Every bride has different preferences. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of using bridal shapewear on your special day, this article might just help you out. Before delving into the best shapewear for your wedding dress, it is important to understand the benefits of choosing the right wedding shapewear depending on your wedding gown’s style.
Why is Shapewear Important?
While shapewear is excellent for providing support and a seamless appearance, it will not flatten or make your stomach or waist smaller. Shapewear is designed to enhance your natural body shape by smoothing out specific areas of your body, such as the tummy or thighs. Shapewear typically come with laser-cut edges that help transform any body type to produce a smooth and streamlined figure.
Aside from shapewear, it’s also important to consider choosing appropriate undergarments for your bridal dress. Read our helpful guide on what to wear under your wedding dress.
The Best Types of Shapewear for Wedding Dresses
Your choice of shapewear can make or break your big day. The wrong wedding gown alteration or inappropriate shapewear may affect your comfort and confidence, and you might not be able to fully enjoy your wedding day as you constantly move and adjust your wedding shapewear. Shapewear come in various types, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To help you deal with this, we have narrowed down a list of the best shapewear for your wedding dress.
1. The Torsolette
A torsolette is a woman’s undergarment designed to shape and support the torso, often stretching from the bust to the hips. It functions similarly to a corset but is much shorter. A torsolette typically includes boning and padding to help create a sleek and formfitting look. Boning and bra cups help the torsolette achieve its signature hourglass silhouette.
Torsolettes are perfect for strapless and low-back gowns, particularly ball gowns, as they offer additional support and structure. They can improve the look of the bust, the waist, and the skin underneath the dress.
2. Bodysuits
Bodysuits are shapewear designed to cover the full torso, from the bust to the hips or thighs, and to smooth out any seeming imperfections. These come in various styles and may be worn with different types of wedding dresses to produce a sleek and elegant look. Some common types of bodysuits are:
- Full-Body Shaper – As the name implies, full-body shapers typically cover the body from the bust to the thighs. Some varieties cover the knees as well. This is the best shapewear for a fitted wedding dress.
- High-Waisted Shaper – A high-waisted shaper typically focuses on the waist and the tummy area. This bodysuit type has a high waistline that reaches at least the middle of the torso and often the bra line. It helps smoothen and flatten the stomach, making it an excellent choice for dresses with a defined waistline, such as A-line and ball gown styles.
- Thong Bodysuit – Thong bodysuits are structured similarly to a regular body suit, except it features a thong back. It typically provides the same coverage and support in the front; however, it leaves the back exposed. Thong bodysuits are perfect for dresses with a low or plunging back since they prevent the wearer’s underwear, such as ordinary pants or shapewear, from being visible. A thong bodysuit will keep your underwear out of sight, making your dress the focal point of your outfit and giving you a more put-together look.
- Strapless Bodysuit – A strapless bodysuit has the same features as a full-body shaper except for a strapless top. It supports the bust, waist, and hips and seamlessly shapes the body while remaining undetectable under the dress. Its strapless feature makes it perfect for dresses with an off-the-shoulder neckline.
- Convertible Bodysuit – A convertible bodysuit is one of the most versatile shapewear as it features convertible straps that can be adjusted and worn in multiple ways. The straps can be set up similarly to a traditional bra, crisscross, or even strapless. A convertible bodysuit is ideal for bridal gowns with varied necklines, such as halter, one-shoulder, or racerback, as it can be worn in various ways to accommodate various dress styles.
3. The Shaper Shorts
Shaper shorts are a type of shapewear that focuses on supporting the lower body area, such as the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Although they are often confused with traditional cycling shorts, shaper shorts are more stretchy and are made of compressive materials such as spandex or nylon.
Shapewear shorts are perfect for brides that want to move on the dance floor. It comes in various lengths and can be suitable for both long and short bridal gowns. These compression shorts are designed to cover your entire lower body, from the belly button to the middle of your thighs.
With its seamless design, the shaper short guarantees that it will not show through clothing
and will not have panty lines.
4. Shapewear Dress or Skirt Slip
A shapewear dress or skirt slip is made from stretchy, compressive materials such as spandex or nylon. Shapewear dresses or skirt slips are recommended for brides who plan on wearing a fitted or mermaid-style wedding dress, as they help streamline the lower half of the body.
It’s also best for lightweight or sheer fabric gowns because they give an extra layer of coverage and support.
If you’ve tried every shapewear you could but cannot seem to fit or feel comfortable in your wedding dress, then you may need professional wedding dress alteration services.
How to Choose the Right Size Shapewear for Your Wedding Dress
Of course, shapewear also comes in various sizes, and choosing the right one for your body type is essential to ensure maximum comfort and aesthetics.
If you’re unsure which size to choose, it’s best to size up. To ensure your shapewear fits appropriately, look for the following signs:
- Although it’s a tight fit, it doesn’t restrict your breathing and movement.
- You’re not struggling to get it on; adjusting it requires little effort.
- There’s no excess fabric hanging.
Additionally, the way you wear it makes a difference, too. Choosing a piece that is too large and rolls or rides down are two typical mistakes one can make when selecting shapewear. Most brides choose ivory, white, or off-white for their wedding dresses, so selecting undergarments that blend in with the dress’s colour is important.
Seek Professional Assistance
Choosing the right wedding shapewear can be a daunting task for brides, and cleaning your gown before your big day can also be stressful. If you are looking for Wedding Dress Cleaners in Toronto, contact the wedding dress experts from Love Your Dress now. We can thoroughly clean your wedding gown for you and prepare it for your big day while giving you professional advice on the best wedding shapewear for your gown.
