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They aren’t hard to come by—but here’s how to find the one that’s perfect for you.
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In This Article
A slip is one of those wardrobe essentials you never really presume essential until you’re standing in a sheer dress in the middle of a pile of clothes, wishing you had one on hand. With more silhouettes than we can count, there’s probably a design out there that would work seamlessly with your look, even if it feels impossible. Slip dresses run the gamut, from the more elegant and elevated silk or satin options to casual cotton or spandex slips for added layers.
We tapped a celebrity stylist, lifestyle influencer, and fashion journalist to help us in our research and share their top picks for the best slip dresses in every category. After scouring the internet for quality reviews from well-trusted intimates brands, we’ve curated a list with something for everyone.
Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Spanx Carefree Crepe Reversible Slip Dress at Spanx $198 $99 Jump to Review Best Budget: Target Smart & Sexy Naked Strapless Slip at Target $25 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Laperla SILK Azure silk short slip at Laperla.com Jump to Review Best Half: Only Hearts Second Skins Short Half Slip at Amazon Jump to Review Best Long: Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Silk: Lunya Bias Slip Dress at Nordstrom $198 Jump to Review Best Black: Calvin Klein Satin Crossback Slip Dress at Calvinklein.us Jump to Review Best Satin: Fleur du Mal Chiffon & Satin Slip at Fleurdumal.com Jump to Review Best White: Intimissimi Silk Slip at Intimissimi.com Jump to Review Best Lingerie: b.tempt’d by Wacoal Opening Act Chemise Nightgown at Bloomingdales Jump to Review
Best Overall
Spanx Carefree Crepe Reversible Slip Dress
$99 at Spanx
Why We Love It: The beauty of this reversible slip dress is that you can turn it inside out to completely transform your look—and even the color of your outfit. Recommended by celebrity stylist Cristina Ehrlich, who calls Spanx a go-to brand for slips, the design is crepe on one side and a darker shade of satin on the other. Another bonus? It’s machine washable for easy repeat wearing. The straps are adjustable, too, for a custom fit, and there’s a built-in liner, so you don’t have to worry about any sheer elements.
Who It’s For: Someone looking for a convenient slip they can wash and wear often—and even style to wear out when not layering it underneath their clothes.
Material: Polyester, nylon, elastane | Size: XS–3X
Best Budget
Target Smart & Sexy Naked Strapless Slip
$24 at Target
Why We Love It: Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle influencer Chichi deems Target a go-to for affordable slips, and this foundational piece is the perfect start. Available in neutral shades of black, blushing rose, and sand, the strapless design is made from ultrasoft stretchy material. Some might even consider using it as a swimsuit coverup during warmer months. It can be hand-washed and should be laid flat to dry.
Who It’s For: Someone looking for a casual, affordable slip that is size-inclusive and semi-sheer—to be worn underneath other looks or as a swimsuit coverup.
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: S/M–4X/5X
Best Splurge
Laperla SILK Azure silk short slip
View on Laperla.com
Why We Love It: Crafted from 100 percent silk, there’s no denying the visual quality of this slip, which also comes in several other colors and prints on the brand’s site, including a striped version that could be dressed up for a summer evening soirée. Both fashion journalist Yaminah Mayo and Ehrlich call La Perla a favorite slip brand, and while you will have to open your wallet a bit wider to invest, this classic piece should last you for a lifetime. It features a scoop neckline, adjustable straps for customizable comfort, and a relaxed silhouette that’s oh, so elegant.
Who It’s For: Someone seeking a high-quality, luxury slip to add a touch of sophistication to their wardrobe—whether in the pajama category or otherwise.
Material: Silk | Size: XS–XL
Best Half
Only Hearts Second Skins Short Half Slip
View on Amazon $60 at Shopbop.com View on Artofintimates.com
Why We Love It: Ehrlich calls Only Hearts her “go-to trusted brand,” and it’s easy to see why from the look of the silky, nylon Lycra fabric that’s invisible under clothing. Reviewers praise its length for wearing under skirts that require a slip, although some folks have experienced it riding up over time. Nonetheless, the brown, black, and almond shades are perfectly neutral options for everyday wear.
Who It’s For: Someone who needs an added layer underneath a longer or knee-length skirt, or a dress that only requires coverage on the bottom.
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: XS–L
Best Long
Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress
View on Nordstrom View on Skims.com View on Lyst.com
Why We Love It: Skims is yet another favorite of Ehrlich’s, although many people favor the Kardashian-owned brand for its shapewear that comes in an extensive range of colors and sizes. This dress fits like a glove with a ribbed texture, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a semi-straight neckline. While reviewers all agree that it’s body-conscious and curve-revealing (best worn on days you feel confident), many people deem this one of the most flattering dresses they own—plus, you can wear it as a full-length slip underneath added layers if you don’t feel comfortable sporting it on its own.
Who It’s For: Someone looking to show off their curves in a body-conscious slip dress that’s adjustable and comes in many sizes and colors, or someone who needs a floor-length layering piece that’s butter-soft and comfortable.
Material: Modal, spandex | Size: XXS–4X
Best Silk
Lunya Bias Slip Dress
$198 at Nordstrom View on Lunya.co $198 at Neiman Marcus
Why We Love It: This washable silk bias slip dress has a slight stretch to it and adjustable shoulder straps with the convenient addition of nonslip rubbed binding. Another standout feature? The fabric is thermoregulating, which is an added design element you don’t see every day. Chichi recommends Lunya for its high-quality fabrics that make the brand stand out when it comes to luxury loungewear. If you’re looking to wear this slip dress alone, it comes in a few splashy prints, but the neutral options would work comfortably as a foundational layer.
Who It’s For: Someone seeking a high-quality, slightly stretchy slip in an innovative fabric that they can wear alone or underneath other clothing.
Material: Mulberry silk | Size: XS–XL
Best Black
Calvin Klein Satin Crossback Slip Dress
View on Calvinklein.us
Why We Love It: This elevated and sensual slip from Calvin Klein has a unique adjustable racerback that gives it a slightly sportier feel, and a silky soft satin touch. It’s partly lined in the interior, which means you can easily dress it up as your new favorite LBD, and machine washable for an easy clean after each wear.
Who It’s For: Someone looking for an elegant black slip that’s lightweight and sensual—but can also be worn as a dress on an evening out.
Material: Polyester | Size: XS-XL
Best Satin
Fleur du Mal Chiffon & Satin Slip
View on Fleurdumal.com
Why We Love It: Think of this slip as the idea of luxury. With its mixed-media material combo and the adorable pocket at the chest, the asymmetrical look is perfect for dressing up with heels for a night out—especially if you love to incorporate sheer elements. Ehrlich names Fleur du Mal as a sophisticated choice for slip lovers, and reviewers praise this design in particular for its high-quality construction and lavish fabric. Whether you choose it in Caspian blue or gray, the number is begging to be teamed with a pair of stilettos and a matching clutch.
Who It’s For: Someone who considers slips a nightlife staple and loves to incorporate sheer elements into their wardrobe.
Material: Polyester, silk, elastane | Size: XS–L
Best White
Intimissimi Silk Slip
View on Intimissimi.com
Why We Love It: Mayo recommends Intimissimi slips, and if you’re looking for one in white, this truly is the perfect shade. It’s not too bright, but also not sheer, and features a V-cut neckline and adjustable straps. Reviewers describe the silk fabric as being lightweight and durable through many washes and wears—and yes, you can toss this in the washing machine but should hang it to dry.
Who It’s For: Someone who needs a slip in white and prefers designs that aren’t form-fitting but rather elegantly draped to highlight the body’s natural shape.
Material: Silk | Size: XS–L
Best Lingerie
b.tempt’d by Wacoal Opening Act Chemise Nightgown
View on Bloomingdales $33 at Macy’s View on Barenecessities.com
Why We Love It: Recommended by Ehrlich as an under-layer, this slip balances sex appeal and support. The embroidery and details on this mesh slip flatter the bust without overwhelming it, and keep the wearer held in with adjustable straps and a thick band at the top of the ribcage. It comes in several colors, including black, blush pink, and turquoise, to appeal to various sensibilities. Reviewers found it comfortable, perhaps thanks to a bit of stretch to it, and you can even sport it with the matching panties underneath for a full lingerie look.
Who It’s For: Someone who loves high-quality lingerie and prefers slips that can be styled with matching underwear to wear to bed.
Material: Nylon, spandex | Size: S–XL
Best Mini
Commando Two-Faced Tech Control Strapless Slip
$118 at Amazon $118 at Nordstrom View on Wearcommando.com
Why We Love It: This Commando slip, available in black or nude, stays in place during wear and smooths the body without being overly constrictive. The material is thin, but reviewers say it still feels high quality, even through multiple washes and wears. While it doesn’t ride up, it’s still best for someone looking for a slip to wear under clothing that wouldn’t reveal hints of its V-shaped neckline or the slightly longer hemline. In other words, if you’re wearing it with a minidress that’s ultrashort, it could very well become visible with movement.
Who It’s For: Someone looking for a neutral slip to wear under a longer-length dress where the V-cut neckline will not be an inconvenience or become visible with movement.
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: XS–XL
Best Casual
Negative Underwear Supreme Mini Slip Dress
View on Negativeunderwear.com
Why We Love It: Ehrlich loves Negative Underwear, which may be lesser known for its slips. However, this sporty design has plenty of unique appeal. Available in black, pink, ivory, and two shades of blue, it’s equipped with a racerback, which makes it a pretty cool athleisure piece in our opinion. It’s made from the brand’s alternative to silk, which is a high-density woven poly, and it’s designed to fit relaxed, hitting at mid-thigh. The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, so if your day is about to get semi-active in the middle of summer, this could make for the perfect one-and-done outfit.
Who It’s For: Someone looking for minimalist loungewear or activewear that could also be dressed up as a layering piece—in a word: versatility.
Material: Korean high-density woven poly | Size: XS–XXL
Best Plus-Size
Torrid SLIP DRESS
View on Torrid.com
Why We Love It: Recommended by Chichi, Torrid is well-versed in providing stylish yet functional pieces that are also timeless in design. This slip is form-fitting, but provides only moderate compression, meaning it stretches with your body. A bonus is the ribbed hem that’s meant to prevent riding up, as well as the adjustable straps for a custom fit.
Who It’s For: A plus-size shopper looking for a slip that’s invisible and seamless under clothing and can be worn under a range of outfits, from casual to fancy, event-ready dresses.
Material: Nylon, spandex, cotton | Size: 10–30
Best Petite
Victoria’s Secret FeatherSoft Bodywear Slip
View on Victoriassecret.com
Why We Love It: Both Chichi and Ehrlich recommend Victoria’s Secret slips for their affordability, but the quality is obvious too with this particular design. Available in brown, black, nude, and sage, the slip is made of a buttery smooth microfiber with a slight sheen that hugs curves and also features a four-way stretch for mobility. The wicking properties keep you cool with wear, so if you’re sporting it under layers, you need not worry about breaking a sweat or feeling the impact. It’s available in a wide range of sizes with adjustable straps so you can customize the height. Finished with gold hardware, the partially recycled material should also make those seeking sustainable options feel good about their under-$100 purchase.
Who It’s For: Someone who wants a smoothing slip that’s stretchy, not overly compressive, and has an adjustable height range if they’re petite.
Material: Recycled polyamide, elastane | Size: XS–XXL
Best Sustainable
Araks Cadel Slip Cocoa
View on Araks.com
Why We Love It: Ehrlich recommends the Araks slip if you’re looking for more color and a sustainable option—but the shade options will far exceed your expectations. While most brands don’t make a slip in 13 hues, Araks did not disappoint. Key standout details include the sheer washed silk georgette fabric, which is elegant yet versatile; the pintucked stitching that highlights and flatters the waist; and the breathability of the design for the changing seasons. Of course, it can be layered, too—we recommend trying one of the more vibrant tones underneath a second transparent dress for an elegantly layered illusion.
Who It’s For: A true fashion savant who appreciates sustainable brands and likes experimenting with layers, or even wearing a standalone slip with impeccable craftsmanship as is.
Material: Silk | Size: XXS–XXXL
What to Keep in Mind
- Undergarments: While undergarments beneath a slip are largely up to preference if you’re looking for seamless coverage, Ehrlich recommends a superfine thong or high-waisted grandma panty for smoothing purposes and to avoid visible panty lines. Chichi notes that shapewear offers additional support, but says to choose nude underwear that matches your skin tone. If you do want to add a bra under your slip, she recommends something strapless, especially if the slip has thin straps. On the other hand, Mayo offers the idea to create a colorful layered effect with your look: “If I’m open to being a bit more scantily clad, I’ll don a bold color panty underneath,” she says. On conservative days, she wears nude underwear from Cuup and may choose to add pasties if she’s self-conscious about fabric transparency.
- Fabric: When it comes to assessing the quality of a slip, fabric is everything. However, the material should also be dependent upon the usage of the slip. Ehrlich explains that sometimes a sheer dress requires a clean, straightforward classic slip, which works fine in cotton, silk viscose, or rayon (these being more casual fabrics). But silk and satin slips are better for special occasions or nightwear. Mayo emphasizes the importance of fabric choice: “It’s very important to me because it determines drape, and as someone who is curvier, drape and fit are everything.” She notes that she feels particularly luxurious in a Tencel slip.
- Layering: A slip is best used as a foundational layer when you need something smooth underneath a dress or skirt that’s sheer, clingy, or may cause chafing. But if you’re looking to start with a slip and then layer pieces on top to create an outfit, Chichi loves blazers for a polished look, cardigans for a cozy, casual moment, and sheer tops to add interest and still give way to a peek of the slip. Ehrlich likes to achieve the rock ‘n‘ roll vibe with a denim jacket or a monochromatic fall outfit with an oversized turtleneck on top in a slightly different shade than the slip itself. “Wearing a slip as your foundation is a great way to add dimension to your look and make it more interesting with different shapes,” she says.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you choose the right slip size?
Ehrlich notes that the general rule of thumb is to base your slip size on your dress size, but read up on fabric and how it affects fit if there are reviews to peruse. For example, Mayo knows exactly what she’s looking for—silk or Tencel because the material drapes better without too much luster; maxi length so that it hits no more than three inches above the ankle; and a relaxed bust to achieve the perfect amount of cleavage. “It seems like a long checklist, but in the dressing room, it goes quickly,” she says, suggesting that trying on a slip before purchasing it can be key. Finally, Chichi recommends measuring your bust, waist, and hips before beginning your search, as many sites do include size charts that will help direct you to the perfect curve-skimming silhouette.
Can you wear a slip as a dress?
Chichi, Ehrlich, and Mayo all agree that a slip can definitely be worn as a dress (if you’ve made it this far and that still hasn’t become clear). While everyone chooses to accessorize a slip dress differently—Ehrlich with a ton of rings, stacked bracelets, a watch, and diamond studs and Mayo with a silk headscarf and dainty bag—it can be designated for day or night. “The slip dress has made the transition from lingerie to summer essential because they’re lightweight and romantic when standing in the pressure cooker also known as the subway station,” Mayo says. Chichi suggests trying out a belt to cinch the waist and create shape, advising that whether you choose one for a cocktail party, date night, or casual summer outing all comes down to the jacket and shoes.
Why Shop With Us
Sarah Wasilak is a published writer, podcast host, and the Associate Director of Commerce at Popsugar. She writes across the fashion, fitness, and lifestyle categories with a strong focus on amplifying minority voices in her work, showcasing and uplifting a diverse group of people with every story she writes. For this roundup, she spoke with celebrity stylist Cristina Ehrlich, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle influencer Chichi, and fashion journalist Yaminah Mayo.