Bamboo slip and what it is actually for

Short answer: A slip is a gliding layer. It stops the dress from sticking to the body and makes thin fabric less see through without adding noticeable warmth.

The gliding layer is the whole point

Without a slip, the fabric grips the skin and forms creases, especially when you walk or sit down. With a slip, the dress falls freely along the body, because two layers of fabric slide against each other instead of fabric against skin. That is the simplest reason the slip still exists. See bamboo slips.

Coverage without weight

A thin layer makes a light dress less see through without making it warmer. A thicker dress cannot do that, because thickness always costs warmth. That is why an extra thin layer is the better solution in summer, when you want to keep the light dress but not worry about the light.

Why bamboo viscose suits the job

The fabric is smooth and thin, so the dress slides easily over it. It feels cool at first touch and lies softly against the skin all day. It adds very little insulation, so the slip can be worn all year, including warm days when another layer would otherwise feel like too much.

The length should be shorter

The slip should end above the hem of the dress. If it is longer, it shows at the bottom, and that is hard to fix once you are out of the door. Measure your shortest dress before you choose and take off a few centimetres. Then the slip will fit under most of your dresses.

The straps should stay hidden

The straps of the slip should sit inside the straps of the dress or be covered by the sleeves. Check it in the mirror with the dress you wear most. If the straps sit too far out, they slide off the shoulder, pull the slip with them and create the creases you wanted to avoid.

Under skirts and tunics

A slip does the same job under a skirt or a tunic. The principle stays the same: a smooth layer between skin and outer fabric. That gives the fabric a calmer drape and less transparency, whether it is a dress or a top with a light fall.

The alternative

For dresses where rubbing between the thighs is the problem, under shorts are a better choice. They cover exactly the spot where the skin would otherwise chafe, and they stay in place when you walk. See bamboo under shorts and the rest of the bamboo dresses.

Washing and care

Wash the slip at 40 degrees with similar colours and skip the fabric softener. Softener makes the fabric more static, which is the opposite of what a gliding layer should do. Hang it to dry or use the tumble dryer on low heat, so the smooth surface lasts longer.

In short

A slip is a practical garment, not decoration. It lets the dress fall freely, makes thin fabric less see through and adds almost no warmth. Choose one slightly shorter than your shortest dress and check that the straps stay hidden.

Frequently asked questions

What is a slip for?

It is a gliding layer that stops the dress from sticking to the skin and forming creases. At the same time, it makes thin fabric less see through in daylight.