Film festival bans 'nude' dresses – so, what about your see-through blouses?

The Star

17-05-2025

Don't wear colourful undergarments under a white top. Photo: dpa
All eyes are now on the 78th Cannes Film Festival underway from May 13-24, 2025 on the Cote D'Azur.
And fashion fans will also be eyeing the red carpet to see whether all the stars and starlets adhere to the festival's new ban on nudity.
Are the days of overly revealing, see-through gowns and outfits really gone or will the stars find a way around it?
In a bid to uphold standards and its reputation, the world's most important film festival says the ban is for the sake of decency.
Voluminous gowns with long trains are also banned as they hinder the flow of traffic, require a helper or two to carry and make cinema seating a headache. Even if you're not heading to Cannes, the same red carpet debate is echoed in office attire, where a subtly see-through white blouse can prove controversial.
Plain white tops, a must-have to many, are often so see-through that underwear will show through the fabric. Some people find this embarrassing, others find it appealing.
If the see-through effect is something you're trying to avoid, then your top priority should be to watch the colour, material and cut of your underwear.
Read more: No nudity please, we're Cannes! Film festival bans 'nude' red carpet dresses
No white underwear under white blouses White underwear under a white blouse might seem like the obvious choice, but style consultant Dunja Hess says this is a no-no.
That's because white contrasts clearly with the skin tone, making it easily visible.
Black meanwhile looks harsh under light-coloured fabrics.
To be on the safe side, choose a nude colour that blends in with your complexion and the background.
Dark red will be a good option for many, and tones such as bordeaux or wine red are barely noticeable under white fabric.
Shades of red absorb light like skin tones, making them literally disappear under white fabric.
You may want to opt for muted shades, as strong reds or colours with a pink hue will stand out more.
The right material will prevents marks
Apart from the colour, the structure and cut of the underwear are also important.
Smooth surfaces and flat seams ensure that nothing stands out.
Seamless microfibre models, such as laser-cut underwear, are particularly suitable, says Hess. These will cling to the skin without leaving any visible edges.
Bras with plain cups are ideal for wearing under T-shirts. Avoid lace, embroidery or reinforced hems if you are wearing a see-through blouse or shirt. If the blouse is particularly transparent,
Hess recommends undergarments or high-waisted briefs to provide an even, opaque base: "That ensures nothing shows through."
Read more: Is Bianca Censori's Grammy dress proof that red carpet fashion has gone too far?
And what about men?
See-through white tops aren't just an issue for women, and white shirts can sometimes highlight a person's nipples or the outline of their vest.
A plain white T-shirt is preferable to undershirts that show, Hess says.
A white T-shirt conceals without being bulky and also prevents perspiration stains.
If you do not want to wear a T-shirt underneath, opt for high-quality, opaque fabrics instead.
If sweat stains are still an issue even with T-shirts, you can consider also using antiperspirant pads under your arms to absorb extra moisture. – dpa