Silk dresses, blouses & slips

Silk dresses, blouses, tops and slips, each one measured flat across the bust and down the length, from Chloé, Sandro, Gianfranco Ferré, Louis Feraud, Coast, Pure Collection and the occasional men’s silk shirt. The care label is read on every piece, so 100% silk means 100% silk and blends are listed as blends. The line above shows what is in stock today.

Silk shows its history. The listing notes pulls, marks and weakened seams where we find them, and the photos show the sheen and the colour as they are. Slips and bias-cut dresses stretch on the bias, so they are measured flat and relaxed, not pulled.

How they fit: the bust is given round; compare it with a top you own laid flat and doubled. The size on the listing is the size the piece fits on our model, a UK 8, or the label size where a piece was photographed on the hanger.

Put your own measurements into Will it fit? before you buy.

How do I wash a vintage silk blouse? Cold hand wash with a silk or delicates wash, no soaking, no wringing, rolled in a towel and dried flat or on a padded hanger out of the sun. Iron inside out on low while still slightly damp. Dry-clean anything lined or structured.

Why does vintage silk feel heavier than new? Older silk was often woven at a higher weight, measured in momme. A 90s blouse can feel noticeably more substantial than a current one at the same price; it drapes better and wears longer.