Babydolls are a popular go-to for casual and sexy bedroom wear. The name slips easily off the tongue and they feature in most lingerie stores. But, why are babydoll nighties called babydolls? Where does the name come from?
It’s All In The Name
Babydolls were created during the Second World War during a fabric shortage by a lingerie designer called Sylvia Pedlar. She wasn’t keen on the name Babydolls and didn’t use it herself. The name grew in popularity thanks to the film of the same name which was broadcast in 1956. The film Baby Doll was about a 19-year-old girl, played by Carroll Baker, who was promiscuous in her ways. After this, the sexy lingerie item became best known as a Babydoll.
Babydoll Style Changes
The Babydolls we can buy now differ a great deal from the ones that first emerged. Let’s step back in time and see how the average babydoll looked on a woman back then.
- In the 1950s and 1960s, the Babydoll style consisted of a loose-fitting top and some short bloomers. The elasticated waist and legs gave the lingerie the flowing look that, to this day, is in keeping with the cut.
- During the 1970s and 1990s, the style lost the bloomer shorts and instead acquired better fitting briefs. Again the waist and legs remained elasticated.
- Modern-day Babydolls take on the look of a loose-fitting sexy negligee or nightie with a flattering cut. They are considered sexy bedroom wear and usually show off a great deal of leg and cleavage. These nighties can be worn on their own or as part of a two-piece with some matching knickers.
How Are Babydolls Different From Other Nighties?
You might still be a little confused at what differentiates a babydoll from other nighties and why? What makes one a nightie and one a babydoll? Let’s take a look at some of the main differences:-
- Babydolls provide a flattering cut with the skirt part flowing out to give a loosely fitted appearance. Nighties are typically also loose but not cut to a more plain style.
- More legs tend to be shown when wearing a babydoll as they are usually of short length in comparison with other nighties. They generally sit around mid-thigh length. Other nighties might come further down to the knees or even full length.
- You will likely find more of a revealing cut on a babydoll to flatter your cleavage. Nighties don’t always have a plunging neckline.
- Both lingerie items can have similar material but Babydolls often have that see-through look as part of its design. This allows what is underneath to be revealed.
- Lots of Babydolls have intricate detailing such as ruffles, bows, lace, slits, and ribbon. You don’t usually find such details on standard nighties and it’s this appearance that can make it easy to tell them apart.
Babydolls V Nighties – Which Is Sexier?
I think if a night of passion is on the cards then you will feel sexier in a babydoll. This is thanks to its flattering cut and the way it skims your hips and sways with your every move.
The see-through fabric feels lovely against the skin and you’ll feel Uber confident in one. Babydolls allow you to reveal your boobs too and maybe show a glimpse of what’s under – if anything.
Hopefully you’ll now be in no doubt as to why babydoll nighties are called babydolls. This versatile sexy lingerie was born out of necessity thanks to the fabric shortages of WW2 but it’s quickly become an erotic style icon!