford Mat De Luxe Form Bodysuit
Why we love it: When it comes to bodysuits, you just can’t beat Wolford. This has a slim fit and is made from lightweight, stretch fabric. It has padded cups and a semi-sweetheart neckline, so you will want to test that this sits correctly with the neckline of your wedding dress. What we loved most about the fit of this is the seamless, thong design goes unnoticed under all dresses. And the fact the straps are both adjustable and removable.
- Sizes available: Sizes S-L, cup sizes B-D.
- Shades available: Two (at Harrods).
- Compression level: Medium.
- Materials: 80% polyamide, 20% elastane.
Commando Classic Control Microfibre Thong
Why we love it: If you aren’t looking for anything hugely supportive, but want to ensure there are no visible lines, this seamless high-rise thong by Commando is a winner. This brand is a leader when it comes to lightweight underwear that goes undetected under slinky dresses. These are so comfy, we've also worn them for everyday under tighter skirts and shorts, too.
- Sizes available: XS - XL.
- Shades available: Beige, caramel and black.
- Compression level: Light to moderate.
- Materials: 68% nylon, 32% spandex.
M&S Cool Comfort™ Full Slip 14"-35"
Why we love it: A fashion editor secret is to wear a slip under dresses - why? To ensure they sit more smoothly off the body and don’t cling. This has adjustable straps and is made from sweat-wicking fabric, so it's a breathable base layer for any dresses. It's completely free from any corset/boning, and therefore works for every body type. What we loved most about this one is the fact that it also comes in not one, not two but seven lengths, so you can basically choose yours to match your wedding dress.
- Sizes available: 8 - 22 and 7 lengths.
- Shades available: Seven.
- Compression level: Medium.
- Materials: 84% polyamide, 16% elastane.
Save when you shop for the best bridal shapewear with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Shaperx Women Body Shaper Tummy Control Seamless Shapewear Open Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit Shorts
Why we love it: Amazon has a strong selection of shapewear and this bodysuit has a high waist to create a seamless, streamlined look. This one has no hooks or zips and the compression ensures it won’t move or roll throughout the ceremony. The U-shape means you can pair it with your favourite bra, which gives you more flexibility than bodysuits with in-built cups. Plus, it has a double gusset design so you can easily go to the bathroom.
- Sizes available: S - XXL.
- Shades available: Four.
- Compression level: Medium - firm.
- Materials: 60% polyamide, 40% elastane.
M&S Body Define™ Firm Control Wear Your Own Bra Bodysuit
Why we love it: This bodysuit is listed as having ‘firm control’, and we can confirm it is. As soon as you put it on, the straps (they're adjustable, FYI) help to really pull in your waist and tummy for a smoothing effect. You can also wear your own bra with this one so it's a great option if you want to feel comfortable in your usual trusty bra.
- Sizes available: 8 - 24.
- Shades available: Quartz and black.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 61% polyamide, 39% elastane.
Spanx Tummy Control Underwear Everyday Shaping Thong
Why we love it: For any last minute orders, remember that Amazon stocks SPANX. For a seamless look, this thong ensures you will have no VPL. And it's one of those shapewear styles that you could also wear day-to-day too. Plus, it's machine washable.
- Sizes available: XS to XL.
- Shades available: Eight.
- Compression level: Firm.
- Materials: 90% nylon, 10% spandex.
Tips for finding the right shapewear for your wedding, plus how we chose the best bridal shapewear:
- Consider booking a fitting for your bridal underwear and shapewear – I had a brilliant experience at Selfridges, and The Pantry Underwear in Islington offers specific bridal services.
- Buy it at least a few weeks in advance of the big day – when I came to buy a strapless bra, they were sold out everywhere in my size, as it was event season, and it turns out there was a surge in demand.
- Don’t wear any underwear underneath your shapewear, as this will ruin the smooth finish and create bumps or visible lines.
- Choose shapewear as close to your skin tone as possible, so it will be invisible under your dress.
- Bring the shapewear to your final dress fitting and test whether you can see it as you walk and move.
- Remember: shapewear should never compress your movement, but sculpt and smooth instead.
- If you are wearing a silk dress, Kaye advises you to avoid anything lacy and opt for non-VPL shapewear.
Why you can trust us
Considering quite a few of the GLAMOUR team have got married recently, or they're about to be wed, we would say we're in a pretty good position to guide you on all things bridal. Having trialed several different styles in the lead-up to our own nuptials (everywhere from changing rooms to real-life test drives as guests at our friends' weddings) we'd consider ourselves very well-versed in the dos and don'ts of shapewear. After all, when it comes to the best bridal shapewear, there's only one way to really test it: wear it. So that is exactly what we did.
How we tested the best bridal shapewear
Each of the team has tried the different shapewear styles – including the bodysuit, high-waisted briefs, body shapers and thongs. While some were worn on wedding days, others were tried out with dresses similar to those that may be worn by a bride. Because not every day is a wedding day (sob)! There were some styles which didn't make the cut, but we've put together our edit of the options we, along with customers online, rate highly enough to recommend to you as the best shapewear around.
Meet the experts:
| Kate Halfpenny | Founder and creative director of Halfpenny London. |
| Jess Kaye | Co-founder and co-designer at The OWN Studio. |
For more from Freelance Fashion Editor, Emma Spedding, follow her on Instagram @speddingemma. For more from Freelance Fashion Editor, Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
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