TIT BITS: BEST UNDERWEAR SOLUTIONS FOR BACKLESS DRESSES
We meet lots of women in the studio every week and one of the most commonly asked questions is about underwear, particularly with backless dresses, which are having a real moment right now.
We’ve spoken to the experts and combined their insights with our insider tips to give you a foolproof guide on how to win at backless dresses:
FORGET THE BRA, CONSIDER A BODYSUIT
If you’re looking for support but nipple stickers won’t cut it, a bodysuit is a great alternative. Bridal underwear specialist and founder of Ender Legard, Asia Smaga says, “a well designed bodysuit can provide the same bust support as a bra while still keeping the back completely free and open". It also contains in-built shapewear! Asia notes that wearing a full bodysuit not only offers bust support and coverage, it also means it will “hold you in and smooth out your silhouette by hiding the lumps and bumps (belly button etc) that some are conscious of”. Ender Legard offers bodysuit options in 18 sizes and will match your dress with one of their styles with lead times of 21 days.
The Panty Underwear, another one of our go-to underwear experts, recommend the "Invisible low back body with shorts" which offers control and a rounded cup whilst maintaining a super low back. Eloise Rusted, founder of The Pantry says: "bodysuits offer an all-in-one solution involving shapewear and typical bra cups. They cannot offer the same support as your everyday t-shirt bra though as they are missing half the bra ( the back strap.) Some people underpin them with the Strapless Lift Solution too" (see more below.)
A STRAPLESS LIFT
If you’re comfortable with nipple stickers but need a lift, The Pantry Underwear team swear by the "Strapless lift solution" that lifts your bust to the desired height as though you are wearing a bra without actually wearing one - creating a rounded shape and preventing movement with no back element whatsoever. Eloise says, "contrary to expectation, this is a really comfy product to wear and runs from sizes A-F. Nipple petals are provided to avoid the dreaded nip slip (assuming the intention is to conceal!)"
THE OWN STUDIO STYLE 028 // backless halter, £2350
SPEAK TO THE SOLUTION WEAR SPECIALISTS
Shopping for shapewear doesn’t have to be a harassed last-minute dash to a department store. Knowing what underwear options are available to you means you don’t have to avoid certain shapes or cuts that you love. If you have your heart set on a deep neckline or a low-back, chat with one of Ender Legard's or The Pantry Underwear's specialists beforehand so you can attend your fittings with underwear options in mind. You can book a virtual, free appointment with The Pantry team here.
If you don't have time to visit an underwear specialist before your appointment with us it is always handy to just wear seamless, nude underwear to get a feel of how the outfit will look on the day. Alternatively, if there’s a bodysuit you feel super confident in and want to wear on the day, let us know at your appointment and we can always alter your wedding outfit to meet your needs.
CREATE SOMETHING CUSTOM
Alternatively, if your dress is more intricate, you may need something custom made. The Pantry Underwear offer free and informal advice to support women buying underwear to suit their wedding outfit. Meet with a specialist to discuss what the bra size, shape and style is right for you while reviewing pictures of your outfit. Eloise of The Pantry explains that "once the items are delivered, we offer a fit check service and review whether they have worked as expected or the size or product selection needs tweaking".
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
If you find that your everyday bra doesn’t quite work with your outfit, don’t stress. Ender Legard and The Pantry offers a 1-on-1 online consultations to determine your size prior to recommending which style or size you should opt for.
The OWN Studio, STYLE 006 // crepe bias slip £1500
HAVE SOME OPTIONS FOR YOUR FITTING
It's always worth having underwear options to try at your second appointment, and certainly for your fitting, as it makes all the difference to the fit of a dress. Before you come back in for a second appointment to confirm your shortlisted style, try to visit The Pantry or Ender Legard for an appointment to try on options.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE EXPERTS
Here are a few bodysuit recommendations by Ender Legard's Asia Smaga for some of our most popular backless styles:
STYLE 027 // ASYMMETRIC BACK
Asia recommends JONI. Featuring interchangeable straps that can be swapped out for spaghetti, cross-over or racer-back styes, this body suit has a deep low back and seam-free thong perfect for the 027 Asymmetric Back. Just make sure to show The OWN Studio team the bodysuit at your fitting so the strap placement can be matched up with the dress!
STYLE 006 // BIAS SLIP
For our 006 Bias Slip, Asia recommends going for either MAE or JONI, depending on your bust size. Either way, both bodysuits are unpadded and have underwire for support and comfort throughout the day.
STYLE 031 // SILK SATIN WRAP CROP
Our 031 Wrap Crop pairs perfectly with MAE. The MAE’s plunge bra means you’re able to enjoy complete bust support and lift while also showing off the low back neck line of the top. Asia points out that the straps of the MAE should be swapped for their spaghetti straps.
AND FINALLY...
Spanx, Heist and Skims are great for nude, seam free underwear. The Pantry say recommend the Invisible shaping shorts, saying: "more than 90% of brides end up with shorts or a short section as part of their foundations. Not only do they offer smoothing attributes (your butt tissue is generally the softest on your body ) and ensure no lines. They're also really comfy to wear, stopping you from getting hot between the legs when all eyes are on the bride."
In terms of nipple stickers, we recommend the silicone stickers B-SIX Nippies Skin which you can purchase from Selfridges.
A final but very important note from The Pantry Underwear Founder Eloise Rigby, "don't wear a bra or socks the night before or morning of the wedding! Strap marks on the shoulders and elastic marks on the ankle are not easy to disguise at short notice. If there's a heat wave [!!] wear plenty of sun protection to avoid an accidental or burn or uneven tanning e.g. watch marks. Again, not easy to disguise."
Still looking for more info? We also wrote this blog about underwear if you’re looking for more information!