The Holy Grail of Shapewear
Now this is an area that I am very passionate about as they have been my life line when i’m hosting events, at special occasions or my own wedding. It’s no big secret that shapewear can make or break an outfit. From accentuating our favourite assets to camouflaging our insecurities, shapewear not only makes us look great, but it can make us feel great.
We’re past the days where shapewear meant pulling the ties of a corset as tight as you can go. Nowadays, you can expect soft and thin fabrics which have all sorts of engineering going on under the hood.
One thing that I get asked about a lot is the underwear that allows a bride to have an open back or strapless gown whilst also keeping everything in the right places as well as some going for lighter dresses that just want the right coverage underneath.
Thankfully, shapewear has also become very affordable with Irish retailers offering us solutions. I have bought all of my shapewear in mainly Arnotts & BT’s. For more budget solutions Dunnes Stores are great too. Especially good for their smoothing underwear.
Please note there are affiliate links within this article.
Collections comes and go within each of the online stores I’m about to showcase but here are the main links for their entire shape-wear collections:
Also, there are dedicated bridal lingerie boutiques throughout the country and they offer a very high level bespoke service with fittings etc. That’s for another post in itself! This article is all about online and all selected have great returns policies.
Here are some of my favourite picks across those 4 online stores. I’ve been in both BTs and Arnotts looking at the pieces selected below.
Arnotts – Spanx Open Bust Body Suit. CLICK HERE
This is ideal for those who want a smooth torso and even a lift under the bust. Straps are adjustable and it scoops down low enough to hide on most medium backless gowns. Mainly excellent for smoothing & sucking the body in.
Arnotts Spanx Body Suit –CLICK HERE
Again, like the above in terms of smoothing out the torso but this has the bra included to gives this full shape across the chest. Very thin straps so works with most non-strapless gowns and it scoops slightly for any small plunges in the neckline. There is a lower back so clasps are well hidden with normal gowns that aren’t fully backless.
Arnotts Spanx Shorts – CLICK HERE
Ideal for fitted skirts. This completely smooths out any lines. It works from the tummy through the thighs and is seamless.
Arnotts Clara Bodysuit – CLICK HERE
This has all of the engineering you could dream of. Not for a plunging neck line or open back. This is for a higher neckline as you’ll see. This hoists everything up, tailors everything along the abdomen and then smooths.
Arnotts – Spanks – Thin & Thong – CLICK HERE
Same as the other Spanx pieces above but this has the thong. Again, smooth and suck but just an adaptation of the pant line.
Arnotts – Spanx High Waist Pants – CLICK HERE
The high waist pants are ideal for those who just need support around their tummy. It is a mighty tool for sucking in that tum an smoothing.
Brown Thomas – Plunging Bodysuit – CLICK HERE
This is the perfect solution for those wear scooped necklines and open backs. There’s great support in the bra cups and it still has all of the important pieces shape wear needs such as sucking in and smoothing.
Brown Thomas – Commando Control Slip – CLICK HERE
Exactly as it says….a control slip. A light slip for under your dress but has the control engineering for smoothing out and lightly sucking in around the important places. A lower back and support under the bust.
Littlewoods – Wonderbra Plunging Bra- CLICK HERE
Littlewoods – Control Suit – CLICK HERE
A cheaper version to the Spanx but very good. Great for light plunging neckline and as you can see, has great supporting cups underneath. Double straps for good support.
Littlewoods – Maidenform – Corset Body Brief – CLICK HERE
Does exactly as the name says, corsets so pulls in and shapes (gives curve) and its a body brief so smooths.
Littlewoods – Plunging Suit with Shorts – CLICK HERE
Exactly the same idea as the Brown Thomas version with pant (above) – only difference is that this has shorts.
Littlewoods – Maidenform – Waist Cincher – CLICK HERE
This nips and tucks at the waist to give that hour glass shape but also flattens and smooths the tummy.
Littlewoods – Miraclesuit – Under the bust nude slip – CLICK HERE
Sits under the bra and just smoooooths right out and curves around the thighs. Ive heard so many people who loved Spanx actually move to this brand.
ASOS – Spanx Undie-Tectable Thong – CLICK HERE
For those who do’t need full coverage down their thighs but just want to some reassurance around the tummy, this is your go to!
ASOS – Seamless Short – CLICK HERE
A nice white alternative control short. It’s a good price point too.
ASOS – Control Suit in White – CLICK HERE
This is ideal for those who want to smooth out their chest to lower tummy without it costing a bomb. Also perfect for those with see through bodice dresses.
ASOS – Curve Collection – CLICK HERE
ASOS have a very strong collection of curve shapewear – from lifts, tucks, smoothing etc, it’s all there so whether it’s low rise, high rise, full suit or thong, ASOS is the place to go.
I hope this helps!
