Easy to style and so versatile, there’s a reason they’re so popular. Whether you’re new to bodysuits, thinking of trying one out, or looking for fresh ways to style yours, you’re in the right place as we give you the lowdown on all things bodysuits - from different types to how to style them. As well as answering all the nitty gritty questions you want to know, like: should you wear underwear underneath a bodysuit, and are they actually comfortable? 👀
We’re proud bodysuit stans, and if you’re not yet, you just might be by the time you’re done reading.
Different types of bodysuits
The OG bodysuit is a timeless staple - and chances are you might even already have one tucked away in your wardrobe. Typically a one-piece garment, a bodysuit covers the torso and crotch, it has a similar shape to a swimsuit but is designed to be worn in the way you would a regular top. While some bodysuits have a continuous loop of fabric that requires stepping into when putting them on, most will have snap buttons or hooks at the crotch for ease of wear. These also make them easier to remove without having to take off your entire outfit (girlies, IYKYK).
The humble bodysuit is usually crafted with fabrics such as nylon or cotton blends, which give extra stretch for a super snug, body-hugging fit. And thanks to to its close fit, you'll find they sit flawlessly under pants for a smooth top and balanced outfit proportions.
Now let’s talk sleeves and necklines. From square neck to halter neck, sleeveless to long sleeves, strappy details to full coverage, bodysuits boast options for any look making them a super versatile addition to any wardrobe.
All-In-Ones
As the name suggests, an all-in-one covers the torso and the legs, to serve as both a top and a pair of leggings.
Offering the same second-skin fit as a bodysuit but extending into a full-body piece, all-in-ones often come in two variations: a romper (featuring shorter bottoms typically stopping mid-thigh), or unitards (featuring full-length leggings). Unlike bodysuits, all-in-ones don’t feature snap closures as they’re designed to be pulled on and off as a single piece (which unfortunately means there’s no avoiding those humbling bathroom trips).
A form of all-in-one, unitards tend to be what comes to mind when you picture pilates fits or dancewear. Sitting close to the body for a snug fit and a little physique accentuation, unitards are typically full-length on the legs and also come in a variety of design features; from short and long sleeves, to delicate strappy detailing, square necks and even open-back designs.
A shorter take on the all-in-one, rompers come in two styles: athleisure rompers will have fitted shorts (like a shorter pair of cycling shorts) whereas lifestyle rompers will boast loose, flowy shorts that resemble a dress. This makes them perfect for every occasion: throw on and wear alone for running errands or working out, or style up for dinner plans by adding sandals or heels, and accessorizing with jewelry and a cute bag.
5 Bodysuit Outfit Ideas
For The Gym
Every gym girl knows that contouring fits are your biggest hype girl. When you feel your best, you perform your best (it’s basically science), and that’s why bodysuits are so popular in the gym. Where supportive designs meet compressive fits, a bodysuit helps bring that big lift energy to your gym outfit.
The TikTok girlies swear by open-back bodysuits for back day, and we wholeheartedly agree. There’s nothing quite like the way open-back styles highlight and emphasise the back gains, while the overall compressive fit showcases the physique.
Luckily, styling the unitard and bodysuit for the gym requires very little effort. For winter workouts, throw on a sweater or cropped hoodie to keep out the chill as you travel to and from the gym, or wear with an oversized tee for a little extra coverage without compromising on style.
In the summer, you might want to wear your bodysuit or romper alone, giving features like strappy detailing and compressive fits their moment. Pair them with crew socks and chunky trainers, throw your gym bag over your shoulder, and you’re good to go!
For The Studio
Whether it’s morning vinyasas or a Pilates princess moment, wearing a bodysuit for your studio class is becoming a trend that we can get behind. Sitting close to the body, and crafted with soft and stretchy fabrics that move with you, there’s no top gaping or bunching, no waistbands rolling down or digging in, and definitely no re-adjusting mid-pose as the full-body fit keeps everything in place as you move through your flow.
For the balletcore fit of dreams, pair your OG bodysuit with a flowy skort, or wear your unitard alone with a wrap top, choose light and airy colors (pink preferred) and level up the look with accessories such as long scrunch socks. Bonus points for a bun topped with a scrunchie!
For Weekend plans
Big lifts or big plans? Jeans and a bodysuit are two humble everyday staples that combine to create a ‘fit that will literally go with any plan; brunch, shopping, dinner, you name it.
With the resurgence of all things Y2K, low-rise jeans are back on our radar, and we’d be lying if we said they weren’t the perfect counterpart to a high-cut bodysuit for an easy weekend outfit. We love the way the body-hugging top balances out the baggy, low-rise jeans for a complete and balanced look.
To elevate the look even further, throw on a knitted cardigan for an extra layer and pop of colour, then add chunky earrings and a shoulder bag. Finally, top with shoes that suit the occasion: flat trainers, loafers, boots, or even heels.
For Rest Day
There aren’t many pairings that go together as well as baggy sweats and bodysuits do. Adding a quality bodysuit to your sweat set is the easiest way to elevate your rest day fit from just casual to casual-chic.
Wear your bodysuit with matching baggy sweats. We’re talking both oversized sweatpants and a zip hoodie (make the hoodie cropped and chefs kiss*),* and in the summer, switch the joggers out for long sweat shorts instead*.* Match the set or switch up the colour of the bodysuit for a little contrast, breaking up the intensity of the colour for a look that’s a little more low-key.
Accessorize with crew socks, chunky trainers, and a hair tie for a minimal-effort yet well-styled look.
For Date Night
Preppy styles have dominated fashion for the past few years, and honestly, we’re not surprised as this look never really goes out of fashion. Slip a midi skirt over your bodysuit, an oversized blazer over your shoulders and pop on loafers with socks before grabbing a mini handbag to complete the look. For a little extra oomph (it is date night after all), swap out the loafers for heels and head out!
FAQs
Are bodysuits comfortable?
Bodysuits are generally designed with soft, stretchy fabrics, so most people find them comfy enough. But we know what you’re thinking, and if you’re worried about things feeling a little too tight and the bodysuit digging in down there (girl, we’ve been there) we’d recommend you check sizing (as a little too tight can make a big difference in this department) or trying an all-in-one instead for a seamless, fuss-free fit.
Are bodysuits and shapewear the same?
Bodysuits and shapewear have similar silhouettes, but are distinctly different in purpose. Shapewear is designed to enhance the wearer's shape while remaining undetectable under clothing, which is why they have subtle designs and come in either neutral or skin-tone shades. As they’re meant to be worn as undergarments, you’ll often find extra support, such as bras and targeted compression, built in.
A generic bodysuit, however, is a piece of clothing designed to be worn over underwear or shapewear as an alternative to a regular top. It is often made with style in mind, with design features such as square necks, open backs, and strappy details for a look you’ll want to show off.
That being said, the lines between the two become increasingly blurred, with many girls opting to wear undergarment bodysuits as standalone tops due to their sleek, physique-accentuating properties.
Should I wear underwear with a bodysuit?
For a regular bodysuit, absolutely! Whether it’s an OG bodysuit or an all-in-one, underwear provides a hygienic layer that also offers some protection from the fabric of the product I know we said the fit is like a swimsuit, but this doesn’t mean commando is the go-to.
However, if you’re wearing a shapewear bodysuit, we’ll make an exception to the rule. As these undergarments are designed to sit flush under your clothes, you actually might want to skip the underwear here.
A bodysuit for every occasion
From sleek OG bodysuits to seamless all-in-ones, bodysuits are versatile staples that we think belong in every wardrobe. Whether you’re slipping into a unitard for Pilates, pairing a bodysuit with baggy sweats for an off-duty vibe, or leveling up a date night fit, there’s a way to make them work for every style. We hope you’re feeling inspired to give them a go!
