If lingerie shops’ inventory is any indication (and it is, of course), the slip is having a pretty bad moment that is only getting worse. But why? Practically speaking, there is little better for dealing with light-colored or clingy clothing. It can cure transparency issues, smooth over VPL and suspender belt outlines, and keep your stockings and your dress from sticking together unattractively. And of course, any extra layer is a welcome addition when it starts snowing!
Of course, slips aren’t just practical things; where would Cat on a Hot Tin Roof be without Elizabeth Taylor’s scorching little number? Would Jean Harlow have been so seductive if we didn’t all know what was hidden away under her gorgeous frocks? Slips are as glamorous as they are useful. I’ve been wearing them for as long as I can remember, although when other women see my slips they usually say something like, “I don’t even remember the last time I wore one of those.” When I ask for an explanation, no one seems to have an answer.
In Hidden Underneath: A History of Lingerie, Farid Chenoune claims that the slip’s popularity began to decline as early as the 1950s when fashion became more revealing and breast-oriented. She said that “this little sister to the dress no longer had charms for men now serenaded by seminaked sirens.” However, Andrea Linett (creative director of Lucky Magazine) says, “Slips are totally demure. At a time when nothing is shocking anymore, that’s what makes them sexy.” Rebecca Apsan reflects that sentiment in her book, The Lingerie Handbook: “Where everything else has been reduced to boobs and butts, the slip takes the entire body into consideration. It is understated, subtly seductive, mildly suggestive, inciting the imagination to run wild.” The book, published in 2006, also proclaimed, “they are back!” In the same year, The New York Times predicted a comeback as well, partially spurred on by slip appearances on Reese Witherspoon in “Walk the Line” and Naomi Watts in “King Kong.” But just a few years later, I’m looking to add a few more slips to my collection and I’m coming up short.
Sure, you can find a slip easily enough if you hit enough shops, but they leave a lot to be desired. The selection is mostly white, black, and beige. The two options seem to be: totally unadorned, or with a strip of lace at the hem. Where is the style? Where are the colors? The variety? The glamour? The vintage market has a lot to offer, and sometimes a chemise can serve you in a pinch, but if you’re looking for a new slip it will be a bit of a hunt. I set out looking for something that caught my eye, and I don’t have a lot to show for it. Farr West and Secrets In Lace have good selections of styles and colors. Victoria’s Secret has a few. Mary Green has one plain full slip but with a good color range. It seems that lingerie shops – if they carry slips at all – stick to the basics and carry maybe one or two styles with a unique detail.
So you wear slips? Why or why not? If you do, do you have any favorite brands or shops, or do you just grab them wherever you can find them (like me)?
Actually, La Petite Coquette (owned by Rebecca Apsan) has amazing silk slips from their private collection!
I am 46 years old. When I was a child we wore slips. Once, when I was about six, I was in my slip when a neighbor boy came to the door. I peeked around the door and said that I couldn’t open the door all the way because I was in my slip. It was a really big deal to be seen in one’s slip back then.
I recently purchased a slip, to wear under a Greek dress made of gauzy cotton. I related the story above to my husband; he was intrigued, and we had a little fun with “Oh, my, you’re seeing me in my slip!”
I have to agree with you. I grew up wearing slips under dresses, but even mentioning it in the college scene I am in, some girls don’t even know what one is. I think some people just think of it as too much of a hassle or as something people USED to do. It isn’t cool anymore apparently lol. I still like them. They’re sexy. 🙂
I think the reason that slips have become less popular, in addition to fashion being more “breast-oriented”, is fashion has also been less DRESS-oriented. I am the only one of my friends that wears a dress on a regular basis, and I absolutely wear a slip every time for the same reasons you stated. And yes, you are right, there is much to be desired, most of my slips are white or black with very little frills. Anything more glamorous seems to be categorized as “bedroom lingerie”.
<3 Mia
fashionsalesblog.blogspot.com
Ebay is a slip shoppers paradise and Amazon has a decent selection. But stores? Black,white or beige.
Loved the post! However, I have different feelings about the slip. Read my response on my newest blog post: “Not In Defense of the Slip”.
http://gigislingerieblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/not-in-defense-of-slip.html
I enjoy wearing vintage slips to bed, but rarely wear them under dresses or as “everyday” wear. E-bay is my favorite place for slip shopping.
I accidently stumbled onto this blog and I am very glad I did. I am currently researching and designing a collection of slips, camisoles and bodysuits to launch next year. I can definitely see the role slips have in the future fashion. I am designing undergarments that are fashionable, comfortable and beautiful.
I am concentrating on undergarments with adequate support so you don’t have to wear a bra as well. I am going to use my illustration style to market the clothes and develop prints. My illustration website can be viewed here http://www.ayliemcdowall.com for your information. I will keep this blog posted with my progress. Cheers a:)x
Actually, we find that some of our consistently best selling items are slips, but as you say, maybe we’re all missing a trick by not thinking outside of the classic white or black…
http://shop.feminineplus.com/slips
I think that more young women should investigate the use of these things women used to wear, called “slips”. To be honest, I never wear one anymore, as I did when I was younger (I’m 44) and dressing for Sunday school or school dances; but that’s only because I don’t wear dresses very often, and if I do wear a dress, it’s usually a heavier and darker material. IF, however, I were to wear a light-colored dress, or a wispy material, you can darn well betcha I’d be shopping for a slip–pronto! A little sunlight makes a lot of dresses virtually see-through . . . there are some women that know this (some just don’t care), and a lot of women who don’t. Duh.
I love slips. My mother used to force me to wear them under my dresses everyday (went to private school were dresses/skirts were required).
Now I love them. They’re helpful for all the sheer materials dresses can me made out of. They also help smooth everything out under those awful clingy fabrics so much clothing is made form.
I buy slips at vintage shops. The price is great and they’re well made.
I love slips, actually Sally Jones has some nightdresses that I use as slips, and since they are made from silk or satin, they feel super luxurious and comfy.. and they have tons of cute bows and lace trims!