Shapewear is worn under your clothing and is designed to shape, smooth, support, and accentuate different parts of the body.

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 should shapewear be?

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 styles that come in several colors, like Skims Sculpting Brief . Yet if your dress is especially sheer, you might want to opt for white and let the shapewear serve as a foundational piece.

The 17 Best Bridal and Wedding Shapewear of 2023

Brides / Chloe Jeong

There's nothing wrong with a little extra support. In fact, it's often preferred! Wearing shapewear on your wedding day is certainly not required, but if you’re looking for bridal underpinnings with added support and coverage, shapewear solutions can offer just that. Shaping undergarments are designed to be virtually undetectable under most wedding dresses and come in a wide range of cuts and colors to suit all body types and skin tones.

Take a moment to assess how you feel in your undergarments. Shapewear shouldn't ride up or be painful. It's your wedding day after all and you deserve to feel comfortable and confident, not pinched and squeezed.

If you're not sure where to start, we've got you covered. We researched and ranked the top shapewear pieces based on their level of support, seamlessness, comfort, and range of diverse colors and sizes. We also interviewed Sapna Palep, Co-CEO of Journelle, for expert insight on how to match your shapewear to your dress. For the barely-there undergarments, we love the Commando Butter Control Briefs. For ultimate coverage and contouring, the Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bodysuit and the Honeylove SuperPower Short are foolproof picks.

Our Top Picks

Best For Comfort:

Honeylove SuperPower Short at Nordstrom

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Best Seamless Panty:

Spanx Undie-Tectable Thong at Amazon

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Best for Deep-V Necklines:

Spanx Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit at Amazon

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Best for Strapless Dresses:

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bodysuit at Amazon

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Best Thong:

SKIMS Thong at Nordstrom

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Best Shaper Shorts :

Spanx Higher Power Shorts at Amazon

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Best Smoothing :

SKIMS Sculpting High Waist Brief at Nordstrom

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Best Style with Detachable Straps:

Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit at Amazon

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SKIMS 'Fits Everybody' Sculpting Bodysuit at Nordstrom

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Best Barely-There Briefs:

Commando Butter Control Brief at Amazon

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Honeylove

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

The wedding day can be long, which means finding comfortable shapewear is key to making it from the ceremony to the dance floor. The breathable fabric on this number is what makes it the perfect wedding day undergarment, especially if you plan on after-partying late into the night. This Honeylove power short uses panels of varying degrees of compression to shape and sculpt in all right areas resulting in a flattering fit that doesn't pinch or squeeze. It comes in five different shades and ranges from sizes extra-small to 3X.

Price at time of publish: $89

Spanx

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

Less is more with this simple and soft thong. If you're wearing a minimalist slip dress, opt for this seamless piece crafted from butter-soft fabric. You can rest assured that it won't create any unwanted panty lines on your special day, so you can walk down the aisle with the utmost confidence. Plus, the extra-wide waistband offers a comfortable and smooth fit.

Price at time of publish: $24

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

Amazon

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

This bodysuit was made for skin-baring wedding dresses and intricate designs. If you're wearing a gown with a plunging neckline and a low back, then this Spanx bodysuit is a smart shapewear solution. As versatile as it is comfortable, with adjustable and convertible straps, this undergarment is perfect for any special occasion.

Price at time of publish: $148

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bodysuit

Amazon

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

This sleek shaper has a built-in padded bra for brides looking for a little extra lift. Designed with detachable straps, this bodysuit is a versatile option suited for a variety of wedding dress silhouettes. The adjustable, five-way convertible straps are ideal for a strapless gown, while the panty construction is perfect for shorter hemlines and high slits.

Price at time of publish: $148

SKIMS

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

The SKIMS bridal collection offers an array of sleek and size-inclusive shapewear. Our favorite piece? This sculpting high-waist thong that's designed to smooth and enhance your natural silhouette. With nine different color shades available, this number offers supportive construction and a core-contouring structure that helps every wedding day ensemble fit like a glove.

Price at time of publish: $34

Nordstrom

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

This footless shaper is one of Spanx's bestselling styles, and for good reason. It smooths and contours the stomach, hips, rear, and thighs while providing light and sheer compression on the legs. This style can truly be worn with any floor-length wedding dress, so you can feel your best from the beginning to the end of your wedding day.

Price at time of publish: $38

Nordstrom

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

Let's just say, SKIMS knows how to sculpt. With contouring high-waisted briefs, bodysuits, and bras all available in a wide range of colors and sizes, it's no wonder brides are turning to SKIMS for their big day. We love this double waistband style for its flattering and supremely comfortable fit that effortlessly enhances your natural shape.

Price at time of publish: $36

Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit

Bare Necessities

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

Let's be honest, there's nothing more frustrating than having to constantly readjust a strapless bodice. And who wants to deal with that on their wedding day? Ditch the discomfort with this shapewear style that comes with silicone cups to help keep your undergarments in order. Thanks to the superior bra design and built-in power mesh, you'll never have to worry about this bodysuit falling down.

Price at time of publish: $125

Skims

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

This impeccably made SKIMS bodysuit was crafted to lay flawlessly under your wedding dress. Designed with a high-cut leg opening and thong back, this piece guarantees seamless support. Not to mention, the wide square neckline and low scoop back make this an excellent shapewear option for a variety of different wedding dress designs.

Price at time of publish: $58

Wear Commando

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

The name says it all. These Commando control briefs are as good as going bare and as smooth as butter. This style is perfect for brides-to-be who are looking for light and seamless compression. The breathable, raw-cut fabric provides luxurious comfort suited for any style of wedding dress, from mermaid silhouettes for a black-tie affair to silky slip dresses for your destination celebration.

Price at time of publish: $27

Shapellx

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

Nothing says sexy yet classic like an open-back wedding dress, and this backless bodysuit is the ultimate undergarment for your big day. It features padded cups with underwire and clear adhesive straps for totally invisible and flawless support. Plus, it has a deep plunge in the front, so you can rewear it for deep v necks too.

Price at time of publish: $44

Amazon

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

If you want all the benefits of shapewear but with a little more freedom, then this Yummie slip is for you. For body-hugging wedding gowns to feminine frocks, the lightweight yet firm fabric offers invisible control that will elevate your wedding day look and enhance your natural shape. Plus, the non-slip waistband and hemline keep everything in place.

Price at time of publish: $58

Skims

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

From full-coverage gowns for winter ceremonies to elegant long sleeve lace wedding dresses, this SKIMS arm shaper provides brides with a little extra coverage. The open-bust pullover style and seamless fabric lightly smooth your upper back and sculpt your arms. And since the raw-cut hemline ends right below the elbow, you won't have to worry about any material popping out of the ends of your long sleeve dress.

Price at time of publish: $52

Skims

View On Skims.com

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

One of the best shapewear styles to complement a strapless bra is one that makes room for the cups and dips just below them. This featherweight shapewear bodysuit does just that to help create a seamless bust under your gown, all while contouring and smoothing the lower half of your body. This Skims number is ideal for wedding dresses with thicker straps and floor-length designs.

Price at time of publish: $68

Natori

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Size Range: S-XXL | Shades: Black, Beige | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Nylon, Spandex

This mid-thigh shaper is like a supportive second skin and feels like next to nothing on. A contouring, high-power stretch jersey fabric helps the briefs stay in place while a soft lace finish prevents any seams from digging into your legs.

Price at time of publish: $78

Amazon

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Size Range: XS-XL | Shades: Black, Beige, White | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Polyamide, Spandex

These curve-enhancing briefs stop mid-waist, making them ideal for the bride who wants a seamless fit that hits below the ribcage. Made with light-compression smoothing fabric and sheer mesh detailing, this lacy shapewear combines unmatched comfort with sexy style. And if you're rocking a bustier style gown or a dress with built-in shapewear, sometimes less fabric under the bodice is the way to go.

Price at time of publish: $48

Skims

View On Skims.com

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

Sky-high slits are always in, and if you're a bride who is about to show off some serious leg – you can't have your shapewear peeking through. SKIMS's solution to this wardrobe worry is an asymmetrical short that lifts and shapes your butt while leaving one leg free so that you can work that high-slit with absolute confidence.

Price at time of publish: $42

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.

Size

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 normal size, as shapewear is already made to be tighter.

"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."

FAQ

What is shapewear?

Shapewear is worn under your clothing and is designed to shape, smooth, support, and accentuate different parts of the body.
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 should shapewear be?

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 styles that come in several colors, like Skims Sculpting Brief. Yet if your dress is especially sheer, you might want to opt for white and let the shapewear serve as a foundational piece.

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.

5 Must-Have Shapewear Pieces for a Wedding in 2023

Best For Comfort

Honeylove SuperPower Short

Best Seamless Panty

Spanx Undie-Tectable Thong

Best for Deep-V Necklines

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

Best for Strapless Dresses

Spanx Suit Your Fancy Strapless Bodysuit

Best Thong

SKIMS Core Control Thong

Best Shaper Shorts

Spanx Higher Power Shorts

Best Smoothing

SKIMS Sculpting High Waist Brief

Best Style with Detachable Straps

Wacoal Red Carpet Medium Control Convertible Bodysuit

SKIMS 'Fits Everybody' Sculpting Bodysuit

Best Barely-There Briefs

Commando Butter Control Brief

Best Backless

Shapellx AirSlim Backless U Plunge Thong Bodysuit

Best Shaping Skirt

Yummie High-Waist Skirt Slip

Best for Long Sleeve Gowns

SKIMS Barely There Open Bust Arm Shaper

Best Open Bust

Skims Sheer Sculpt Open Bust Bodysuit

Best Mid-Thigh Shaper

Natori Plush High-Waist Thigh Shaper

Squeem Brazilian Flair Mid-Waist Brief

Most Versatile

Skims Solution Short 1

A Guide to Bridal Shapewear and Undergarments

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