What is a teddy, a chemise, a babydoll or a garter belt? A teddy is a one-piece lingerie bodysuit, a chemise is a slip-style nightdress, a babydoll is a short flared nightie with fitted cups, and a garter belt is a waist band that holds up stockings. This guide explains each term with real styles and prices from Badd Kitty.
Updated October 2026
Quick answer
- Teddy: one-piece top and panty, worn alone. Best for a sleek, body-hugging look.
- Chemise: loose slip dress on thin straps, hip to mid-thigh. Best for comfort and sleeping in.
- Babydoll: short, flared nightie with fitted cups and a G-string. Best for flattering the midsection.
- Garter belt: waist band with straps that clip to thigh-high stockings. Best for a classic pin-up finish.
- Most styles come in standard and plus (queen) sizes, from about $23 to $80.
What is a teddy?
A teddy is a single garment that joins a top and a panty, the lingerie version of a bodysuit. It can be strappy lace, sheer mesh with satin trim, or stretch satin with underwire cups, and it often finishes in a thong or crotchless back. Because it is one piece, it gives a long, uninterrupted line and stays put when you move. In our teddies collection, Baci's Sexy Strappy Lace Teddy is $42.95, Dreamgirl's Flocked Mesh Teddy with satin hip flounces is $59.95, Coquette's Lune D'Argent Crotchless Teddy is $62.95 and Roma's Electric Shimmer Teddy with embroidered lace is $72.95.
What is a chemise?
A chemise (say "shuh-MEEZ") is a loose-fitting slip dress that hangs from thin shoulder straps and skims the body rather than shaping it. It usually falls between the hip and mid-thigh, and lingerie chemises are made from satin, stretch lace or sheer mesh, sometimes with a little underwire or an open back. It is the most wearable piece here, as easy to sleep in as it is to reveal. Dreamgirl's Satin Chemise with Lace Trim is $67.95, the Copper Satin Chemise is $55.95 (plus size $62.95), and Coquette's Lune D'Argent Cupless Chemise is $65.95.
What is a babydoll?
A babydoll is a short nightie, typically hip length, with fitted or underwired cups and a loose skirt that flares from just under the bust. It nearly always comes with a matching G-string. The empire waist draws attention up and floats over the stomach, which makes it a favourite for anyone who wants coverage without bulk. Oh La La Cheri's Margot Babydoll is $63.95, the Valentine Babydoll is $59.95 in standard and plus, Roma's Enchanted Dream Babydoll is $54.95 and Coquette's Blue Blossom is $69.95.
What is a garter belt?
A garter belt (suspender belt) is a band that sits at the waist or hips with four to six adjustable straps that clip to the tops of stockings. It exists to hold up thigh-highs, but it is also the piece that gives a bra-and-panty set its classic pin-up finish. Garters themselves are the straps, or the single elastic band worn around the thigh at weddings. Dreamgirl's Lace Garter Belt is $24.95 in black or white ($25.95 in plus), Escante's Lace & Satin Garter Belt is $22.95, and Sportsheets' faux-leather Shadow Garters ($42.95) blend lingerie with a hint of bondage. Pair any of them with thigh-high stockings such as Dreamgirl's lace-top sheer thigh highs ($16.95).
Lingerie terms side by side
| Term | What it is | Example we stock | Brand | Price | Fabric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teddy | One-piece top + panty bodysuit | Sexy Strappy Lace Teddy | Baci | $42.95 | Stretch lace |
| Teddy | One-piece with satin flounces | Flocked Mesh Teddy | Dreamgirl | $59.95 | Flocked mesh, satin |
| Chemise | Slip-style nightdress | Satin Chemise with Lace Trim | Dreamgirl | $67.95 | Stretch satin, eyelash lace |
| Babydoll | Short flared nightie + G-string | Margot Babydoll | Oh La La Cheri | $63.95 | Eyelash lace, mesh |
| Babydoll (plus) | Short flared nightie + G-string | Valentine Babydoll Plus | Oh La La Cheri | $59.95 | Floral lace, mesh |
| Garter belt | Waist band with stocking straps | Lace Garter Belt | Dreamgirl | $24.95 | Stretch lace |
How to choose between them
- Want a sleek, body-con look? Teddy. Check the cup style (triangle, demi, underwire) for the support you like.
- Want comfort you can sleep in? Chemise. Satin feels cool; lace and mesh feel lighter.
- Want to flatter the midsection? Babydoll. The flare starts under the bust, so the fit depends on cup size more than waist.
- Want the classic stockings look? Garter belt plus thigh-highs. Sheer stockings read elegant; fishnets read bold.
- Sizing: most of our lingerie runs S to XL plus 1X to 3X or queen sizes. Measure under the bust and at the hips, and when in doubt go up for lace and down for satin with stretch.
Other lingerie terms you will see
- Bodystocking: a sheer, stretch one-piece that covers the whole body like a stocking, often fishnet or lace. See bodystockings.
- Corset and bustier: structured, boned tops that cinch the waist (corset) or lift the bust and stop at the waist (bustier). See corsets and bustiers.
- Bra and panty set: a matching two-piece, the most versatile starting point. See bra and panty sets.
- Crotchless: any style, from teddy to panty, with an open gusset. See crotchless lingerie.
- Robe: the layer that goes over all of the above. See robes.
Care and comfort
Hand-wash lace, mesh and satin in cool water with a gentle detergent, then lay flat or line-dry; never tumble-dry or wring. Clip garters to stockings front first, then back, so the straps sit straight. If elastic, underwire or hardware rubs or marks your skin, size up or choose a softer style; lingerie should never hurt.
Shop this guide
Orders ship in plain packaging with free standard shipping over $75. Browse teddies, chemises and slips, babydolls, garter belts, thigh highs and plus-size lingerie, or plan a special night with our bridal lingerie and wedding night hub.
