Best Wedding Gown Shapewear for Your Wedding Day and other formal events

Believe it or not, using the right wedding gown shapewear can be a total game-changer on your wedding day. Finding the right wedding gown shapewear can help brides feel more confident and comfortable. All while ensuring their dress fits flawlessly on the wedding day.

So, depending on whether you want to achieve a smooth silhouette look, or give yourself a little lift, or just stay nice and cool throughout the hustle and bustle of the day, selecting the best shapewear for you and what you want is key!

That’s why in this post, we’ll explore and provide some guidance on the best wedding gown shapewear options! We will go over the various choices out there and help you determine which will help you feel and look your best, while also providing you with the optimal comfort and support throughout your wedding day and night.

1. Understanding the Role of Wedding Gown Shapewear

So what does wedding gown shapewear do exactly?? It serves a few important purposes. Like, smoothing, lifting and supporting for starters, all things that can be helpful when wearing the gown of our dreams! Wedding gown shapewear can enhance the overall fit of your dress, assist with body shaping, provide you with support and ensure you feel super comfortable and confident throughout your wedding day!

What is important is to find shapewear that works not only with the specific design of your gown, but also for your body type. And also fitting for the kind of wedding you are having, too.

For example, for a more form-fitting dress, you may want to opt for smoothing shapewear that may work really well in this scenario. However, if you’re wearing a dress with a big layered skirt, that same shapewear may not be necessary, you may want to go with something different. There are specific shapewear types that work best for specific dress designs.

Believe it or not, using the right wedding gown shapewear can be a total game-changer on your wedding day.  Finding the right wedding gown shapewear can help brides feel more confident and comfortable.  All while ensuring their dress fits flawlessly on the wedding day.

2. The Best Bras for Your Wedding Gown

Bras are of course essential for providing support and shape, and they play a huge role in ensuring any dress fits beautifully. For your wedding gown shapewear, you may be looking for a bra with lift, or shaping or just a seamless fit, or a little of each. No matter the purpose, the right bra can make a difference in your dress’s fit and overall look.

It’s also important to keep in mind that bras typically work best for brides with gowns that have a lined bodice. Some dresses (and brides) will even opt for the bra cups sewn into the gown (more on this later).  It all really all depends on the dress design and the bride wearing it!

Not sure what kind of bra works best for you and your dress? No worries!  We’ve got a list of the different bras that may work for you and your dress:

a. Long Line Strapless Bras

Long Line Strapless Bras are best for dresses with a lined bodice and with a strapless neckline.  In this case, it is best to look for bras with underwire, boning that will extend to mid waist or even your hip (believe it or not).  And pro tip: a silicone lining will ensure your wedding gown bra/shapewear stays in place and provides you with the support you’re looking for!  Staying in place is important, especially with wedding day shapewear! 

Our top recommendations: 
Dominique is a wonderful brand and has a variety of great options.  Their Juliette Long Line Full Corset Bra is great for smoothing through the hip. https://amzn.to/4j7mPxy.

Their Naomie Backless Bustier is great to support form the waistline as well as has a lower open back https://amzn.to/43BjSkA

HSIA also carries a wonderful strapless bra that stays in place all day! https://amzn.to/3RupqWz  Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra – It provides full support without slipping and is perfect for brides looking for a smooth, seamless look.

b. Plunge Bras

If your wedding gown has a deep, plunging neckline or illusion v-neckline, then a plunge bra may be the way to go! These bras provide you with a bit of a lift and crucial support while staying put and, most importantly, hidden and remaining discreet.

• Top recommendations: Dominique Margeau Low Plunge Strapless Bra: https://amzn.to/3XJ38Ee
• Dominique Uma U Plunge Convertible Bra: https://amzn.to/3XGBDuW
• Victoria’s Secret Plunge Bra – With low-cut edges, it supports without being visible beneath your gown.

C. Sewn in Cups

This is one of our biggest requests at Lace Envy Alterations. “Sewn in cups” is basically like sewing a bra directly into your gown. It’s one less item to think about on your wedding day! Sewn in cups are made of all different materials but all are typically in various forms of skin tones. Form wise, they are either soft and modable or you can opt for more structured and firm.  It all depends on your dress and what you feel best in.  Some cups just create a soft barrier between you and the gown, while other cups can fill out and add a cup size or more to your gown.

At Lace Envy Alterations, we keep these in stock in many various sizes and types. This way, we can fit the cups to our brides at their fittings. There is absolutely no need to purchase cups from an outside source to sew in before you come in for your initial fitting. You’re much better off seeing what we have and what works here at the studio.

d. Adhesive or Stick-On Bras

These bras are fantastic if you’re wearing a backless or strapless gown. They can provide support while being invisible. Your guests will be wondering how the dress fit so well!

Top recommendation: 

Boombas, are double sided sticky bra inserts. They stick to the gown and to you, keeping everything in place all day. They have a wide variety of options.

Cakes are fantastic for very thin gowns that you don’t want extra bulk, just want a smoothing effect without seeing any additional cup lines.

3. Boob Tape &  Body Glue: An  Alternative 

Boob tape is not just a clever name, it has been a popular option for brides who want extra support without using a traditional bra. It’s especially great to use for backless or strapless gowns. Especially for gowns that have less structure within the dress design. In this instance, you’re going to need something that provides you with more flexibility.

Keep in mind that using body tape or body glue will require some skill and practice! Which is understandable, so just plan ahead. Basically, we do not suggest trying this for the first time on your wedding day. You might want to start figuring out how the tape or glue works for you and your body, and how you move in the months prior and give yourself enough time to work with the product.

Have a fancy night out with friends with a tricky halter top? Give the glue or tape a try and see what happens! Trying the tape out in this way in the months leading up to your wedding will give you plenty of tape and glue prep leading up to your big day!

What to Consider when using Boob Tape

You also should consider placing the tape on before you go into your alterations fittings or while in the fitting room (arrive a bit early for this). This will give you a chance to check your tape placement when you are in your actual gown and then your seamstress can fit the gown according to how you plan to wear your dress along with the tape. Our seamstresses will work with you to make it work and fit comfortably and beautifully.   

How boob tape works: The tape lifts and shapes the bust, keeping everything secure throughout the day.

Top boob tape recommendation: Fashion Forms Uplift Breast Tape – Provides strong adhesive support, is discreet, and works great with any low-cut or strapless gown.

Body Glue as an Alternative

Body glue can be a great option if you are worried about the dress fabric pulling away from your body in certain spots. Sometimes you want a strap to sit on a specific spot during your photos, or you may be concerned with the dress fabric pulling away from your chest during normal movements. Or, you may have opted for an open-back dress, and even though the fit is perfect,  the material popping away from your skin leaving an unfinished appearance and taking away from the look you’re trying to achieve.  These are all great opportunities to give body glue a try!

Body glue is something that has been used in beauty pageants for years.  Used most for things like swimsuits, straps, or just to keep a fabric down and in place, like allowing the fabric to hold to the skin on a plunge neckline or low back gowns.  

Pro Tip:  Do a trial run with body glue well before your wedding day to make sure your skin doesn’t have any adverse reaction to the body glue, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some adhesives can leave your skin feeling irritated. Try it out on a random date night and see how it holds!

4. Shapewear for Comfort, Slimming, and Sculpting Your Silhouette

Shapewear can make or break a look, especially when it comes to creating a smooth, sculpted silhouette. It’s beneficial for gowns that hug your body and require a sleek, seamless look.

Here are the best options for slimming shapewear:

a. Full-Body Shapewear

If you’re looking for all-over slimming and smoothing, full-body wedding day shapewear is for you!  It will help create a seamless fit underneath your dress, allowing it to lay on your body perfectly. This kind of shapewear is ideal for dress styles like: mermaid, trumpet or sheath-style dresses.  

Again, this works best when you have a bodice that is not an illusion bodice. Sometimes a nude, full-body shapewear can work, but it’s best to try it on with your dress first, especially before you remove any of the tags!  

• Top recommendation:  Honey Love has x3 great options that would be good for different needs: https://www.honeylove.com/products/open-bust-mid-thigh-bodysuit?color=Runway https://www.honeylove.com/products/mid-thigh-bodysuit?color=Runway https://www.honeylove.com/products/low-back-bodysuit?color=Runway
• Spanx makes also makes a great open bust mid thigh shapewear: https://amzn.to/4ccV9oQSpanx

Suit Your Fancy Full Slip – It smooths your midsection, hips, and thighs, while providing a seamless finish under most wedding dresses.

b. Shaping Shorts

Shapewear shorts are so AMAZING! Wedding gowns are generally not breathable, especially from the waist down. Your legs can get hot, particularly in the summer. Having a pair of NUDE shorts can help with thigh sweat and chaffing. Honestly, on a day when you want to look and feel the most beautiful, sweating and chaffing are the last thing you need!

It’s important to remember that while shapewear is smoothing and slimming, it should be comfortable and keep your dress from creating wrinkles at the waist or hip. Especially if wearing a fitted gown through the skirt. You’ll want to avoid any undergarments that stop on the hip as these can create a “dip” or line at the fabric’s edge, and you won’t achieve the look you’re desiring!

5. Shapewear for Different Wedding Dress Styles

Depending on the style of your wedding gown, certain shapewear options will work better than others.

Here’s a breakdown of the best shapewear for different gown types:

a. A-Line Wedding Gowns

A-line gowns are flattering on most body types out there. They often don’t require too much shaping, as long as the gown is designed with proper boning. Shapewear shorts are a great option to keep your hip smooth and keep from sweating. If you want to wear a bra with an A-line-designed gown, a long-line bra will work great with this dress design as well!

b. Mermaid and Trumpet Wedding Gowns

If you have a mermaid or trumpet-style gown, shapewear that slims the waist and hips and smooths the thighs is essential to complete this iconic look. A full-body shaper or a high waist short will work best to create smooth lines and a defined shape under these form-fitting gowns. 

If you have an illusion, low back, fitted dress, Skims makes a lower back short that works really well with this style of dress!

c. Ballgown Wedding Gowns

We are all familiar with the ballgown style of wedding dresses. Ballgowns usually have a fuller skirt and a more structured design, so you don’t necessarily need shapewear to smooth the hips and thighs. However, a high waist of mid-rise short or slip will help enhance the fit at the top and maintain a smooth, defined shape at the waist, while keeping your legs comfortable all day. Comfort is a great compliment to beauty!

You can easily add more volume for a ball gown by adding a crinoline slip to your dress. This is very popular.  

Pro Tip: If you have 1” or less of a hem needed, and you don’t mind the extra fullness, a crinoline slip or hoop skirt can bring the hem off the ground enough to avoid needing it hemmed. Keep in mind that there are so many options for slips out there. That is why it is super helpful to work with your seamstress, as she will help you narrow down what you need depending on your dress design and desired outcome.

6. Wedding Gown Shapewear for Different Weather Conditions

Your wedding day weather can play a big role in the type of shapewear you should wear. While we can’t control the weather on our wedding day, here’s what to consider based on various conditions:

a. Hot Weather/Outdoor Weddings

For warm weddings, comfort is key. Choose breathable, lightweight shapewear that will keep you cool and prevent you from overheating.

Top recommendation: Soma Vanishing Back Shapewear – Made with breathable fabric, it provides shaping without the heavy material, perfect for a summer wedding or outdoor ceremony.

b. Cold Weather/Winter Weddings

For cooler weather, you may want shapewear that offers a bit more warmth. Opt for full-coverage shapewear that helps smooth out your figure while providing extra warmth.

Top recommendation: Spanx Higher Power Briefs – These provide excellent control and warmth, making them perfect for winter weddings.

7. Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding Gown Shapewear

Comfort

No matter how stunning the shapewear may be, comfort is key. Ensure that whatever shapewear you choose won’t dig into your skin or cause discomfort throughout the day.

Fit

Always wear the shapewear at your wedding dress fittings.  This will ensure your shapewear is providing you with the fit you’re looking for.  It also will ensure that the shapewear isn’t negatively impacting the appearance of the gown when you wear both together.   If you’re unsure if you have the right shapewear, or the right size, not to worry, just ask your seamstress, that’s what they’re here for!

Brand Reputation

Choose shapewear from trusted brands known for quality and comfort. This is an instance where brand and quality matter, big time.  As this will ensure you have reliable support and shaping on your big day, that stays in place and does exactly what it should! 

Pro Tip: Look at brand reviews online, brides are always happy to share when something worked out really well (or the opposite too)!

Wedding gown shapewear is an essential part of your bridal look that you don’t actually see up front in your overall appearance.  It offers both comfort and gives brides a boost of confidence walking down the aisle! From bras and boob tape, to slimming shapewear and options for every type of weather, the right shapewear ensures you feel beautiful and supported throughout your wedding day.

Are you ready to find the perfect wedding gown shapewear for your special day?

Reach out to Lace Envy Alterations for expert advice on selecting and fitting shapewear that’s perfect for your gown and your unique needs. Inquire today and let us help you create a flawless bridal look.

Leslie’s shapewear recommendations:

Double-sided sticky bra: https://www.getboomba.com/
Low-back shapewear shorts: https://skims.com/products/sheer-sculpt-low-back-short-clay
Mid-Rise Shapewear shorts: https://www.honeylove.com/products/mid-waist-short?color=Sand
Shapewear shorts from Amazon (affiliate links):
Joyshaper slip shorts: https://amzn.to/49sfpzR
Seamless Shaping shorts: https://amzn.to/4aLcx23
Spanks Power Shorts: https://amzn.to/43S6h6v
Innersy Slip Shorts: https://amzn.to/43V6B4j
Stick on thong Amazon you want x2 pairs at least (affiliate link):
Stick on Underwear x2 pack: https://amzn.to/4laV9tw
Stick on Underwear x10 pack Nude/Black: https://amzn.to/42aoSdu
Nonadhesive nipple seamless nipple covers: https://cakesbody.com/products/cakes-all
Yofi Stick-It Body Glue: https://www.onstagedancewear.com/PD-5709.aspx
Jomi Body Glue, (amazon Associate link): https://amzn.to/4cq2ktZ
Vivian Lou Classic Weight-Shifting Insoles (I also sell in store, no shipping, same return policy): https://www.vivianlou.com