WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR UNDER YOUR WEDDING DRESS? WITH FREJA DESIGNER DRESSMAKING
FEATURING
Mette from Freja Designer Dressmaking has taken over the WFIL blog today to talk all things foundation garments – from shapewear to lingerie and everything inbetween!
Mette’s advice on what to wear under your wedding dress
Calling all brides … let’s chat about a hugely overlooked part of your wedding preparation – your underwear!
As a professional fashion designer I work with wedding dresses every single day, and I see it all the time. Brides putting all their effort into wedding dress shopping and forgetting about what they’re going to wear underneath it.
Foundation garments are the very foundation of your outfit. They shouldn’t be an afterthought.
Now, we’re all different. Especially when it comes to our underwear. Foundation garments, and what you find comfortable, is hugely personal. Ask your dress designer for advice, that’s what we’re here for. We can help to guide you towards a decision that you’re happy with.
When it comes to choosing your foundation garments it really does depend on what style of wedding dress you have picked. So let’s take it from the top – literally!
BRAS
Now, if you’re going for a strapless dress with a full corset you’re probably not going to need, or want, to wear a bra too. That corset is going to give a lot of support.
If this feels out of character or uncomfortable then you can ask your dressmaker to fit some cups. This can really help with a boned dress as they can feel quite hard on the skin and occasionally rub.
An alternative to cups is to wear a strapless bra. If you opt for this then ask for a loop to be attached to the back of your dress. You can simply thread your bra through it to ensure that back strap doesn’t make any unwanted appearances on the day.
Avoid any longline bras. They are more structured and bone on top of bone just doesn’t work. Your boobs will also end up a different shape, which won’t look good!
Now, with a softer dress, built in bras aren’t an option. It’s advice that some bridal shops like to give but cups in a looser dress do absolutely nothing for support.
With softer, low back dresses, I’m a fan of stick on cups. They look like a normal bra cup but are stuck to your underarms with secure tape. They don’t move as long as they’re put on properly. There are lots of expensive options, including gel ones, but they can sometimes be too heavy.
Hear me out, but a lovely option with a softer style dress – and if you’re small busted – is to go bra-less. If that is something you want to consider then get some little stick on daisies, just to prevent any ‘cold nipple’ issues!
BODYSUITS
This comes down to the cut of your dress, but you might be able to wear a multi-way bra or body suit.
Please have a trial run if you go for this! They can be a little complex to fit, and may also end up showing over your dress, but if they fit well then they can be a brilliant option for a low back / plunge front dress. As an added bonus they can feel like shapewear and help to refine your silhouette.
TAPE TIPS
ALWAYS test run tape on your body for 24 hours a good few weeks ahead of your wedding. You really don’t want to develop an allergic reaction on the day.
Don’t use any lotion, perfume or similar on the area before you apply the tape. These can soften the adhesive which causes the tape to slip or not stick at all.
Dry skin is the way to go here. This applies to any other sticky products, like stick on bras or knickers – which work well with super high side slit dresses.
What colour tape works best? The colour of your skin, always. It’s a popular idea to go for ivory or white to match your underwear but avoid this if you can. Look for the colour of your skin – there are lots of options available.
PANTS AND KNICKERS
Ahh the pants. You might think you need to opt for Bridget Jones style, super tight shaping pants. In my opinion though that’s just too much. Plus they can create problems elsewhere – leaving a line on the leg or on the belly.
If you want support, and / or to prevent chafing, then tights might be the one. Tights that support your belly and give you a bum lift are a thing, they’re marvellous. Plus you wear them commando, so no knickers and no VPL. Perfect!
If you do go for knickers then there are a few options you can consider. Usually little shorts or a thong work better when it comes to (lack of) visibility than plain knickers.
Calvin Klein make paper thin, nude knickers that are great under a dress. Marks and Spencer also have a more affordable (and just as brilliant) no VPL range.
BREAK YOUR SHOES IN
Don’t forget your feet! Have you broken your shoes in? Make sure you do! This goes for both partners getting married. No one wants wedding day blisters!
You can wear shoes round the house to break them in, pop an old sock over the top of them to prevent any marks. On the day, stocking, tights and pop socks can help protect your feet too. You can always remove them later in the day if you get too hot.
AND FINALLY …
Always keep in mind that foundation garments are an aid. They shouldn’t be uncomfortable or a hindrance on the day so please only wear whatever is comfortable. There are hundreds of options out there so ask for advice and definitely don’t settle on something until you’re sure.
