Plus-Size Slips Under Dresses: Which Kind You Need
Wear a full slip under sheer, lace or clingy dresses; a half slip under skirts; and a camisole under sheer tops. Choose one an inch shorter than your hem.
A slip does two jobs: it adds coverage under fabric you can see through, and it keeps a dress from clinging. Sheer, lace or static-prone? Wear one. Fully lined? Usually skip it. Our wide array of Catherines slips and camisoles cover every case below.
How do you choose the right slip for your dress?
Five quick checks settle it:
- Check the fabric against the light. Hold the dress up to a bright window. If you can see your hand through it, plan on a slip.
- Look inside for a lining. Turn the dress inside out. A full lining or a backing fabric usually handles coverage on its own.
- Match the slip type to the garment. Choose a full slip for an unlined dress, a half slip for a skirt or a dress that is only sheer below the waist, and a camisole for a sheer blouse or bodice.
- Set the length. Aim for a slip that ends about an inch above your hem so it never peeks out when you sit, walk or dance.
- Check straps and neckline. Try both on together; straps and the slip's top edge should stay hidden.
Which slip goes with which outfit?
Match the slip to where the sheerness or cling is.
| What You're Wearing | What To Wear Under It |
|---|---|
| Unlined sheer, lace or clingy dress | Full slip |
| Skirt, or a dress sheer only below the waist | Half slip |
| Sheer blouse or sheer bodice | Camisole |
| Fully lined or backed dress | Usually nothing extra |
Do you need a slip under a lined dress?
Usually not. A lining or backing already gives you coverage, so add a slip only if the dress still clings or the lining stops short of where you need it.
Many special-occasion dresses are built this way. Our Sparkling Lace Jacket Dress is a good example: the lace dress is backed with a silky-smooth fabric, and the lightweight mesh jacket is a separate piece worn over it. Shoppers often ask whether it's see-through and needs a slip; because the dress is backed, it doesn't.
The same goes for the fully lined Georgette Flyaway Maxi Dress and the sleeveless lace tank in the Lace Gala 3-piece pant suit, which has full lining.
What length slip should you wear?
Choose a slip that ends about an inch shorter than your hem. Measure your dress from waist to hem for a half slip, or from shoulder to hem for a full slip, then subtract an inch.
Frequently asked questions
Do people still wear slips under dresses?
Yes. Slips are still the simplest fix for sheer, lace or clingy dresses, and they help a dress glide over your body instead of catching on it.
How do I stop a dress from clinging to my legs?
Static cling is one of the most common reasons to wear a slip. A smooth layer between your skin and the dress lets the skirt fall and move freely.
Can I wear a camisole instead of a full slip?
Only if the dress is sheer just through the bodice. A camisole covers the top half; anything sheer or clingy below the waist still calls for a full or half slip.