Women's half slips
Under light, pale or thin dresses and skirts, you need a layer that prevents see-through and helps the fabric hang nicely. A slip hides the outline of your underwear, stops the dress clinging to tights and protects the outer garment from sweat. The range includes classic half slips from the waist, shaping slips and full tulle petticoats for retro and wedding dresses. The styles differ in material, length, colour and cut.
Women's half slips
The first choice is the cut. A half slip starts at the waist and suits skirts and dresses where it is enough to cover the lower half of the body. Shaping slips with more elastane gently firm the tummy and hips. Multi-layer tulle petticoats add volume to a skirt and are worn under fifties-style dresses or wedding dresses.
The properties depend mainly on the material. Smooth satin or polyester microfibre lets the dress glide freely and does not crease. Viscose and modal breathe better, feel pleasant on the skin and build up less static, so the dress clings less to tights. Cotton suits everyday wear and summer, while silk is the most delicate choice under formal wear. A little elastane helps the garment keep its shape and stops it slipping down.
The right length matters. A slip should end about 2–5 centimetres above the hem of the skirt or dress, so it does not peek out when you walk or sit. With slit skirts, choose a slip with a slit in the same place or a shorter style. A lace hem looks decorative, but under fitted dresses a smooth, seamless edge is better, as it does not show through.
Under pale and white clothes, a nude slip works best, because white under white fabric shows through more than a shade close to your skin tone. Under dark dresses, choose black or a colour similar to the garment. Choose the size by waist and hip measurements.
Wash slips on a delicate cycle at 30 °C, ideally in a laundry bag so the lace does not snag. Satin and silk styles should not go in the tumble dryer and should only be ironed on a low setting or through a cloth. With the right care, a slip keeps its shape and colour for a long time.