Your Cart is Empty
If you are feeling confused about what you actually need to wear under your wedding dress, you are not alone. Most brides have never done this before, so it is completely normal to feel unsure. The truth is, what brides will wear under your wedding dress on their wedding day is usually a lot less than what you might expect. In fact, it is often less than what you would wear under a normal everyday dress.
I'm side stepping from the wedding garters at The Garter Girl today and sharing what I know about wedding dresses and undergarments, which is quite a bit! I am sharing exactly what most brides wear underneath their wedding gown, and what you might need to shop for.
I will also explain why bridal fashion is so different from everyday clothes, why you may not need as much lingerie as you think, and how to prepare for dress fittings the right way. Because spoiler alter, bridal dress alterations are the most important part of any wedding dress!
I have worked with thousands of brides over the past 20 years, and I can tell you this: what you wear under your dress can make a big difference in how you feel on your wedding day.
Whether you are shopping for the best undergarments for a strapless wedding dress, or trying to figure out if shapewear is necessary for a complicated bridal dress with cut outs and a plunging neckline, this guide along with my expert (and helpful!) tips will help you feel confident and informed.
Before we talk about bras and shapewear and what goes under the wedding dress, here is what most brides do not know: Your wedding dress is not like a dress you buy online, off the rack, or a department store.
Bridal gowns are either made-to-order or selected from a sample and then professionally altered to fit you. This means that when you place your order for your dream dress, you don't get the one that you just tried on in the store, that's the sample dress that stays there for brides after you to try on. An order is then placed with the designer for your dress to be made, just for you.
This is one of the biggest differences between wedding fashion and everyday clothing. (Unless you're purchasing a sample sale gown, but this is a whole other conversation for another day, but you especially need to invest in alterations!)
That means you do not need to shop for a wedding dress and then force yourself to fit into it. The bridal dress will be tailored to your body, and that changes everything. Many brides discover they do not even need a bra or shapewear once their alterations are complete.
The wedding dress is made for you, not the other way around.
Do not skip or skimp on wedding dress alterations. Period. Full stop. No negotiations.
A professional bridal tailor will change how your wedding dress fits and feels. Every dress needs some level of alterations from hemming to fit your size or adjusting straps to fit your body.
I would rather see you spend less on the wedding dress itself and more on expert bridal dress alterations. Yes, true.
This is what makes your gown look flawless and feel like it was designed just for your body. Bridal dress tailoring is very different from regular clothing alterations, so make sure your seamstress has experience with wedding gowns.
Once you have your wedding dress, you can figure out what lingerie or undergarments, if any, you need. Here is what most brides wear under their wedding dress...
Depending on your wedding dress, you may not need to wear a bra at all. Many wedding gowns come with built-in support or padding in the bust. If needed, your seamstress can also sew in cups to provide shape or lift.
If you do want or need a bra, a strapless bra is often the best place to start. For more complicated gowns, like low-back or plunging necklines, there are plenty of specialty bras available. Look for adhesive bras for low back wedding gowns or convertible bras with adjustable straps that can work with unique silhouettes.
If your dress makes wearing a traditional bra difficult and you still want some coverage or hold, fashion tape or adhesive pasties can be helpful. These options are great when you need a little extra confidence or modesty without visible straps or seams.
Just keep in mind that fashion tape is more of a do-it-yourself solution, so give yourself time to test it out and practice before the big day. Always be gentle when removing it to avoid irritation or redness.
Versatile Strapless Bra
Made by: You Feel Pretty
**********
Backless Bra
Made by: Raw Stardust
**********
Silicone Nipple Cover
Made by: My Skn Official
**********
Body Tape
Made by: Quilted Bear Ltd
**********
When it comes to shapewear, it is all about what feels good to you.
Some brides swear by it, while others skip it altogether. If your wedding dress is made from a light or sheer fabric, or if you want smoothing for fitted styles, shapewear can be helpful. Some brides also wear it for practical reasons like preventing chafing during summer weddings or adding warmth in colder seasons.
There are many levels of support and coverage available, from full bodysuits to mid-thigh shorts or high-waisted briefs. Some brides choose shapewear instead of underwear to avoid panty lines.
If you go with shapewear or lingerie for wedding day comfort, be mindful of color. Always choose a neutral tone that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Avoid white, which can show through light fabric under bright lighting or in photographs.
Backless Bodysuit
Made by: Bridal Amanecer
**********
Bridal Bustier Corset
Made by: Kats Corsets
**********
Underwear under your wedding dress should be smooth, seamless, and comfortable. If your gown is form-fitting, opt for seamless or no-show panties. Some brides skip traditional underwear altogether and wear shapewear with built-in coverage. Again, this depends on your dress style and your comfort level.
Whatever you decide, make sure it works with your dress and stays invisible. This is not the time to wear bright colors or lacy styles that might show through.
I love your underwear as the bride's something blue! 
Seamless Invisible Underwear
Made by: You Feel Pretty
**********
Personalized Bridal Lace Thong
Made by: Seamstress Bethany
**********
High Waisted Underwear
Made by: You Feel Pretty
**********
One of the most important steps in figuring out what to wear under your wedding dress is talking openly with your bridal shop and your alterations specialist.
These professionals are here to support you, not judge you, and they have seen every type of dress, body, and undergarment question imaginable. You do not have to figure this out on your own!
Let them know your preferences, concerns, or what makes you feel most comfortable.
If you want extra support in the bust, or if you're worried about panty lines or coverage, say so. If you are unsure about whether you need a bra or shapewear, ask. They will help you find the best options based on your dress’s construction, fabric, and fit.
This is a partnership. You can and should lean on their expertise to guide you through the details. Your alterations team is there to make the dress work for you,not the other way around.
The more honest and upfront you are, the better the final result will be on your wedding day. Because if you're uncomfortable or something isn't fitting right on your wedding day, that's the last thing anyone wants!
Whatever you plan to wear under your wedding dress, order it early and bring it with you to your first fitting.
Your bridal dress tailor needs to see the full picture in order to get your alterations right. This includes your bra (if you are wearing one), your shapewear, and anything else you plan to wear on the big day.
If you are using adhesive products like fashion tape or pasties, buy extra so you can test and practice. The wedding day is not the time for a first try.
Many brides are surprised to learn how little they may need to wear underneath their wedding gown. From built-in cups to custom tailoring, your gown is made to fit you perfectly. You might not need a bra. You may skip shapewear. Or you might choose simple, seamless lingerie for wedding day comfort.
I made this guide to help brides know exactly what to wear under your wedding dress so you can shop early, feel prepared, and avoid unnecessary stress.
Whether you are looking for adhesive bras for low back wedding gowns, the best undergarments for a strapless wedding dress, or just want a wedding day fashion essentials checklist, the most important thing is to wear what feels right for you.
Before I let you go, I couldn't not offer a few common questions about what to wear under your wedding dress. Here are some of the most popular ones...
That depends on your wedding dress. Many bridal gowns come with built-in support. If you do choose a bra, look for strapless or low-back styles that work with your dress shape.
Shapewear under your wedding dresss is totally optional. Some brides love the extra smoothing or support, especially for fitted or sheer gowns. Others prefer comfort and go without. Also, some brides like shapewear for warmth in cool weather and some like it for sweating in hot weather.
Always choose a nude or skin-toned color for your bridal shapewear that closely matches your own tone. Avoid white or brightly colored underwear, which can show through your wedding dress, especially in light - even if your wedding dress is lined.
Order everything, all of your undergarments and your bridal shoes, before your first alterations appointment. Your seamstress needs to see how your dress fits with your undergarments to tailor it properly.
Many brides are having a back moment on wedding day and I'm here for it! Depending on your wedding dress design, you may choose a strapless bra, adhesive bra, or no bra at all. Fashion tape or sewn-in cups are also great options for backless bridal gowns.
Bridal fashion is different from everyday fashion. What you wear under your wedding dress should be chosen based on your wedding dress, your comfort, and what makes you feel your best.
Do not feel pressured to wear, and buy more than you need. With the right fit, the right support, and a little planning ahead, you will walk down the aisle feeling confident and at ease.
If you have questions about what to wear or how to prepare, you are never alone. I am here to help, and I have helped thousands of brides figure this out. You’ve got this, and I’ve got you.
If you are looking for the perfect finishing touch to wear under your wedding dress, explore The Garter Girl’s collection of handmade wedding garters.
From the timeless elegance of the Couture Collection to the ready-to-ship styles in the Just Say Yes Collection, each wedding garter is thoughtfully designed to be stylish, sentimental, and made just for you.
Want something even more personal? Start your one-of-a-kind Custom Wedding Design and create a bridal heirloom you’ll treasure forever.
With love,
The Garter Girl
P.S. Some of the above product links are affiliate-connected and purchasing through these links helps to support the blog.
