Slip (clothing)

A slip is a woman's

Slips fall into two major categories. A full slip hangs from the shoulders by straps that extend down to the top of the breast area, with a skirt below the bust. Full slips come in a variety of lengths; some extend down to the upper thigh, some to just above the knees, or just below the knees, while others go down to just above the ankles.

A waist slip, "half slip", or "underskirt", is held on to the body around the waist by means of an elastic waistband. The waist slip is also available in the same lengths as the aforementioned full slip. Waist slips that extend down to just above the ankle are often called formal slips, or maxi slips. Mini slips are yet another size option for waist slips. They were first introduced in the 1960s to wear under a mini skirt.

There is also similar garment designed to be worn under thin or light-colored slacks, called trouserslips or pettipants. In addition to pants, a pettipant may also be worn under a dress or skirt, and like slips, they are mainly made of nylon or as a layer of luxury, in silk.

Decorations and fabric

Many slips have floral lace at the hem, vents or sideslits. Some of the older slips have decorations, such as a butterfly or flowers sewn into the fabric of the slip, and a pillowtab was also added to the waistband of a waist slip.

The vast majority of modern slips are made entirely of nylon, while others are made from polyester, rayon, acetate, silk or in some cases cotton. Still, there are others made of blends, and the label of the garment might read, for example, "40% nylon, 35% rayon, 25% polyester". Nylon slips are often shiny in appearance, and are very smooth to the touch, while polyester slips can even be more shiny with a real slippery feel, especially charmeuse or "satin" slips. Although charmeuse slips have very attractive eye appeal, they are not as durable as nylon slips, and often tear very easily, especially when wet.

Most of the slips made since the late 20th century are plain and lacking in detail. Intricate decorations and lace designs are almost completely absent from modern-day slips.

History

Slips made in the 1940s were mainly made entirely of rayon due to the

With the rise of athleisure and comfort dressing, slips were worn less, because they were unnecessary with the popular clothing.^[1]

Although slips are primarily marketed as women's clothing, the technical gender-neutrality of the garment is such that men who wear unbifurcated lower-body apparel (as has been done historically across the world and contemporarily prevails still in many parts of the world) occasionally wear them. Men who choose to wear slips often wear black half-slips with minimal or no lace. Kilts often come with “kilt-liners,” which are essentially size-tailored half-slips.

Other usages

The word "slip" has come to refer to a number of other

Since the 1980s, dresses closely based on slips have become very popular.^[3] This are called slip dresses, and are meant to be worn on the outside.

References

Notes