Vintage slips were critical to making a dress hang correctly on the body. The length of slip should be only an inch or so above the dress or skirt hemline. The neckline too is usually low enough not to be seen under a top yet still be modest. Some slips had extra ruffles on the hem to add some fullness. Slip fabrics were light and silk but could also be practical cotton or warm knit wool in winter. Shop our handpicked selection of slips that go well with vintage outfits.
Vintage Slips
Vintage Slips by Decade
1900s slips were long ankle length petticoats that had ruffles at the lower hem and gathers in the back to add volume to overskirts. A chemise is the original slip that fit over underwear, corsets and petticoats.
1910s slips were long and narrow until 1914 and were long A-line with ruffles until 1920.
1920s slips shortened up as dress hemline rose. Necklines were rounded and modest.
1930s slips were midi length and narrow. Cut on the bias to match clingy 30s dresses.
1940s slips were knee length and A-line
1950s slips were knee length or midi length. Some had built in crinolines for fullness under swing dresses.
1960s to 1980s slips were short and snug. Many women were no longer wearing them with day dresses, only occasion gowns.
