Should I Wear Shapewear to Try On Wedding Dresses?

When it comes to trying on wedding dresses, every bride wants to feel confident, comfortable, and get a true sense of how the dress will look and fit on their special day. One question that often arises is whether or not to wear shapewear during the dress-trying process. Shapewear can provide smoothing and contouring benefits, but it also introduces potential drawbacks and considerations. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of wearing shapewear when trying on wedding dresses, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal preferences and priorities.

Understanding the Role of Shapewear

What is Shapewear?

Shapewear, also known as body shapers or control garments, are undergarments designed to smooth and contour the body's silhouette. They come in various styles, including bodysuits, high-waisted briefs, camisoles, and more, providing varying levels of compression and shaping.

Potential Benefits of Wearing Shapewear for Dress Try-Ons

1. Smooth Silhouette: Shapewear can help minimize the appearance of lumps, bumps, and visible panty lines, creating a smooth canvas for the wedding dress to drape over.
2. Confidence Boost: Many brides report feeling more confident and comfortable in their bodies when wearing shapewear, which can enhance the overall dress-trying experience.
3. Accurate Fit Assessment: By wearing shapewear that replicates your intended undergarments for the wedding day, you can get a better sense of how the dress will fit and move with the added compression and smoothing.

Potential Drawbacks of Wearing Shapewear for Dress Try-Ons

1. Discomfort

Wearing shapewear during dress try-ons can be uncomfortable, especially if you're trying on multiple dresses and moving around frequently. The compression and restrictive nature of shapewear may cause chafing, restricted movement, or difficulty breathing.

2. Inaccurate Fit Assessment

While shapewear can provide a smooth silhouette, it can also alter the natural shape and drape of the dress fabric. This could lead to an inaccurate assessment of how the dress will fit and look on your wedding day without the shapewear.

3. Body Image Concerns

For some individuals, wearing shapewear during dress try-ons may reinforce negative body image perceptions or create unrealistic expectations about their natural body shape.

Factors to Consider When Deciding

1. Your Body Type and Dress Style

Your body type and the style of wedding dress you're considering can influence the decision to wear shapewear or not. For example, if you're considering a form-fitting or mermaid-style dress, shapewear may be more beneficial for achieving a smooth silhouette. However, if you're leaning towards a flowing or A-line dress, the need for shapewear may be lessened.

2. Comfort Level

Your personal comfort level should be a top priority when trying on wedding dresses. If you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable without shapewear, it may be worth considering wearing it during try-ons. However, if the thought of wearing shapewear causes discomfort or anxiety, it's perfectly acceptable to forgo it.

3. Wedding Day Plans

Consider your plans for the wedding day itself. If you intend to wear shapewear on your big day, it may be beneficial to try on dresses with the same undergarments to get an accurate representation of the fit and feel.

4. Bridal Consultant Recommendations

Don't hesitate to seek advice from bridal consultants or seamstresses. They have experience working with various body types and dress styles and can provide valuable insights on whether shapewear may be beneficial for you during dress try-ons.

Recommended Shapewear Options for Wedding Dress Try-Ons

If you decide to wear shapewear during your wedding dress try-ons, here are some recommended options from our collection that can provide seamless smoothing and contouring while remaining comfortable:

1. Seamless and Invisible Options

• Seamless High Waist Shapewear Panties: These high-waisted, seamless panties offer a smooth silhouette without visible lines or show-through, making them an ideal choice for try-ons.
• Invisible Backless Shaping Bra: This backless shapewear bra provides targeted support and shaping while remaining discreet under wedding dresses with low backs or intricate detailing.

2. Comfortable and Breathable Options

• Essentials Comfshape Seamless Shapewear: This lightweight and breathable shapewear collection offers comfortable compression and smoothing, ensuring you can move freely during dress try-ons.
• Lace Control Silkfeel Bodysuit: The silky-soft fabric of this bodysuit provides a second-skin feel, allowing you to evaluate the true fit and drape of wedding dresses without discomfort.

3. Targeted Shaping Options

• Booty Boosting Contour Shaper: If you're considering a form-fitting or mermaid-style dress, this shaper can enhance your curves and provide targeted shaping in the hip and buttock area.

Tips for Trying On Wedding Dresses with or without Shapewear

If Wearing Shapewear

• Bring multiple shapewear options in different styles and compression levels to find the most comfortable and flattering fit.
• Wear seamless or nude-toned shapewear to avoid visible lines or show-through.
• Consider layering shapewear pieces (e.g., a bodysuit with high-waisted briefs) for targeted shaping and support.
• Be prepared to remove or adjust your shapewear as needed during try-ons for maximum comfort.

If Not Wearing Shapewear

• Wear well-fitting, seamless undergarments that won't create visible lines or disrupt the dress silhouette.
• Consider bringing a lightweight robe or wrap to maintain modesty between try-ons.
• Communicate openly with bridal consultants about your decision to forgo shapewear, and be open to their suggestions for achieving a flattering fit.
• Remember that alterations and tailoring can help create a custom, personalized fit without the need for shapewear.

You might also be interested in our other styling guides such as: 

• Shapewear Under Jeans
• Best Shapewear for Strapless Dress
• Best Shapewear Under Wedding Dress
• What Color Shapewear Under White Dress
• What Color Shapewear is Best

Final Thoughts

The decision to wear shapewear or not when trying on wedding dresses is a personal one that should be guided by your comfort level, body type, dress style preferences, and overall priorities. Whether you choose to wear shapewear or embrace your natural silhouette, the most important thing is to approach the process with confidence, an open mind, and a focus on finding the dress that makes you feel your best. Remember, the right wedding dress will highlight your beauty and radiance, with or without the aid of shapewear.

Also Read: 

• What Size Shapewear Should I Get
• Should You Size Down in Shapewear
• Do You Wear Tights Over or Under Shapewear
• Shapewear vs No Shapewear
• Corset vs Shapewear