Many curvy brides have questions about wearing shapewear under their wedding dresses, and while it is a nice touch to smooth and cinch, it’s certainly not necessary!

At Curve, we encourage all of our brides to do what makes them feel their best- whether that means donning shapewear or not. However, if you do decide to take the plunge, here’s our best advice!

Decide which areas of the body to target 

‍What area of your body are you targeting for shapewear? Be it tummy, thighs, or waist, there are several different types of shapewear to choose from, each designed with dress styles, fabrics, and sizes in mind.

If you’re looking for more bust support, we’ll go ahead and tell you right now that the majority of designers have bras sewn into the bodice of their dresses already, providing ample chest support without you having to spend extra on shapewear.

Shapewear and your bridal appointment

If you’ve never worn shapewear before, it can be helpful to start by talking with a shapewear rep at a local department store. If you already have your plus-size wedding gown, then you can also bring it to the store to try on shapewear underneath for a clear idea. 

Vice versa, bring your shapewear to your bridal appointment and try it on under the wedding dresses. ‍

If you don’t have your shapewear yet, these wedding dress/shapewear combinations are winners:

• Mermaid: try a body sculpting piece with removable straps, a high waist, and bike shorts that smooth the entire body under this form-fitting silhouette.
• A-Line: You’ll probably want to focus on the tummy and bust for this one. Mesh panels help trim the figure or an underbust bodysuit is perfect for support while still allowing you to wear the bra of your choice.
• Princess: Got a fitted bodice? A high-waist brief helps to tighten the tummy area.
• Backless, Lace, Plunging Neckline: Any dress that shows off skin pairs well with a sheer brief, which provides support while remaining discreet. 

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