A teddy, also called body and camiknicker, is a form of bodysuit-like lingerie, often worn in the boudoir. By definition, a teddy is an undergarment which combines a camisole and panty in one piece. Unlike a 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 body.

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.