Roaring 20's Van Raalte Singlettes

1920s Flappers had newfound freedom and lotsa style!  Van Raalte was quick to cash in on the new fashions and came out with a line of all in one, "step in" undergarments called "Singlettes".

Check out this incredibly rare 1920s teddy currently on auction from NancyRomancy .  This vintage beauty is in a lovely silk knit (probably a jersey).  Fabulous Flapper Style.  It's hard to imagine how revolutionary it was for women to have freedom of movement!

Also see this photo from Harpers Magazine dated 1928 of a dancer wearing what appears to be the same design courtesy of GlamourSplash's Blog   There are some really amazing photos of 1920s ballerinas wearing Van Raalte Singlettes in this post so make sure you check this out!' 

1937 Stryps Girdle Singlette from Forgetmenot3

Van Raalte registered the trademark for the word "singlette" as a combination undergarment made of knitted fabric: First use declared as 1925, registration March 18, 1930.  I could not find the patent for this.

STRYPS

Serious lingerie collectors always hope to acquire at least one piece from Van Raalte's STRYPS line. The 1940's pieces are a delicious curve hugging spun rayon knit. The pattern is the most subtle tone on tone; alternating shiny and matte stripes. Gloriously comfortable with undeniable sex appeal, these gowns are my absolute favorite.


A Cerulean Blue Stryps Ballet Length Nightgown, courtesy of GUN STREET VINTAGE , likely a 60s vintage.


Here is a truly gorgeous example of a Stryps nightgown in lavender pink, recently sold on EBay by the Silkenhouse who also has their own website at http://www.silverscreenloungerie.com/






Here is another V neck Stryps gown in baby blue courtesy of Molly Rita's Vintage Fashion



Following their huge success of their Stryps line of knit rayon lingerie, Van Raalte found many imitations or "knockoffs" of this style on the market. They did, however, license Sears to sell this style, but not under the "Stryps" name. Sears sold this unique style under the Charmode name, and called them simply "Rayon Tricot". Here is an example of a lavender pink Charmode teddy ( or onesie) which is identical to the lavender pink gown show at the top of this page. Information and photos courtesy of the Silkenhouse and the http://www.silverscreenloungerie.com/




About dating.
The earliest Stryps ad we found was dated 1933 and the latest was 1968.