How to Wear a Bodysuit
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
For some outfits, the traditional French tuck isn’t enough to accentuate your waistline. In an attempt to give your figure some shape, you opt for the ‘all hands on deck approach’ by stuffing every bit of fabric into your bottoms.
It’s an ungodly mess, as each fold, wrinkle, and crease is shown vividly beneath that layer of denim. Headache inducing? It’s an obvious yes. If you want to achieve that fitted silhouette easily, it’s time to start wondering how to wear a bodysuit.
Slim-fitted in shape, the traditional one-piece allows you to layer on other garments without the unnecessary bulk. Plus, it prevents your top from rising, which strips the wearer of any worry of re-configuring their outfit.
Built with a detachable gusset, most bodysuits require a bit of jimmying to undo, but it’s worth the effort—given the silhouette it offers.
New to the one-piece universe? If so, we’ll teach you how to wear a bodysuit using 11 different outfits. We’ll also discuss some other topics, such as:
- How to wear a bodysuit with a big belly
- How to wear a bodysuit with jeans
- How to wear a bodysuit without buttoning it
- How to wear a lace bodysuit
What Is a Bodysuit?
In short, a full bodysuit encompasses a top and a bottom fused together. It usually features a detachable gusset or a zipper to allow for easy on-and-off access.
They’re typically slim-fitting in silhouette since wearing one prevents any unnecessary bulk when worn under pants or skirts.
One-pieces come in a variety of cuts, as trendsetters can find long-sleeved versions, those with pants, or the simple tank-top design for a more breathable option.
History of Bodysuits
The heyday of masterfully crafted corsets, pelisses, and gigot sleeves was put to an instrumental stop during the dress reform movement of the 1850s.
The bulk that came with everyday dress didn’t relate to the modernization of English society at the time, as women demanded more practical clothes.
From bloomers to bicycles, bodysuits were considered avant-garde garments by many accounts. The union suit slowly replaced corsets and dresses, giving way to a new feminine silhouette that freely exposed the arms, waist, and legs.
The evolution of the bodysuit continued into the 1870s, where French acrobat, Jules Léotard invented his very own snapsuit fit for gymnastics.
The versatility, practicality, and comfort were unequivocally unmatched compared to other notable garments at the time, which led to further re-takes of the bodysuit.
From it, overalls became a popular choice among working-class men, and Winston Churchill adopted his very own pair in the 1930s.
Today, bodysuits are considered underwear and outerwear. There are dozens of silhouettes to choose from, as they’ve become a staple for high-performance activities and high fashion alike.
When to Wear a Bodysuit
The bodysuit ranks high in versatility. Ultimately, it can be worn on every occasion, ranging from casual to formal events. Trendsetters can treat them like a piece of shapewear or as a way to complete any outfit.
Of course, this all depends on what kind of one-piece you have, since some designs are strictly for certain situations. For instance, a simple tank-top silhouette is considered appropriate for laid-back hangouts, errands, and other low-profile activities.
Those that feature a blouse on the top are perfect for extravagant parties, office meetings, and various prestigious occasions.
Bodysuits are seasonless garments. Depending on the cut, they can be worn from winter through summer. They’re usually paired with other garments since most one-pieces feature a swimsuit silhouette. Moving forward, we’ll discuss how to wear a bodysuit.
How to Wear a Bodysuit
The best way to overcome outfit frustration is to don a bodysuit. You can practically achieve any Pinterest look with a simple one-piece, thanks to its versatility.
Some examples include biker shorts Princess Diana style, 90s workout guru, and the collared shirt athleisure aesthetic. If you want to achieve all three OOTDS, it’s important to find a simple, monochrome bodysuit.
In need of some additional specifics? If so, this ‘how to wear a bodysuit’ guide will share some notable outfits to consider. Be sure to check out our FAQ section, where we’ll provide some shopping tips and offer more fashion advice.
11 Outfit Ideas With Bodysuits
Sorry, Kim Kardashian. Princess Diana’s revenge dress was the first to break the internet. In 1994, the darling of Wales made waves with an off-shoulder cocktail dress, a choker necklace, and fishnet tights.
We’re fully aware that this outfit requires a fancy gala to go to, which is why we recommend a more ‘mellow alternative.’
This off-the-shoulder top from Khaite has that same sultry aesthetic but as a bodysuit. It features a criss-cross design on the front, which reveals elegant pleats to help show off the low neckline.
Tucked under a pair of cigarette jeans and accentuated with a belt, it’s the kind of outfit that Princess Diana would approve of.
The Victorian stay garment slowly fizzled out of popularity following World War I. Sure, it wasn’t the most practical piece of clothing, but it was iconic nonetheless.
The clean lines, the lace-up back, and the curvy silhouette it provided left something to be desired with the invention of the bra. Luckily for us, the corset movement is finally back, but as a more comfortable alternative.
This white bodysuit from Bottega Veneta features a corset-like silhouette. Striped with ribbed ‘boning’ and cut with a square neckline, this top is designed to accentuate your chest and neckline.
The matching skirt provides that fit-and-flare shape, which is great if you want to achieve an hourglass figure. This ‘how to wear a bodysuit’ guide highly recommends topping the look off with a pair of chunky sandals.
The great thing about bodysuits is that they provide the illusion of a cohesive outfit. For instance, this ensemble fools viewers into thinking that it’s a dress.
Composed of a red one-piece and a tassel midi skirt, this vibrant OOTD offers a hint of exotic flair. The strap-suit itself features cut-outs on the back for added visual interest. It’s also made out of a textured knit material, which is super soft to the touch.
The Out From Under Versailles Ruched Bodysuit takes heavy inspiration from the Rococo era. Reminiscent of early French design, the print features a gorgeous floral pattern in baby blue.
The exaggerated silhouette closely mirrors what women wore during the 1740s, with the inclusion of Tudor fashion—given the bubble effect on the front.
Thankfully, this cute bodysuits number is considered a modernized version of vintage style, as it comes with an open back for added breathability.
For the rest of the outfit, this ‘how to wear a bodysuit” guide suggests pairing it with denim shorts and some comfy slides.
It’s now considered acceptable to wear lingerie as regular attire. Fashioned by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, the lace bodysuit outfit exudes the right amount of sultry and casual in one complete look.
Case in point, this ensemble features a sheer bustier one-piece layered with a pair of distressed black jeans. If you’re gearing up for a girl’s night out or a leisurely stroll at a city bar, this is the OOTD to opt for.
The great thing about this ensemble is that it goes well with any shoe, including stilettos and sneakers.
The 80s fitness craze was a bizarre time for fashion. Leg warmers, high-cut leotards, and teased hair were all the rage. Bodysuits were a popular choice among trendsetters since they provided the ideal silhouette popularized by exercise geeks and celebs alike.
For those suddenly nostalgic for dance aerobics and Jazzercise, this complete one-piece should satiate your hunger. This fused set features a V-neckline, crossed straps, a high-waisted cut, and a built-in bra for added support.
Slim in shape, this outfit makes for a great workout post for your Instagram feed. We highly recommend topping the look off with white socks and matching sneakers.
Gearing up for a fancy event? If so, then we recommend donning this elegant number. Composed of a criss-cross bodysuit with a matching skirt, this one-piece from Nanushka provides the illusion of dress due to the uniform print.
It’s a great outfit to consider if you hate the practice of ‘one-time-only’ ensembles, as this OOTD allows you to pair the skirt or snap-suit with other looks.
The traditional bodysuit is composed of stretchy materials. Constructed out of spandex, elastane, and other flexible fabrics, it’s the kind of garment that adapts to any body shape.
As such, there’s a huge market for plus-size one-pieces, such as this stylish number. It features a sheer striped pattern with slim-fit long sleeves. Paired with skinny jeans and brown stilettos, this cute OOTD is definitely Instagram-friendly.
The 2022 Coachella is already in the rearview, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for next year’s festivities. This playful bodysuit features a printed top with tassels sewn onto the long sleeves.
Complemented with black shorts and cowboy boots, this loud-and-proud ensemble should be worn at a Harry Styles concert.
Blouses are fun, but they often ride up due to their ruffled silhouette. For those not fond of the ‘tuck and stuff’ method when it comes to layering, we recommend opting for this sexy bodysuit.
It features a plunging neckline, gathered sleeves, and a stunning floral pattern for a pop of color. For the rest of the outfit, this ‘how to wear a bodysuit’ guide recommends wearing a denim skirt and a pair of strappy heels to keep things nice and summery.
Is it fair to say that this bodysuit ranks high in sex appeal? Featuring a criss-cross design with a peak-a-boo cut-out on the chest, this daring one-piece is strictly reserved for special occasions.
Of course, we understand if you have some reservations about this garment, which is why we recommend wearing pasties or nipple covers to prevent any slippage.
For the rest of the outfit, you can’t go wrong with a traditional pair of trousers and some pointed-toe stilettos. In terms of accessories, we suggest topping the ensemble off with a cute clutch bag.
What Type of Bodysuit Can You Get?
Like any other garment, bodysuits come in hundreds of styles. They can be styled to look sexy or conservative, and there’s a one-piece fit for every core aesthetic.
For those struggling to create a cohesive outfit, the best way to minimize wardrobe frustration is to consider the options available. Below, this ‘how to wear a bodysuit’ guide will provide a condensed list of cuts to choose from.
- The tank-top bodysuit: Classic in silhouette, this type of bodysuit features thick shoulder straps and a fitted shape.
- The long-sleeve bodysuit: Cable-knit sweaters can often look too bulky. If you prefer a slimmer alternative, we recommend opting for this one-piece cut.
- The short bodysuit: Ideal for the summer months, this strap suit keeps things easy and breezy.
- The long bodysuit: Considered a great way to retain body heat, we highly recommend layering this one-piece under trousers and sweaters during winter.
How to Choose the Best Bodysuit
Disposable fashion is so last season. Bodysuits, like any other wardrobe staple, should be viewed with some sort of respect. Their level of versatility is often valued, especially when you consider the number of impractical garments on the market.
In order to find the right one-piece, customers should consider four things when shopping: quality, material, design, and flexibility.
Obviously, opting for a $10 bodysuit is not recommended. Cheaply-made one-pieces are usually constructed with thin materials, which typically rip over a short period of time.
On the other hand, those priced around $50 are generally made out of quality fabrics, such as spandex, elastane, and lycra.
Bodysuits should feel durable under stress, whether that be bending, squatting, or the simple movement of the arm. Customers should also look out for other features such as gussets, zippers, and any stitching details.
At the end of the day, an ideal bodysuit should be easy to get on and off.
Design is another factor worth considering. Ultimately, you don’t want to settle for a one-piece that’s hard to style. Instead, trendsetters should invest in a bodysuit that’s traditional in silhouette and monochrome in color.
Of course, which one you choose will heavily depend on your current aesthetic. For instance, clothing styles like maximalism and minimalism offer their own takes on the classic strap suit.
How to Style a Bodysuit
So, we’ve covered the basics of how to wear a bodysuit. Ideally paired with trousers, skirts, and shorts, there are multiple outfit options to consider.
In the event that you’ve run out of styling prowess, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to finesse your final fit.
- Belts: The best bodysuit outfits include a stylish belt to help cinch in the waist. You can choose from a variety of designs, including the thin strap or the chunky ‘cowboy’ cut.
- Jeans: Considered the simplest way to style bodysuits, this outfit combo provides the illusion of a cohesive ensemble.
- Skirts: If you want to achieve that classic ballerina silhouette, we highly recommend wearing an accordion pleat skirt or a tutu-like petticoat.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With Bodysuits
When putting together your outfit, we applaud any attempts to go ‘avant-garde.’ Fashion requires experimentation and confidence, which not a lot of dressers have.
When it comes to bodysuits, there’s not much to worry about in regards to outfit clashing. That being said, there are some styling no-nos affiliated with the classic one-piece. These include:
- The unbuttoned method: We’re fully aware of the uncomfortable nature of wedgies and camel toe. If you’re adamant about not buttoning your bodysuit, be prepared to wear a belt to prevent the gusset from riding up.
- Boyshort undies: Bodysuits are best worn with thongs, Brazilian briefs, and bikini underwear. Anything that offers additional coverage will result in a bizarre silhouette when paired with one-pieces.
- The super high-cut bodysuit: If you want to wear jeans over your bodysuit, be sure that the leg holes are concealed. Those that peak over your pants may produce an unwanted look.
How to Take Care of Bodysuits
Considering their flexible nature, most bodysuits are washing machine-friendly. They’re best washed in cold water and with a gentle detergent to help maintain their quality.
We don’t recommend tossing them into the dryer, since this will encourage shrinking and ripping.
Obviously, trendsetters should always double-check the laundry tag for additional specifics. Some bodysuits require hand-washing or dry-cleaning due to their material composition.
Best Places to Buy Bodysuits
Consider yourself briefed on how to wear a bodysuit. So now it’s time to address the ‘where’s.’ Below, we’ll share some recommendations on stores to check out.
It’s worth noting that the outfits we featured in this guide can be bought on these accredited websites:
- Moda Operandi
- Urban Outfitters
- Net-A-Porter
- Nasty Gal
- Fashion Nova
- ASOS
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that fashion requires tucking, pleating, and folding. Achieving the perfect silhouette involves a bit of effort, and this tidbit of knowledge is universally unknown.
Thankfully, most garments come with a built-in fit that removes the need for further styling. Bodysuits are no exception, as they already provide that tailored shape thanks to their uniform cut.
From 80s-style strap suits to off-the-shoulder tops, there’s a broad assortment of cute bodysuits to choose from. Hopefully, you’ve gathered enough inspiration to create your own unique outfit.
Shopping for form-fitting pieces like bodysuits? We’ve got you covered:
Stores Like Pretty Little Thing
