15 Undergarment Solutions: Your Questions Answered
Last week on my Instagram Stories I posted a question box allowing you to lay all of your tricky undergarment questions and solutions on me with the prompt “What ___ can I wear with ___?” I said “can” and not “should” — as undergarments are all based on preferences! It’s my job to educate you as best as I can and let you know that you have options if you want them. Last year on the blog, I previously shared an extensive guide on shapewear and other tricky undergarments solutions, so consider this part two! I highly recommend checking out that post, it has some great options, and if you’re new to shapewear, it has a crash course of information there. Here are your top 15 most frequently asked questions and my best answers and solutions!
What bra can I wear with a spaghetti strap dress? Or a one-shouldered dress?
I would strongly encourage a strapless bra that comes with removable straps for this one. I know, I know — you hate strapless bras. It’s probably because you haven’t been properly fitted (more on that here) and haven’t found the right size/style for you yet. The secret to finding a strapless bra that you actually want to wear is having the right fit, remember your support comes from the band. You won’t even need the removable straps once it is fitted properly honestly but you can definitely attach the one side for more security. This is my favorite strapless for fuller figures and this one is fantastic for smaller busts. I have more on my strapless bra guide.
2. What bra can I wear with a backless dress? Or a dress with a deep plunge in front?
If you’re wearing a backless dress, you may want to consider a shapewear piece like this one. It accommodates a low plunge in the front and also in the back, I wear it in an XL (use CARALYN10, I hope they expand sizing soon). For a sticky bra/tape option, I’ve had luck with BrassyBra. They have some great information on how to apply on their Instagram page and the box comes with great instructions as well. I haven’t personally tried this but this option also looks promising for a solution piece.
3. What bra can I wear with a smocked dress?
It can really depend on the dress and your bust size but I’m assuming this question was geared towards the back area, as sometimes properly fitting bras can pinch and accentuate any back fluff. I typically wear this bra or this bra with most of the smocked dresses I own, especially the Hill House Ellie Nap dress (I wear large). However, for more smoothing back options I love this bra, this bra and this bra. You have to be careful though because the necklines can be a bit tricky which leads me to…
4. What bra can I wear with a square neck dress?
You have two options here, you can wear a strapless bra (see question number one) or you can wear a bra that has wider set straps. This one and this one tend to work for me. Some wide/square neck dresses actually have a button/clasp inside of the dress strap to keep the bra aligned and in place. If you don’t, you could always use double sided fashion tape for extra security to keep the straps in place.
5. What bra can I wear for a smooth look while wearing t-shirts, thin fabrics, etc.?
You may want to consider a molded cup bra for this, also known as a “t-shirt” bra. 5 | 6 | 7 on this blog post are some of my personal favorites that I wear when I’m trying to achieve that smooth/rounded look.
6. What bra with maximum support can I wear without underwires?
This is a bit of an oxymoron because when you forgo wires, you forgo your opportunity for maximum support. With that said, there are some incredible wire-free options out there including this bra, this bra, and this bra. Be sure to check the brands’ individual sizing charts, as I am different sizes in all of those. I wouldn’t recommend wearing wire-free bras unless you’re lounging, traveling, have a medical reason or are pregnant/nursing. I do have an older post of some previous favorites here and my maternity/nursing guide, if interested.
7. What undergarments can I wear with a slip dress?
I actually just purchased this slip dress (sized up to a XXL) and was experimenting with the undergarments. For me personally, I really liked the way a strapless bra bra looked with a high waisted shapewear short that I tucked into my bra. If you’re smaller busted, you may also consider a bodysuit with built-in cups like this one or this one!
8. What underwear can I wear underneath leggings, dresses, etc. that don’t show panty lines?
I can’t recommend Soma’s Vanishing Edge panties enough, they have been an absolute game changer for me. They have a silicone edge that lays completely flat underneath clothes. Don’t believe me? Watch this video of me wearing them underneath thin workout leggings. They also have a Vanishing 360 option that is a super thin fabric with a touch of adhesive that takes a minute to adjust but once they’re in place, they don’t move. I also like Chantelle’s SoftStretch panty. They’re one-size (up to 14), which was terrifying at first, but they work! They also come in 1X-4X here. They feel like you’re not wearing anything and have a pretty flat seam.
9. What underwear can I wear with shapewear?
To be honest, you do not need to wear underwear underneath shapewear. Most shapewear is designed to be worn as underwear so panties are not needed and personally, I try to achieve as smooth of a look as possible and sometimes underwear can wrinkle underneath and create lines that don’t need to be there. However, if you need or prefer to wear underwear underneath (sometimes I will if I’m on my period), I would suggest the underwear mentioned above.
10. What undergarments can I wear with a high-slit dress?
If you’re looking for some tummy support, you may consider a high waisted brief like this brief or more options here. Skims also has a one legged solution short here and here that you can purchase depending on which side the slit is on.
11. What shapewear can I wear for a bit of tummy support underneath denim and dress pants?
I would not recommend wearing any sort of shapewear shorts underneath denim, as you may see the line on your thigh through the jeans. Instead, you may consider a panty with a bit of support like the Vanishing Tummy ones from Soma or these from Spanx. You may also want to consider more supportive denim, a few of my favorites are posted here. Madewell and Spanx denim both have good tummy paneling support in the front.
12. What shapewear can I wear with dresses that prevent thigh chafe and offer tummy support?
When I need maximum support, I look to the OnCore collection (use CARALYN10 on Spanx) for more special occasions. My go-to everyday short is the Thinstincts 2.0, and I wear it as underwear (no undies needed underneath, but you can certainly wear them if you prefer). I haven’t tried these, but I’ve heard fantastic things about them if you’re looking for something non-constricting without any shaping to wear to prevent thigh chafing. May I also suggest Megababe’s Thigh Rescue (anti-chafe balm), when youd on’t want to wear shorts. It works wonders and has SAVED my thighs. I shared more underwear favorites and ways to refresh your underwear here!
13. What camisole can I wear underneath shirts to smooth things out a bit?
I recently got this tank in the mail and I think it’s exactly what you’re looking for. For a more budget-friendly option, you may consider this one!
14. What can I wear underneath a swimsuit to avoid headlights?
I love a reusable silicone nipple covers, I wear these all the time when I am looking for modesty underneath unlined bras and swimwear. Not all nipple covers are created equal, I’ve tried a ton and the key to a good nipple cover is a thick center and thin edges so that you’re covered from headlights but don’t see the outline. They’re also available in ‘cocoa.’
15. What bra can I wear underneath a swimsuit or as a swimsuit that offers maximum support?
Did you know they make “swim bras?” They can be worn with and without anything over it, depending on how much coverage you’re looking for. This is also known as an underwire swim top or bikini. Elomi has a great resource on their website for how to wear, mix and match a swim bra. If you haven’t been properly fitted for a bra recently, this is going to be more difficult for you. Check out my guide on how to get fitted and where. I recently had a positive virtual fitting experience with Bravissimo for underwire swimwear that I will be sharing more about soon. You can check out their site and virtual fitting options here.
I hope this was helpful! Feel free to leave any follow up questions or suggestions below. Be sure to check out the “undergarments” tab of my blog for more information and resources. Thanks for reading! xx CMK