What a bamboo slip is and how to wear it every day
Short answer: A bamboo slip is a thin dress with narrow straps and a soft drape, and you can wear it every day if you add layers with a T-shirt, a jumper or a jacket. It packs easily and suits the office, a café and an evening out.
What a slip dress actually is
A slip dress is a dress with narrow straps, a plain cut and a fabric that falls lightly over the body without clinging. It has its roots in the underslip, but today it is worn as a dress in its own right that can look good both by day and in the evening.
How to wear a bamboo slip every day
A bamboo slip is easy to use every day, because the fabric is soft and stretchy and does not bother you when you sit, walk or cycle. Wear it on its own on a warm day, or layer it with a thin T-shirt underneath and a cardigan on top when it is cooler. See bamboo dresses.
A layer underneath for a quiet everyday look
Put a bamboo slip over a thin T-shirt or a long-sleeved top, and the dress turns into a light pinafore rather than party wear. It gives you more cover and warmth, and you can use the same dress through several seasons without buying anything new.
Shoes, trainers and boots
Trainers make a slip dress relaxed and practical, flat sandals give an airy summer look, and boots suit the autumn well. Choose shoes by how far you will walk and by whether the dress is short or long, so the proportions do not end up looking off.
Layers and jackets that keep you warm
A knitted cardigan, a long jumper or a denim jacket finishes a slip dress, so it looks fully dressed even in cool weather. Try different lengths over the dress and choose the one where the hem of the dress is allowed to show, so it does not look like a mistake.
Fit and straps
The straps should sit firmly on the shoulders and not slip, and the neckline should feel calm when you lean forward or lift your arms. If the straps are adjustable you can set the length, and if they are fixed, look for a fit that suits your upper body. See the sale for women.
Colours that repeat in your wardrobe
Choose a neutral colour such as black, sand or grey if the dress will be worn often, and let the layers be the part that changes. A plain colour is easier to combine with the clothes you already own, and it works for both work and parties.
Washing and caring for a thin dress
Wash the dress gently by the label, ideally in a wash bag, so the thin straps do not tangle or stretch. Hang it up to dry or lay it flat, and avoid the tumble dryer, which can pull the fabric together. Read also about a women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a slip dress every day?
Yes, if you add layers with a T-shirt or blouse underneath and a cardigan or jacket on top. Then it becomes a practical piece for work, a café and the weekend.
What do I wear under a slip dress?
A thin T-shirt or a long-sleeved top works well and gives cover and warmth. Choose a smooth cut, so it does not show through the dress fabric or bunch up underneath.
How do I wash a bamboo slip dress?
Follow the label, use a gentle cycle and a wash bag, and avoid the tumble dryer. Hang the dress up or lay it flat, so the straps and fabric keep their shape and are not pulled out of line.
