What is Babydoll Lingerie?

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The babydoll is arguably one of the most iconic and timeless pieces of lingerie on the market today. Over the decades, it’s been used as a feminist statement, as a costume, streetwear, sleepwear, and more. We love it for its versatility, iconic silhouette, and romantic femininity

In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive mini (heh, how fitting) guide to the babydoll. We’ll go over the babydoll’s intriguing inception and history over the decades as well as our tips on wearing this wardrobe staple both on the street and in the bedroom.

What is a Babydoll?

A piece of babydoll lingerie is almost always sleeveless and is loose-fitting. It may or may not come as a set including a pair of underwear or shorts in any given cut and fabric. 

Typically the garment will either have cups or a bralette, with a loose-fitting skirt attached or be one uniform loose-fitting garment. The key here is a fitted waist with a very flowy body. This design allows for many different body types to enjoy this mod look. 

Typically the babydoll is very short, falling just above the upper thigh, and is almost always accompanied by whimsical additions like fur, fasteners, lace, bows, ribbons, and other appliques. The garment itself is usually made of chiffon, lace, satin, or silk.

Interestingly, the babydoll has become more of a concept than a piece of cloth in the last few decades. Not only is the word a descriptor for a piece of lingerie, but it translates over to a style of cut for dresses. Major trendy retailers like American Eagle, Nordstrom, Free People, SHEIN, and many more have adopted this style and have made it a significant trend within the last few years – particularly with Millennials and Generation Z. 

A prime example of how the babydoll has infiltrated style and pop culture is Ariana Grande’s 34 + 35 music video. In a dancing segment, Grande, always one for a 60s inspired look, is shown alongside her backup dance team wearing gorgeous lavender colored babydoll dresses trimmed with faux-fur. A real moment.

The Babydoll: A History

We see a babydoll silhouette and immediately think of 60s bouffant hairstyles accompanied by moon boots. This can be accurate, but the origin of the babydoll is actually quite a bit more practical than how most people see them today. 

It began with sleepwear and lingerie designer Sylvia Pedlar. The Second World War had left designers with quite the fabric shortage, among other things. Instead of simply sitting on her hands and waiting for more fabric (which could take ages), Sylvia took initiative and introduced an ultra-short nightgown and bloomer set. It was a hit and eventually was casually referred to as a babydoll due to its innocent silhouette and similarities to popular infant pajamas of the day.

Interestingly, Sylvia had a distaste for the babydoll moniker and refrained from using it to describe her novel nightdresses.

The babydoll style was further iconized by actress Carroll Baker while starring in the movie Baby Doll during the late 1950s. 

The babydoll morphed from a practical, cute set of pajamas to a fashion statement. During the 1980s and 1990s, the ‘kinderwhore’ look was popularized by notable female punk-rock bands such as riot Grrl and eccentric performers like Courtney Love. The style was meant almost ironically and as a feminist movement; an intentional contrast to the concept of traditional femininity. 

As style through the decades progressed from grunge to glam, we see the babydoll morph into a romantic piece of lingerie for a sensual night in or for a wedding night rather than a political statement. Although, one can wear what they like for that!

How To Care For Babydoll Lingerie

Lingerie is almost always made with delicate fabrics like silks, satins, and lace. Putting a babydoll with lace, furs, appliques, or bows through a rough spin cycle or through a hot tumble dry is going to end in tears, no question. 

Unless the washing instructions say otherwise, always gently hand wash in cool water. Refrain from rubbing or handling the garment too roughly during the wash. Use a mild, enzyme-free detergent 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.

If the babydoll garment has washing instructions that allow for machine washing, invest in a laundry bag, and use a delicate or gentle cycle. 

Style Tips: The Babydoll 

Of course, we know that the babydoll has slowly made its way off of the lingerie racks and into the repertoire of premium clothing retailers, so we’ve compiled a few examples of ways to style your babydoll in the streets as well as the sheets.

Streets

• Listening to a lot of Taylor Swift lately? We get it. Why not grab a light plaid babydoll dress and pair it with a white or black turtleneck and some Docs? 
• Headed to the beach? Grab an extra loose-fitting linen blend babydoll dress to throw over your swimsuit. 
• A babydoll is as sultry as you want it to be. Grab a flirty bright pink babydoll dress and pair it with thigh-high boots for date night. You’ll be needing a style tip from our sheets list to go with it. 

Sheets

• Have a romantic night on tap for tonight but not sure if it’s the night? Grab a satin babydoll nightie with some lace paneling under the cleavage. It’ll give just the right hint at what’s to come. 
• Celebrating an engagement or a wedding? We recommend a lace-cupped babydoll with a gently pleated skirt and bow. Bonus points for going with a blush or cream color.

We love the babydoll for its rich and varied history and its versatility (hello, you can go from romantic bride to dominatrix in one night with a babydoll!). We also love it for its body inclusivity. No matter your size, there’s a babydoll for you! 

What is your favorite feature of the babydoll?