What is a Strapless Slip?

A strapless slip is a piece of a women's lingerie that is traditionally worn under a strapless outer garment. Today, there are those strapless slips that can serve as both an undergarment and as a dress. Strapless slips come in a variety of lengths and styles and are made from a number of different types of material.

A strapless full slip covers the full torso. This type of strapless slip can extend to the ground and would most often be worn under a full-length gown, creating a smooth and elegant appearance to the dress. A strapless full slip can fall to any length in between a short slip and one that reaches to mid-calf length. The strapless full slip is most often worn with a dress that is one piece and is either full or fitted.

To smooth out a woman's silhouette, there are those strapless slips that are made of a heavier spandex material. They are meant to flatten the stomach area and smooth and firm the behind of the woman wearing them. This type of strapless slip is considered a body contouring garment. The body-smoothing, contouring strapless slip comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to black, though the most popular color proves to be a natural tone closest to the color of the person's skin who is wearing it.

Combining a bra with the strapless slip is also popular. This bra slip comes with a regular bra and also can include a padded push-up bra. Though still a part of the slip, the bra can offer as much firm support as a traditional strapless bra would do; it simply offers the one convenience of a one-piece garment. The strapless bra slip is often worn so that a smooth and seamless appearance is achieved under delicate fabrics, such as light silk or satin.

Strapless slips are not a modern convenience, as many may assume. These types of lingerie pieces have been around for centuries and first arose during the time of corsets. These undergarments have not greatly changed over the years, but have merely evolved to meet the fashion trends of what is worn over them. A strapless slip is a very hand accessory for a woman to include in her lingerie collection and can be kept for many years, even as clothing styles change.