Sexy teddies and bodysuits may be quite popular today, but only recently they were considered new and shocking. Symbols of the sexual liberation of the 1920s flapper movement, sexy teddies and bodysuits have a short but interesting history. Provided here is a beginner’s guide to these sexy lingerie pieces.

What Are Sexy Teddies and Bodysuits?

Teddies are one-piece garments that combine a camisole top with attached panties. Bodysuits are generally stretchy one-piece items that resemble leotards or one-piece swimsuits. While teddies generally feature short sleeves or straps and short panties, bodysuits offer more choices in style. Some bodysuits are long-sleeved and/or ankle-length, while others feature straps or sleeveless styles and high-cut legs.

Early 20th Century

Teddies originated in the early 20th century. At that time, bloomers were in fashion, particularly among young, athletic women. Corsets were going out of style in response to increasing concerns about health risks. Early teddies were generally made of soft cotton and featured a loosely fitted camisole top with thigh-length baggy shorts. The wide-legged design of the shorts made the teddy resemble a dress, not unlike later culottes. Sexy teddies had not yet been invented, although when compared to other styles of the era, the teddy could be considered somewhat sexy in design.

Flapper Era

The flapper era ushered in the age of lingerie. Sexy teddies were one of the earliest forms of sexy lingerie. Sensual materials began to be used, particularly silk and lace. Though teddies remained loose and dress-like, straps became narrower, hemlines crept upward and the garments became more tailored. Focus was given to the look of sexy teddies, as well as comfort.

The 1930s to 1980s

As fashion moved in new directions, sexy teddies fell out of favour. Although some women continued to wear them, teddies would not be resurrected in popular culture until the 1980s.

The 1980s

Following the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, the 1980s brought a more relaxed culture in which underwear was openly sexualized and heavily advertised. From Michael J. Fox’s bright purple briefs in Back to the Future to Madonna’s underwear-as-outerwear fetish culture, celebrities brought sexy underwear to the forefront.

Sexy teddies came back into style. Unlike the dress-like silhouettes of their predecessors, however, modern teddies were shorter, tighter and unapologetically sexual in nature. New materials such as Lycra and spandex offered a form fit that was not possible only a few years before.

Simultaneously, the 1980s brought a new interest in exercise and healthy living. The aerobics culture, combined with the possibilities of spandex, gave birth to a new garment – the bodysuit. At that time, bodysuits were primarily outerwear garments. First worn strictly for sports, then later redesigned for use as shirts, bodysuits worked well with the tightly tucked-in look that was then in vogue.

The 1990s to Present

In the 1990s, grunge culture replaced exercise culture and bodysuits went out of style. However, their natural similarity to sexy teddies brought the bodysuit into the world of lingerie. Today, sexy teddies and bodysuits have become a single category of sexy lingerie. From demure to outright sexual, with or without leg pieces, with or without sleeves, today’s sexy teddies and bodysuits are flexible, functional and always sexy.

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