For women who love lingerie, there’s a lot to love about a bodysuit. Masters of creating a sexy silhouette, these one-piece wonders are perfect for wearing in the streets or the sheets. Bodysuits and teddies make an excellent addition to any lingerie collection as they’re universally flattering and dangerously form-finessing.
They come in a variety of materials and colors, as well as a variety of cuts that offer different levels of support, but which one is right for you? In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about these must-have pieces, the key features of teddies and bodysuits as well as the most popular and trending styles.
Teddies & bodysuits - what are they?
What’s the difference between a teddy and a bodysuit?
Types of bodysuits and teddies
How to choose the right size bodysuit
How to style teddies & bodysuits
A one-piece wonder, teddies and bodysuits are lingerie staples that you’ll love to wear. Unlike separates, like bras and panties, a teddy or bodysuit covers the torso and crotch as an all-in-one garment. Hugging every curve, they exude glamour and can help you really dazzle in the dark from the bar to the bedroom, if you know what we mean…
Teddies and bodysuits come in a wide variety of cuts and styles, from dramatic lace long-sleeves to chic-and-sleek plunging necklines. Whether you love to lounge in romantic lace, slip into silky satin, vamp it up in vegan leather or accentuate your curves in shapewear, there’s a perfect teddy for everyone.
What’s the origin of a teddy, you ask? According to the History of Lingerie, the teddy was named after its inventor Theodore Baer, who combined a traditional chemise with a short slip or attached panties.
A bodysuit is similar in style, but generally a little more likely to be worn as outerwear or as part of an outfit. While teddies were originally designed strictly for the bedroom, there really aren’t any rules anymore, with teddies and bodysuits important additions to your lingerie closet.
Just like bodies, teddies and bodysuits come in many different styles.
Firmly in the camp of sexy lingerie, worn for the bedroom (or elsewhere), sexy teddies and bodysuits are a great addition to your lingerie collection or perfect to buy for a lover. With many styles and colors to choose from, we’d be surprised if you didn’t pick up a few. Black teddies are a popular choice, but show off your fun side in a bold color.
These feature daring, sheer-stretch mesh and are great over other lingerie pieces, like bras or bralettes, or layered under corsets. Sexy choices include the Gini teddy, featuring a front cut-out with hardware detail and a halter-neck tie fastening with a thong back, and the Emery Underwire Teddy.
The popular Alexa Love Mesh Teddy features a high neck and plunging keyhole to draw attention to the right places. The thong style at the back will also accentuate your curves. The Lola Lee long sleeve bodysuit is a real statement with its stretch lace-up detailing and plunging neckline which slips on easily over the body.
Many teddies and bodysuits are soft and sheer, which can be sexy but do not offer as much support as an underwire. If you’re wanting a little more lift, opt for a cupped, push-up or underwire teddy, or try a Bodysuit with a built-in bra.
Top picks for ultimate support are the Ilana Satin and Lace Teddy with a high shine print fabrication and moulded underwire cups. The Hannah Belle Teddy is made from a mix of lace and mesh and features underwire contour cups. Zenaya Teddy’s sheer mesh and high shine vegan leather trim also features sexy chain detailing on the chest and hips.
These go the complete other way and, get the girls out for show. The Sandro Teddy features stretch floral lace, with an open cup and frilly straps. Seduction has a new poster girl with the Lennox Floral Lace Open Cup Teddy. Underwire demi cups keep things sexy while providing support. High cut leg and g-string complete the look for this sexy teddy.
Accessing all areas and perfect for playtime, our range of crotchless teddies are perfect for spicing up the bedroom. The Amelia Angelique Crotchless Teddy’s all-over mesh is a soft-cup style featuring luxurious ribbon fastenings at the hips and neck.
These are all-in-one shapewear options that flatter and hold you in for extra support and feature slimming effects that don't bulge or fall down. Comfortable and smoothing, the Hollywood Shaping Teddy provides support for the bust while simultaneously shaping the waist. The plunging wrap neckline means it's suitable to wear under even the most revealing outfits.
An extra cheeky style that’s great for pairing with jeans or skirts when you don’t need the VPL. We love the Saffron Floral Lace teddy for its plunging halter neckline. The Inga Teddy’s mix of open mesh and lace and high cut leg with integrated garter strapping makes for perfect dress-up attire.
Backless teddies are ultra sexy and perfect for rocking under that backless dress or pairing with jeans or a backless dress. Plunging in the front and backless, the Stephanie Lace Plunge Teddy is made from a mix of beautiful eyelash lace and stretch mesh for comfort. Ever the crowd-pleaser, our Jessica Lace Teddy features soft cups with a halter neckline and a deep, plunging neckline for a backless teddy you’ll love to wear.
Great for busty babes, bodysuits are flattering and sexy at any size! Fan favorites include the Alexia Love Teddy, with its high neck, plunging keyhole neckline and thong back. While the Belle Lucia Teddy is made from a mix of floral lace and satin, featuring an elastic lace-up detail at the plunging neckline.
Not strictly a teddy or bodysuit, but in the same ballpark if you’re looking for body-hugging one-piece wonders. Typically made with sheer or stretch lace fabric or fishnet, bodystockings will mesmerize your lover. The Sandi Teddy Bodystocking is made from sexy stretch fishnet and an open back to show a little more. Or the crowd favorite Jaslyn Bodystocking, with it's criss-cross front and open crotch.
There are a couple of ways to put on a bodysuit, and it will depend on the crotch fastening. If your bodysuit has a crotch fastening, then the best way to put on a bodysuit is to open the fastenings and slide it on from top to bottom. If there's no crotch fastening or it’s very strappy, crotchless or a bodystocking, then the best way to put it on is to carefully step into it and slide it up your body.
When putting on delicate or sheer pieces, it’s recommended to remove rings or sharp jewelry that may snag or catch as you are getting into it. As for taking it off, well, we’ll leave that to you.
Sizing for bodysuits can be tricky because it’s an all-in-one piece. Most lingerie bodysuits and sexy teddies are made with stretchy or elasticated materials to allow for movement and comfort when wearing. Need some sizing help? We’ve got you covered. Follow the size guide to find your perfect fit. If in doubt, or you’re extra-long in the torso, it can be advisable to size up for added comfort.
Now you’ve got the low-down, it’s time to put it to the test. Shop bodysuits and teddies at Frederick’s of Hollywood now and elevate your lingerie game!