Bridal Lingerie: The Best Underwear & Shapewear for your Wedding Day

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When planning what to wear for the big day, brides often spend considerable time finding the perfect gown and less time considering what they should wear under their wedding dress.

Why does it matter what underwear you’re wearing? I hear you asking. Well, while your wedding festivities tend to require you to remain fully clothed, there’s nothing worse than spending the day posing for pictures with your panties in a twist. 

From unfortunate underwear lines to cagey underwire bras a size too small, Brazilian-style knickers when you should’ve opted for a thong or even visible shapewear - there is so much that can go wrong with bridal underwear and shapewear. 

So, while we’re not denying that saying yes to the perfect dress should be your first and foremost priority, it’s essential not to forget about your bridal lingerie for the big day, too. And bear in mind that while underwear tends to be non-negotiable (unless you plan to go commando), shapewear is by no means essential. But for those who would prefer a smoothening aid, it’s vital to get it right. 

After all, although your wedding guests likely won’t enjoy your more intimate picks, underwear and shapewear that just work for your shape and body type will do wonders for your confidence and ensure your dress fits like a glove! 

And, while we’re sure that future you will be grateful for a comfortable wedding day from start to finish, we bet your fiancé will be a fan, also! 

Our favourite bridal lingerie, including underwear & shapewear for 2024 

Often overlooked during the wedding planning process, bridal underwear and shapewear should be on your “must buy” list. And while, as someone who wears underwear daily, you might have a good idea of what kind of briefs will work for your dress style, our Editors at Rock My Wedding have spoken to the experts at Rigby & Peller to give you a nudge in the right direction. Find out how to match your bridal underwear to your wedding dress and a faultless fit, and get answers to all your burning wedding lingerie questions. 

Remember, we’re not talking about the sultry lace underwear you’re strictly reserving for your wedding night - who wants to wear that for the entire day? We’re talking about trusty bridal underwear and shapewear that’ll keep you comfortable and confident from day to night. 

Let’s uncover the best bridal lingerie for your wedding day…

Best bridal underwear sets

What else will make you feel more confident than a matching bridal lingerie set? 

These gorgeous sets from Lounge and Ann Summers offer the complete package. While you can buy items individually, these stunning underwear sets are perfect for brides-to-be. Whether you prefer a classic bra shape with flattering padding and plunge design - ideal for most dress necklines or an ultra-feminine basque - the choice is yours! Don’t forget about the classic garter straps for the ultimate bridal look! 

Best white bridal underwear & shapewear

For those who prefer to keep it simple and comfortable under their wedding dress, you’ll love these selections from Rigby & Peller and Boux Avenue. 

Although understated, this underwear set from Rigby & Peller is part of their bridal collection, making it perfect for your big day. The bra is ultra-supportive and padded, giving you a beautiful shape. And while the straps are a stylistic feature, boasting a gorgeously girly floral design, they’re also detachable or adjustable - perfect for suiting whatever dress you choose, from strapless to halterneck. 

This Boux Avenue bodysuit is another simple and laidback option for brides looking for practical shapewear. Whether you prefer white to match your dress or a tone closer to your complexion, browse Boux Avenue. Made from a premium stretch fabric, you’ll be amazed at its smoothing abilities! 

Best plus size bridal underwear & shapewear

As a plus-size woman, finding supportive lingerie is essential. The right plus-size bridal lingerie makes for the perfect base for your wedding dress that will make heaps of difference to how comfortable and confident you feel all day and all night! 

The Nude Contour Bra from Yours Clothing offers a seamless and flattering fit that will keep you secure and looking your best from day to night. 

For the brides who prefer the additional support provided by plus-size shapewear, we love these All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Shorts from Shapermint. They’re made from breathable, stretchy fabric that will keep you smooth in all the right places - ideal for avoiding less-than-enjoyable thigh chaffing and spending the entire evening dancing your socks off! 

Best strapless bridal underwear & shapewear

Strapless wedding gowns are an ever-popular style, but how do you ensure you get the support you need? While it’s a common misconception that strapless bras don’t work for bigger boobs, constantly falling down or shifting out of place - that couldn’t be any more wrong! It’s all about finding the right bra that properly fits. 

The Lace Wired Strapless Bandeau Bra from M&S is available in sizes A-E and can be worn with or without straps, depending on your dress style. The best thing about shopping for your bridal lingerie at Marks and Spencer is the Bra Fit Service or even the Bra Fitting Tool to ensure you get the perfect fit. 

To sort your strapless shapewear needs, head to ASOS for this strapless Spanx suit that will have you feeling secure and smooth all day. 

Best seamless bridal underwear & shapewear

There’s nothing worse than a VPL, especially on your wedding day. That’s why we love seamless underwear and shapewear! 

Uniqlo’s Ultra Seamless High Rise Briefs are perfect for brides who don’t want their bridal lingerie to take centre stage. Made from an incredibly smooth and soft seamless fabric that remains hidden with an ultra-flattering high waist for soft tummy control - these briefs are perfect in many ways! 

For a seamless option that offers more hold, you can’t go wrong with Skims - a brand known and loved for providing shapewear that actually works. This bodysuit is made to define and sculpt your figure, aided by high-quality compression fabric that’s also stretchy and comfortable - the best of both worlds, right?

Best tummy control bridal shapewear

Whether your chosen wedding dress is form-fitting or you’re opting for satin or silk - a notoriously unforgiving material around the middle region - you might be hunting for the best tummy-control shapewear to ensure you feel comfortable on your special day. 

Run, don’t walk, to PLT for super affordable shapewear if your wedding budget is stretched. For under £10, you can bag this High Waisted Control Thong - bargain! However, for those willing to invest slightly more into their wedding day shapewear, where else would you go than Skims? The Core Control High Waist Thong is a must-have for compressive tummy support, tightly contouring your waist and smoothing any lumps and bumps you might prefer to keep hidden. The best thing about Skims is that items range in size from XXS to 4XL, ensuring you fit the perfect fit for your body type - helping you get the most out of your shapewear. 

Best backless or low-back bridal underwear & shapewear

Backless or low-back wedding dresses never go out of style. Who doesn’t love an elegant open-back and dramatic train moment? 

But if you’re going for a somewhat backless wedding dress, you might wonder how to get around the bra situation on the big day. While you go bra-free, some brides might prefer the support that undergarments provide. 

Enter The Ultimate Backless Bra from Wonderbra - a bestselling offering from the underwear experts. It’s all about top-level support, a gorgeous yet natural lift and soft, comfortable materials that perfectly complement your low-back wedding gown. 

For shapewear that promises to go undetected, head to Reiss for this Spanx Firming Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit. The plunge neckline and low back make it the ultimate versatile choice! 

Bridal lingerie FAQs

Still unsure of what bridal lingerie to opt for on your wedding day? From simple, everyday bridal undies to sexy bridal lingerie - there’s so much to consider. And while style will always be a top consideration, don’t forget to pay mind to functionality too. 

Will you need a strapless bra to go alongside your wedding dress with a beautiful sweetheart neckline? Or maybe some low-back shapewear that won’t slip into eyesight when wearing your statement, backless gown? Bridal lingerie that works for your needs is a wedding day essential. 

What kind of underwear should a bride wear?

There’s no such thing as “should” when selecting the perfect bridal lingerie for your wedding day. Underwear is a personal choice, and what’s important is that you feel comfortable and confident wearing it. 

However, there tend to be a few things you should bear in mind when finding the right underwear. Colour is one example of this: white or nude tones are preferential for bridal lingerie to match your dress. Or maybe you might want to consider some seamless briefs if you’re wearing a formfitting dress to avoid the dreaded VPL (visible panty line) or bunching fabrics. 

So, while there is no such thing as what a bride should or shouldn’t wear on their wedding day, there are definitely choices that will complement your wedding gown. 

Should I wear shapewear under my wedding dress? 

Again, shapewear is a personal choice. There’s no need to wear shapewear on your wedding day, but if you do, it’s essential to get it right. While shapewear can help brides feel more confident on their wedding day, we’re also all for embracing your body without the addition of smoothening or contouring aids. 

But for those who say yes to shapewear, choose the right style to get the most out of it. Whether tummy control is your focus or thighs that don’t chaff, shapewear isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. 

How do you choose wedding underwear?

What you wear under your wedding dress will depend on the style of gown you’ve chosen and your body type, too! Many bridal dresses will have built-in support around the bust area or a corseted bodice, so you might decide you don’t need to wear anything other than typical underwear. However, depending on the level of support your dress provides, you might prefer to opt for some extra-special underwear or shapewear. 

In short, you should base your wedding underwear choices on things like the neckline or material of your wedding dress. A halterneck gown requires a strapless or adjustable, while something with sheer or lightweight fabric will need white or nude-coloured undergarments. 

What underwear to wear for wedding dress shopping?

We recommend that you wear similar (if not the same) underwear to your wedding appointment that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This is super important to avoid an unpleasant surprise on your wedding morning, i.e. a strap or two out of place. While you may not know what underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day at the time of your bridal appointments and fittings, it’s also the perfect time to use these sessions to explore different styles to choose the perfect bridal lingerie.