The Best Shapewear for Brides

Let’s Talk About Shapewear, Shall We?

When it comes to bridalwear, we talk a lot about the dress. The neckline, the silhouette, the train that trails behind you. But what we don’t talk about enough? What goes under the dress, I’m talking about shapewear. The invisible magic that smooths, supports, and gives you that little boost of confidence, whether you’re wearing a figure-hugging crepe gown or a dramatic ballgown with a thousand layers.

So, where do you start?

P.S This article contains affiliate links

main image: SKIMS

Step One: What’s Your Dress Doing?

Before you even add to cart, think about what your dress is doing:

• Is it fitted through the hips and waist?
• Is it backless? Strapless? Sheer?
• Does it hug or flow? Different dresses = different shapewear. Trust me, not all Spanx are created equal.

For the Sleek, Fitted Gown Brides

You want something that gives you a smooth silhouette from bust to thigh. Think:

• High-waisted briefs or shorts with tummy control
• Mid-thigh bodysuits with a plunging neckline (perfect under deep V dresses)
• Look for shapewear with smooth and seamless finishes so nothing shows through
  

Fave picks:

• SKIMS Sculpting Mid Thigh Bodysuit: super breathable, shockingly comfy, and available in tons of skin tones.

Available at Brown Thomas

• Spanx Thinstincts 2.0 Mid-Thigh Short: Lightweight yet supportive, these are designed with an inner gel strip at the waistband to prevent any rolling or slipping. They come in a range of shades and rise options, which is ideal if you need something lower for a backless dress. Thanks to their breathable fabric, they’re especially perfect for destination weddings in warmer climates.

Available at Arnotts and Brown Thomas

For the Ballgown or A-Line Brides

If your dress gives you room to breathe, lucky you! This means you can go for lighter support that’s all about comfort and shape, not squeeze.  I mainly chose the thong version of the shapewear because personally I find them even less visible but nearly all of them are also available in a brief if that’s what you prefer!!

• A high-waist thong brief with tummy control is more than enough.
• Or try a corset-style bodice (some even have removable straps or built-in bras).

Fave picks:

• SKIMS – Seamless Sculpt Thong Bodysuit: this bodysuit smooths and supports without feeling bulky 
  

Available at Brown Thomas

• Spanx –Suit Your Fancy Medium Control High-Waisted Thong:  This one’s a bridal fave for a reason: the high waist smooths your tummy and sides without flattening your curves, and the thong back means zero VPL under even the sleekest of dresses.

Available at Arnotts and Brown Thomas

• Commando –  Control Thong: With its light shaping, this thong delivers a barely-there feel while still smoothing your silhouette

Available at Arnotts and Brown Thomas

For the Backless Gowns

This is where things get trickier, but not impossible. Look for:

• Adhesive bras or cups
• Low-back bodysuits with removable straps
• Convertible shapewear that adapts to your neckline

Fave picks:

• Ender Legard – Joni: A Seamless Backless Shapewear with Underwired High Apex Plunge Bra
  This seamless backless bodysuit features a supportive underwired bra, making it super supportive and perfect for low-back or deep V gowns where structure and subtle shaping are key.
•  

Available at Endar Legard

• Spanx – Suit Your Fancy Medium Control Plunge Low back Thong Bodysuit: offering targeted smoothing with a deep plunge neckline and low back, it’s perfect for backless dresses thanks to its cleverly designed low-cut back and plunge front, designed to stay hidden under even the most daring gowns while giving light, flattering support where you need it most.
  

Available at Arnotts and Brown Thomas

What if your dress is strapless and Backless??

For the Sheer or Minimal Fabric Dresses

You need shapewear that feels like nothing but does something. No seams, no bulges, no weird rolling. Look for:

• Second-skin slips in your exact skin tone

• Bonded shapewear with laser-cut edges

Fave picks:

• Commando – Two-Faced Tech Control Slip: smooths without squeezing, perfect for lighter fabric dresses.

Available at Brown Thomas and Arnotts

• SKIMS – Slip Dress: virtually invisible, like a secret weapon. Perfect for smoothing.

Available on SKIMS

Other Favourites:

• Ender Legard Shapewear: created specifically for bridalwear (and loved by stylists). They have a lot of backless bodysuit options. They offer a wide selection of backless bodysuits, and while the price point is a little higher, the fit and support are much more tailored to your specific cup size and dress silhouette, making them a more specialised choice than most mainstream brands. View more styles at Ender Legard

• Spanx –Undie-tectable Light Control Thong:  Ideal for brides looking for a seamless, barely there feel with just a touch of support. This light-control thong (also available in a brief) offers zero VPL and is perfect for those who want subtle shaping without the height or length of traditional shapewear. Works beautifully under any dress silhouette and is a great go-to beyond the big day.

Available at ASOS and Brown Thomas

• SKIMS – Solution Short Left Leg Exposed : Designed specifically for dresses with a thigh-high slit, this clever piece offers strong compression and smooth support while keeping one leg completely free. SKIMS recommends ordering your usual size for maximum sculpting, but for added comfort and all-day wear, sizing up might be your best bet.

Available at SKIMS

Top Tips Before You Commit:

• Try it on with your dress.
  What works under jeans won’t always work under silk.

• Don’t size down.
  I repeat: don’t size down. Shapewear is supposed to hug, not suffocate.

• Walk, sit, and dance in it.
  If you can’t do the Macarena or eat a canapé in it… keep looking.

• Buy it early.
  This gives you time for fittings, last-minute tweaks, and yes, returns if needed. (Be careful though because not all shapewear is refundable especially watch our for the brief or bodysuits)

Final Thoughts

If none of these shapewear options feel quite right for your dress or comfort level, don’t worry; there are still great alternatives from brands like ASOS and Calvin Klein (also available on ASOS), which offer a range of minimalist, wearable pieces perfect for under your gown. Sometimes, simple and fuss-free really is best.

At the end of the day, shapewear isn’t about changing your body, it’s about feeling your best in the dress you’ve chosen. It’s the quiet confidence boost that helps you stand tall, breathe deep, and glide down that aisle like the main character you are.

And remember, some brides go all out with shapewear. Some wear none at all. You do you. Your day, your body, your comfort.