What to Wear Under a Silk Dress

Silk dresses hug your figure with light, breezy fabric that shows off your curves. However, the thinness can be a drawback if you wear bulky undergarments that create bumps, creases, and wrinkles beneath the gown. Learn what to wear under a silk dress so that you can stock your wardrobe well before your special occasion.

Contouring Shapewear

Shapewear is a smoothing undergarment that can give you a boost of confidence in any outfit. The fabric of shapewear hugs your body without restricting movement, smoothing out your figure and sitting invisibly beneath your dress. With firm yet breathable fabric, shapewear can help you to fit into a silk dress without feeling restricted.

Popular options for shapewear include contouring bras, shaper panties, leggings, and bodysuits. Some types can firm and lift your backside and make your legs look slimmer, while other styles are designed to smooth your arms, emphasize your chest and sculpt an hourglass silhouette.

If you've recently given birth or had surgery, such as a C-section, shapewear can help restore your figure before slipping into a silk gown. 

For pale dresses, you should choose shapewear that closely matches your skin tone because anything else could show under certain lighting. Black shapewear works best for darker gowns.

Subtle Bras

Some traditional bras for women have thick fabric and large straps that can draw attention away from your gown. You should choose a subtle bra that will lift your chest without showing beneath your clothes. These include:

• Strapless bras: Silk dresses often have thin straps. Strapless bras provide support without calling attention to your undergarments.
• Slimming bras: These bras contour your front and smooth your back for a trim and fit appearance.
• Bridal bras: If you're getting married in a silk dress, bridal bras come in white and neutral shades that will blend in with your dress.
• Invisible or no-show bras: These bras are designed to hide under a variety of clothes, including strapless dresses and plunging necklines.

Seamless Panties

Seamless panties offer minimal stitching and sleek, flexible fabric that disappears beneath your dress as if someone had painted them onto your skin. You can run, jump, pose and dance without worrying about visible panty lines when you choose seamless panties.

Since they're supposed to be invisible, a snug but comfortable fit is essential. If you don't already have your measurements, wrap a measuring tape around your waist, then use the size chart on our product pages. Baggy or loose panties could create visible bulges.

Your color options include nude, neutrals and dark shades, such as black and maroon. Most seamless panties are monochromatic, prioritizing function over fancy designs. Some have lace or subtle patterns if they serve a purpose.

If your dress offers full coverage, try a slip-short or high-waisted panty. For more revealing dresses, thongs and low-rise panties will stay in place while showing more skin.

How Much Compression Do You Need?

Moderate to firm compression shapewear are the most common choices for silk dresses. With tight, sturdy fabric, they compress your figure to create an hourglass look. However, you won't feel like you're wearing a tight corset. Modern advancements make firm shapewear comfortable and breathable, allowing for full range of movement.

You can safely wear firm shapewear for up to eight hours at a time. If you're attending a longer event, wear a more moderate shapewear underneath your dress. With moderate compression shapewear, the fit is more relaxed, but you'll still eliminate bulges and sagging.

Wrapping Up

If you find yourself wondering whether you can truly pull off that silk dress, invest in high-quality bras, panties, and shapewear to elevate your look for the big occasion. Wonder no more about what to wear under a silk dress! With the right undergarments, you'll captivate the crowd, arriving in a stunning, form-fitting gown that perfectly highlights your flawless silhouette.