Dresses are easily the most superior of women’s garments due to their versatility and ease (it’s a whole outfit in one piece, come on!). The only thing you have to worry about is what to wear under a dress and, oh boy, there are options for every mood, occasion, and weather situation! 

Dresses come in a vast range of styles, shapes, and materials so there isn’t one specific answer for what to wear under a dress. Personal preference is a big factor. Cheeky underwear may be a great option for some to pair with a breezy summer dress while others may prefer the fuller coverage of hemp shorts. The desired effect is another important factor. For example, shapewear or thongs will work best for avoiding panty lines when wearing tighter dresses. Then there are the matters of weather, intended activities, and your mood! 

Overwhelmed? Don’t be! A sea of options means you’re more likely to find the perfect one for you! I’ve compiled a list of what to wear under a skirt or dress based on the intended effect of each item. Whether you’re looking for warm weather, cold weather, formal, or casual looks, you’re sure to find something that will suit your needs. Let’s get right into it!

What do you wear under a skirt or dress? Whatever makes you comfortable, my friend! Here are the best options for any circumstance: 

Boy shorts underwear are the perfect option for whenever you want to wear a dress but don’t want to limit your range of movement. There will be no accidental flashing with these bad boys.

TYPE OF DRESS: SHORTER, FLOWIER STYLES

Boy shorts will work best with flowy summer dresses. Any dress or skirt that’s at risk of blowing up with a breeze and giving the world a cheeky show is a perfect candidate for the boyshorts look. 

You don’t have to let the winter stop you from wearing dresses. And what do you wear under a skirt or dress during the winter? Some cozy leggings, of course! Be sure to pair them with the best underwear to wear with leggings .

TYPE OF DRESS: BEST FOR WINTER DRESSES, OR WHENEVER YOU NEED EXTRA WARMTH

Leggings will work best with dresses made of heavy fabrics (think wool and corduroy). After all, if you’re trying to keep your bottom half warm, the weather is probably not appropriate for sundresses. 

Simple, low-coverage bikini underwear can be categorized as one of the best underwear for hot humid weather . They won’t give you much in the way of cheek coverage but, thanks to their ultra breathability, they’re the best way to avoid swamp crotch!

TYPE OF DRESS: DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH CHEEK YOU WANT TO SHOW

This depends on your level of comfort. If you don’t mind the risk of a cheeky flash then rock these with your flounciest, shortest dresses. If you love the breathability of bikini undies but prefer to keep your tush securely hidden, pair them with a long dress or a figure-hugging bodycon!

Tights are useful for a variety of reasons. Nude tights can smooth out your skin tone for a sleeker look and patterned tights can add a fun pop to a dress that may otherwise be a bit boring. Some tights even come in thicker fabrics so they can be used for warmth as well.

TYPE OF DRESS: ANYTIME, ANYWHERE (EXCEPT MAYBE ON THE HOTTEST DAYS)

The fun thing about tights is that they come in a seemingly endless variety of colors, patterns, textures, and fabrics. There’s an option out there to suit any style of dress!

High waisted underwear is my queen and I will defend her honor to no end. They may be called granny panties but, trust me, only the hottest girls know how to prioritize their own comfort. These will give you more booty coverage than bikini undies but most of the extra fabric is there to cover your tummy.

TYPE OF DRESS: ANY, WHENEVER YOU NEED TO PRIORITIZE COMFORT

High-waisted undies are a staple of comfort for me so I say wear them with your comfiest, coziest dresses, whatever that means to you. They won’t do much to cover your rear but your tummy and lower back will feel like they’re getting a gentle hug all day.

Shapewear is never a necessity (lumps and bumps are natural and therefore beautiful) but it may help you feel a little more confident when wearing certain types of dresses.

TYPE OF DRESS: THE TIGHTER, THE BETTER

There’s no need to squeeze yourself into shapewear for loose, flowy dresses. Wear shapewear (or tight yoga shorts, life hack) under dresses that cling close to achieve a smoother look. Or rock all your beautiful curves and dips because why not?!

Hipster panties are a fairly high-coverage option if that’s what you’re looking for. They don’t go as far down your thigh as boy shorts but they should keep your cheeks fully covered.

TYPE OF DRESS: SHORTER ONES, TO AVOID UNNECESSARY FLASHING

Hipster panties offer some extra cheek coverage so they’re a great option for most dresses. Since these are fuller coverage undies, they may not work well under bodycon dresses if you’re trying to avoid panty lines. 

Dresses aside for a second, what’s the best answer for what to wear under a skirt? Bodysuits! They’re both a shirt and a tushie shield in one piece. Bodysuits and slips can also provide some much-needed opacity under sheer dresses.

TYPE OF DRESS: LACY OR SHEER STYLES

You can wear slips under most dresses if you need a little extra coverage but they come in especially handy for anything sheer or lacy. Slips come in many different lengths and styles so you’re bound to find something to wear with most dresses.

Thong underwear is not for the faint of heart as an option for what to wear under a dress. Every slight sigh of the wind is a potential sneak peek of cheek for any passersby. If that risk empowers you then, by all means, go for it!

TYPE OF DRESS: TO AVOID VPL, OR WHEN YOU'RE FEELING FREE

Listen, you can rock a thong under any type of dress if you feel so inclined. Obviously! That said, if you’re worried about accidentally giving someone a free show, thongs are great for avoiding panty lines in tighter dresses or under flowy maxi skirts for extra breeziness.

A triangle bralette is the perfect bra alternative to wear under a dress. They’re delicate and feminine, not to mention super comfy (and unlined) while still providing minimal support for your girls.

TYPE OF DRESS: IDEAL FOR BREEZY SUMMER STYLES

Bralettes will work well with many different dress styles (especially summer dresses) but they’ll work best with dresses that have a plunging neckline. If you really want to let your bralette shine (after all, bralette outfits are in) pair it with a loose, low-cut dress. 

A racerback bralette is perfect for anyone who wants to avoid underwire but needs a little extra support for the ladies. It is the perfect thing to pair with some high-waisted undies under a soft dream of a dress during days when you’re feeling a little under the weather.

TYPE OF DRESS: CUTE ATHLETIC DRESS

Racerback bralettes will work best with dresses that have more athletic shapes or ones that fully cover the shoulders to ensure that the sturdy straps are covered. A loose sporty dress that shows a peek of that bralette would also be a great choice here!

FABRIC

I said many lovely things about the breathability of certain styles of undies on this list. Of course, that does depend on the fabric the undies are made of. My mind was, obviously, on hemp underwear when I made those comments but any natural, sustainable fabric will do. Polyester underwear and other synthetic fabrics are not breathable, trap moisture, put you at risk of infection, and can even expose your genitals to harmful chemicals.

FIT

The fit of your undies can alter how much coverage they provide you with but, more importantly, can affect your overall comfort. How should underwear fit? It should be neither too tight nor too loose. The waistband and leg openings should rest firmly against your skin without digging in. The front and back of your underwear should not be too saggy. 

There you have it! Now, you should never feel stumped about what to wear under a dress! And the best part is that there’s so much room to play! You can experiment with different color and texture combinations to ensure that, even if the world gets a peek of your peach, no one can say that your outfit isn’t on point.

Which option for what to wear under a skirt or dress is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!