Do You Wear A Bra With A Wedding Dress?
After much searching, you finally found your dream dress — a massive relief. Now, however, you’re faced with a new dilemma: What should you wear underneath? Do you wear a bra with a wedding dress? Or skip it? Of course, the answer will depend on several factors: the neckline and cut of your dress, your body type and most importantly, your comfort level.
If you do opt to wear a bra for added shaping and support, it’s crucial to find one that isn’t going to show through the gown during your “I do’s” or on the dance floor. And the fact is that most of your everyday bras simply may not cut it on your special day. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options when it comes to bridal lingerie, so you’re sure to find something that works with your dress as well as complements your figure.
Seeking the perfect wedding dress bra? We’ve got you covered. Follow this guide to figure out which bra is right for you (and some tips if you opt to forgo one altogether).
If your dress is strapless…opt for a supportive strapless bra.
Of course, the easy answer with a strapless dress (or off-the-shoulder, for that matter) is to sport a strapless bra. However, you’ll need to ensure that it fits flawlessly so there’s no gaping and it doesn’t slip downward — the last thing you want to be worried about on the big day is constantly adjusting your undergarments. We definitely recommend bringing your bra to all fittings if you plan to get the dress altered.
Looking for a supportive strapless bra for a D+ cup size? Choose a strapless bra that offers sufficient coverage and support — ideally one with smooth, seamless cups so it won’t make an appearance no matter what fabric the gown is made of. Be sure to pay close attention to the bra band – a band with boning on the side and anti-slip silicone tape on the inside of the cups (like this strapless bra) provides extra support and stability for larger cup sizes.
If your dress is backless…try an adhesive bra.
If you’re comfortable enough to go sans bra, that may be your best bet with this style. That said, adhesive silicone cups will give you some extra security — and you can even have them sewn right into the dress. Some silicone cups also have an added feature to offer some instant lift, which is a nice perk if you’re looking to amp up your cleavage. If you’re looking for something with a little more coverage for larger breasts, opt for a molded adhesive backless bra.
If your dress is a halter or one-shoulder style…you might need a convertible bra.
Dresses that have unique straps and necklines call for a convertible bra. These ultra versatile styles feature removable straps that can be transformed to match halter dresses, one-shoulder dresses, criss-cross dresses, and other tricky styles (or removed entirely to work for strapless dresses). Try a convertible bra with seamless cups and anti-slip silicone tape to make sure everything stays in place from day to night. It can be worn five different ways, which means well after your wedding day is over, you’re bound to get a lot of wear out of it with a range of ensembles.
Related Post: 7 Questions To Ask Before Buying Bridal Lingerie
Parfait Elissa Strapless Contour Underwire Bra P5011 | Parfait Elissa Brazilian Thong P5014 in Pearl White
If your dress has a low neckline…try a plunge bra.
Dresses with a deep dip in the front specifically call for a plunge bra. As the name implies, it’s designed with cups and a center gore that are cut much lower than traditional bras, so it won’t peek through. If the neckline plunges particularly low, though, you may simply want to get cups be sewn into your gown. While this technique won’t lend as much support, it will offer some subtle shaping and coverage.
If your dress has traditional straps…wear a pretty longline bralette.
Did you select a gown that has two straps, and no fussy designs around the neckline? Lucky you — that means you have far more options when it comes to your bra. Since you have your pick of styles, we suggest trying a longline bralette, which extends down to your waistline, smoothing out your silhouette and giving your back a little extra support. To boot, a longline bra has an inexplicably elegant yet sexy look, so it’ll serve as a seductive surprise for your groom on the wedding night.
If your dress makes wearing a bra impossible…go bare.
Wearing a bra is entirely a personal decision, and you may opt to skip it if you have a dress (like a bustier style, for example) that offers sufficient support on its own or a dress with clingy or sheer fabric that you can’t find the right bra for. Here’s a pro tip to keep in mind to ensure you’re comfortable, confident and secure on your wedding day: non-adhesive nipple covers (or the adhesive version) can be super helpful, especially if your gown is constructed in a thinner fabric.
Related: Where To Buy Bridal Lingerie
Parfait Elissa Unlined Wire Bralette P5012 | Parfait Elissa Brazilian Thong P5014 in Pearl White
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
