What to wear, what to avoid, and how to get the perfect fit.

When it comes to your wedding dress, what’s underneath matters just as much as the gown itself. The right undergarments create a seamless, confident look. The wrong ones? They can completely disrupt the fit of your dress. Here’s exactly what Sarah recommends—and what she avoids—after years of working with brides!!

Brides, this is your one-stop shop for all things undergarments! Reference this as you prepare for your fittings!

First Things First: You Probably Don’t Need What You Think You Do

Most brides assume they need a full lineup of shapewear, bras, and smoothing pieces before their first fitting. In reality, most wedding gowns are designed with built-in structure:

• Cups
• Boning
• Interior support

These features often eliminate the need for traditional undergarments altogether. Start simple. Let your seamstress guide you from there.

Bras vs Built-In Support

Skip the Traditional Bra

In most cases, a standard bra will interfere with your gown’s structure—especially strapless or fitted dresses. Instead, your gown will typically include:

• Built-in cups
• Structured support
• Custom tailoring during alterations

When You Do Need Extra Support

If you’re looking for added lift, this is where Sarah recommends Boombas. They’re not necessary for every bride—but they’re a great option when:

• You want more lift or fullness
• You need a solution that stays hidden

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Shapewear: Sarah’s Honest Take

To be honest—Sarah is not a big fan of shapewear in general. Most gowns are designed to fit beautifully without it, and overly compressive shapewear can:

• Restrict movement
• Create lines
• Make you uncomfortable all day on the most important day ever.

But… if you really want it, here’s what we’d recommend:

For Low Back Dresses

A great option when you need smoothing without interfering with the backline:

• SKIMS low-back shorts (size up for comfort)

For Sheer or Lightweight Dresses

Sheer gowns require extra intention. Recommended options:

• SKIMS shaping tights
• Spanx high-waisted sheers
• Spanx invisible capri

These provide coverage, but keep in mind: They can show lines if the color doesn’t match your skin tone perfectly, and fit and tone matching is everything.

For Simple Smoothing

If you just want light smoothing:

• SKIMS mid-thigh shorts (again—size up!)

Not ideal for low-back dresses, but great for:

• Crepe gowns
• Satin gowns
• Structured silhouettes

Other Reliable Brands

If you’re exploring options:

• SKIMS
• Spanx
• Honeylove
• Target
• Kohl’s (for classic slips)
• David’s Bridal (for fuller, poofy slips)

Undergarments by Dress Style

Fitted / Crepe / Satin Gowns

• Seamless, invisible underwear is key
• No lace, no seams, no texture

Sarah also recommends Stringys Invisible Underwear (available for purchase in the studio) for a truly no-show option!!

Low Back Dresses

• Low-back shapewear (if needed)
• Adhesive support only
• Nothing visible from behind

Sheer Dresses

• Nude-toned shaping tights or capris
• Must match your skin tone closely
• Test in natural light before your wedding day

Ballgowns / Structured Dresses

• Typically no shapewear needed
• Built-in structure does the work
• Optional: light smoothing only

What to Bring to Your First Fitting

Keep it simple:

• Nude, seamless underwear
• Optional shapewear and boombas (if you’re considering it)
• Your EXACT wedding shoes! If you have not purchased them yet, you need to bring something the exact same height. View our shoe reccomendations here!

That’s it. From there, Sarah will guide you through exactly what you need for your specific gown!!

Final Thoughts

The goal of undergarments isn’t to change your body—it’s to support your gown. When everything is chosen intentionally (and your dress is tailored properly), you won’t have to think about what’s underneath at all, and that’s exactly how it should be!!!

Ready for Your Fitting?

Whether you’re preparing for alterations or exploring a custom gown, Sarah will guide you through every detail—including what to wear underneath. Still need to book? Do so here!

Want to see how my custom undergarments helped my dress to fit perfectly?

Photography by @Pennyralenephotography and @stephaniekaslly