The 19 Best Bridal and Wedding Shapewear of 2023

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Brides / Chloe Jeong

The best shapewear offers added support to smooth and contour without restricting movement or cutting off circulation. Although shaping undergarments come in a wide range of cuts and colors, finding the right pieces to flatter your body type, match your skin tone, and do their job while staying unseen under your wedding dress can be challenging.

Take your shapewear to every dress fitting and put it to the test. Try walking, sitting, and dancing to be sure it won't take away from the joy of your big day by riding up, rolling down, or causing any pain or discomfort. Also, practice going to the bathroom to make sure you won't struggle to refasten tricky clasps or closures. 

To make your search for the perfect bridal shapewear easier, we shimmied, squeezed, and slipped into more than 80 shaping garments—from bodysuits to shorts and thongs. Then, we polled several Brides editors for details on the shapewear they wore on their wedding day to get feedback on the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. The result is our comprehensive list of the top shapewear pieces based on support, comfort, and range of available shades and sizes. 

Best For Comfort

Honeylove SuperPower Short

4.5
Honeylove SuperPower Short

Honeylove

Size Range: XS-3X | Shades: 5 | Compression Level: Strong | Materials: Nylon, Spandex

We love the x-shaped spandex panel on these Honeylove shorts, which provides a comfortable compression level to shape and sculpt the midsection, rear, and thighs. Nylon panels and a cotton gusset allow airflow for breathability so that you won't overheat. The flexible boning prevents roll-down without restricting movement, though it took some adjusting to avoid the feeling of being poked in the abdomen. Perhaps the best part of these flattering shorts is the pull-aside fabric that makes it possible to use the restroom without pulling them down. 

Price at time of publish: $89

Best Smoothing

SKIMS Sculpting High Waist Brief

Sculpting High Waist Briefs

Nordstrom

Size Range: XXS-5X | Shades: 9 | Compression Level: Strong | Materials: Nylon, Elastane

Once you get over the shock of how small Skims look out of the package, you'll find these easy to slip on and be surprised at how well they stay in place. The seamless brief offers light compression to support your core and give your butt—this is Kim Kardashian's shapewear line, after all—a gentle lift. This piece is an excellent choice if you want a subtle smoothing effect to enhance your natural shape, but you can also size down if you're looking for a more snug fit.

Price at time of publish: $36

Best for Deep-V Necklines

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit

Amazon

Size Range: XS-XL | Shades: Black, Beige | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, Elastane

Versatile enough to be worn under a wedding dress with a plunging neckline, thigh-high slit, or backless design, this Spanx thong bodysuit will also prevent the dreaded VPL (visible panty lines). The fabric is noticeably thicker than most of the other pieces we tried, but once we got accustomed to the compression level, we were impressed by how well it worked to enhance an hourglass silhouette. It features convertible straps and lightly padded cups that offer modesty but little support, so if you have large breasts or need more lift, the Spanx Suit Your Fancy bodysuit is a better buy.

Price at time of publish: $148

Best Thong

SKIMS Core Control Thong

SKIMS Core Control Thong

SKIMS

Size Range: XXS-5X | Shades: 9 | Compression Level: Strong | Materials: Nylon, Elastane

This mid-rise thong is our favorite piece from the SKIMS bridal collection. It may look dainty, but the double waistband and silicone back band provide maximum compression to contour the midsection and shrink the waist. (If you aren't used to wearing super-compressive shapewear, you may want to size up.) Once your wedding day is over, you can—and will—wear the Core Control thong any time you need to smooth your tummy under your favorite pair of pants or pencil skirt. If you want shaping coverage on your butt and thighs, we recommend the SKIMS Sculpting Short.

Price at time of publish: $34

Best Style with Detachable Straps

Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit

Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit

Bare Necessities

Size Range: 34C-40G | Shades: Black, Beige | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, Elastane

Wacoal has been making shapewear pieces since they were known as "foundation garments," so the brand knows how to use nylon and spandex to create an hourglass silhouette under a form-fitting gown. The straps on this Red Carpet bodysuit are adjustable and removable, so it'll work with a halter, one-shoulder, or strapless design. Our one complaint—the hook-and-eye closures on the gusset make bathroom breaks much easier, but we had trouble refastening them.

Price at time of publish: $125

Best Seamless Panty

Spanx Undie-Tectable Thong

Spanx Undie-Tectable Thong

Spanx

Size Range: XS-XL | Shades: 9 | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Nylon, Elastane

If you've chosen a minimalist or form-fitting wedding dress, you'll need to take a less-is-more approach to your shapewear. Enter the Undie-tectable thong, which Spanx says provides a "light hug" of compression and no panty lines. This high-rise thong is seamless and soft, with a bonded waistband to smooth your midsection and enough coverage to give you a held-in feeling.

Price at time of publish: $24

Best for a Silk Gown

Commando Classic Control Short

4.7
Commando Classic Control Short

Commando

Size Range: XS-3X | Shades: 4 | Compression Level: Light-Moderate | Materials: Nylon, Spandex

Silk wedding dresses are so chic but notorious for showing everything underneath. One of our editors wore these shaping shorts underneath her silk gown and was blown away by how they were absolutely undetectable. Thanks to the design, which features raw-cut edges and no elastic trim or seams, nothing is digging in or bulging. The four-way stretch made the shorts comfortable and easy to move in during her wedding, while still providing ample smoothing to the waist, rear, and thighs. Because you just slip them on like a regular pair of shorts, they don't make trips to the bathroom anymore complicated. The shorts held up well after washing, without losing their compression or smoothness, so you can wear them well beyond your wedding.

Price at time of publish: $58

Best Plus-Size

Lane Bryant Shape By Cacique Open-Bust Thigh Shaper

4.5
Lane Bryant Cacique Shape By Cacique Open-Bust Thigh Shaper

Lane Bryant

Size Range: 14/16-34/36 | Shades: Black, Beige, Chocolate Plum | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, Spandex

Even while wearing this shaper for more than six hours, we felt comfortable and not itching to take it off. Despite the comfortable feel, it was one of the most slimming shapers we tried, sculpting our curves into an hourglass shape. The silky, breathable material allows for our clothing to just slip over it and not cling to any parts or show any bumps or lumps. If you prefer to wear your favorite bra, the open-bust design is ideal and you can adjust the straps for a custom fit. The open gusset can take some time to getting used to, but we found bathroom breaks manageable enough.

Price at time of publish: $49

Best for Strapless Dresses

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bodysuit

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bodysuit

Amazon

Size Range: XS-XL | Shades: Black, Beige | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, Elastane

This sleek shaper has a built-in padded bra with flexible cups and five-way convertible straps, making it a great option if you have large breasts or are planning to wear a strapless dress on your big day. It offers a tummy panel with medium compression and clever touches like sticky strips to keep the panty hem from riding up. Just like with the plunge version of the bodysuit, the hook-and-eye closures on the gusset gave us some trouble after we used the restroom.

Price at time of publish: $148

Best Backless

Shapellx AirSlim Backless U Plunge Thong Bodysuit

Shapellx AirSlim Backless U Plunge Thong Bodysuit

Shapellx

Size Range: S-3X | Shades: 4 | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, Spandex

If you've chosen a dress that's backless or has a plunging neckline—or both!—this shaping bodysuit is a smart and sexy pick. We love the fit, which accommodates and enhances natural curves, and features like the underwire compression bra cups and anti-slip neckline. The clear center and shoulder straps help keep the garment hidden, but the metal hooks that connect them to the bodysuit might be detectable under delicate or clingy fabric.

Price at time of publish: $44

SKIMS 'Fits Everybody' Sculpting Bodysuit

SKIMS 'Fits Everybody' Sculpting Bodysuit

Skims

Size Range: XXS-4X | Shades: 14 | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Polyamide, Elastane

You can trust that this sleek bodysuit will stay put from your walk down the aisle to the last dance. Even with the high-cut leg and thong back, this piece gave us seamless support for hours. We love that the polyamide and elastane blend is form-fitting yet comfortable, making it the perfect choice for any bride that wants more smoothing than compression. It kept its shape after machine washing, and the square neckline and plunging back work under various dress styles.

Price at time of publish: $58

Best Shaper Shorts

Spanx Higher Power Shorts

Spanx Higher Power Shorts

Nordstrom

Size Range: S-3X | Shades: 4 | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, Elastane

These shorts are one of Spanx's bestselling styles for a good reason. The lightweight fabric smooths and contours the stomach, hips, rear, and thighs while providing light compression that hugs in all the right places. No matter how we moved, there was no bunching, and the waistband didn't roll down. Even after multiple washes, there was no sign of pilling or stretching. Even as wedding guests, we've relied on these to give us the extra confidence we needed.

Price at time of publish: $38

Best for Long Sleeve Gowns

SKIMS Barely There Open Bust Arm Shaper

SKIMS Barely There Open Bust Arm Shaper

Skims

Size Range: XXS-4X | Shades: 5 | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Polyamide, Spandex

Whether you opt for a full-coverage gown for a winter ceremony or an elegant long-sleeve dress, this SKIMS arm shaper smooths the upper back and arms for a seamless look. The open-bust will work over most bras, and the raw-cut hem ends right below the elbow, so you won't have to worry about excess material peeking out. The piece does cover the entire upper back, so it's not compatible with a backless design.

Price at time of publish: $52

Most Versatile

Skims Solution Short 1

Skims Solution Short 1

Skims

Size Range: XXS-5X | Shades: 9 | Compression Level: Strong | Materials: Nylan, Spandex

If you want to show some leg without flashing your shapewear, the SKIMS Solution Short has you (un)covered. These shorts are designed with an asymmetrical crop to let you work a thigh-high slit. They also offer targeted compression to smooth your midsection and upper thighs and give your butt a lovely lift.

Price at time of publish: $42

Best Open Bust

Skims Sheer Sculpt Open Bust Bodysuit

Skims Sheer Sculpt Open Bust Bodysuit

Skims

Size Range: XXS-4X | Shades: 5 | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Nylan, Spandex

This featherweight shapewear bodysuit frames your bra to help create a seamless bustline under your gown, all while gently smoothing the lower half of your body. Ideal for wedding dresses with thicker straps and floor-length gowns, the fabric is sheer and breathable. You'll love the seamless look but will be frustrated that you must pull the whole thing down whenever you need to use the restroom.

Price at time of publish: $68

Best Barely-There Briefs

Commando Butter Control Brief

Commando Butter Control Brief

Commando

Size Range: XS-3X | Shades: 4 | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Nylon, Spandex

It's impossible to get light-to-medium compression and smoothness while feeling like you're not wearing underwear, but these briefs come close. We love the fit and feel, even though we did experience some rolling at the waistline. The breathable, raw-cut fabric provides a soft, wearable comfort under almost any style of wedding dress, from a sexy mermaid silhouette to a silky slip dress.

Price at time of publish: $27

Best Shaping Skirt

Yummie High-Waist Skirt Slip

Yummie High-Waist Skirt Slip

Amazon

Size Range: XS-XL | Shades: Black, Beige | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, Spandex

This Yummie shaping skirt provides all the benefits of shapewear but with a little more freedom of movement. We could easily slip it on, and the non-slip waistband and hemline kept it securely in place. A shaping panel smoothes the tummy, and the high-waist design sits snugly under a bra.

Price at time of publish: $58

Most Breathable Bodysuit

Wolford 3W Forming Bodysuit

4.9
Wolford 3W Forming Bodysuit

Wolford

Size Range: 34-44 | Shades: Black, Rose Tan | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Cotton, Elastane

If you are only looking for light compression but still want to smooth out your middle, back, and hips, we recommend this bodysuit from Wolford. Compared to other bodysuits on this list, we were impressed by how light this suit felt — we sometimes forgot we even had it on. While most suits are made from nylon and elastane, this one is created from cotton for extra breathability and comfort. Nothing rolled, slipped, or fell out of place. While it gave a nice lift to smaller chests, those with bigger breasts may want to wear a bra for extra support.

Price at time of publish: $275

Best Corset

La Perla Maison Contouring Corset

La Perla Maison Contouring Corset

La Perla

Size Range: XS-L | Shades: Black, Off White, Sand | Compression Level: Moderate | Materials: Elastane, Polyamide

If you don't want to deal with falling straps or complicated bathroom breaks, a corset is the way to go. Made from soft-stretch tulle, this one cinches your waist while still letting you breathe. It reaches right under your bust to make one smooth, straight line. Designed in Italy, the lace design is so pretty, it's practically part of your wedding lingerie look.

Price at time of publish: $300

Meet the Expert

  • Sapna Palep is the Co-CEO of Journelle, a female-driven, multi-line, multi-brand lingerie destination for lingerie.

What to Look for in Bridal Shapewear

Style

When it comes to bridal shapewear, it's important to pick an undergarment that not only fits you perfectly but lays seamlessly under your wedding day ensemble. Convertible bodysuits like Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bodysuit offer great support beneath strapless ball gowns, while seamless briefs and thongs like Skims Core Control Thong work best for form-fitting gowns and body-skimming slip dresses. If you're wearing a wedding dress that's backless and/or has a plunging neckline, you should consider a deep-V backless bodysuit, like Shapellx AirSlim Backless U Plunge Thong Bodysuit.

Compression Level

Shapewear comes in many different silhouettes and levels of compression. If you're looking for added contouring and support, opt for high-compression pieces like Honeylove SuperPower Short or structured styles with built-in boning or bras. Searching for something a little more lightweight? Barely-there thongs or seamless high-waisted briefs like Spanx Undie-tectable Thong feel like next to nothing when worn and are ideal for light and comfortable shaping.

"The key to choosing the right shapewear comes down to picking something that you know works for you, your body, and your unique needs," says Palep. "You want to be comfortable throughout the day while focusing on the areas that need the most support."

Ease of Use

It's easy to overlook how difficult it is to take on and off your shapewear when you are trying it on in the comfort of your home. But on your wedding day, you'll inevitably need to take a few trips to the bathroom. Some styles, like Honeylove SuperPower Short, have an open gusset (slit in the crotch) while others like Wacoal Women's Red Carpet Bodysuit have a hook-and-eye closures on the gusset. Which style is better comes down to personal preference, as some of us felt awkward just pulling the fabric aside while others struggled to refasten the hook-and-eye closure. If possible, try your shapewear with your wedding dress and see how easy it is to take on and off.

FAQ
  • Do I have to wear shapewear under my wedding dress?

    Definitely not! Wearing shapewear under your wedding dress is a personal choice and completely optional.

  • What color of shapewear should I wear with my wedding dress?

    Typically, you want your shapewear to be invisible underneath your dress, so it's best to go with a shade that blends into your skin. Look for styles that come in several colors, like Skims Sculpting Brief. If your dress is especially sheer, you might want to opt for white and let the shapewear serve as a foundational piece.

  • Should I size up or down in shapewear?

    Contrary to common belief, you shouldn't size down in shapewear. Wearing a piece that's too small can be uncomfortable, but also can cause it to ride up or roll down. Instead, go with your true size, based on the brand's size guide, as shapewear is already made to be tighter.

  • How much should I spend on shapewear?

    With the rise of new brands like Skims, you can find quality shapewear under $50 while luxury brands go for upwards of $300. Smaller pieces, like shorts and underwear, tend to be cheaper than bodysuits and full body slips. Think about your budget and whether you see yourself wearing the shapewear beyond your wedding day. If you often reach for shapewear when dressing for events, it may be worth investing in a luxury style that you can wear again and again. Ultimately, you should base your purchase off what makes you feel and look your best in your wedding dress.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more.

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