How to Choose Bridal Lingerie

Co-authored by LaTricia Brown

Last Updated: July 22, 2021 References

Choosing bridal lingerie is one of the many exciting things you get to do as bride-to-be, and it’s something so personal that only you can do it. For lingerie that you’re planning to wear under your dress on your big day, you’ll need to choose a style that works well under your specific dress. If you’re planning to get other lingerie to change into after the wedding, you have unlimited options with which you can surprise your fiancé!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Finding Lingerie for Your Dress

1
Go with a slip and shapewear if you have a sheath dress. Light flowing fabrics make beautiful wedding gowns but may require a little extra support underneath to avoid showing unwanted bulges or panty lines.^{[1]
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Expert Source

LaTricia Brown
Master Tailor & Creative Director
Expert Interview. 9 July 2021.} Find shapewear that hides any problem areas, and a slip made from similar fabric as your gown in case your gown slips.^{[2]
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- To reduce the layers you need to wear, try a shaping slip in the same color as your dress.
2
Choose high-waisted shaping lingerie for a mermaid dress. Mermaid dresses show off all your natural curves by hugging your body, so consider lingerie that draws in your waist and doesn’t show panty lines. A high-waisted thong is a good option, on its own or coupled with a bustier.^{[3]
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3
Find a bustier or corset for your ballgown. Many ballgown style dresses already have a structured corset or bustier in them, but if yours doesn’t, find one that matches the color of your dress. Choose a bustier bra that’s seamless and strapless to support and lift your bust while slimming your torso.^{[4]
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- Panties for your ballgown can be any style you choose, since a ballgown is loose in the skirt area and you won’t be able to see panty lines.
4
Choose any lingerie for A-line dresses. A-line, or princess-style dresses, are fitted at the top and flow out below the bustline. If this is the type of dress you have, you can choose any lingerie based on your comfort or preference instead of shaping or support.
- Keep in mind the shape of the top of your dress when choosing a bra; if the dress has a deep neckline or is strapless, you’ll want to find a strapless bra or skip a bra altogether.^{[5]
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  LaTricia Brown
  Master Tailor & Creative Director
  Expert Interview. 9 July 2021.}
5
Find a backless bra with adhesive sides for a backless dress. If you have a halter or other type of backless dress, you may want support or coverage from your lingerie. Choose an adhesive bra that matches the color of your dress to get the support you need.^{[6]
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- Adhesive bras also work great for strapless dresses if you can’t find a strapless bra that you like.^{[7]
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  LaTricia Brown
  Master Tailor & Creative Director
  Expert Interview. 9 July 2021.}
- Adhesive and strapless bras might not be enough to support the weight of your dress.^{[8]
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  LaTricia Brown
  Master Tailor & Creative Director
  Expert Interview. 9 July 2021.}
6
Match the lingerie color to your dress. Try bringing a swatch of the fabric that your gown is made from with you when you shop for lingerie. Some bridal gown retailers offer a swatch so you can match accessories with your gown. If you don’t have a sample of the fabric, try ordering more than one shade of lingerie and keep the one that best matches your gown.^{[9]
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- Matching your lingerie with your dress instead of your skin tone is helpful in case your gown slips a bit. Your lingerie won’t be as obvious if the shade matches your dress.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing Wedding Night Lingerie

1
Wear whatever you’ll feel sexy in. There are certain myths surrounding wedding night lingerie that it has to look a certain way, but only you and your fiancé know what you like. This means if you don’t want to wear white, don’t! You can wear anything from boyfriend-style pajamas to French maid costumes, so don’t be afraid to choose something unique to you.^{[10]
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2
Choose flowery white lace for the classic feminine look. If you want to go a traditional route, find a comfortable white or cream bra and panty set made from sheer flowery lace. Or go with a short white lacy gown.^{[11]
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- Some lingerie combines lace and faux-fur for an extra feminine touch.
3
Try an artsy corset with suspenders, stockings, and heels for a bolder approach. If bold is more your style, think straps! Look for a detailed, beaded or embroidered corset with suspenders, fishnet or lace thigh-highs, and a pair of matching heels. Choose any color theme you like for this lingerie based on your preference.^{[12]
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- Some corsets have a connected underwear component with suspenders; others don’t, in which case, you can find a matching thong to complete your outfit.
4
Choose a lacy jumpsuit or teddie if you like one-pieces. Find a lacy halter mini-shorts jumpsuit to combine sporty and feminine looks. Or go bold and feminine with a sheer or strappy teddie in any color that you like.^{[13]
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- To stay on the more traditional side, choose white or cream for your one-piece lingerie. Or choose a pastel pink or blue for a romantic, feminine effect.
- Black or red also work well with these pieces if you want a bolder look.
5
Get a sheer dressing gown for some added luxury. Regardless of what style lingerie you get, consider a sheer dressing gown to drape over it, as an extra piece to remove on your wedding night, for lounging around in the morning, or both.^{[14]
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6
Consider a separate registry just for lingerie if you’re having trouble deciding. If you like too many pieces to choose, let a few close friends and your fiancé choose for you! Create a registry online with a lingerie store, add some of your favorite pieces, and give your bridesmaids and fiancé the link before your bridal shower. This gives the people who know you best a chance to help you decide.^{[15]
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- You may end up with more than one item, but that’s okay. Choose one for your wedding night and save the rest for your honeymoon!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Considering Your Body Type

1
Choose strappy lingerie on a muscular frame. You can probably pull off some pretty daring looks if you’re in good shape. Choose lingerie with lots of straps, bold colors, or a cinched waistline to show it off.^{[16]
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2
Try a plunging neckline and briefs if you’re pear-shaped. Pear-shaped women are smaller up top with wider hips, butt, and thighs. Show off this type of figure with pieces that go low at the neckline and brief-style underwear.^{[17]
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LaTricia Brown
Master Tailor & Creative Director
Expert Interview. 9 July 2021.} Or experiment with colors by wearing bold, bright patterns up top.^{[18]
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3
Go with v-cut panties and a full coverage bra or corset if you’re apple-shaped. Apple-shaped ladies carry more weight in the top half of their bodies and have slender legs. Show off this type of body by providing full bust coverage and concealing your stomach area, if you want to. Think lots of lace up top and brightly colored panties.^{[19]
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4
Try a garter belt or any waist-cincher for an hourglass figure. Hourglass figures have a proportioned build with bust and thigh measurements that are about equal, and are slimmer at the waist. Show off your waistline with a flattering belt or any accessory that draws attention to it.^{[20]
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5
Go wireless for a small bust. If you don’t need an underwire bra on your wedding day, don’t bother with one. Try a feminine lacy bralette or a racerback style bra if you have a small chest. You can likely find some cute halter one-pieces as well.^{[21]
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6
Choose high-waisted bottoms for a long torso. If you have a long torso and shorter legs, you can choose from the variety of high-waisted styles that are so popular. Try a lacy crop top set with high-waisted bottoms to draw more attention to your shoulders and legs.^{[22]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Can you wear a strapless bra with a wedding dress?

LaTricia Brown
Master Tailor & Creative Director
LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary.

LaTricia Brown

Master Tailor & Creative Director

Expert Answer

You can, but it's better to support your bust with sewn-in push-up cups. Strapless bras and sticky tape aren't always sturdy enough to support the weight of a wedding gown, especially if it's heavily beaded.
Question

What do you wear under a plunging neckline?

LaTricia Brown
Master Tailor & Creative Director
LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary.

LaTricia Brown

Master Tailor & Creative Director

Expert Answer

Wear a seamless, nude or skintone panty with your gown. This type of undergarment also goes well with a sheer-paneled dress.
Question

How do you know if you are apple shaped or pear shape? My boobs are big and so are my buttocks.

Rose

Community Answer

You might not be a certain body type, you could be something different. With a tape measure, measure what your waist circumference and your hip circumference are. Then calculate your waist to hip ratio. If that number is 80 or above, then you are an apple shape. If that number is below 80, you are a pear shape.