Slip sliding away

[crfriend]

Slips are just about surviving, as many High Street shops didn’t seem to know whether to stock them or not in recent years and where they did stock them , they reduced the amount of lace in the hem. M and S in particular.

Slips will, in all likelihood, soldier on until the skirt is entirely obsolete as a style, and in the meantime will dumb down in style the way that everything else has been being dumbed down. Thus, expect fancy flourishes like lace and mesh to go the way of the dodo.

I don't think they'll ever disappear entirely as would likely happen if the skirt as a concept (and especially the dress as a concept) wink out of existence. There will always be the ones who refuse to capitulate and join the denim wasteland. But -- expect slips and skirts to become "boutique items" in the next few years.

I own several, in various weights, for different times of the year, and it's only the older ones that have flashy embellishes like lace and mesh. Unfortunately, because they're older also means the elastics are beginning to fail and -- as you've noticed -- new stock is no longer available because nobody cares any more. A look at assorted catalogues will back that assertion up. Finding anything "nice" is getting to be darn difficult, and I find myself "online" shopping in what amount to speciality boutiques that deal in historical garments (which is fine as I gravitate to Victorian/Edwardian styles -- but causes problems because there's nowhere to wear such rigs without attracting "undue attention" and, recently, scorn).

[Uncle Al]

I just purchased 4 basic half-slips from Walmart.
Checked Walmart again and this is what I received:
Results for "half slips for women"(934)
Results for "full slips for women"(1000+)
They're still out there, all sizes, waiting to be purchased

Go shopping and have fun

Uncle Al

[Grok]

There will always be the ones who refuse to capitulate and join the denim wasteland. But -- expect slips and skirts to become "boutique items" in the next few years.

Finding anything "nice" is getting to be darn difficult, and I find myself "online" shopping in what amount to speciality boutiques that deal in historical garments.

Awhile back, I came across reference which indicated that a similar pattern has begun with mens traditional suits. Less and less demand resulting in the closure of old companies.

For contemporary styles of womens skirts/dresses, I suspect these will narrow down to a handful designs, and be found-if at all-in a remote corner of a brick and mortar store.*

Reposting from the Style forum. Historical costumes. This sort of thing might be interesting if you are trying to assemble a unique rig. Otherwise, our options may narrow:

1. Brick and mortar stores. Limited, but possibly useful. Note, even the womens side of the aisle is trending dull.

2. Shopping online. For contemporary items this may possibly be useful.

Both online and brick and mortar may be subject to the general trend toward dullness or drabness.

3. See if you can find anything in the thrift stores. A long term trend seems to be a more and more limited selection of interesting clothes.

4. Commission someone to make a bespoke garment.

5. Learn to sew.


*I gave up on trying to predict specific styles for women, but am aware of two long term trends-skirts/dresses fading away, and increasing dullness/drabness.

[skirtpettiman]

I am a big fan of slips and petticoats. In warmer weather I just wear thin slips but in colder weather I also wear a fluffy 1950's rockabilly petticoat. I have found there is a great selection on Amazon. With wearing slips I find that skirts and fluffy petticoats rarely ever need washing; just the thin slips. I'm not too bothered if they accidentally peek slightly below the skirt hem; example attached:

2021-01-05 16.47.30.jpg

[TonautBrom]

I’ve recently bought a couple of M&S slips too and I can report they feel very nice under my skirts. They stop any snagging on my tights and add some welcome warmth.

[FLbreezy]

I've bought a few slips lately that were advertised as a "slip skirt" instead of a "half-slip" (even though they are definitely a foundation garment). They do seem to fall mid-thigh so perhaps it's a matter of length, since most of the half-slips I've seen were knee-length or more. At any rate they work well with skirts that are thin or flowy, and the hem was plain so I don't have to worry about a bit of lace peeking out (my personal preference).

[Faldaguy]

I am a big fan of slips and petticoats. In warmer weather I just wear thin slips but in colder weather I also wear a fluffy 1950's rockabilly petticoat. I have found there is a great selection on Amazon. With wearing slips I find that skirts and fluffy petticoats rarely ever need washing; just the thin slips. I'm not too bothered if they accidentally peek slightly below the skirt hem; example attached:
2021-01-05 16.47.30.jpg

I have posted version of this comment before, and gladly affirm it again. I wear half-slips pretty much daily as they do contribute to a longer shelf life for your skirts from less "catching and twisting tugs" and fewer washings. My skirts are foremost for comfort & slips add to that. Skirts also serve for fun and decor -- as slips allow a much greater range of light weight, semi-sheer fabrics that would otherwise be precluded from 'approved' men's wear in back-lit scenarios. Comfort also implies warmth, and even a light slip add substantially to heat retention, yet do so in a way that even in hot weather with a lightweight, translucent skirt it is not inhibiting for the added heat retention.

I have not had much concern about the presence of frills and lace, on the hem as the I adhere to the old school ("your slip is showing") mode and keep my slips a bit above the hemline of the skirt. If there is a problem with frills and lace -- it is because they are often of a different fabric and not as slippery as the skirt -- and may grab your skirt instead of riding loosely within it. If there are frills and lace on the waist -- that can be a fabric irritant, especially if a bit snug and it prints patterns on your skin at the end of the day! Sources: Easy online -- numerous suppliers on Amazon, as well as other suggestions above posts. They are inexpensive, compact, and readily available in multiple lengths and colors. I mostly have a bin with primarily three colors (black, white, skin-tone) in several lengths from about 10 - 24" and I can't remember a time I did not find something that easily worked with my choice of skirt for the day.