Teddy (lingerie)

A teddy, also called a bodysuit or camiknicker, is a form of bodysuit-like lingerie, often worn in the boudoir. It is an undergarment that combines a camisole and panty in one piece. Unlike a full bodysuit, it is typically looser and more sheer and may be designed to slip off from the shoulders, rather than to open at the crotch.

History

Originally, they were marketed under the name envelope chemise or camiknickers; the latter was coined in the 1920s when they were introduced as a one-piece garment and it was derived from camisole and knickers. It was an appropriate garment to wear under the shorter dresses of the time and also gained popularity during the World War II when women who served in military-related duties wore trousers instead of skirts. By the late 1940s, the garment became less popular. The garment re-appeared in the lingerie market in the 1990s under the name teddy or bodysuit.

Modern teddy styles

There are two main types of teddies available today: teddies designed for visual appeal and teddies designed as practical clothing. Most modern teddies fall into one of these two categories. Common teddy styles are listed and explained below.

Bareback teddy

A teddy with an open back. Bareback teddies typically include one or more straps to provide bust support, so they can be worn without a bra, giving the wearer the appearance of a bare back.

Body briefer teddy

A fitted teddy designed for smoothing and shaping of the wearer's figure. Body briefers typically come in a variety of control levels, achieved by using different materials or thicknesses of materials in the body areas they are designed to control. Like sleep teddies, body briefers tend to use simpler materials and styles than teddies designed for visual appeal. Body briefers are also commonly referred to as "body shapers" or "women's shapers".

Day teddy

A teddy with snaps between the legs allows the wearer to use the bathroom without having to completely undress.

Fashion top teddy

A teddy which combines a thong panty, bra and fashion top. Fashion top teddies come in a wide variety of styles, from simple styles with plain materials to very fancy styles with beads, crystals, or sequins. Fashion top teddies can be worn as fancy undergarments or as an outer garment without a top over them.

Sleep teddy

A loose-fitting teddy designed as sleepwear. Sleep teddies tend to use simpler materials and styles than teddies designed for visual appeal.

Teddiette

A teddy with detachable garters.

Traditional teddy

A loose-fitting teddy designed for a visual, stimulating appeal and to show off the wearer's figure. Traditional teddies often use sheer or partially sheer material.