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Brides / Marcus Millan
Shapewear is a hidden superpower that offers added support to whatever you're wearing—and that includes your wedding dress! The best shapewear pieces smooth and contour the body without restricting movement or cutting off circulation. Although shaping undergarments comes in a wide range of cuts and colors, finding the right pieces for your body type, skin tone, and level of support can be challenging.
When browsing options, consider the type and style of shapewear you are looking for. What body part(s) do you want to cinch or smooth? You'll also want to consider your ideal level of compression, how easily you want to get in or out of the garment, what size you need, and your preferred color.
To make your search for the perfect bridal shapewear easier, we shimmied, squeezed, and slipped into over 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. Based on our results, we compiled a comprehensive list of the top shapewear pieces based on support, comfort, and range of available shades and sizes.
Read on for the best bridal shapewear for your wedding day.
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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 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. The best part of these flattering shorts is the pull-aside fabric that makes it possible to use the restroom without taking them off.
Size Range: XS–3X | Shades: 5 | Compression Level: Strong | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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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.
Size Range: XS–XL | Shades: 9 | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Nylon, elastane
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Silk wedding dresses are so chic but are notorious for showing off a little too much. 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 digs in or bulges. 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. They also held up well after washing without losing their compression or smoothness, so you'll be able to wear them well beyond your wedding.
Size Range: XS–3X | Shades: 4 | Compression Level: Light to moderate | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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After more than six hours wearing this shaper, we still felt comfortable and weren't itching to take it off. It was also one of the most slimming shapers we tried, sculpting our curves into a smooth hourglass shape. The silky, breathable material allowed 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 get used to, but we found bathroom breaks manageable enough.
Size Range: 14/16–34/36 | Shades: Black, beige, chocolate plum | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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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, so make sure you practice ahead of time.
Size Range: XS–XL | Shades: Black, beige | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, elastane
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If you've chosen a backless gown or one that has a plunging neckline, this shaping bodysuit is a smart and sexy pick. We love the fit, which accommodates and enhances natural curves, and helpful features like the underwire compression bra cups and anti-slip neckline. The clear center and shoulder straps help keep the garment hidden but be aware that metal hooks might be detectable under very delicate or clingy fabric.
Size Range: S–3X | Shades: 4 | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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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 who wants more smoothing than compression. It kept its shape after machine washing, and the square neckline and plunging back work under various dress styles.
Size Range: XXS–4X | Shades: 14 | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
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These shorts are one of Spanx's bestselling styles for a good reason. The smoothing fabric works to contour 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 were no signs of pilling or stretching. We've relied on these time and time again to give us the extra confidence we needed.
Size Range: S–3X | Shades: 4 | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, elastane
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Whether you opt for a full-coverage gown for a winter ceremony or an elegant long-sleeve dress, this SKIMS undergarment smooths the upper back and arms for a seamless look. The open-bust works 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.
Size Range: XXS–4X | Shades: 5 | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Polyamide, spandex
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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 backside a lovely lift.
Size Range: XXS–5X | Shades: 9 | Compression Level: Strong | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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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. Just be aware that you'll have to pull the whole thing down when you need to use the restroom.
Size Range: XXS–4X | Shades: 5 | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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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.
Size Range: XS–3X | Shades: 4 | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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This Yummie shaping skirt provides all the benefits of shapewear but with a little more freedom for movement. We could easily get 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. It's also an excellent option for wearing under your rehearsal dinner dress and reception outfit.
Size Range: XS–XL | Shades: Black, beige | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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If you're 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 options 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.
Size Range: 34–44 | Shades: Black, beige | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Cotton, elastane
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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 that it can practically be a part of your wedding lingerie look.
Size Range: XS–L | Shades: Black, off-white, sand | Compression Level: Moderate | Materials: Elastane, polyamide
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If you're open to splurging on high-end shapewear for your wedding day, La Perla won't disappoint. This incredibly comfortable bodysuit promises to smooth your skin and sculpt your curves with light compression. You can rock it under your dress without worrying about it pinching or restricting movement.
Size Range: 32B–38B | Shades: Off-white, sand, black | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
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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 option.
Size Range: XS–XL | Shades: Black, beige | Compression Level: Firm | Materials: Nylon, elastane
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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.
Size Range: XXS–5X | Shades: 9 | Compression Level: Strong | Materials: Nylon, elastane
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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.
Size Range: XS-XL | Shades: Black, Beige, White | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Polyamide, Spandex
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Whether you're wearing an eccentric wedding dress design or you're switching it up for a reception outfit change, this bodysuit is cut from a stretch fabric that smooths your figure for just about any wedding day ensemble. It has soft, breathable panels along the bust, back and thighs to increase comfort and flexibility—so you can move around all night in with ease. It’s made to be seamless, so it will be virtually invisible under figure-hugging gowns.
Size Range: S-XL | Shades: Black, beige, and light brown | Compression Level: Medium | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
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Not sure what type of shapewear you'll need on your wedding day? Consider a slip, like this versatile number from Intimissimi. It’s soft-to-the-touch, super silky, and ultra comfortable. Creating a “second skin” effect, it features thin straps which makes it ideal to wear under dresses and sheer or knit skirts.
Size Range: S–L | Shades: Ivory, black, blue, natural | Compression Level: Light | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
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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 core control brief offers compression and gives your butt a lift—this is Kim Kardashian's shapewear line, after all. This piece is an excellent choice if you want a contoured effect on your natural shape, but you can also size down if you're looking for a more snug fit.
Size Range: XXS–4X | Shades: 10 | Compression Level: Strong | Materials: Nylon, spandex
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 offer great support beneath strapless ball gowns, while seamless briefs and thongs like 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.
- 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 or structured styles with built-in boning or bras. Searching for something a little more lightweight? Barely-there thongs or seamless high-waisted briefs 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 Sapna Palep, the Co-CEO of Journelle. "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 have an open gusset (slit in the crotch) while others 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 ahead of time and see how easy it is to take on and off.
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. Additional research was done by commerce writer Theresa Holland.
- Sapna Palep is the Co-CEO of Journelle, a female-driven, multi-line, multi-brand lingerie destination for lingerie.
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