Every bride wants to look and feel their very best on their wedding day.
From the big reveal and the all-important walk up the aisle to throwing some serious shapes on the reception dance floor, it’s one of those landmark days you’ll never forget.
But choose the wrong shapewear and you might find yourself remembering it for the wrong reasons. The walk up the aisle? Hindered by ill-fitting knickers. The cake-cutting ceremony? Blighted by a bad strapless bra. The first dance? VPL stealing the spotlight instead.
Whether you’re embarking on a pre-wedding fitness plan or not, good shapewear is all about enhancing curves and finessing the figure, not mercilessly bullying you into the next dress size down.
These foundations will not only make your dress or bridal outfit look as it should, but will also lend you the confidence to walk a little taller on your big day. Forget any notion of crushing Elizabethan-style corsets or outdated girdles: the new generation of shapewear offers pleasing body smoothing while still being comfortable enough to wear well into the early hours.
We’ve found the best options for every style of wedding outfit, whether you’re in something sleek and strapless, tailored and fitted, or fairytale flowing.
Shop the best bridal shapewear below
Spanx Suit Your Fancy Low Back Thong Bodysuit
Sizes: XS-XL
Adored by an entire galaxy of A-list stars, Spanx has long been the go-to brand for shapewear, and especially for brides.
If your bridal outfit features a daringly low neckline, the Suit Your Fancy Low Back Thong Bodysuit is just what you need to keep your silhouette looking smooth and streamlined.
The one-piece incorporates a thong back and a super low plunge as well as a deeply scooped back, all with adjustable straps.
Buy now £132.00, Selfridges
M&S Body Define™ Firm Control Wear Your Own Bra Bodysuit
Sizes: 8 - 24
Good bras can be hard to find. There’s no need to give up yours on your wedding day thanks to M&S, who has this bodysuit that can be worn with your own bra. It’s a good option if you’ve been wearing your normal lingerie for bespoke wedding dress fittings as it’s guaranteed to fit around the chest area, while smoothing everything from the waist down to the top of the hips. The bodysuit features a V-back and a popper fastening on the gusset to make toilet trips less of an ordeal.
It’s available in a black option as well as beige.
Buy now £25.00, M&S
SKIMS Solution Short #1
Sizes: XXS - 5XL
If there’s one woman renowned for dressing for big occasions, it’s Kim Kardashian. Take a leaf out of the reality star’s book and look to her shapewear label SKIMS for big day options like this super soft and breathable Solution Short.
It’s exactly what you want if you’re wearing a split leg number with one leg cut up into a brief while the other kept to a shorts length. The back weaves in some A-list trickery to leave your rear as pert as a peach. There’s also a high waist to smooth the tummy, a reassuring feature after the big wedding breakfast.
Buy now £42.00, Selfridges
Commando Classic Control Microfibre Thong
Sizes: S, M and L
Nothing wrecks a great dress like VPL. See off those unsightly lines on your bridal gown while smoothing your lower stomach area with the help of shapewear label Commando. The slip-on thong is made from microfibre, keeping everything cool and breathable - helpful if it’s intended to be worn under acres of tulle.
The hipster cut is available in black and nude, in sizes S, M, and L.
Buy now £34.00, Selfridges
Maidenform Firm Foundations Waist Nipper Brief - Nude
Sizes: S - XXL
Yes, a corset - but not as you know it. Maidenform’s briefs give you the whittled waist of your big day dreams, using mesh panels and boning to give your midsection definition. It’s a high waist pant with extra reinforcements but won’t leave you feeling smooshed.
Not only is it easy to slip into, but it will banish crackly static too. It helps streamline midsections as well as love handles, a fine option for those who aren’t sold on the idea of an all-in-one bodysuit. Also available in nude for lighter bridal outfits.
Buy now £46.00, Very
Spanx - Black ‘Undie-Tectable’ Seamless Medium Control Thong
Sizes: XS-XL
If you’re looking for light to medium control, these Spanx undies are just the ticket. The Spanx thong-style pants are perfect for those who are looking for gentle smoothing concentrated mainly on the lower stomach area - helpful after a particularly indulgent lunch or reception dinner.
Buy now £27.00, Selfridges
Miraclesuit Firm Control High Waist Shaper Brief
Sizes: S - XL
For brides donning a classic gown - one with a fitted waist and full skirt - you can get away with wearing hardly any shapewear. If you need some insurance though, Miraclesuit’s high waist brief can help support and shape the midriff using firm control panels to help streamline the figure. The piece offers an invisible look under close-fitting garments, so if you’re planning to change into a different look for the reception it’s one thing less to change.
Buy now £54.01, Fenwick
Magisculpt Smoothing No VPL Medium Control Multiway Slip
Sizes: 36C - 48DD
Made to help you create the hourglass figure of your dreams, this slip can be worn a number of ways - with straps, without, crossed at the back or asymmetrical. Its versatility means you’ll reach for it for special occasions for years to come after the big day. The piece offers medium control and uses panels of mesh to enhance your curves. The integrated bra is padded and underwired for equal parts support and comfort.
Buy now £22.40, Simply Be
Intimissimi The Most Romantic Season Lace Bodysuit
Coated in white lace, sequins, buttons and criss-cross detailing, Intimissimi’s angelic bodysuit sits between naughty and nice. The wireless garment features a cheeky Brazilian brief, coupled with a traditional lace finish.
Buy now £49.00, Intimissimi
