How to Shop for the Right Bridal Undergarments

Would you ever wear hot pink underwear under a simple white dress? Chances are you wouldn't, right? The same logic applies to bridal undergarments, as the wrong underwear and shapewear can totally ruin the look of your gorgeous wedding gown.

While we understand that shopping for bras and undergarments might not be as exciting as finding your dream dress, don't overlook the importance of these foundational pieces. After all, the stakes are high when it comes to bridal fashion, and the last thing you want is for any visible straps, lumps, or panty lines to appear in your wedding photos.

So, to help you find the perfect pieces, we tapped the experts at Journelle, a multi-brand retailer and leading online destination of luxury lingerie, on when and how to buy the right bridal undergarments for your big day. Read on for everything you need to know.

How and When to Shop for Bridal Undergarments

You should have your wedding dress locked in and confirmed before beginning to shop for any type of undergarments, lingerie, and shapewear. "Use your first dress fitting as a chance to learn about what kind of lingerie works best," share the Journelle experts. "Resist the urge to buy before that point. You'll learn a lot more about what type of foundational garments you need once you see the dress on your body and know what alterations need to be made."

After that, though, the fun part begins. For those searching for lingerie to wear on the big day, the Journelle experts advise booking an appointment at a store for a curated experience. "Most stores will be happy to set aside time to devote to you, and can be better prepared (and stocked) if they know in advance that you're coming," they explain. Then, once an appointment has been set, you should remember to bring images of your dress to show your retail expert what you plan on wearing.

Additional Shopping Tips to Know

Here, we break down a few expert-approved tips if you're specifically shopping for bras, underwear, or shapewear.

Shopping for Bras

First, check whether you actually need a bra. "Gowns that are particularly structured up top may give enough support and shaping that you can skip one altogether," the experts share. "But if you want more support, ask your tailor whether a bra or corset can be successfully sewn into your gown. This can help with tricky necklines and strapless silhouettes."

For brides who do need to purchase a bra, work with a specialist who can help you find the best piece for your body. "Options are really endless these days," the Journelle team shares. "You can easily find a bra that works for any silhouette, from halter to one-shoulder to racerback."

One thing to note, however, is that last-minute weight changes can really affect the fit of your bra. "Pay attention if you find yourself losing weight before the big day, and get refitted if necessary," advises the Journelle team. "Your lingerie store may also be able to make some alterations to your bra, but don't leave it to the last minute."

Shopping for Underwear

The type of underwear you buy—classic or seamless—will depend on the style of dress you plan on wearing on your big day.

Classic: As the name suggests, classic underwear are pieces that you would likely buy for an average day. This can either be thongs or panties that don't have any special features, like being seamless. Dresses that are voluminous or made of thicker fabrics work best with this type of underwear, as the fabric will cover up any panty lines or visible markings. Meaning, if your dress has room underneath the skirt, wear whatever you want (in the proper shade, of course).

Seamless: Seamless underwear are pieces that don't have seams, and thus, don't leave panty lines. "Slim-fitting dresses, or those made of a single layer of material, often require underwear that lies flat and smooth," explain the Journelle experts. "A nude-colored thong will always work, but brides also shouldn't feel limited to just that one option. In 90 percent of cases, a bride could wear a smooth lace thong with no problems. Just make sure to look for one made from high-tech, seamless flat lace."

Shopping for Shapewear

Dresses that highlight the curve of your body sometimes call for strategic shapewear. "Luckily, there are increasingly beautiful options for shapewear, so don't feel like you're stuck with nude-colored bike shorts," share the experts. That being said, what's most important when shopping for this type of undergarment is that it fits you correctly—otherwise, you risk being "cut off" in weird places. "We usually recommend a high-waisted thong, which gives a smooth, seamless fit through the bodice," notes the Journelle team. "But if you're really nervous about lines, go with a full slip."