Lacy Slips

The Tradition of Lacy Slips

Lace, whether as trim for outerwear or underwear, has a long history. As it was difficult to make and delicate, it only adorned the attire of the wealthy and powerful. This was especially true of lace undergarments, because if you had the money to sport lace on something that hardly anyone was going to see, you were probably noble and certainly privileged.

When it became possible to manufacture lace with a machine, the price came down and more people could use it as trim on a pretty outfit. Women of all classes were especially pleased to start incorporating lace into their undergarments. Just because a woman doesn’t have much money, it doesn’t mean she can’t have some indulgences, and all women like to feel luxurious. Factory-made lace became an indispensable feature on all women’s slips, whether just as trim or as the body of the slip itself. Lace makes everything that much prettier.

Shopping for Lacy Slips

The most common use of lace in slips these days is as trim or an inset or appliqué, rather than as the body of the slip itself. This makes sense and is practical, because lace can tear very easily. If you’re looking for a slip that is predominately lace, you may have your best luck shopping for vintage lingerie. But if you want something new with a nice lacy edge or trim, there is plenty to choose from.

The online shop Her Room has thirty slips featuring lace. One of the prettiest is the Hush Hush Silk Charmeuse, which is a short silk slipdress designed in Italy that comes in eight colors and features ecru French lace trim and appliqués.

You might also like the American-made Farr West silk charmeuse and lace slip, a full slip with a very old-fashioned style that features criss-crossed appliquéd lace on the bodice, the edge and the slit. The shorter Farr West Chantilly Lace chemise features Chantilly lace in the bodice and as a long hem.

Vintage Lacy Slips

For some of the best lace at the best prices and the feeling of old-style elegance, you can’t beat vintage lingerie. In spite of its having been worn next to the skin, vintage lingerie has lasted well and there is a lot of it out there. Better yet, you can often find it at prices that are comparable to, or even much cheaper than, modern lingerie. If you are good about caring for your lingerie, it will last and last and still look pretty.

The main problem you’ll have in looking for vintage lacy slips, especially if you want a full slip, is finding your size. In the 1950s, the bodices of slips were cut large to accommodate the popular padded bras, which were often bigger than modern bras. Unfortunately, lace cannot be adjusted, so if you find a slip you love and the bodice is bigger than your most padded bra, you may have to resign yourself to wearing a beautiful piece of lingerie that is just a touch too big.

Most online shops that specialize in vintage lingerie are run by knowledgeable people who will be able to answer any questions and give you very exact measurements. Some of the better sources to try are:

• Vintage Slips
• Back-in-Style
• Main Street Vintage
• Heavenly Vintage Lingerie
• Pink Girl Vintage Lingerie
• Sleek n Chic

Bear in mind that stock will change regularly, so if you’re searching for something special, you should keep an eye on your favorite site.