As the flowers bloom and the sun gets hotter, outfits tend to get breezier – and a lot sheerer, too. And honestly: undergarments can make or break a sheer look, so you may want to consider elevating your lingerie drawer ahead of the warmest season… Here’s exactly what to wear under a see-through dress.
First Things First, What Is Sheer Clothing?
If you’re wondering what sheer clothing is, it’s basically a fancy way of describing a garment that’s see-through or semi see-through. More often than not, it’s made from flowing fabrics like chiffon or some airy linen, as well as mesh or lace (both of which can often be a bit more form-fitting by nature).
So, Do You Have To Wear Anything Underneath?
While countless celebs walking a red carpet may opt for a “free the nipple” moment with a see-through outfit, it’s pretty standard to wear panties underneath the daring look, be it a more revealing thong or a higher-coverage boyshort.
What To Wear Under A Sheer Dress
In the artful world of fashion, rules are often meant to be broken – but see-through ’fits do come with a few best practices. Here’s exactly how to wear a sheer dress (and the essential undies you need to perfect the carefree, yet daring vibe for the warmest months).
The Nude Underwear Approach
If you want your undergarments to completely disappear beneath your sheer clothing, the best underwear to wear is something nude or skin tone-hued. Hanky Panky’s Sun Tan Beige and Chai colorways are neutral perfection, with the Signature Lace® Original Rise Thong being the most discreet (and invisible) silhouette. As for a smoother option sans the lace, the BreatheSoft™ High Rise Thong in Taupe smooths and supports, while the Supima® Cotton Low Rise Thong in Sun Tan serves up breathable comfort.
The Matching Set Approach (Let It Show)
When in doubt, a matching set beneath sheer dresses and pants is the move – and nothing beats a style-meets-comfort Signature Lace® combo. Try pairing the Padded Triangle Bralette with a V-Kini or High Rise Boyshort, depending on how cheeky you prefer your undies.
The Slip or Liner Approach
If you’re looking for a bit more coverage underneath a sheer garment, a slip dress or liner is a must-have addition to your wardrobe. Our Unwind Chemise is a pretty black mini dress that’s meant for layering (and those soft moments getting ready in your boudoir, too).
Going Commando (Yes, We're Covering It)
As for going commando – or skipping panties altogether – you may feel comfortable in something like a loose, semi-sheer linen skirt or dress. Though still, we’d recommend trying our teeniest panty: the Signature Lace® G-String in Chai.
What to Wear Under A See-Through White Dress
Though it may seem like common sense to wear white undergarments beneath sheer white dresses, the most barely-there pick would be to wear something as close to your skin tone as possible. No matter which panty silhouette you choose, colors like Chai, Sun Tan Beige, Taupe, and Toffee are the move.
What to Wear Under A Black Sheer Dress
When in doubt – and similarly to sheer white outfits – you can’t go wrong with nude undergarments. That being said, opting for black undies with your black sheer dresses instead creates an incredibly sleek, powerfully confident aura.
How to Choose the Right Underwear for a See-Through Dress
Choosing the right underwear for a sheer ’fit goes way beyond color. Here’s what to wear under see-through clothing, considering ideal fabrics and silhouettes for different occasions.
Consider The Fabric
More often than not, lacy bras and underwear are meant to be seen through sheer clothes. That being said, if you want an entirely invisible look, nothing beats our BreatheSoft™ Seamless fabrication. Hello, buttery-smooth perfection.
Consider The Silhouette
As for the right silhouette – or style of panties – it largely depends on personal preference. Something with a higher waist provides a bit more coverage and support, like the Retro Lace Thong or Hot Pant cuts. For a sexy whisper of coverage beneath your sheer look, go with the Signature Lace® G-String or Original Rise Thong.
Consider The Occasion
If you’re on the fence between baring your bras and panties or going for an invisible look, you might want to consider the occasion. Wild nights out, sultry dates, and more creative environments can call for a bolder see-through moment, while more formal settings – like a wedding or gala – are better suited for seamless, barely-there undergarments.
What About Bras Under a Sheer Dress?
Unless you’re taking fashion cues from nipple-baring stars like Sydney Sweeney, rocking a bra beneath sheer clothing is admittedly more wearable for day to day. For those moments when you’d like your bra to disappear beneath a sheer outfit, the Signature Lace® Padded Triangle Bralette and Crossover Bralette in Chai are ideal. For the bold and mischievous, the &oh™ Luxe Lace Open Bralette and Signature Lace® Padded Triangle Bralette styles in colors like Black or Red are sure to make a sultry statement.
Hanky Panky's Best Underwear For A See-Through Dress
When it comes to the best of the best undergarments for sheer dresses, or what to wear under sheer pants, you may want to take cues from none other than Dua Lipa and rock a Hanky Panky panty underneath (in case you missed it, she’s a fan of the Signature Lace® Low Rise Thong).
As for some other pieces that may be a match for your vibe, we recommend trying the BreatheSoft™ Natural Rise Thong, Retro Lace Hot Pant, or even a Signature Lace® Underwire Bodysuit for a bit more coverage and support.
Ready To Show Some Skin?
Whether you’re hitting the beach, a sexy event, or anything in between, one thing is for certain: there’s nothing wrong with showing a little – or a lot – of skin. Shop Hanky Panky’s cult-loved comfy pieces to make sure your undies are worth showing off, too.