Slip
The undergarment has been an integral part of the clothing of both sexes for centuries and was worn under the outer clothing or armor in order to be able to wear the rough outer clothing made of coarse fibers or metal ( armor ) at all. It also served to keep the body warm. It was woven from flax or linen. The undergarment is now mostly only worn by women (in different cuts). In Austria in the 20th century the expression "Kombineige" or "Kombinege" (spoken, and sometimes also written like this: "Kombinesch", emphasis on the 'e') was common.
shape
The shape of a classic undergarment of the 20th century ( English slip or full slip ) is similar to that of a particularly long men's undershirt with narrow, approx. 2-4 centimeters wide straps. There are also more modern shapes with spaghetti straps . It could also be used as a nightdress. At the lower hem, on the straps as well as in the cleavage , the slip is often set off with lace.
function
It served both to maintain body heat and to increase the comfort of a dress. Due to the smooth surface of the undergarment, which was formerly made of silk and later mostly made of synthetic fibers ( polyester , acetate , nylon , polyamide / Dederon ), the outerwear easily "slips" around the body and therefore makes the clothing easier to wear without pinching or unsightly rests against the body. Undergarments are also mistakenly referred to as petticoats .
A modern variant called the form dress is also used to smooth out unevenness such as bacon rolls . In addition, the skirt hem can be provided with silicone to prevent it from sliding up and the resulting creases. Sewn-in underpants can also be found here , which can be closed like bodies in the crotch and are less visible due to the missing waistband.
At the beginning of the new millennium, fashion has changed. Classically elegant clothing and the associated undergarments and petticoats are rarely worn by young women. Wearing synthetic fibers over a large area directly on the skin is also associated with the judgment of generating sweat odors more quickly.
production
Underwear, as long as it is still worn, is largely made of cotton in Germany today and is therefore more of a response to the need for warm underwear. In English-speaking countries, as in Japan, where conservative, stylish clothing is often required in school and at work (skirt, blouse, costume, uniform), classic undergarments, including those made from synthetic materials, are still in use.