Vanity Fair  Slips & Liners

Intimate Slips and Liners Protect Your Skin

Women's slips and liners are worn beneath dresses and skirts for numerous reasons. Depending on the style and material used, these undergarments can help clothes hang smoothly. They can also prevent skin chafing caused by coarse weave garments like sweaters, provide an extra layer for warmth or protect fine fabrics from perspiration. Other undergarments can add padding, volume and support to the body or can help maintain modesty when wearing revealing or sheer outfits.

Most women own several types of slips to coordinate with the clothes in their wardrobe. Smooth, body-hugging fabrics, such as satin, silk and nylon, work well with tighter cotton dresses, while moveable half slips should be paired with loose-fitting skirts. Heavier, fuller slips prevent coarse fabrics from getting itchy, and lightweight slips offer extra coverage for translucent fabrics. However, a slip that is too tight can cause rippling, while a roughly textured slip will snag on fine materials.

Slips can also come in polyester, tricot and cotton and are often femininely decorated with dainty lace. Some fabrics, like the hardier nylon, are machine washable, while others will need to be treated to a delicate wash. Sears.com offers a wide selection of sizes, ranging from medium to XXL in waist size and 34 inches to 42 inches in bust size.

Full slips are typically worn with dresses that reach the knee or lower. These slips resemble a nightgown, but have adjustable narrow straps at the shoulders. These are usually labeled based on dress or bra size. Half slips, which hang from the waist down, come in a variety of lengths and fabrics, as well. Half slips should be worn shorter than the skirt so that they are not visible. Some come with adjustable two-inch hems to ensure the slip is the proper length.

Half slips are often paired with matching camisoles, which can offer more comfort and support than a traditional full slip. Camis were originally designed to conceal the skin and smooth out sheer blouses. Modern camis come in an assortment of styles, including strapless, backless and spaghetti straps, and they may add padding to the bust line or provide underwire support. Plain shapewear camis are usually made from tighter fabrics that are designed to tuck in the tummy and lift the bust line. Because of the versatility camisoles offer, women typically own many styles and colors. While most are decorated with lace and cutouts, others like the Joe Boxer line offer more casual solid prints.