Summer Silk Lingerie

Joanne

Joanne

Alumni
Hi, I have a 1950s slip on which the label gives the fabric as "summer silk". Does this literally mean silk or was there a synthetic that went by that name? Brand is Prestige. Thanks.
 
I recommend a burn test - silk knit is unusual in lingerie and words prefixing "silk" are often a way to give the impression of silk when it's something else, eg "art silk" (rayon), "eco silk" (nylon). 1950s lingerie is usually either rayon or nylon too. A burn test will clearly identify the fabric content.

UPDATE: I found these knickers from the National Trust that have a label that says "Label 1: "SUMMER SILK / Prestige / 38 SEAT" Label 2: "100% VISCOSE RAYON""
 
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The Fairchild Books Dictionary of Textiles directs you to the definition of Louisine when you look up summer silk. They give this definition of Louisine: "A lustrous lightweight silk dress fabric made with twice as many ends as picks per square inch; each pick usually crosses two end at once, forming warp ribs. Synonym: summer silk."
 
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