The Origins of Babydoll Lingerie

Have you ever wondered where or what the origins of babydoll lingerie are? Well, look no further! The babydoll - sometimes spelled baby doll or baby-doll - can trace its origins to the short bed jackets trimmed with lace and the wide variety of bed capes worn by women in the 1930s and 1940s. At the time, a babydoll nightgown had a hemline that came to about 6 inches above the knee. Most still do today.

The name “babydoll” is said to have come from a 1956 movie by that name (“Baby Doll”), which starred Carroll Baker as a 19 year old virgin. The style of nightgown worn in the movie soon became popular amongst the general public.

Later, the babydoll was transformed into a short day wear dress. Because the style invoked a sense of innocence and youthfulness, the babydoll was soon to be found back in the bedroom, only this time in a more provocative style. Since many babydolls are styled to have a very short hemline, revealing the buttocks, they are quite popular and help to enhance sexual foreplay.

Babydolls have evolved into a very popular form of fine sexy lingerie, playing on fantasies. With their very short hemline, the legs appear longer and some styles draw attention to the breasts by purposely exposing them. Most often a babydoll is sold as a set with a matching pair of panties or a thong. There are also styles of babydolls that are low key in nature and are marketed as a short nightgown and not as fine sexy lingerie worn for a romantic evening.

Today, due to its popularity, babydoll lingerie can be found in fine lingerie boutiques in their own separate category. Some styles resemble those of the 1960s and 1970s, while others vary considerably and are pointed more toward the fine sexy lingerie market.

One style that has gained notoriety recently is called the “fembot”. This particular style of babydoll lingerie was first seen in the movie, “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery”, and features a marabou clad bra with a sheer pleated skirt and a marabou hemline.

Babydolls can be seen with a variety of decorations, from lace, faux fur and ruffles to bows and ribbons. Most have thin or spaghetti straps.

The history of the babydoll is a fairly short one, being a relatively recent innovation. But, it has vaulted into prominence in the fine lingerie market and should continue to be a popular form of fine sexy lingerie for years to come.

By Dagmar Anderson