A teddy is a one-piece lingerie garment that combines a camisole-style top and a panty into a single piece. The fabric can usually be found in lace, mesh or a mix of both. They often come with a snap or hook closure at the crotch. It is worn as lingerie rather than as a layer under clothes. That last point is the cleanest way to tell a teddy from a bodysuit, which is where most of the confusion starts.
What is a teddy in lingerie?
The teddy came out of the 1910s as a loose “camiknicker” that merged a chemise and drawers. The modern version is fitted, cut from stretch lace or sheer mesh, and built around a plunging or scooped neckline. They often come in thin straps and a high-cut leg. Some teddies are open at the back, some are strappy, some are fully sheer. All of them share one job: to be seen.
FemmeBasics teddies are cut and sewn in our Colombian workshop. This workshop has been making MaleBasics men’s underwear since 2008. Our lace is a 78% nylon, 22% spandex blend; where a teddy mixes in mesh, that mesh is 82% polyester, 18% spandex. Those two fabrics give the stretch you need for a one-piece to fit from shoulder to crotch without pulling.
Teddy vs bodysuit
A lingerie bodysuit and a teddy share the same silhouette. The main difference is about intent and construction.
Purpose
A bodysuit is designed to work either under clothing or as clothing. It has an opaque or semi-opaque body, a crotch snap that stays closed all day, and a cut that sits flat under jeans or a skirt. A teddy is designed to be the outfit. It uses sheer lace, cut-outs and open backs that would show through clothes.
Fabric and coverage
Bodysuits lean on mesh, microfiber or cotton blends with enough opacity to wear out. Teddies lean on lace and sheer mesh. Our Mesh Bodysuit with Choker & Cuffs is a see through mesh body that sits on the teddy side of the line. Even though it is named a bodysuit, the Versatile Temptation Body, with its lace, deep-V and open back, works either way depending on what you put over it.
Closures
Closures are usually closed at the crotch, with snaps or hooks. Teddies more often have a hook and eye at the back or a tie. This is strategic, as these pieces are made to be taken off as part of the evening activities. Bodysuits keep closures minimal so nothing shows through clothing.
If you shop by silhouette rather than by name, our Lingerie Bodysuits and Teddy Lingerie collections overlap on purpose. Looking to compare body suits and teddies on the same page? Look no further then the One-Piece Lingerie collection.
Teddy vs romper
A romper is sometimes referred to as a playsuit in lingerie. This has short legs. Rompers are usually looser through the body, often in satin or soft mesh, and read as sleepwear or lounge lingerie. In contrast, a teddy has no leg; the bottom is cut like a panty or thong. Picture a teddy with a few inches of loose shorts instead of a high-cut panty. Remember, if it has shorts, it is a romper.
Types of teddy
Lace teddy
The most sought after style. Floral or geometric stretch lace over the whole body, often with scalloped edges at the neckline and leg. Lace is the type of fabric that has natural give, so a lace teddy in the right size moves with you. The Eclipse Embrace Open-Back Lace Teddy pairs lace with sheer mesh panels and comes in black or red, sizes S to 2XL.
Open-back teddy
An open back teddy is any teddy where the back is cut below the shoulder blades or replaced with straps. The front stays fully covered while the back is there to show off. Looking for this specific style on our website? Look for the Eclipse Embrace and the crimson Teddy Lace with its plunging neckline and open back.
Strappy teddy
Straps across the sides, chest or back stand in for fabric. The Nocturnal Allure Teddy uses a deep V neckline with side straps and a heart accent, in One Size and One Size Plus.
Sheer teddy
Our sheer teddy is a fully see through mesh, with lace only at the edges. If that is the direction you are seeking, our Sheer & See-Through Lingerie collection groups both the mesh teddies and bodysuits.
How a teddy should fit
A teddy fits from the shoulder to the crotch in one length. This means that the torso length matters just as much as bust or hip. If the straps dig in and the crotch pulls, this is the signal that the piece is too short in the body; not too small in the hips. Stretch lace gives you some room, but a teddy that has to stretch to reach will always look strained.
FemmeBasics FML styles run S/M, L/XL and 2XL, or S through 2XL on newer pieces. Use the body measurements on our size guide and size by the larger of your bust and hip measurement. If you are between sizes and long in the torso, go up.
How to wear a teddy
Alone, with stockings and a garter belt if you want the full set, or under a sheer robe. Some women wear a lace teddy under an open blazer or a low-back dress as a visible layer; that works best with styles that have an opaque front and a decorative back. For an evening, keep jewelry minimal so the lace stays the point.
Care
Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent, squeeze out water in a towel and lay flat or hang to dry. Do not put lace in the dryer. Snap closures should be closed before washing so they do not catch the lace.
Quick answers
What is the difference between a teddy and a bodysuit?
A teddy is sheer lingerie meant to be seen, usually in lace or mesh with cut-outs or an open back. A bodysuit is more opaque and built to be worn under or as clothing.
Does a teddy have snaps?
Most teddies close at the crotch with snaps or small hooks so they can be worn and removed without pulling the piece over the head. Some also have a hook and eye or tie at the back.
What is a romper in lingerie?
A lingerie romper is a one-piece with short legs instead of a panty bottom. It is looser through the body than a teddy and sits closer to sleepwear.