Do You Wear Underwear With a Bodysuit? The Complete Guide | Shinesty

Key Insights

• You don't NEED to wear underwear with a bodysuit, but the choice is entirely up to your personal comfort and preferences. Bodysuits are designed as one-piece garments that function as both outerwear and underwear.
• Seamless thongs are your best friend when wearing underwear with bodysuits - they eliminate visible panty lines while providing the coverage you want without compromising the sleek bodysuit silhouette.
• Different bodysuit styles call for different underwear approaches: thong-cut bodysuits pair well with thongs, while backless styles might require nipple petals, pasties, or strapless bras instead of traditional underwear.
• Bodysuit versatility makes them perfect for layering - wear them with shorts, skirts, pants, or on their own, and choose your underwear (or lack thereof) based on your outfit goals and comfort level.

WTF is a bodysuit?

We’ve all got to start somewhere, right? A bodysuit is a one piece outfit generally made for women. It is reminiscent of baby onesies and one piece bathing suits. Bodysuits are generally tight-fitting which makes them ideal for layering and can also eliminate the need for a bra and underwear. A bodysuit covers your hot bod from boobs to crotch, but not all are created equal.

There are all kinds of bodysuits. Many bodysuits have snaps at the crotch for easy peeing access while others require you to get top-nakey to pee. But hey, a little breeze to the underboob ain’t a bad thing. Bodysuits can be strapless or with straps and can be made from any material you can think of. Even pleather. The goal of a bodysuit is to create a tight, seamless fit from top to bottom. A bodysuit can give the illusion of a perfectly-fitting, perfectly-tucked top. They help avoid wrinkles and bunching at your waistline to give a smooth effect to your outfit without the need for un-tucking and re-tucking.

Should I wear underwear with a bodysuit?

Bodysuits are built for fashion and function. They’re extremely comfortable with or without underwear. Because they are usually tight-fitting, you do not need to wear underwear with a bodysuit. But, you can wear undies under any bodysuit. The choice is entirely up to you. If you feel more comfortable with the added layer of thong underwear or any other cut of women’s panties, like cheekies, bikinis or boyshorts, go for it! Although, if you are wearing a thong bodysuit, you should probably wear a thong or go commando to avoid cumbersome panty lines.

This may be a subjective opinion, but the best thongs to wear under any clothing are seamless. Seamless undies eliminate panty lines, they sit lightly on your skin, while reducing rubbing and irritation in your most sensitive areas, and they’re damn comfortable. Never worn a seamless thong before? Try one here. They’re available in simple solids or wild prints. We know you’ll love them, but if you don’t, we’ll refund your first pair.

Back to bodysuits. Some can be backless, meaning a traditional bra may not be the best option. My suggestion? FREE THE NIPPLE! But if that just isn’t an option or doesn’t float your boat, try nipple petals or pasties (affectionately known as sticky boobs). They are a sticky, reusable bra-alternative made specifically for backless tops, dresses and bodysuits. Depending on your bodysuit, you can also experiment with different types of bras. A strapless may work, or a minimalistic bralette. Feel free to get creative with your support methods. (Boob tape is a thing, ladies.)

So how do I wear a bodysuit anyways?

• The first step is choosing the right bodysuit for you. You can find them all over the place. Take a peek at a few we offer right here. If you don’t see something you like, check out other options like Amazon, the mall or your favorite local boutique.
• Once you have your bodysuit picked out, decide if you want to wear your bodysuit with underwear or without underwear. Either answer is correct: the choice is yours! If you’re going for-undies and need more options, why not start an underwear subscription and get a sweet or spicy new pair every single month? Choose from thongs, bikinis, boyshorts or cheekies.
• Now, should you go bra, or no bra? You choose what looks best with the cut of your bodysuit and, above all, what makes you feel the most comfortable.
• Next, you’ll need to choose what to put on your bottom half (unless you’re going pantless, more power to you, sister.) Like what we said before, bodysuits are perfect for layering. Add a sweater on top, but on shorts, a skirt, pants, overalls, etc. The possibilities are bountiful. And when in doubt of how to style your new look, Pinterest is your best friend (and biggest, most entertaining time suck if I’m being honest).
• Now that you know that it is YOUR CHOICE if you wear underwear under your new bodysuit or not, you can go out and conquer the world. And if not the world, then you can at least answer your burning questions about underwear choices.

Types of Bodysuits

Now that we've covered the basics of what a bodysuit is and how to wear one, let's explore the different types you'll encounter while shopping. From compression to fashion to athletic styles, there's a whole world of bodysuit options to discover.

Compression Bodysuits

Think of compression bodysuits as your body's personal hug machine. These snug pieces apply targeted pressure to areas of your body, which can aid circulation and muscle support. They're like full-body versions of those compression socks—but way sexier. Particularly popular after surgery or for body contouring, compression bodysuits underscore how compression garments have evolved from medical necessities to everyday fashion staples, thanks to fabric and design innovations that allow extended, more comfortable use

Fashion Bodysuits

These are your everyday, wear-to-the-club, look-hot-as-hell bodysuits. Fashion bodysuits come in countless styles—from basic scoop necks to plunging V‑necks, long sleeves to spaghetti straps. They're designed to make you look good while staying smooth and securely tucked. According to Vogue Business, the bodysuit has made a major comeback as a standalone fashion piece—no longer just underwear, but a trending item embraced across runways and social media for its versatility and statement-making potential.

Shapewear Bodysuits

When you need a little extra help keeping the jiggly bits in check, shapewear bodysuits are your new best friend. These bodysuits typically have reinforced panels in strategic areas (think tummy, butt, and thighs) to smooth, lift, and sculpt your body.

Shapewear bodysuits are like the Olympic weightlifters of the bodysuit world—they're doing some heavy lifting under your clothes, but nobody has to know about it. And no, wearing a shapewear bodysuit doesn't mean you're cheating at life—it just means you want your outfit to look extra smooth. No shame in that game.

Athletic Bodysuits

For those who prefer bodysuits with a side of sweat, athletic styles are built for movement and performance—whether you’re doing yoga, dance, or just aiming to look like you might, even if you're really just brunch‑bound. These performance‑oriented bodysuits usually feature moisture‑wicking, breathable fabrics that move with you. As the Wikipedia entry on athleisure observes, “activewear that had been worn exclusively in gyms is now being casually worn elsewhere,” blurring the line between fitness and street style. So go ahead and treat your leotard like it’s fashion-forward—not just functional.

Pro Tip: Pair With Seamless Comfort

No matter which bodysuit you choose, what you wear (or don’t wear) underneath makes all the difference. If you do want that extra layer, skip the panty lines and bunching with Shinesty Seamless Thongs. They vanish under even the clingiest fabric while keeping your bits comfy, fresh, and brunch-ready.

So, which bodysuit type speaks to your soul? Whether you're looking for support, style, or a little bit of both, there's a bodysuit out there with your name on it. And yes, we'll still get to the burning question of underwear vs. no underwear—just hang tight.

How to Choose the Right Bodysuit Size

Now that you understand what a bodysuit is and how to wear it, let's tackle one of the most crucial aspects of rocking this versatile piece: finding your perfect fit. Whether you're planning to wear it with or without underwear, getting the right size is essential for both comfort and style.

Measure Yourself, You Beautiful Human

Before you hit “checkout” on that fire bodysuit, grab a measuring tape and get familiar with your stats. According to ASTM International’s apparel sizing standards, fit is based on precise body measurements—like bust, waist, and hips—along with vertical dimensions that account for how garments move with different body types.

Here’s what you need to measure:

• Bust: Around the fullest part of your chest
• Waist: The narrowest part of your torso
• Hips: Around the fullest part of your booty
• Torso length: While not part of ASTM’s formal tables, measuring from your shoulder, through the crotch, and back up ensures your bodysuit fits comfortably and won’t ride up where it shouldn’t.

That last one is crucial. If you’ve ever had a bodysuit try to cut you in half mid-brunch, you know exactly why torso length matters.

Size Charts Are Your Friends (Not Enemies)

Every brand sizes differently—like how “only one drink” is wildly subjective. That’s why at Shinesty we provide detailed size charts to match your measurements. Use them, trust them, love them.

When it comes to bodysuits, experts say the two most critical fit factors are length and stretch. Length misfires—too long, and you get unflattering bulges; too short, and it pinches in all the wrong places. And the material? If it stretches thin or loses its shape, you've got to size up.

Translation: if your torso length or how much the fabric stretches isn't accounted for, your bodysuit is likely to disappoint—especially during your brunch adventures.

How to Know If Your Bodysuit Fits Properly

Once you've got your bodysuit, here's how to tell if it's right for you:

• It should feel snug but not restrictive (breathing is still necessary, folks)
• The leg openings shouldn't dig into your thighs or booty
• The snaps or closure at the bottom should fasten easily without straining
• You should be able to move, sit, and yes, even dance without feeling like you're being slowly bisected

Turns out, poor fit isn't just annoying—it’s the top reason people return apparel items. A whopping 53% of online apparel returns are due to size/fit issues. So don’t be a return statistic—measure properly and pick smart.

When in Doubt, Size Up

If you're between sizes, we generally recommend sizing up, especially if you've got a longer torso. You can always take in the waist a bit with strategic styling, but you can't add length to a too-short bodysuit without some serious MacGyver skills.

And here’s the kicker: once you’ve nailed the size, you still have to decide whether to wear underwear underneath. Our take? Skip the panty lines and grab a pair of Shinesty Seamless Thongs. They disappear under even the clingiest bodysuit while still giving your bits the first-class comfort treatment they deserve.

Remember, the perfect bodysuit should make you feel like a magnificent unicorn ready to prance through life—not a sausage fighting to escape its casing.

Because What’s Underneath Matters Too

Real talk: life's too short for uncomfortable underwear or debates that mess with your vibe. If you're ready to turn your basics into a first-class experience, Shinesty’s Women's MicroModal™ Thongs are essentially a luxury suite for your nether regions. Made from fabric that's softer than a chinchilla’s afternoon nap and designed to be moisture‑wicking, breathable, and sleek—these thongs keep you feeling fresh, confident, and invisible under anything you wear

Stay Weird & Rock That Hot Bod(ysuit)