The sun’s out, the days are longer, and the short dress season is officially in full swing. But if we’re being honest, wearing short dresses isn’t always the breezy experience it’s made out to be on Instagram. Anyone who’s ever spent an entire afternoon tugging at a hemline or nervously checking for wardrobe malfunctions knows exactly what I mean.

A 2023 survey by YouGov found that 42% of women between the ages of 18 and 35 admitted to avoiding short dresses in public due to discomfort or fear of exposure. That’s nearly half of us who would rather sweat in jeans than risk an outfit faux pas.
And it’s not just about modesty - it’s about comfort and confidence. Fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant Marissa Green put it plainly: “It’s not the dress that makes you feel uncomfortable - it’s what’s (not) underneath.”

So let’s fix that.

This guide is your short dress survival kit - real talk on what to wear under short dresses, what to wear under one-piece dresses, and how to stay chic, comfortable, and 100% unbothered, whether you're twirling at a rooftop brunch or speed-walking through city streets.

First, Let’s Talk About the Problem Areas

Short dresses are cute, yes. They’re fun, flirty, and great for warm weather. But they come with their own set of “situations”:

• Accidental exposure: One gust of wind and suddenly you’re Marilyn Monroe-ing in front of strangers.
• Chafing: Anyone who's had to shuffle-walk home because of thigh chafing knows this pain.
• Visible panty lines (VPLs): These are especially noticeable under form-fitting one-piece dresses.
• Support issues: Especially for one-piece or bodycon dresses that don’t work well with regular bras.

If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way,” you’re not alone. And yes - there is.

7 Best Options to Wear Under a One-Piece Dress

1. The Hero of the Summer: Slip Shorts

Let’s start strong.

Slip shorts are, hands down, one of the best things you can wear under short dresses. Think of them as the cool older cousin of bike shorts - smoother, thinner, and designed to be invisible under clothes.

Why they work:

• Anti-chafe: Most slip shorts are made with ultra-soft, breathable fabric that prevents thigh rub.
• Coverage: No more panicking every time you sit down or bend over.
• No VPL: Seamless options are your best friend for body-hugging silhouettes.

I’ve been using the Uniqlo AIRism Soft Slip Shorts ($14.90) for years. They’re thin enough not to overheat you, but provide just enough security that you can move freely.

2. Bodysuits: One and Done

If you’ve ever wondered what to wear under a one-piece dress and felt like every bra option was failing you - strapless slips down, racerbacks peek out, and stick-ons don’t stick - then it’s time to consider a bodysuit.

Think shapewear, but gentler. Modern bodysuits smooth things out without squeezing the life out of you.

The bonus?

You don’t have to worry about your top riding up or your underthings shifting. It's a single garment that stays put.

Brands like SKIMS have changed the game here. Their Fits Everybody line is wildly popular because it works for all body types. Pair it with a flowy or fitted one-piece dress, and you’re covered - literally and figuratively.

3. Seamless Underwear: Small But Mighty

Let’s not underestimate the importance of a good pair of underwear.

When someone asks me, “What should I wear under a short dress to avoid panty lines?” my answer is always: seamless, seamless, seamless.

Look for laser-cut edges and breathable fabrics. Cotton gussets are still ideal for health and hygiene, but many modern options mix function with aesthetics.

And let’s be honest - comfort matters. Nothing ruins a night out like constantly tugging at underwear that won’t stay in place.

Try:

• Commando Classic Thong – stays invisible even under bodycon dresses.
• Neudis seamless briefs – they’re soft, affordable, and don’t dig in.

4. Half Slips: Old School, Still Cool

Your grandma probably wore one. And now? So do TikTok fashion influencers.
Half slips are lightweight skirts worn under your dress. They reduce static cling, keep your dress from riding up, and provide a little opacity in case your fabric is sheer in direct sunlight.

It’s an old-school trick that still works - especially with wrap dresses or lighter cotton fabrics. I’ve even used mine to subtly add a bit of length to a mini dress that felt too short.
Pro tip: Go for a nude-tone slip that matches your skin tone, not the dress. That way, it blends in seamlessly.

5. Stick-On Bras & Nipple Covers: For When You Need to Go Bare

Some dresses just don’t work with regular bras - deep backs, plunging necklines, or sheer panels make things complicated.

In those cases, I lean on stick-on bras or silicone nipple covers.

While they’re not meant for high support, they work perfectly for smaller busts or structured dresses that already have some built-in shape. The Nippies Skin Reusable Silicone Covers are a solid choice - they're sweat-proof and stay on through most activities, even dancing.

One of my friends wore them during a wedding reception in the July heat. Not a single issue.

6. Shapewear (But Make It Comfortable)

We’re not talking about squeezing yourself into a medieval corset here.

Modern shapewear is about smoothing, not shrinking. It’s optional, but a well-fitting piece can make a big difference in how your dress lies and how you feel in it.

If you’ve got a sleek satin or jersey dress that shows every little detail, something like the Honeylove SuperPower Short can help you feel more secure and supported - without feeling like you’re in a sausage casing.

7. Thigh Bands: For Those “Short Walks That Turn Into Long Days”

If you’re not into slip shorts but still want to prevent chafing, thigh bands are your new BFF.

Think garter belt vibes - but functional. Bandelettes are soft lace bands that sit on your thighs and keep them from rubbing together. They’re cute, discreet, and way cooler than wearing shorts in 90-degree heat.

They work best under flowy, A-line short dresses where you want airflow without sacrificing comfort.

Real Talk: What Stylists and Fashion Lovers Say

I asked a few folks in the industry how they prepare for the short dress season.

Monica Diaz, a wardrobe stylist in Miami, says she always packs two pairs of slip shorts in her bag when styling clients. “You never know when someone’s going to need backup - whether it’s a windy beach shoot or just running from a car to the venue.”

Zara Elkins, a fashion content creator, says it’s about trial and error. “I’ve had more than one day ruined by wearing the wrong bra under a dress. Now, I do the full try-on - including sitting, walking, dancing - before I commit.”

A Quick Breakdown: What to Wear Under Short Dresses (By Style)

Neudis Fix: Comfort That Looks Good

Let’s be honest - comfort and style don’t always come in the same package. But that’s where brands like Neudis come in.

Neudis offers thoughtfully designed clothing that feels good to wear and fits real bodies. Their seamless underwear line, lightweight bodysuits, and anti-chafe shorts are favorites among shoppers looking for fashion that doesn’t fight back.
Whether you're searching for what to wear under one-piece dress options or looking for dependable basics to keep in rotation all summer long, Neudis has you covered - literally and figuratively.

You can explore their full collection here.

Final Thoughts

Wearing short dresses shouldn’t be a battle. The right layers underneath make all the difference - not just in how you look, but how you feel.

So next time you're eyeing that cute mini in your closet or prepping for a night out in a curve-hugging one-piece, don’t just ask what to pair it with on the outside. Ask yourself: What’s going on underneath?

Because when you feel secure, supported, and comfortable? That’s when style comes alive.

And if you’re in the market for comfortable, stylish fashion essentials that make short dress season a breeze - check out Neudis. You deserve to look great and feel even better.