Camisole vs slip vs bra: what's the difference and when to wear each

A camisole is one of the most useful things in an Indian wardrobe, and one of the most misunderstood. Is it a bra? A slip? Something only for under sheer kurtis? Here's what each one does, when to wear which, and how to wear a camisole with a bra.

The short version: a bra supports. A camisole covers: it's a light top with thin straps worn under see-through or low-neck clothes, or on its own at home. A slip is a longer, dress-length layer worn under skirts and dresses. Most days, a camisole goes over your bra, not instead of it.

Camisole vs slip vs bra at a glance

When a camisole makes the outfit work

• Sheer or light kurtis. White, chikankari and georgette kurtis show your bra and skin through the fabric. A skin-tone or matching camisole stops that without adding bulk.
• Deep necks and loose armholes. A camisole fills the gap so your bra doesn't show when you bend.
• Shirts that gape between buttons. It covers the gap without pinning.
• Sweat protection. Cotton absorbs sweat before it reaches your kurti, so delicate fabrics last longer and show fewer marks.
• At home and for sleeping. On its own, a soft camisole is cooler than a T-shirt on hot nights.

Do you wear a bra under a camisole?

For outside the house, yes: the camisole goes over the bra. A camisole's thin cotton gives cover, not support.

At home, while sleeping or lounging, many women skip the bra and wear the camisole alone. That's what the soft, breathable fabric is for.

For teens who aren't ready for a bra yet, a camisole is often the gentle first step. When it's time, a soft starter bra is the next one (see our first bra guide for parents).

Which colour camisole?

• Under white or very light kurtis: pick beige (skin tone), not white. White shows through as a white shape, while beige disappears.
• Under dark kurtis: black or navy.
• Under coloured kurtis: match the kurti, or go beige.
• To wear on its own: any colour you like.

Our cotton camisoles come in beige, white, black, grey, navy blue, baby pink and pistachio green, all ₹349.

Getting the fit right

• Adjustable straps let you set the length so the straps sit over your bra straps, not beside them. That way only one strap shows at the shoulder.
• It should sit smooth, not tight. Too tight and it rolls up at the waist; too loose and it bunches under a fitted kurti.
• Pick your size by bust: the camisole chart is in our size guide.

And when do you need a slip?

A slip is longer than a camisole: it covers you to the knee or below. Use one under thin cotton or chiffon dresses and skirts that cling or show your legs in sunlight. Under a kurti and leggings, a camisole is enough.

For what to wear under each Indian outfit, see what to wear under a kurti or saree. For white kurtis specifically, read how to wear a white kurti without visible bra lines.

Wrong size? Exchanges are free within 7 days of delivery.