Sexy Teddies and Bodysuits have been around for ages

Sexy teddies and bodysuits are extremely popular items of sexy lingerie today. However, these items developed only in the 20th century, largely as an outgrowth of the flapper movement of the 1920s. Provided here is a guide to the short but interesting history of sexy teddies and bodysuits.

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

In the early 20th century, bloomers were in style, especially among athletic young women. Corsets were on their way out, due to increasing concerns about health risks. Teddies offered a soft alternative to corsetry, while providing the coverage enjoyed by young athletes. Teddies provided a soft cotton camisole top with attached thigh-length baggy shorts. The shorts resembled later culottes and gave the teddy a dress-like appearance. Though sexy teddies had not been invented, in comparison with other styles, teddies were somewhat sexy in nature.

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 favor. 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

As exercise culture gave way to grunge culture, bodysuits fell out of fashion as outwear items. However, their similarity in design to sexy teddies made it natural that the two would merge. Today, sexy teddies and bodysuits are nearly indistinguishable. Both items are available in a range of styles from demure to outright sexual. Long sleeved, short sleeved or strapless, with or without legs, these items are flexible, functional and highly sexy.