The New Neutrals | The Best Colours to Wear Under White & Light Coloured Clothing

What to Wear Under White? Here's How to Choose the Best Nude and Neutral Lingerie

Summertime heralds the return of crisp whites and breezy light fabrics in our wardrobes. But finding the right lingerie to wear under white can be tricky. Whether you’re looking for a seamless nude bra for summer dresses or invisible panties under linen trousers, nude and neutral-toned underwear is your best bet.

Why white under white doesn’t work

Although it seems logical, wearing a white bra under a white top often has the opposite effect. White under white tends to glow through fabric, making it more visible than you'd expect. You’ll usually see the outline of the bra, where it stops, and where your skin begins. That’s why skin-toned options remain the gold standard for a discreet, seamless look under white clothing.

White 'glows' underneath whites and lights. Try a red, peach, pink or coral colourway as an alternative to beige if you have a light to medium skin tone.

Can You Really Wear Red Under White?

Yes! You can wear red lingerie under a white shirt! For many people, a red bra is surprisingly invisible under white clothing. Why? Because the undertone of red blends more closely with many skin tones than stark white does, reducing contrast and creating a subtler effect. This trick tends to work best on light to medium skin tones, and is a fun, unexpected alternative to beige.

The Benefits of Choosing Neutral Coloured Lingerie

• Blends with your skin tone for maximum wardrobe versatility

• Less likely to show through white or semi-sheer fabrics

• Can be washed with dark or coloured laundry without staining

• Helps avoid that ‘dingy’ look from dye transfer

• Available in pretty shades, lace styles, and coordinating sets for a chic, put-together feel

  
  

Finding the Right Nude for Your Skin Tone

The term “nude” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your best invisible lingerie may not be beige at all. It could be blush, brown, or even plum. Here are some guidelines to help you find the best nude lingerie for your skin tone:

Fair to Light Skin Tones

• Try: blush pinks, soft peaches, pale lilacs, ivory, cream, rose-beige

• Look for: lingerie that blends with porcelain, cool, or pink undertones
  

Olive and Medium Skin Tones

• Try: warm browns, muted corals, olive greens, brick reds

• Look for: earthy neutrals that complement golden or green undertones
  

Deep and Dark Skin Tones

• Try: rich browns, deep purples, burgundy, navy, black

• Look for: dark neutrals that match your undertones without looking stark or harsh under light clothing
  

  

  Red or beige? For many light to medium skin tones, you can choose a colour such as red!

  
  

Fit Tip: Test Before You Buy

Next time you’re shopping for summer lingerie, bring a lightweight t-shirt or semi-sheer blouse with you. Try the garments on with a variety of lingerie colours to see how well they disappear under the fabric. Looking for a quick colour check without trying it on? Hang the bra over your inner forearm, and drape a single layer of the garment over it. You'll see the contrast of different colours against your skin tone easily. You might be pleasantly surprised by the variety of colours that can act as a true neutral for your skin tone.

When it comes to what to wear under white clothes, nude lingerie is your secret weapon, but your version of nude is personal. From red bras under white tops to rich brown panties under sheer dresses, finding the best skin-tone lingerie means discovering which colours melt into your body’s natural tone. And once you do, you’ll never go back to white.

Kimtimates | The Bra Fit Specialists

Have a good fit.