A bamboo tee dress or something dressier, how to decide
Short answer: A bamboo tee dress suits you if you want a soft, simple dress for everyday wear, while a slip dress is better when you want something dressier for the evening or to layer under a jumper. Choose by where you will wear it, how close the fit should be and how you plan to style it.
What separates the two dresses
A tee dress has sleeves, a round neckline and a relaxed cut that feels like a long T-shirt, while a slip dress has thin straps and falls softly over the body. The first looks easy and calm, the second a little more festive, even when it is made in a plain and muted fabric.
How a bamboo tee dress works day to day
A bamboo tee dress is quick to put on and asks for very little thought, because it looks right on its own and equally good with trainers and a jacket on top. The fabric is soft and stretchy, so you can cycle, sit at a desk and walk a long way without noticing it.
When you want something dressier
A slip dress can stand alone at a dinner or a party if you pick a dark colour and a length that suits you. It takes up little room in a bag, and jewellery, a scarf or a pair of heels makes it feel more formal. Take a look at the range of bamboo dresses.
Fit, length and neckline
Look at the neckline and the length before anything else, because they decide whether the dress feels like yours. A round neckline gives calm, a deep one means you must know what you wear underneath, and a hem at the knee is easy to use for both work and weekends.
Layering through the cold months
In winter both dresses work with tights, a jumper or a long cardigan, and a slip dress can sit well over a thin T-shirt or a fine blouse. Try different combinations at home and see which layers do not bunch up or push the dress upwards. There is more in bamboo clothing for women.
Long sleeves under the dress
A long-sleeved T-shirt under a slip dress gives it a whole new look, and you gain warmth and cover over your arms. Pick a thin cut in a colour close to the dress so it looks like a planned outfit and not an afterthought, and check that the sleeves do not peek out.
Colours and patterns
Dark and neutral shades are easy to combine and work between everyday and party wear, so a black, grey or sand dress gets worn many times. If you want a pattern, use it on one dress and keep everything else plain, so the outfit does not become too busy.
Care so the dress keeps its shape
Wash the dress by the label, ideally on a gentle cycle and without the tumble dryer, so the fabric keeps its shape and length. Hang it up or lay it flat to dry, and do not rub hard at stains, which can rough up the fibres and leave a dull patch. Read about a women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt too.
Frequently asked questions
Which dress is best for everyday wear?
A tee dress is usually easiest for everyday wear, because it has sleeves, sits calmly and works with shoes and a jacket. A slip dress is better when you want something dressier or plan to layer it.
Can I wear a slip dress in winter?
Yes, if you wear it over a thin long-sleeved T-shirt or a blouse and add a jumper or cardigan. Tights or leggings underneath keep you warm as well, so you can use the dress all year.
How do I choose the right length?
Try the dress with the shoes you plan to wear and check the length standing and sitting. A hem at the knee or a little below suits most occasions, but it is a personal choice.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
