Picking an underskirt for your wedding dress

Selecting the right petticoat for your wedding dress will transform your bridal look. This page covers; choosing the right underskirt for your dress, renting vs buying and top tips for getting the right fit.

Already know what style underskirt you want then visit then our page on where to buy wedding underskirts.

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Does my wedding dress need an underskirt?

While many wedding dresses will hold their shape unaided, an underskirt will enable the fabric of the dress to fall precisely how the designer created their dresses to sit, which allow real brides to achieve the silhouettes shown in adverts.

The best underskirt for a ballgown wedding dress

A multiple hooped-underskirt will allow a ball-gown to fan out giving that fairytale look elegantly. Petticoats with at least two or more hoops will provide some support and a subtle fan, but four-six hoops will ensure the full sweeping look.

The perfect underskirt for an Aline wedding dress

Two hooped underskirts will ensure that your legs are free to move and will prevent the hem of the dress from losing the signature flare. For those picking a slim Aline, a single hoop underskirt is enough to give a gentle flare.

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The most striking underskirt for a mermaid wedding dress

A slim, single hooped skirt can increase the iconic mermaid flare shape and add an extra layer of comfort between the dress fabric. For brides wanting to add additional volume, underskirts with a layer of tulle over the hoop achieve this nicely.

The best figure-hugging underskirt for a sheath wedding dress

A soft, non-hooped slip will ensure that your legs are not visible in sunlight or disco lights in a delicate sheath fabric dress. This will protect your modesty and enable the dress colour to be more vibrant.

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Top tips for getting the right underskirt

1. Choose your dress first and then ask the dress consultant to try both hooped and non-hooped underskirts with your dress.
2. If you want to shop around for bargains; take note of where your dress flares out from against your body and ask your dress consultant what circumference a hoop should be.
3. Ensure that your underskirt is the same shade as your wedding dress to enhance the look and colour.
4. Ensure the fabric of the underskirt will be soft against your legs all day by selecting materials such as Nylon or Polyester. Comfort on the day will be key.
5. If opting for a hooped underskirt choose one with tulle layers as this will make the dress flow more naturally.

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Hooped underskirt vs non-hooped underskirt

Positives of wearing a hooped underskirt

This type of underskirt will ensure that your dress fans out as designed

The skirt weight will be evenly distributed, which can make the dress feel lighter when wearing it all day.

The hoop will also ensure that as you walk down the aisle and dance the night away that there is room for your legs to move freely without having the skirt rubbing against your skin.

Positives of wearing a non-hooped underskirt

Wearing an underskirt with multiple hoops can make sitting slightly more difficult, and you may have to perch at your wedding breakfast.

Some cheaper designs will also make the flow of the dress sway less naturally than a layered petticoat.

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Wedding dress underskirts: Renting vs buying

Renting an underskirt is best for brides wanting the easiest, stress-free option. While the underskirt will have been worn by someone else, renting will halve the cost and save time searching online.

Buying an underskirt is best if the thought of wearing an undergarment that has been worn by another bride makes you feel uncomfortable. When buying a new wedding underskirt, ensure you keep it in pristine quality so it can be re-sold at a reasonable price.

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Best places to buy wedding underskirts

There is a wide range of bridal and online retailers who sell underskirts. Before merely choosing the cheapest option it is best to shop around. For a complete guide about the best places to buy wedding underskirts and petticoats follow the below link.

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