What to Wear Under a See-Through Dress: I Did All the Research

I have asked myself what to wear under a see-through dress many times, and I’m an experienced fashion writer. I have this beautiful sheer dress from Rat & Boa in particular that I’d like to wear day and night, but it is so see-through. I’m talking freshly-polished glass see through, where absolutely nothing is left to the imagination. The straps are slim, too, which has made it even harder to figure out what to wear underneath. I searched high and low for the right undergarments that could work for my see-through dress and ended up landing on this heaven-sent Strapless Shortie Bodysuit from Skims. It not only looked completely invisible underneath, but sculpted my figure in a way I really appreciated.

And then I thought, why should I let all this good research go to waste? I have no doubt you’ve been in the same situation as I have, trying everything from bodysuits to shapewear under your sheer outfit. And with wedding season and summer soirées in full swing, you likely need something to wear under your see through dress ASAP.

The below style tips give you every type of coverage you may need, from boyshorts to camisoles, so you can avoid awkward peek-a-boos at the next family function.

With a Slip Skirt

What you wear under a see-through dress will depend a lot on the style of the dress. As much as we love a white dress, they can often be a little sheer even when that’s not the intention. If the dress isn’t skin-tight, however, you can get away with a full or half skirt slip layered underneath.

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Celandine Decorated Sheer Mesh Midi-Dress

$148

Anthropologie

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Nordstrom Everyday Invisible Edge Half Slip

$29

Nordstrom

With a Slip Dress

Some dresses are intentionally designed to be worn with something underneath. But instead of picking something to match your skin tone, try a color that distinctly contrasts with the dress. The aim here is not to conceal what’s underneath, but make it work hand-in-hand with the outer layer. Every closet should have at least one slip dress in it, and you’ll be surprised just how much wear you get out of it as a layering piece.

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Cecilie Bahnsen Clementine Dress

$1,155 $323

Shopbop

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Johnny Was Midi-Length Slip

$88

Johnny Was

With a Nude Bandeau and Matching Panties

On the other side of the spectrum is the statement-making dress, which certainly doesn’t need anything poking out from underneath. Case in point: This lace dress comes with intricate patterns stitched all around. In order to keep the focus solely on the design, I recommend opting for a nude bandeau and matching panties as a base. The goal is to look “naked” underneath, without actually revealing anything through the cutouts.

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Johnny Was Gigi Maxidress

$398

Johnny Was

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Intimissimi Ilaria Bandeau Bra

$49

Intimissimi

With a Bralette and Skirt

Crochet dresses are having a real moment this year, but as fun and quirky as they are, they’re the Swiss cheese of dresses. It begs the question: What can you wear underneath that won’t look strange? Every celebrity from Kim Kardashian to Chrissy Teigan and Ari Lennox have been spotted wearing bralettes as shirts, making this a perfectly acceptable garment to wear under a crochet dress. If you’re feeling bold, go ahead and wear a matching underwear and call it a day. If that’s not your m.o., go for a miniskirt instead.

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Supriya Lele x Mango Long Semi-Transparent Dress

$330

Mango

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The Drop Maya Silky Slip Skirt

$29 $25 (-14%)

Amazon

With a Bodysuit

The bodysuit may be the most common item of clothing to wear under a see-through dress. I know I’ve done it plenty of times—it simply covers everything that needs to be covered and nothing more. And no matter how short the dress may be, it won’t accidentally show from below. Rather than disappear completely, it often works in tandem with the dress, adding a bit of umph to a see-through dress, as seen above.

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Let Me Be Sheer Lace Midi-Dress

$188

Anthropologie

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Skims Seamless Sculpt Brief Bodysuit

$72

Skims

With More Lace

I adore the return of boho-chic outfits, but they’re frequently made of lace, which is notoriously see-through. I say lean into the aesthetic and layer even more lace underneath, like a lace bodysuit or bralette. The trick is finding pieces that pair well with the dress, but I wouldn’t overthink it—a classic lacy white or black bra top will do just fine.

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Dôen Raquella Dress

$498

Dôen

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Victoria’s Secret Adore Me Lacie Demi Bra

$45

Victoria’s Secret

With a Strapless Bodysuit

Summer dresses tend to come with skimpy straps or low-plunging necklines. And while lightweight fabrics are appreciated in the heat, they’re usually not that dense or opaque. So if you’re looking for something that’s strapless, provides chest support, and adds an additional layer of fabric under the sheer dress, the strapless bodysuit is the answer. If that still doesn’t feel like enough coverage, add a vest or blazer as an extra layer.

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Open Edit Sheer Lace Maxidress

$90 $54

Nordstrom

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Spanx SPANXshape Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Brief Bodysuit

$148

Spanx

With a Complementary Dress

Your see-through dress can be one half of a whole look. If you combine it with a dress underneath that’s meant to be seen, they can work together to create one cohesive outfit. Play around with different colors and patterns, and choose something you would be happy to wear on its own too.

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Zara Woman Collection Organza Volume Dress

$90

Zara

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Aritzia Original Contour Cami Maxidress

$98

Aritzia

With Leggings or Mid-Thigh Shorts

Working with a plunging neckline? You may want to consider keeping your breasts uncovered so you don’t have to deal with undergarments poking out and messing with the V-neck. Your go to in this situation should be leggings or mid-thigh shorts that cover everything but the chest. I adore this option from Spanx, which comes with additional sculpting around the midsection. However, it only work for midi and maxi dresses. If you’re working with a shorter hemline, then allow me to direct you toward the Skims High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Shorts.

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Helsa Sasha Dress

$378

Revolve

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Lululemon Align High-Rise Shorts

$64

Lululemon

With High-Waisted Briefs and Nipple Covers

High-waisted briefs are my go-to underneath sheer clothing because I know they’re only going to add to the look. Just look to the beaded lace dress above for proof; it’s made better with the black briefs underneath. Besides, this type of underwear is loosely accepted as a form of shorts these days. As for the top, I’d go with some nude-colored nipple coverings to keep the illusion of a bare chest. It’s probably not the vibe for a family wedding, sure, but this chic ensemble will turn heads on a date night, at a party with friends, or at any occasion where you can be a little more daring.

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