Mission Invisible: Tips for Streamlining Your Silhouette
While the notion of wearing lovely little things beneath your wedding gown is, well, lovely, chances are this once-in-a-lifetime dress is going to require pieces that emphasize practical over pretty. Enter shapewear – undergarments that help hide any wayward bumps, bulges and panty lines.
Of course, your needs will vary depending on your body type and the style and fabric of your dress, but here’s a quick guide to solutions for some of the most common intimates issues.
Issue: Smoothing bumps and avoiding bulges beneath more form-fitting gowns
For tighter gowns, your best bet is likely boy short shapers or versions with a high waist and long legs, says Rachel Leonard, fashion director for Brides magazine, who recommends Spanx, Flexees and Body Wrap’s Firm Control products. “If a bride has no bulges in the hips and thighs, but still wants something to flatten her stomach, she should use a high-waist shaper like those from DKNY, Body Wrap or Dr. Rey Shapewear,” Leonard says. “And if she’s wearing a low back long gown, then DKNY’s boy shorts or Spanx will work best.”
Nicole Janowicz, an international stylist who specializes in celebrities and high-end weddings, says that Spanx are her shapewear go-to for both creating a more streamlined silhouette and improving posture. “So even if a woman already has a lean figure, wearing Spanx will help her look her best in photographs,” Janowicz says. But, she adds, there are a wide array of companies that make everything from full body suits to g-strings with control tops, all at different price points. Think Hanes at the low end, to Assets by Sara Blakely (from the creator of Spanx), to Wolford, a high-end lingerie company that makes shapewear that is both effective and looks and feels luxurious.
No matter which brand you go with, it’s essential that the shaper is comfortable and can breathe easily, as you will likely be spending at least five hours in it, Leonard warns.
And if you’ve opted for a waist-whittling corset or cincher, make sure the material is smooth with no hooks that will snag your gown’s fabric or show through.
Issue: Hiding privates or panty lines beneath a slinky, silk sheath
If a bride is fairly fit and just wants to avoid panty lines, Spanx has a great light-weight fabric, high waist to mid-thigh body smoother, says Leonard, who also likes Calvin Klein and Flexees’ Instant Slimmer offerings. Janowicz recommends Wolford’s Velvet Control String high waist panty, a seamless g-string that will also help flatten your tummy. “It’s invisible under clothing, but provides support and coverage so that the bride doesn’t feel too exposed,” Janowicz says.
While black may seem sexy, when considering colors, you’re better off looking for nude hues that match your skin tone, says Leonard. Even white will likely show through most fabrics.
[Image: Spanx]
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