Finding your dream dress is one thing. Finding comfortable, complimentary underwear to put on beneath is another. But what about Spanx? Should you consider a body-sculpting and shaping piece for your special day? I spent some time researching the brand, and the product line, and looking at the sentiments of other brides to find out if this is generally a good idea.
So, should I wear Spanx under my wedding dress? Whether or not you want to wear shapewear, such as Spanx, under your wedding dress comes down to your personal preference. It is entirely optional. It also depends on the style of your wedding dress and how structured it is – the less structured the dress the more likely they will be required. That being said, Spanx can help a dress sit better, provide comfort, and also provide shaping which is why many brides do decide to wear them.
While there are many different brands of shapewear on the market, Spanx is famous for its high-quality pieces.
They are in many ways the market leader, and while they are typically more expensive than your standard brand, you really are getting what you pay for.
They are also commonly worn and recommended by brides.
In fact, when researching this topic, 92% voted in favor of wearing them (in a sample of over 44 brides).
The reasons were plentiful, but ultimately the same theme kept emerging time and time again.
Spanx gives brides the two most important C’s: comfort and confidence.
Although, if you are looking for an alternative Shapellx did very well in our survey too!
Nevertheless, let us now take a closer look at the purpose behind Spanx as a particular brand of shapewear, before looking at some of the best pieces to consider!
What Are Spanx Supposed To Do?
Before we look at whether or not Spanx is right for you, it’s important to understand what they are for. What is the purpose behind them and what are they supposed to do?
Well first and foremost, Spanx is a brand; there are a number of different products in several different collections.
In fact, in recent years they have even expanded their product line to include leggings, clothing, and even men’s items.
But for the purpose of weddings and important occasions; their signature pieces are their shapewear.
This is what you will likely be considering.
Shapewear is designed to help show off the wearer’s curves in all the right places. It smooths out any bumps, ensuring that clothing fits better.
It is designed with nylon (90%) and spandex (10%) fabric and provides different levels of support depending on the preferences.
There are generally three levels of support to choose from:
- Level 1: Smoothing – these are base layer pieces, designed to form your foundation
- Level 2: Shaping – these are base layer pieces, designed to form your foundation
- Level 3: Sculpting – provides maximum compression, including lifting and increased slimming.
With each level comes an increased level of compression.
Equally, there is a range of different products available, from:
- Shorts,
- Waist Cinchers,
- Body Suits
- Panties
- Slips
Either way, they are designed to boost the confidence of the wearer and to create a seamless line underneath the clothes.
Should I Wear Spanx To Try On Wedding Dresses?
If you are planning on wearing Spanx on your wedding day, then it is generally advised to wear Spanx to try on wedding dresses.
That way, you will get a better understanding of what your Spanx will both look like, and feel, under the various different styles of dresses that you want to try on.
Perhaps the best Spanx product to wear for a wedding fitting is the High Power Capri. It provides coverage below the chest to the midcalf.
It’s one of the most versatile, so its great when you do not know what you will be trying on.
It sits just under the breasts too, so you can choose to wear what bra you would like.
Just consider that not all Spanx shapewear will be suitable for every different wedding dress style.
Thankfully, they do offer their own nude strapless bra and nude briefs which are lightweight and breathable. These two are great options for a fitting.
Otherwise, you can always look to wear another brand of nude, comfortable, and dependable underwear combination.
Should I Wear Spanx Under My Wedding Dress?
Whether or not you choose to wear Spanx under your wedding dress will mostly depend on two different factors: the dress style and your personal preferences.
You’ll need to consider and strike the balance between fashion and fit.
It is also important to consider that Spanx does not offer just bodysuits and waist cinchers.
Although these may be of interest to you, it’s also important to consider that they also have a number of different hosiery shorts, bras, and panties available.
Nevertheless, when you are considering Spanx, you are really considering whether you are looking for shaping or not.
Benefits of Wearing Spanx
Let us now take a closer look at the benefits of wearing Spanx under a wedding dress to better understand the appeal:
Shaping
Spanx can really help with certain areas – in particular; the bust, waist, hips and thighs.
They help to compress and shape these areas in a simple and safe way – using gentle fabrics that provide maximum hold with minimal constriction.
With the right shaper, you can achieve that silhouette appearance that really makes you stand out.
And this can be achieved immediately, without any longer-term options such as weight loss.
Comfort
Shapewear is often associated with being uncomfortable. While it definitely takes a little getting used to and will feel different at first, many women find they soon do not feel as if they are wearing anything.
So long as you go with a reputable brand, such as Spanx; it only uses the highest quality materials to make it light and breathable.
There are in fact several reports of women finding Spanx more comfortable than not wearing them altogether; if the right piece in the right size is worn.
The held-in feeling helps clothes fit better, keeping everything in place, and there are no uncomfortable wires or straps that can dig in.
Equally, Spanx is known for helping to promote blood flow, not construct it like your standard corset, meaning they are much more suitable and comfortable for longer wear.
When wearing Spanx, your posture will also naturally improve – along with your confidence.
Styles To Suit All Figures
Spanx was born out of the desire to offer different-sized waistbands to suit different-sized consumers [source].
As such, the company offers a range of different sizes including:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Extra Large
- 1X
- 2X
- 3X
There are also three different levels of support:
- 1: Smooth
- 2: Shape
- 3: Sculpt
So as you can see, there are quite a few different variations available.
All this makes it possible to find the right piece for you, your body, and your preferences.
Range of Suitable Colors
One of the most important aspects of choosing underwear for your wedding dress is the color.
It should not glean through your dress, or be visible at any time to your guests!
Spanx offers a range of suitable colors, such as ‘Soft Nude’ and ‘Champagne Beige’ to ensure that they blend with your skin and do not disrupt your glowing appearance.
Trusted Brand
Spanx has been growing in popularity since their launch in 2000. They’ve won award after award for their product line, and are a trusted brand by millions of customers worldwide.
For something as important as your wedding day, you want to wear items that you depend upon.
What Is The Best Spanx For Wedding Dress?
The best Spanx for a wedding dress will depend mostly on the style of your dress, and what realistically suits and works underneath.
As Spanx is such a large brand with many different products, it can however be confusing to find the perfect piece for your specific wedding dress.
Thankfully, they have created an entire collection, with weddings in mind.
Nonetheless, I decided to look across this collection to make some recommendations based on some of the more popular wedding dress styles:
Deep V Neck Wedding Dress
If you are looking to wear a dress with a deep v neck and a plunging back, then a Spanx bodysuit is ideal.
It helps to shape the stomach, waist, and thighs. It’s also low-back, low-front, and it has fully adjustable and convertible straps too.
Strapless Gown
The Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Panty Bodysuit is a great choice for this style of dress.
It is designed with a padded bra to help give you some additional sizing. You can also decide on whether you want straps or not.
This is one of the most versatile of Spanx underwear, great for several different wedding dress styles. It’s great for shorter hemlines and high-slits too.
Slip Dress
If you are looking to wear a slip dress, then all you’re going to really need is the Spanx Undie-tectable® thong.
They help to smooth the stomach area with comfortable and minimal compression.
They are also completely invisible under clothes; not showing any visible panty lines due to the elastic-free edges and bonded waistband.
Finally
Your wedding day is going to be one of the most important days of your life.
You are going to want to feel and look as best as you can.
It all starts with what you choose to wear under your dress.
While there are many different brands out there, Spanx is one which you can trust.
Equally, with an extensive product line, you’ll be sure to find something that works for you and for your exact dress.
Whether that be more or less compression, covering more areas, or whether you are just looking for a high-quality bra and pair of briefs.
Either way, many brides swear by Spanx.
But this is not the only brand.
In fact, Shapellx is another premium brand that you should absolutely check out. What I love about Shapellx is that they have products for different problem areas and they have plus sizes available.
But regardless of what brand you choose, just be sure you learn how to wear them before your big day and consider how it impacts your ability to pee, of course!
And don’t forget, you don’t need underwear with Spanx, or any other shapewear for that matter!
Read my other related shapewear content:
- Shapellx Review [Should You Trust In This Shapewear?]
- Sculptshe Review [Should You Buy This Shapewear?]
Hey, I’m Allison – a recent bride, an expectant mother and the chief editor here at Everlasting Occasion. Here I document all the knowledge and experience I accumulated while researching and planning my dream wedding and ahead of our new baby. Here, I try to answer those many questions couples have when planning their dream wedding, while equally, helping expectant parents ahead of their new arrival!