The Babydoll

Babydolls are a fairly recent and exciting innovation in the world of lingerie. They were first popularized in 1956 by the movie entitled “Baby doll”, a steamy tale of two Southern rivals and a sensuous 19 year old nymphet who wears a short, provocative negligee, innocently tantalizing her sparring suitors in the process. The general public loved this adorable little lingerie item, it had a girlishness combined with womanliness which was sexy, playful and yet still innocent.

Babydoll film poster from 1956

It’s popularity was further enhanced by Hollywood where movies during the 1960’s often showed women in pouffy babydolls and starlets were regularly photographed wearing more sexy versions in their publicity shots.

Much loved for their comfort (and were really quite practical in the days before air conditioning), short, airy babydolls were a cool (and cute) alternative to the traditional pajamas or long nightgowns worn previously.

Typical Gil Elvgren pinup girls wearing babydolls

Furthermore the glamour painter Gil Elvgren and his portrayal of playful calender pin-ups in the 50’s and early 60’s had a huge influence on the babydoll image.

Vintage babydoll ad

Basically the babydoll is a loose term for a nightdress which is at least 6 inches above the knee and usually more! It can be either fairly conservative and worn regularly as a nightie or really quite sensual and provocative. Many are sheer or lacy and may be open at the front, and they lend themselves well to “fantasy lingerie” costumes.

A recent term has been adopted for an even shorter version of the babydoll – “the Camidoll”. They are commonly worn with a matching thong, g-string or panty for modesty. Babydolls and camidolls have become very popular for the past couple of seasons taken literally and worn as outerwear, worn over leggings, pantyhose or skinny jeans.

Blush Lingerie has some adorable little babydolls and camidolls. My favourite is the Heartbreaker Chiffon Camidoll – it’s so pretty with it’s mini ruffles and retro chiffon flower detail at the centre front, in blissfully light chiffon it’s the perfect summer nightwear.

The Heartbreaker Chiffon Camidoll by Blush Lingerie

And Blush’s Sweet Nothings Dot-Mesh Sheer Push Up Camidoll conjures up good old fashioned Hollywood romance with it’s sexy, frilly open front and padded push up cups to accentuate and boost your cleavage!

Sweet Nothings Dot Mesh Sheer Push Up Camidole by Blush Lingerie

The Black Lace Nightgown by One 2 One is a seductive and lacy figure hugging babydoll nightgown, very wearable and comfy, and it’s built in shelf bra will give you that added support, (you can even wear it under one of your more sheer dresses!).

So go and be fabulous tonight in our lovely babydolls and camidolls from nowthatslingerie.com. Ask me anything about lingerie and I’ll get back to you with an answer: teresa@nowthatslingerie.com, maybe I’ll even feature it in a blog!

Teresa

Gil Elvgren images from Polyvore: Pinup Girl – Polyvore

Vintage babydoll ad from Missy Vintage: Missy Vintage: A tale of a pensioner, a sunbed and vintage negligees