Shadows and shadow panels - I'm puzzled!

[Barbara Robson]

Hi all - can some kind soul help me with an explanation?

I have an old vintage slip with the original cardboard tag still attached that mentions having a 'shadow panel' which I assume is the bit of the bust and hem that has a chiffon panel. The blurb on the card goes on to say about 'eliminating shadow'. Can anyone explain what 'shadow' means in a fashion sense? Why is it to be avoided?

I should know better at my age but this one has me well and truly puzzled....

Thanks in advance!

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

i hadn't heard of the term before, but found this in a seller's description on etsy:

It is rare to find slip patterns with the optional shadow panel, which was something women wore so that you could not see the outline of their inner thighs through their slips and dresses.

 

[Vintagiality]

Yes it’s usually an extra layer in front to prevent show-through

 

[Midge]

I haven't heard the term before, but I assumed that that was the point.

 

[northstarvintage]

I've also heard them referred to as "modesty panels."

 

[Barbara Robson]

Fabulous! Thank you all so much for your kind help!

 

[retro ruth]

Wow! I'd never heard of this.

To me a 'modesty panel' is under a desk! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modesty_panel

But shadow panel is new to me.

 

[Joyatri]

Same here, I've only heard "modesty panel" in reference to furniture.

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

This is a very common term on vintage slips. I have had them from the 1930s , up to the 70s.
Most of the time, mine have been at the seat, hips and leg area to prevent sheerness and to prevent cling.
It also keeps the "seat" from bagging.

I have not seen any labeled as such with the bust area.
I will post later with some examples.

 

[lkranieri]

It also keeps the "seat" from bagging.

I can only wish...

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

LOl, well, it is supposed to work for bagging !

 

[thevintagebungalow]

I always call them modesty panels too.

 

[Vinclothes]

Do you remember a photo of young Princess Diana wearing a sheer dress through which you could see her limbs. Heavens!
She needed your slip.
Marian

 

[retro ruth]

Do you remember a photo of young Princess Diana wearing a sheer dress through which you could see her limbs. Heavens!
She needed your slip.
Marian

I had exactly the same thought!

I believe the photographers deliberately positioned her with the light behind her, a nasty trick. It was one of her very first press shoots.

 

[Midge]

I was thinking of that too - and yes, I seem to remember that I read somewhere that the photographers did it on purpose.