Although similar in appearance, chemises and slips perform different functions.

Chemises are worn next to the body, typically with a set of drawers. They protected the body from the corset and vice-versa.

Slips are worn over the underwear, as the final layer before the outer garments. They provide a slinky surface for the outer garments to slide over the body, hence the name slip.

While there was some transition, pretty much chemises were worn while corsets were in style, and slips started about the same time corsets started transitioning into girdles.

1910 Ivory Knit Chemise

1910 Ivory Knit Chemise

Crocheted Lace Neckline

 

1915 White Cotton Chemise

Embedded Green Ribbon

 

1920 Beige Silk Slip

1920 Beige Silk Slip

Embroidery Around Neckline

 

1920 White Cotton Chemise

1920 White Cotton Chemise

Embroidered Neckline

 

1930 Peach Silk & Lace Slip

1930 Peach Silk & Lace Slip

Bias Cut with Inset & Appliqued Lace

 

1940 Black Rayon & Lace Slip

1940 Black Rayon & Lace Slip

Lace at Neckline

 

1940 Black Rayon Slip

1940 Black Rayon Slip

Bias Cut, Floor Length

 

1940 Blue Rayon Slip

1940 Blue Rayon Slip

Bias Cut, Very Long