The Slip – A Guide to the Forgotten Basic

Short answer: A slip is a thin, smooth layer between body and dress that makes the dress hang better, prevents static cling and makes thin dresses less see through. It is one of the most overlooked basics in the wardrobe, and in bamboo it is also soft and breathable.

What a slip actually does

The slip creates a smooth surface for the dress to glide over. That removes static cling, evens out edges from the underwear and gives thin dresses more body and less transparency. See the range of bamboo slip dresses and find a length that suits.

Static cling disappears

A dress in a synthetic fabric can cling to tights and legs, especially in winter when the air is dry. A layer in between in a naturally based material breaks the contact and removes the problem. It is the simplest solution to something most people try to fix with spray.

Thin dresses become less see through

Two layers of fabric let less light through than one, which is why a slip is often more effective than changing the colour of the underwear. If the dress is both thin and pale, it is the only solution that works completely. See also bamboo briefs in a skin tone.

The dress hangs better

Without a layer in between, the dress catches on the skin and on the edges of the underwear, and then it traces every detail. With a smooth layer in between, the fabric falls freely and follows its own shape. That is the difference that makes an inexpensive dress look dearer.

Choose the right length

The slip has to be shorter than the dress, and preferably at least five centimetres shorter, so it does not peek out when you move. If you are torn between two lengths, choose the shorter. A slip that shows does not solve anything, it creates a new problem.

The colour follows the dress, not the skin

Under a pale dress, choose a slip close to your skin tone, and under a dark dress choose black. If the dress is very thin and white, a skin toned slip is less visible than a white one, exactly as it is with briefs.

Why bamboo is a good material

A slip lies directly against the skin all day and at the same time has to be thin enough not to add bulk. Bamboo viscose has a soft drape and moves moisture away from the skin, and those two things together are exactly what a slip needs. See bamboo underwear for women.

Washing and lifespan

Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and hang it to dry. Bamboo viscose is weaker when wet, and a slip has thin straps that stretch easily. Use a wash bag, and skip the fabric softener, which lays a film on the fibres and makes the fabric less smooth. See also bamboo and temperature regulation.