Let’s talk about shapewear – it’s like a dirty little secret but it really shouldn’t be. It’s a foundational piece that can work wonders to transform the fit of a dress. I will admit, I am a lover of plus-size shapewear. Probably because my mother insisted that I wear it under all of my formal dresses from the tender age of thirteen (true story)! But, it’s important to remember that wearing shapewear is a personal choice, not every bride chooses to wear it and no one needs to wear it. You are always in the driver’s seat of how you want to look and feel on your wedding day.
If you are a bride looking for added support and a little confidence boost on the big day, quality plus-size intimates always do the trick! Being 5’3” myself, I know from experience how a great fitting plus-size bra can help you feel taller. And a supportive plus-size bodysuit will make for a smooth foundation under your gown. If we’re being completely honest though, it can be intimidating considering all of the different style and brand options, especially for plus-size wedding shapewear.
We’ve curated the best bridal shapewear for the plus-size brides, shop it now at Dia.com.
No need to stress though, we’ve done the research to make finding shapewear that fits like a glove a breeze. Here are our top tips for picking the right shapewear for your wedding day.
Choose Your Bra Style Based On The Dress Neckline
The style of your dress is the number one determining factor in choosing plus-size wedding undergarments. It might be obvious, but it bears repeating – the neckline of your dress will determine the kind of bra that you wear. If your wedding dress neckline is a scoop neck or a boat neck without sheer fabric then you can consider a classic balconette or full coverage bra. But if you are wearing a sweetheart, portrait, or any other neckline that exposes your shoulders, consider a strapless bra. Plus-size strapless bras have come a long way-like all clothes for curvy women- and there is now a large and easily accessible selection of cup and band sizes from 36A – 44M. If you have a fuller bust and you find that strapless bras don’t offer enough support, a strapless plus-size wedding corset will be a better fit. For brides with a smaller bust who don’t want to go braless, backless bras and bodysuits will work perfectly.
Pro tip: your shapewear should match the color of your dress not your skin tone. No one will be the wiser if there is a little slippage.
Consider The Material Of Your Dress
The good news is that the plus-size bridal gowns are more diverse than ever. So, if you are hesitant about wearing shapewear, opt for a more structured gown that will support you without additional help. Your bra and panty set with a lightweight shaping short to prevent chub rub will work wonders. But if you are going for the ultra-trendy bias silhouette, a more form-fitting mermaid-style dress or a sheath dress, eliminating panty lines will be key.
Pair your control shorts with a plus-size bustier for maximum smoothing effect under form fitting dresses. Btw, mesh bras and contour shorts work well under silkier fabrics because the lightweight material won’t show through. And seamless panties are perfect for eliminating VPL (visible panty lines) because they hug your curves without digging into your skin. For the daring brides who choose the ultra low plunge neckline, consider a plunge plus-size bodysuit to keep everything in place. Pro tip: your shapewear should match the color of your dress not your skin tone. No one will be the wiser if there is a little slippage.
Invest In A Good Tape Measure
Embrace knowing your measurements as the empowering knowledge it is by investing in a good fabric tape measure! These are typically cheap and easy to find at any local craft, fabric, or drug store. Remember, knowing your measurements is about accuracy! The more you know about your body, the better you will be able to select pieces that fit you perfectly. When it comes to shapewear, this is even more important because shapewear that is too big or too small will make you uncomfortable—and an uncomfortable bride is an unhappy bride. Once you know your measurements you can review each brand’s size chart as you are selecting your shapewear. At Dia, we’ve found that sizing can vary wildly among different curvy women fashion brands.
Focus On Accentuating Your Favorite Features
No matter what your favorite part of your body is, there is a shapewear piece to showcase it! Plus-size bustiers work wonders when it comes to enhancing your bust line. The classic bone-in style shapes your midsection and instantly improves posture, but they rarely offer comfort. Opt for a snugger fitting bustier with heavy seaming to create shape instead – trust me, this will be most advantageous when it’s time to sit down for dinner.
If your booty is your favorite body part to enhance (as is mine) try a shaping short with mesh around the cheeks or a little padding for an extra lift. Options that are lined with silicone or have hooks that easily attach to your bra or bustier will help to keep things in place. The ultimate bottom enhancer is a high-waisted thong shaper, it will support and smooth your midsection without flattening your bottom (helps to emphasize the booty)! It’s pretty much perfect if you are changing into an informal plus-size mini wedding dress for the reception! For total body accentuating plus-size bodysuits are the go-to. They’re basically a bustier and smoothing short/legging combined! Nothing will roll up, roll down or shift out of place all night. Although they tend not to be very bathroom friendly, many bodysuits now come with a gusset between the legs to make things easier.
Don’t Put The Cart Before the Horse
Remember when grandma used to say, “don’t put the cart before the horse”? Well, I think she was talking about buying wedding shapewear before your first dress fitting. Every body is unique, and it will take some trial and error to find the perfect piece with the perfect fit for you. So don’t let a great sale entice you to buy too early (I’ve made that mistake before!). At the initial fitting you will discover how the dress falls and moves once it’s altered to fit your body—the perfect time to buy shapewear! Then you can wear your shapewear to the final fittings to ensure that it’s supportive and fits well under your gown. If it’s quality shapewear, it will be very snug when you first receive it and this will be the perfect opportunity to break it in before the big day.
Treat Yourself With A Quality Piece
Think of your shapewear as an investment. Unlike the wedding dress, you can most definitely wear it again with another favorite plus-size outfit! With great care, a quality shapewear piece can last for years. Shapewear comes in all price ranges for any budget, from the super expensive to the very cheap and cheerful. There is no rule for how much you should spend. Great, the less rules the better, right? Yes, but when it comes to shapewear, price usually equals quality. Cheaper options may lack support with thinner spandex causing them to stretch out and lose their shape quickly, sometimes before the end of the night! It’s also common for more inexpensive shapewear to skip features that help them stay in place like silicone lining and hooks that latch to your bra or a garter. Exploring mid-range priced options ($35 -$45) is the sweet spot to start your exploration.
Cheers to looking flawless on your wedding day no matter what you choose!
Shop our new plus-size shapewear collection at Dia.com.
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