What to Wear Under Dresses in Summer to Smooth and Shape
There’s something so freeing about slipping on a light, breezy dress and heading out the door on a hot summer day. It’s easy, no fuss, and always makes me feel pretty and feminine.
But once I hit my 50s, I found myself avoiding summer dresses. As much as I loved the idea, the reality was thin or clingy fabrics, panty lines, and every little lump and bump showing through. Not exactly confidence-boosting.
I’ve learned that what you wear under your dress can make all the difference. And once I found a few simple, comfortable solutions, summer dresses became a joy again.
So if you’ve been skipping dresses for the same reasons, don’t give up. Let me show you what works, so you can feel smooth, supported, and like the glam summer gal you are.
For Fitted Dresses
Are you unsure if you can wear something close to the body, like a sheath or knit column dress? I didn’t think so either until I wore shapewear. (Yes, I’m slim, but I have a jelly belly having had three kids!) The goal is to create a smooth foundation that helps your dress skim over your body, rather than sticking to it.
Seamless underwear is a must. The key here is laser-cut edges that lay flat without digging in. Nude tones that match your skin color work best under lighter colors. I like these Vanishing Edge Modern Brief Panties from Soma. They stay in place (no riding up) thanks to the small silicone grips on the back, and they give a smooth, invisible look under dresses.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, this seamless underwear set on Amazon is a great, affordable option that still gives you that sleek, no-show finish. You’ll be amazed at how much better your dress will look with the right base underneath.
For extra smoothing, go for light control shapewear. I typically wear SPANXshape™ Invisible High Waist – Mid Thigh Shorts. They’re lightweight and breathable with medium compression. A shaping slip skirt, like SPANXsupersmooth™ Essential V-Neck Slip, can also do the trick without making you feel squished.
I always say your clothes should work with your body, not against it. The correct shape of a pair of shoes provides gentle support in the areas where you need it most.
For Flowy or Lightweight Dresses
Surprisingly, loose dresses can be just as tricky as fitted ones. The fabric might be thin, unlined, or prone to flying up in the breeze. That’s where underlayers can be particularly helpful.
Slip shorts are ideal for wearing in the summer. They feel like a silky pair of pajamas, help prevent chafing, and stop your dress from sticking to your skin. Look for moisture-wicking fabric if you run warm. You’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
Half slips are also handy. They’re not old-fashioned at all. They help your dress hang better, prevent things from being see-through, and add an extra layer of polish.
For Hot Summer Days
When the temperatures soar and the humidity kicks in, the last thing you want is to feel sweaty or sticky under your dress. I’ve lived through plenty of hot summers, and let me tell you, the right underlayer makes a big difference.
Cooling slip shorts are my secret weapon. Thigh Society makes these breathable shorts that feel like air on the skin! They prevent chafing and help your dress move the way it’s supposed to.
And if you’re running errands or heading to the beach and don’t want to layer at all, keep an anti-chafing balm on hand. Megababe’s Thigh Rescue glides on like a lotion and keeps your skin happy all day long.
For Weddings and Special Occasions
When you’re getting dressed up for a wedding or big event, you want everything to feel secure and smooth from the start. That means choosing your undergarments with care.
A great strapless or convertible bra is essential for strapless, halter, or one-shoulder dresses. Look for styles with a wide band that won’t slide down.
Shaping slips are perfect if you want a smooth line without giving up your favorite bra. They hold everything in just the right amount and help your dress glide beautifully. Plus, they keep your chest and cleavage from getting too sweaty.
And for those cocktail or midi dresses? Try shaping shorts or a full shaping bodysuit. For weddings I usually wear SPANX Invisible Mid-Thigh Short – 360° Shaping with medium compression (I mentioned these earlier), or
I go full-on with something much stronger to sculpt and transform my silhouette: SPANXsculpt OnCore Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit – Excellent, but I wouldn’t want to wear this for longer than the wedding!
P.S. Looking for wedding guest dress recommendations? Check out: What to Wear to a Summer Wedding -10 Most Asked Questions
My Favorite Undergarments to Wear Under Dresses:
These are my go-to shaping shorts! They’re a great option when you want light shaping without the squeeze. They smooth everything out without feeling tight or restrictive, and they stay put all day.
I like these Vanishing Edge Modern Brief Panties from Soma. They stay in place thanks to the little silicone grips on the back and give a smooth, invisible look under dresses.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this seamless underwear set from Amazon is a great choice that still provides a sleek, no-show finish.
The Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra is well-loved for a reason. It’s a great strapless bra! It’s supportive enough for fuller busts, stays in place, and feels secure even when you’re moving around or dancing at a wedding.
If you’re wearing a more fitted dress and want everything to be smooth from top to bottom, this full-body suit is fabulous. It holds you in without feeling bulky, gives great tummy control, and creates a sleek silhouette that makes your dress look its best.
Shop More of My Favorite Undergarments to Wear Under Dresses:
A Note About Color
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. The right color undergarment makes a huge difference. “Nude” doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone. Find a tone that’s close to your skin so it disappears under lighter fabrics.
For black dresses, go with black or charcoal underlayers. And skip white underwear under white dresses. It usually shows through more than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid visible panty lines under dresses?
The best way to avoid panty lines is to wear seamless underwear. Look for styles with laser-cut edges in a nude shade that matches your skin tone. If that’s still not enough, layering with a pair of slip shorts or a half slip can help your dress skim over the body without catching on fabric.
Do I need to wear shapewear with every dress?
Not at all. Shapewear is a personal choice. If you feel more confident with a bit of smoothing, go for it. But plenty of dresses look and feel great with just seamless underwear or a slip. Sometimes I’ll wear a shaping short for a bit of support, but other days I skip it entirely.
What’s better under dresses—shapewear or slip shorts?
They serve different purposes. Shapewear gives more structure and compression, while slip shorts are designed for smoothing and comfort.
Can I still wear a slip, or is that outdated?
Slips are very much still in style. They look a little different now. Modern slips are lighter, stretchier, and more breathable than the ones we grew up with. They help dresses drape better and prevent issues with static or transparency.
Final Thoughts
The proper undergarments make wearing dresses so much easier and more comfortable. Whether you’re trying to smooth things out, prevent panty lines, or feel a little more secure, there’s something out there that will work for you.
The best part is, once you find the pieces that fit your body and lifestyle, you don’t have to think twice about it!
I really appreciated the “What to Wear Under Dresses” article — the tips about slip shorts, seamless underwear, and avoiding chafing totally resonated. Especially in summer or on breezy days, those things can make all the difference.
Fabulous after 40
I’ve found that wearing thigh‑length under‑dress shorts helps me feel way more confident when wearing dresses — no worry about dress riding up or feeling exposed. I recently tried the under‑dress shorts from Adira (see collection here
), and what stood out was how soft the fabric is, how it avoids chafing, and how it stays hidden under different dress styles. They’re not perfect for everything, but they hit a sweet spot between comfort and coverage — the kind of undergarment you might not think much about until you’ve been uncomfortable without one.
Such a helpful read—I always wonder what’s best under dresses for comfort and coverage. I’ve found that thigh-length undershorts work really well. I like the ones from Adira—they’re super comfy and available for teens, women, senior women, and even plus-size women too.
Thanks, I’ll have to check them out!