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Finding the perfect dress is often only part of the mission when you’re shopping for an event-ready look complete with undergarments. Knowing which shorts to wear under your dress or skirt is crucial — especially during breezy, transitional months when the wind might sweep up your hemline. Whether you’re looking for casual biker shorts or a specific type of shapewear, there are plenty of shorts to choose from that can be worn under dresses.
POPSUGAR reached out to major brands on the market — including Commando, Skims, Spanx, Wolford, Honeylove, and LA Apparel — to identify their top sellers and specify the type of dress or skirt each product is best paired with. Keep reading to discover the right shorts for your outfit, along with shoppable recommendations.
How to find the best shorts length to wear under a dress
Keep a measuring tape on hand when purchasing shapewear. If you know which garment you’ll be layering over the shorts, measure the garment to make sure it’s around two inches longer than the shorts you’re buying. Since clothing moves when you walk, consider the length of the shorts and how visible they’ll be. (And if you don’t care if people see the shorts under your dress then, hey, that’s OK, too.) Many designs feature a seamless finish around the leg, so you can take the DIY approach and trim as needed, depending on the hemline length you’re going for.
What is the best shorts material to wear under a dress?
The shorts material you choose depends on the dress or skirt you’re layering under. Shopping for shorts that can be worn under a ribbed knit fabric? Look for a cool, sweat-wicking material like nylon. If you’re shopping for under-shorts that will probably be quite visible, a cotton material usually offers an ideal amount of opaque-ness. Search for anti-chafing and anti-pilling features when you’re shopping for shorts, and follow the care instructions closely to avoid damaging the material.
What is the best color of shorts to wear under a dress?
When your shorts need to be nearly invisible — i.e. when stepping out in a sheer, naked dress — opt for shorts that mimic your skin tone. Buy multiple options in two to three different shades so you can find the best hue in person, and try them under different lighting scenarios (just be sure to read the brand’s return policy before bulk ordering.) Shopping for shorts that you want to repurpose as athletic shorts and wear to the gym? Select colors you’re most comfortable in, though classic black is often a trusty standby.
