What to Wear Under Dresses, Skirts, and Shorts in the Summer

Thin summer fabrics can be sheer, clingy, or far less forgiving than they appeared on the hanger. Then there’s thigh chafing, visible underwear lines, and the occasional dress that seems to require an engineering degree underneath it.

I avoided shapewear for years because I assumed it would be hot, tight, and uncomfortable. Some of it is. But after trying what feels like every brand on the market, I’ve found a few lightweight slips, slip shorts, bras, and camisoles that add coverage or smoothing without making us feel shrink-wrapped.

I also asked AWSL readers to share their tried-and-true favorites, and they delivered. If you’re wondering what to wear under dresses, skirts, and shorts in the summer, these are the options that solve the most common problems. I’ve updated this post from 2024 with some new favorites.

While we’re on the subject, you may want to read my post on the most comfortable bras for women over 60.

The Best Undergarments for Summer Dresses, Skirts, and Shorts

Hot weather, lightweight fabrics, and thigh chafing can make the right undergarment surprisingly important. A slip, slip shorts, comfortable bra, or anti-chafing balm can solve the problem without adding more bulk than we want.

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Best Slip Shorts for Dresses and Skirts

Slip shorts are one of those things I always like to have on hand during the summer. I wear them under dresses to prevent chafing and add a little extra coverage, but I also wear them under pants. They can act as your underwear as well, so you aren’t having to double-layer, which makes you even hotter.

My Favorite: Thigh Society The Cooling Short

Thigh Society Cooling Shorts are made with a lightweight fabric that pulls heat and moisture away from the body. They’re especially useful on hot days when thigh chafing is the main problem. They come in three lengths, 5″, 7″, and 9″, so we can choose one that stays hidden under the hem.

SPANXshape^® Invisible Girl Short

Now, if you’re looking for a pair of shorts to smooth things out or even just to avoid chafing, the SPANXshape^® Invisible Girl Short is the undergarment that finally converted me. I love how they even everything out, are comfy and are practically invisible under any type of garment.

Jockey Skimmies^® Seamfree^® Ultralight Smoothing Cooling Slipshort

Bette (an AWSL reader) gave the best review of these, so I think I need to try them next. She says, “I don’t wear shapewear, per se, but love Jockey Skimmies as a first layer under dresses or skirts. They don’t compress — they smooth. I have a large abdominal scar and can’t stand anything tight — the Skimmies are the best I’ve tried (and I’ve tried many). Comfortable, good price, long-lasting, easy wash.” You sold me Bette! Thank you for sharing!

Maidenform Cover Your Bases Thigh Slimmer

Some of the better-known shapewear brands can be expensive, so this slimming short is a more affordable option for anyone who wants more smoothing than a basic slip short. Another reader, Virginia, mentioned that she also likes Maidenform’s Tame Your Tummy Shaping Brief.

How to Prevent Thigh Chafing in the Summer

Slip shorts are usually my first choice for preventing thigh chafing, but there are days when I don’t want to wear another layer. That’s when an anti-chafing balm comes in handy. It creates a barrier that helps reduce friction, so you can wear dresses, skirts, shorts, or even lightweight pants much more comfortably on hot, humid days.

Mary, an AWSL reader, says she uses Megababe Thigh Rescue to stop chafing in the summer because she dislikes wearing extra clothing when it’s hot. They also now make a dry finish gel version that you can use on your thighs, underarms, or even under your bra lines.

Best Bras for Summer Dresses

When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want is a bra that’s uncomfortable or makes you feel even warmer. I look for bras that are breathable, comfortable enough to wear all day, and disappear under lightweight summer tops and dresses. These are the ones I reach for most often.

Painless Eby Relief Bra

I’m not well-endowed, but I still do need some support, and this bra gives me just enough while being incredibly comfortable because there’s nothing in its design that can dig in. I’ve stacked all my other bras in the back of my drawer and reach for one of these daily.

Wacoal Women’s Red Carpet Strapless Bra

I don’t have much need for a strapless bra these days, but I know many of you do, especially for wedding guest dresses and special occasions. If you’re looking for one that works well across a wide range of sizes, the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra is consistently one of the most recommended options. It’s known for staying in place and providing the kind of support that’s hard to find in a strapless style.

The Best Camisoles for Extra Coverage

A camisole is one of those wardrobe basics that’s nice to have on hand. I usually wear mine under tops, but many women also like wearing one under dresses to create a smoother look without wearing full shapewear.

Honeylove LiftWear Cami

Several ladies recommended products by Honeylove. This LiftWear Camisole would be great if you have a fit-and-flare dress that only requires you to add shaping or smoothing to your torso or under any of your favorite tops. It also comes in a tank version. Cathy says, “I love my Honeylove Cami. It’s perfect to smooth out my lumps and bumps!” and Tamara says, “Another vote for Honeylove! I really like the crossover bra, the silhouette bra, and the silhouette brief. I find that I can wear this shapewear as comfortable underwear for everyday activities, not just special occasions. It’s more smoothing than shaping underwear.”

Shapermint Compression Tank Cami

This camisole offers firmer smoothing than a basic layering tank and can be worn under a dress, top, or sweater. It may feel like too much on a very hot day, but it could work well when we want more support through the torso.

Best Slips to Wear Under Dresses

Slips may not be something you wear every day, but they’re still one of the easiest ways to solve a clingy or slightly sheer dress. They add a little coverage without the compression of shapewear, which is why I still keep a couple in my closet.

Commando Half-Slip

If you are looking for something to wear under your dresses or skirts that lightly smooths and shapes without any uncomfortable binding, check out this half slip from Commando. It won’t ride up due to a weighted hem and can be machine washed, which is a huge perk.

Commando Tailored Slip

This buttery soft slip is the perfect thing to wear under your summer dresses. It won’t add any bulk, and the neckline allows it to be worn under many different styles of dress. Read the reviews on this, though, to make sure it’s what you’re looking for.

Soma Vanishing Shape Smoothing Lace Slip

Unlike a traditional slip, this Soma Vanishing Shape Smoothing Lace Slip has built-in shaping to help dresses lay a little more smoothly. It’s a good option for anyone who wants a bit more support but doesn’t like the feel of heavier shapewear.

Half Slip Dress Extender

If you don’t want any slimming or shaping qualities in your undergarments, a loose half slip like this helps to conceal panty lines and ensure your dress isn’t see-through. This piece can also be used as a dress extender if you have a dress that shows too much leg for your comfort level.

Spanx Invisible Cami Slip

If you are looking for a slip to provide a little extra hold, this Invisible Cami Slip by Spanx is like a firm hug. This would be great to wear under a form-fitting dress, like to a wedding, but also could be used every day to conceal any lumps or bumps you’d like to hide.

The Bottom Line

Gone are the days when I would layer shapewear to shoehorn myself into a dress for a special event. I once wore a shaping camisole, shaping shorts, and a shaping slip at the same time. I’m amazed I could sit down, let alone breathe.

These days, I’m much more interested in finding the lightest layer that solves the actual problem, whether that’s chafing, cling, or coverage. Anything more starts to feel like unnecessary negotiations with our underwear.

Have I missed a great slip, bra, or anti-chafing product that works for you?