Bridal Lingerie: The Best Underwear & Shapewear for Your Wedding Day
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When planning their outfits for the big day, brides often spend considerable time finding the perfect gown and less time considering what to wear under their wedding dress.
Why does it matter what underwear you’re wearing? I hear you asking. Well, while your wedding festivities tend to require you to remain fully clothed, there’s nothing worse than spending the day posing for pictures with your panties in a twist.
From unfortunate underwear lines to cagey underwire bras that are a size too small, Brazilian-style knickers when you should’ve opted for a thong or even visible shapewear, there's so much that can go wrong when choosing your bridal underwear and shapewear.
So, while we’re not denying that saying yes to the perfect dress should be your first and foremost priority, it’s essential not to forget about your bridal lingerie for the big day, too. And bear in mind that while underwear tends to be non-negotiable (unless you plan to go commando), shapewear is by no means essential. But for those who would prefer a smoothening aid, it’s vital to get it right.
After all, although your wedding guests likely won’t enjoy your more intimate picks, lingerie that works for your shape and body type will do wonders for your confidence, and ensure your dress fits like a glove!
And, while we’re sure you'll be grateful for a comfortable wedding day from start to finish, we bet your fiancé will also be a fan!
The Best Bridal Lingerie, Including Underwear & Shapewear for 2025
Often overlooked during the wedding planning process, bridal lingerie should be on your “must buy” list. And while, as someone who wears underwear daily, you might have a good idea of what kind of briefs will work for your dress style, our Editors at Rock My Wedding have spoken to the experts at Rigby & Peller to give you a nudge in the right direction. Find out how to match your bridal underwear to your wedding dress and a faultless fit, and get answers to all your burning wedding lingerie questions.
Remember, we’re not talking about the sultry lace underwear you’re strictly reserving for your wedding night - who wants to wear that for the entire day? We’re talking about trusty bridal underwear and shapewear that’ll keep you comfortable and confident from day to night.
Let’s uncover the best bridal lingerie for your wedding day…
Best Bridal Underwear Sets
What else will make you feel more confident than a matching bridal lingerie set?
These gorgeous sets from Lounge and Boux Avenue offer the complete package. While you can buy items individually, these stunning underwear sets are perfect for brides-to-be. Whether you prefer a classic bra shape with flattering padding and plunge design - ideal for most dress necklines or an ultra-feminine basque - the choice is yours! Don’t forget about the classic garter straps for the ultimate bridal look!
Best White Bridal Underwear & Shapewear
For those who prefer to wear something simple, comfortable, yet stylish under their wedding dress, these selections from Ann Summers and Boux Avenue are perfect.
Although ultra-lacey, this bodysuit from Ann Summers, available at Debenhams, is perfect for brides looking for some subtle shaping while still feeling sexy.
This Boux Avenue bodysuit is another simple and laidback option for brides looking for practical shapewear. Whether you prefer white to match your dress or a tone closer to your complexion, browse Boux Avenue. Made from a premium stretch fabric, you’ll be amazed at its smoothing abilities!
Best Plus Size & Big Bust Bridal Underwear & Shapewear
As a plus-size woman, finding supportive lingerie is essential. The right plus-size bridal lingerie makes for the perfect base for your wedding dress that will make heaps of difference to how comfortable and confident you feel all day and all night!
The White Stretch Lace Non-Padded Underwired Balcony Bra from Yours Clothing offers a seamless and flattering fit that will keep you secure and looking your best from day to night.
For the brides who prefer the additional support provided by plus-size shapewear, we love these All Day Every Day High-Waisted Shaper Shorts from Shapermint. They’re made from breathable, stretchy fabric that will keep you smooth in all the right places - ideal for avoiding less-than-enjoyable thigh chaffing and spending the entire evening dancing your socks off!
Best Strapless Bridal Underwear & Shapewear
Strapless wedding gowns are an ever-popular style, but how do you ensure you get the support you need? While it’s a common misconception that strapless bras don’t work for bigger boobs, constantly falling down or shifting out of place - that couldn’t be any more wrong! It’s all about finding the right bra that properly fits.
The Lace Wired Strapless Bandeau Bra from M&S is available in sizes A-E and can be worn with or without straps, depending on your dress style. The best thing about shopping for your bridal lingerie at Marks and Spencer is the Bra Fit Service or even the Bra Fitting Tool to ensure you get the perfect fit.
To sort your strapless shapewear needs, head to lingerie expert, Victoria Secret, for this strapless, seamless, shaping suit that will have you feeling secure and smooth all day.
Best Seamless Bridal Underwear & Shapewear
There’s nothing worse than a VPL, especially on your wedding day. That’s why we love seamless underwear and shapewear!
Intimissimi's Ultralight Microfibre Greta Balconette Bra is perfect for brides who don’t want their bridal lingerie to take centre stage. Made from an incredibly smooth and soft, seamless fabric that remains hidden under your dress, this bra promises to be both supportive and comfortable.
For a seamless option that offers more hold, you can’t go wrong with Skims - a brand known and loved for providing shapewear that actually works. This bodysuit is made to define and sculpt your figure, aided by high-quality compression fabric that’s also stretchy and comfortable - the best of both worlds, right?
Best Tummy Control Bridal Shapewear
Whether your chosen wedding dress is form-fitting or you’re opting for satin or silk - a notoriously unforgiving material around the middle region - you might be hunting for the best tummy-control shapewear to ensure you feel comfortable on your special day.
Run, don’t walk, to Selfridges for trending shapewear everyone's talking about from SKIMS for just £32. However, for those willing to invest slightly more into their wedding day shapewear, Honeylove is the place to be for a high-power pair. The SuperPower Short is a must-have for compressive tummy support, tightly contouring your waist and smoothing any lumps and bumps you might prefer to keep hidden. The best thing is that sizes range between XS to 3XL, ensuring you fit the perfect fit for your body type - helping you get the most out of your shapewear.
Best backless or low-back bridal underwear & shapewear
Backless or low-back wedding dresses never go out of style. Who doesn’t love an elegant open-back and dramatic train moment?
But if you’re going for a somewhat backless wedding dress, you might wonder how to get around the bra situation on the big day. While you go bra-free, some brides might prefer the support that undergarments provide.
Enter The Ultimate Backless Bra from Wonderbra - a bestselling offering from the underwear experts. It’s all about top-level support, a gorgeous yet natural lift and soft, comfortable materials that perfectly complement your low-back wedding gown.
For shapewear that promises to go undetected, head to Reiss for this Spanx Firming Plunge Low-Back Mid-Thigh Bodysuit. The plunge neckline and low back make it the ultimate versatile choice!
Best Sexy Bridal Lingerie
There's nothing wrong with wanting to look and feel sexy on your wedding day (or night). Whether you keep them hidden under your dress all day, despite how uncomfortable this might be, or opt for an outfit change to truly get the honeymoon started - we've got you covered.
Head to Agent Provocateur and Bluebella for the ultimate sexy bridal lingerie that promises to impress. From the complete set of exquisitely embroidered bridal basques and suspenders to lacey plunge bras guaranteed to keep the girls sitting pretty - what better time to treat yourself to some stunning lingerie than your wedding?
Best Bridal Knickers
Sometimes, there's simply no need to look for anything fancy. While lace bridal lingerie, sexy matching sets, basques and so on are always stunning, you might be on the hunt for some classic bridal knickers that you can wear time and time again after the big day. From classic knickers to styles that, crucially, promise no VPL or gently supportive tummy shaping, we've found some of the best bridal underwear in the business.
To bag your bridal knickers, head to Stripe & Stare or M&S where you'll find endless options. But if we could only choose two picks, bag a bargain on this four-pack or opt for silky smooth sculpting knicker shorts (we promise you won't be disappointed).
Bridal lingerie FAQs
Still unsure of what bridal lingerie to opt for on your wedding day? From simple, everyday bridal undies to sexy bridal lingerie - there’s so much to consider. And while style will always be a top consideration, don’t forget to pay mind to functionality too.
Will you need a strapless bra to go alongside your wedding dress with a beautiful sweetheart neckline? Or maybe some low-back shapewear that won’t slip into eyesight when wearing your statement, backless gown? Bridal lingerie that works for your needs is a wedding day essential.
What kind of underwear should a bride wear?
There’s no such thing as “should” when selecting the perfect bridal lingerie for your wedding day. Underwear is a personal choice, and what’s important is that you feel comfortable and confident wearing it.
However, there tend to be a few things you should bear in mind when finding the right underwear. Colour is one example of this: white or nude tones are preferential for bridal lingerie to match your dress. Or maybe you might want to consider some seamless briefs if you’re wearing a formfitting dress to avoid the dreaded VPL (visible panty line) or bunching fabrics.
So, while there is no such thing as what a bride should or shouldn’t wear on their wedding day, there are definitely choices that will complement your wedding gown.
Should I wear shapewear under my wedding dress?
Again, shapewear is a personal choice. There’s no need to wear shapewear on your wedding day, but if you do, it’s essential to get it right. While shapewear can help brides feel more confident on their wedding day, we’re also all for embracing your body without the addition of smoothening or contouring aids.
But for those who say yes to shapewear, choose the right style to get the most out of it. Whether tummy control is your focus or thighs that don’t chaff, shapewear isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.
How do you choose wedding underwear?
What you wear under your wedding dress will depend on the style of gown you’ve chosen and your body type, too! Many bridal dresses will have built-in support around the bust area or a corseted bodice, so you might decide you don’t need to wear anything other than typical underwear. However, depending on the level of support your dress provides, you might prefer to opt for some extra-special underwear or shapewear.
In short, you should base your wedding underwear choices on things like the neckline or material of your wedding dress. A halterneck gown requires a strapless or adjustable, while something with sheer or lightweight fabric will need white or nude-coloured undergarments.
What underwear to wear for wedding dress shopping?
We recommend that you wear similar (if not the same) underwear to your wedding appointment that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This is super important to avoid an unpleasant surprise on your wedding morning, i.e. a strap or two out of place. While you may not know what underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day at the time of your bridal appointments and fittings, it’s also the perfect time to use these sessions to explore different styles to choose the perfect bridal lingerie.
