Vintage Lingerie Endures: Shadowline’s Retro Styles Make Ideal Holiday Gifts

Shadowline Lingerie’s vintage-inspired sleepwear and slips deliver that effortless, timeless charm everyone loves. Family-owned since 1914, the brand continues to shine through its three iconic lines: Shadowline®, Velrose®, and Dixie Belle®. Many of their classic pieces are still beloved today, and now a whole new generation is rediscovering the magic of vintage lingerie. With their nostalgic vibe, soft details, and sweet retro silhouettes, these pieces make truly delightful holiday gifts. (Illustrations and b&w photos are from the original catalogs and advertisements.)

Here’s several of the brand’s longest-standing, original lingerie vintage-inspired pieces to help with your holiday shopping!The charm of vintage-inspired sleepwear lies in its effortless mix of comfort and classic style. Easygoing silhouettes paired with a hint of old-school glamour. Shadowline captures that magic beautifully with dreamy, silky nightgowns and robes that channel the nostalgic elegance of decades past.

Peignoirs are pure luxury! Shadowline’s Silhouette Lace Bodice Long Nightgown (above) is designed with a soft stretch lace bodice and a smooth spandex back for a feminine, comfortable fit. Available in sizes S–3X and a range of lovely colors, it makes an especially wonderful gift for anyone who loves timeless style with a glamorous look and feel.Pair the stunning Silhouette nightgown with the matching Silhouette Lace Bodice Button Down Long Robe and wrap yourself (or someone you love) in vintage luxury!

Slips are having a moment, and honestly, they’ve never really gone out of style. If you’ve got a retro-fashion lover in your life, a beautiful slip makes a gift she’ll treasure (and wear) for years. Shadowline offers a wide range of Velrose vintage-inspired essentials: full and half slips, camisoles, culottes, pant slips, and slip shorts. All the go-to pieces you need for that perfectly polished vintage underpinning vibe.A breezy cotton slip that doubles perfectly as a cool, comfy nightie is an ideal gift for friends living in warmer climates. The Velrose® Woven Cotton Full Slip is the legendary piece that started it all over 100 years ago, and it’s still one of Shadowline’s top sellers today. Made from 100% pre-shrunk cotton with delicate scalloped lace trim, it layers effortlessly under almost any dress and feels just as good worn on its own. Available in sizes 34–52.A half slip as a gift? Absolutely! This longtime wardrobe classic is still a go-to. The Velrose® Woven Cotton Half Slip delivers all-day comfort with its 100% cotton feel and easy, mid-length silhouette. Finished with pretty scalloped lace at the hem and a comfy elastic waistband, it’s an effortless fit from XS–3X.If you, or your recipient prefers a satiny feel, Velrose also has silky-soft 100% Nylon Tricot slips in all lengths and a variety of colors and sizes.

Right before World War II, DuPont introduced nylon to the world and Velrose® jumped on the innovation fast. Their designers started using nylon tricot to make everything from panties to slips, and those classic styles are still fan favorites today.
This could be a favorite gift to give or receive! Velrose® Lace Snip-It Adjustable Length Nylon Full Slip is a timeless, elegant style with a twist, you choose your favorite length – above or below the knee. USA Fabric in silky 100% Nylon Tricot. At 28″ it can be snipped to 26″ or 24″ length from the waist, in sizes 32-48.

I know you’re saying ‘I want these for myself’! For a fun retro look (remember your Grandmother’s pettipants?) and yet so practical, Velrose® Adjustable Length Slip Shorts (shown left) are vintage-perfection! They’re also known as ‘tap pants’ to wear under dresses, skirts or pants. These versatile underpinnings are made with silky 100% Nylon Tricot, the 18″ length can be snipped to 16″ or 14″. For cotton lovers, choose the Snip-It Cotton Culottes (at right) Both styles come in 4 colors in sizes S-4X.

As they say “what goes around, comes around”. Velrose has certainly stood the test of time… it’s simply a classic brand.

Here’s a few more great gift ideas that have vintage-appeal from Shadowline:

For the young, and young at heart, Shadowline has a great selection of sleepwear and robes with a chic retro look.

Shadowline’s Charming Lace Trim Sleepshirt is so pretty, flattering, and totally budget-friendly… aka the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Made from silky charmeuse with vintage-inspired embroidered lace, this short-sleeve nightshirt feels as good as it looks. With 8 stunning colors and sizes from XS to 3X, it’s an easy win for holiday gifting. Want to make it feel extra special? Pair it with the matching Charming Lace Trim Satin Short Robe for a dreamy little set.Give her a gift that feels like pure bliss. The Petals Sleeveless Short Nightgown and Robe set is a flowy sleeveless shortie with a sweet floral neckline detail that adds just the right touch of charm. It’s paired it with the matching Petals 3/4 Sleeve Button-Down Short Robe for a beautifully coordinated set she’ll adore. With gorgeous colors and sizes from S to 3X, it’s a can’t-miss pick for any woman who loves to feel fabulous.Wouldn’t your spicy friend, sister (or Mom!) just adore this babydoll! The Silhouette Lace Vintage Babydoll Nightie brings flirty energy with its glossy Satintrique® Nylon Tricot and soft stretch lace bodice. It gives light support, smooth shaping, and an effortlessly cute vibe. Pair it with the matching Lace Cheeky Panty for a look that lands somewhere between retro charm and modern fun. Choose from Red, Blush, Ivory, Peri Frost, Black, Navy, or Silver, in sizes S–3X.

Let’s not forget to to wrap some comfy undies to put under the tree! The beloved Dixie Belle® Scallop Trim Full Brief Panty joined the Shadowline family several years ago and since 1947 it remains a top seller that’s adored by all age groups! The Dixie Belle® panty collection has expanded to include 4 additional 100% cotton full brief styles in several stylish colors. This year, the Dixie Belle® 100% Cotton Camisole With Lace Trim was added to the collection! This soft, 100% cotton cami features a reversible design so you can wear it as either a straight neck camisole or V neck. Available in white with an extensive size range of S-3X. A perfect piece for layering or alone for soft comfort. (Shown with the Dixie Belle® Cotton Modern Brief Panty with Lace Waistband).

Here’s hoping your holiday shopping was made a little easier with these fabulous gift ideas! Everyone at Shadowline Lingerie wishes all a joyous holiday season!

See more Shadowline collections in their Spotlight on Lingerie Briefs