The Appeal of Vintage Lingerie You may ask, "what is the allure of vintage lingerie and why so sought-after by collectors?" We will begin with a brief discussion of the important role lingerie fulfilled in recent fashion history. Most women of the 1940s through early 1960s took great pride in their femininity and would never think to step out of the house without being impeccably groomed. Underneath their carefully chosen garments, they donned a full array of foundations to complete a smooth, polished appearance. Often, a bra, panties, girdle, slip and stockings were worn on a daily basis. This was true whether the woman was a career girl or homemaker - she always made sure to look her best in the office, home or while shopping. Girdles and corsets with firm powernet and zippers offered excellent molding power for achieving a hourglass figure. Circle-stitch bullet bras earned their name by giving the bust a perfect, uplifted silhouette. Panties and slips were often frilly with lace, ribbons, appliques and chiffon. Since pantyhose was not yet available, stockings in silk, rayon or nylon were fastened to the garters of a garter belt or girdle. After hours, a flowing peignoir set in silk, rayon, or chiffon was the choice of many a beautiful lady enjoying a relaxing evening in her boudoir. Premier manufacturers such as Vanity Fair, Van Raalte, Barbizon, Lily of France, Warner's and others took great pride in creating lingerie and foundations for their appreciative customers. Lingerie fashion design was an art in terms of style, construction and materials that cannot be duplicated today. The sensuous nylon fabrics were nearly sheer and buttery soft, woven on looms that are now obsolete. Lace trims were quite exquisite and used generously to adorn lingerie. Quality and attention to detail was of the utmost importance to the major lingerie manufacturers of those decades. Women of the past reveled in being a woman and men were delighted to admire and adore them. It is true that many modern ladies prefer the styles of the mass-marketed lingerie available today. But when one wants to achieve the unique look of the elegant movie stars or sexy pin-up girls of the '40s, '50s, or '60s, she looks to adding special pieces of vintage lingerie to her underdressing repertoire. Some women also want to find that perfect bra, slip or girdle they loved to wear and can no longer find. The primary reasons collectors choose to acquire vintage lingerie is to experience the superb quality, sensuous feel and unique design of gorgeous underpinnings created long ago. Copyright 2008 Heavenly Vintage Lingerie

Vintage Slips Make Your Online Purchase a Happy One Do you love being different by wearing few-of-a-kind fashions? Are you envious of the glamourous style of the movie stars and pin-up girls of the past? Wearing vintage slips may be the perfect answer for you. The quality fabrics, unique trims and meticulous construction of slips manufactured decades ago cannot be duplicated. You'll be thrilled to add one or more to your underpinnings wardrobe. Before you make the decision to buy, do your homework, especially if you want to splurge on a high-end piece. Following is advice to consider when buying a half or full vintage slip from an online dealer: Styles Proper Edwardian ladies wore romantic white cotton petticoats and chemises, many intricately embroidered and embellished with fine lace. During the 1920s, women yearned for less restrictive clothing and slips were made of delicate silk designed in straight, comfortable styles with beautiful trimmings. As the 1930s and 1940s progressed, slips were designed to accentuate a woman's form and allow movement utilizing rayon satin fabrics and bias-cut styling. 1950s - the era of Hollywood sex symbols. Slips still emphasized femininity and were predominately nylon lavished with lace, appliques and chiffon. A woman wanting to dress with less fuss could choose an all-in-one bra and girdle slip complete with stocking garters. Rustling crinolines to fill out full-skirted dresses were all the rage. The 1960s arrived and women's fashions changed drastically. As the hemlines rose, the length of slips followed suit. Reflecting the era of hippies and free love, bold colors and psychedelic prints prevailed. Full slips with built-in bras were a popular choice. The next two decades offered many styles including long lengths to wear under '70s maxi dresses and spandex to complement the close-fitting power skirts of the '80s. Manufacturers Vanity Fair - famous for exquisite designs and producing sensuous, nearly sheer Antron III nylon. Van Raalte - known for producing incredible slips that are highly sought after by today's collectors. Aristocraft - many of their '50s slips are quite fancy with ruched chiffon and lace. Fischer - very collectible silk and rayon slips trimmed with lace from the 1940s. Barbizon - offered lovely slips in silk, rayon and nylon in a wide variety of sizes. Sizes Generally, if bust size 36 or waist size 28 is on the tag, it correctly corresponds to modern dimensions. When sizes are indicated as 16 or Large, they usually do not comport with modern sizing. Women were smaller decades ago so accurate measurements are important. Always ask for all pertinent numbers including bust, waist, hips and length. If there is stretch in the bust or waist, ask for relaxed and maximum stretch measurements. Measure a similar undergarment you own to ascertain whether the fit will be comfortable. Condition Condition is a key element of choosing a vintage slip. Many women improperly stored their undergarments in hot attics or damp basements which are damaging to textiles, especially silk. Washing and drying lingerie in machines resulted in tears, pulls and pilling. Some homemakers attempted alterations with poor results. Ask the dealer if any apparent alterations were made, if the fabric is supple with no dry rot and if mildew stains or musty odors are present. Issues such as holes, stains, tears, fading and discoloration should be fully stated in the description since they affect price. Inquire if in doubt - a reputable merchant should answer any questions in a prompt and thorough manner. Price Prices can range from $10.00 for a simple half slip to hundreds of dollars for a 1930s Juel Park silk and lace beauty. Van Raalte slips with pleats and copious lace may fetch up to $200.00 or more depending on condition, color and size. Vanity Fair pieces with fancy trim can sell for $50.00 to $175.00. Compare those prices for such high quality designs to the cheap, mass-produced slips of today and you still have a bargain. Now you have the basic knowledge that will help avoid disappointments when making your first purchase of a vintage slip. Don't be dazzled by the photos and neglect to read the description. Remember, it costs nothing to ask questions and gather information. Your ultimate goal is a satisfying buy that you can enjoy for years to come. Copyright 2008 Heavenly Vintage Lingerie