What is Teddy Lingerie?

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Ahh, the teddy. She’s popular, she’s versatile, and very easy to find at your favorite major lingerie retailers.

While not as ancient as our loyal garment the chemise is, the teddy still goes back about a century. Today, we’ll go over the history of the teddy, what it is, and how it differs from other one-pieces. We’ll also provide our care tips as well as styling tips for both inside and outside the bedroom..

Keep on reading for another comprehensive guide to your favorite lingerie garments!

What is a Teddy?

A teddy garment is essentially lingerie’s answer to the bodysuit. It functions as well as looks like a bodysuit and teddy garments do not typically stray from this design.

Unlike the bodysuit, however, teddy lingerie is normally sheer and made with a sexy silhouette in mind. It’s usually manufactured in fabrics such as lace, silk, or satin. Often they will have a built-in bustier or corset and feature a revealing neckline, halter neckline, open back, and even crotchless options

They also feature nearly every style of panty cut, from thong to cheeky to a full back.

A Brief History Lesson:

Far from having an ancient history but still older than your grandmother, the teddy originated in the early 1900s as an amalgamation of a camisole and a pair of underwear, or knickers. The moniker ‘camiknicker’ was coined, as well as other creative ones like ‘envelope chemise.’

The 1920s brought the name ‘teddy’ as coined by lingerie designer Theodore Baer, who combined a chemise with panties, for those who wanted a functional and full-er coverage piece of underwear.

Indeed, during those times, the teddy was meant more of a convenient, functional, and considerably more modest undergarment meant to be worn under a short dress rather than a sexy frock exclusively for bedtime – although it was still used as a piece of lingerie in some cases.

Teddys were also used as an even more functional undergarment during the Second World War. Women who served in the military required underwear that could be worn with trousers, so the teddy was the answer to this predicament.

After the war, the teddy lost its appeal until the 1960s, when it was introduced in the beginning stages of the form we recognize today. It was constructed as a bra with a slip attached, meant to be a more convenient alternative than the fussy half-slip of the time.

As the 1900s came to a close, we see the design as it is now, albeit with a brief affair with spandex in the 80s and 90s.

How To Care For Your Teddy Garment

Washing instructions

Most teddy garments are made with delicate fabrics like silks, satins, and lace. Not exactly suitable for a rough tumble dry.

Unless the washing instructions say otherwise, always hand wash in warm or cool water and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing it out, as this will cause it to lose its shape and possibly disturb the fibers of fabrics like silk and satin. Instead, roll it in a large towel to absorb that extra water before laying it flat.

Style Tips

The teddy is considered to be one of the most flattering, sexy, and versatile pieces of lingerie on the market. Indeed, early iterations of the teddy were meant for those who might have been more body-conscious and wanted extra coverage without sacrificing allure.

The many different styles and designs of the teddy offer something for everyone. For example, a halter strap teddy or one with a bustier would be very flattering for an individual with a larger bust.

We love the teddy for everything from the office, lounging at home, nights out, to the bedroom. Check out some of our favorite teddy styling tips:

Everyday

• A full-coverage teddy can double as a bodysuit. Pair it with a blazer and sharp slacks for a put-together yet edgy office look.
• Headed out for a night on the town? Pair a sheer teddy with a pair of leggings or slim-fitting pants with killer heels. Bonus points if you add a duster or camel coat.
• Lounging around on a Sunday afternoon doesn’t have to mean sweatpants. Breakout a sleepwear teddy for your couch nap session. These are often made of silk and satin with a looser fit for prime comfort. Go ahead, give it a try. You’ll thank us later.

In The Bedroom

Teddys are wonderful for the bedroom. They’re versatile, often coming in a wide variety of colors, cuts, and some even have appliques like bows, fur, and jewelry on them. Go ahead, fill that closet.

• Feeling shy? Pick up a black teddy with sheer mesh on the abdomen, opaque coverage in the panty, and a firm bustier. These little guys will accentuate all of the right places without baring it all right out of the gate.
• If you’re on the racy side, choose a high cut, plunging teddy made of lace. Bonus points if it’s red.

Teddys vs. Bodysuits and Babydolls

Today’s market loves a good one-piece garment. Bodysuits, babydoll lingerie, and even bodystockings. Lingerie has also taken a careful leap from being just Victoria’s secret within the bedroom to chic streetwear. But what are some identifying differences between the teddy and other one-pieces?

• Bodysuits are typically made of cotton or other cotton blends and not a piece of lingerie. They’re often used as a form-fitting undershirt or as a standalone piece of lounge clothing.
• Babydolls are also somewhat of a one-piece, but they’re more of a negligee. They’re a loose-fitting gown that typically features an empire waist. Babydolls are also favored for weddings and honeymoons while teddys are more versatile.

We love the teddy for being one of the most flattering pieces of lingerie on the market. It’s had quite the metamorphosis from its inception in the early 1900s; from name changes to functionality differences – but we know that it’s a classic staple for any girl’s lingerie drawer.