Opaquelon

Probably one of Van Raalte's most famous and coveted lines of lingerie. Buttery soft and silky luxury nylon, often with amazing lace, chiffon and crystal pleat treatments.

A masterpiece in pink crystal pleats courtesy of Empress Jade Vintage

Here is a exceptionally lovely black opaquelon full slip recently sold by auction EBAY seller cork123 Notice the amazing deep scalloped lace and chiffon hem. To die for!

Here is a unique 50s 2 tone opaquelon suit slip. We've never seen one in grey & white before.

A gorgeous feminine peachy pink opaquelon full slip currently available from The Purse Diva at Main Street Vintage

A Navy Blue Opaquelone Half Slip with crystal pleat and lace hem, courtesy of Empress Jade Vintage

Black Chantilly Lace & Deep Crystal Pleat Flounce Hem Opaquelon Full Slip - Contributed by EHappy Vintage

Van Raalte TIMELINE

This is a work in progress, so if you have any additional information, or if you see any errors please let us know.

• 1902 or 1907 (conflicting dates at to start of company on VR family website) - Emanuel and Zealie Van Raalte start E. & Z. VAN RAALTE COMPANY in New York City 
• 1910 - First American made veiling produced in a new factory built by Van Raaltes' in Lakeview, NJ
• 1913   - accrording to the US trademark database this logo was first in use 1913

• 1918
  Van Raalte Silk Mills takes over Niagara Silk Mills who are known for their "Niagara Maid" line of gloves, stockings and underwear.
• 1927 "Because you love nice things" advertizing campaign starts
• 1937 - The Van Raalte Mill in Boonton NJ manufactures the first fully fashioned nylon stockings as part of the testing process for Duponts new nylon fiber.
• 1938 - E. I. du Pont de Nemours (Dupont) announces the invention of nylon to the public.
• 1939 - Dupont promotes nylon at the NY World's Fair.
• 1940, 15 May - "N" DAY declared by Dupont. Nylon stockings first go on sale and 5 million pairs are sold in a single day!
• 1941, 26 July - US Government bans use of silk except for military use.
• 1945 - Van Raalte counterfeit "nylon" stockings are sold by profiteers and company gets complaints.
• 1977 - Kellwood Company acquires the US rights to the Van Raalte brand of women's hosiery and bodywear
• 1994 - Warnarco acquired Van Raalte trademark for apparel sold to Sears Roebuck
• 1995 - Sears announces their exclusive Van Raalte Lingerie to be sold in their stores