The History of Babydolls: From Sleepwear to Sensual Lingerie

The babydoll is one of those rare pieces that dances between elegance, flirtation and comfort with ease. At Adore By S, we adore a good transformation story, and the history of the babydoll is exactly that, a perfect evolution of style, sensuality and self-expression.

Born in the 1940s, during a time when fabric was scarce due to wartime rationing, the babydoll began its life not as a lingerie statement, but as a practical and necessary reimagining of women's nightwear. With limited access to materials, designers shortened women's nightgowns, and without knowing it, gave birth to a silhouette that would become beloved for decades to come. These early pieces were charming, modest, and airy, loose-fitting garments that allowed freedom and ease in sleep. But their feminine shape and playful design caught attention, and soon, the babydoll began to transform.

By the 1950s, the name "babydoll" was coined, popularised by the 1956 film Baby Doll starring Carroll Baker. The film stirred controversy for its provocative imagery, and the term quickly became synonymous with a sultry, ultra-feminine style. Suddenly, the babydoll wasn’t just about sleep, it was about allure. Lacy trims, sheer fabrics, and flirtatious cuts entered the scene, and the piece was embraced as a staple in sensual lingerie.

Throughout the decades, the babydoll has continued to adapt to cultural shifts. In the 60s and 70s, it played with pastel hues and romantic florals. The 80s and 90s brought in bolder, racier designs, with daring silhouettes and risqué details. And now? The modern babydoll is a beautiful blend of the past and present. It honours its roots while embracing boldness, body diversity and self-expression like never before.

At Adore By S, we believe the power of the babydoll lies in how it makes you feel. Soft mesh that skims over your body. Lace that teases with every move. A flowing hem that creates a sense of sensual mystery. It’s more than a lingerie piece, it’s an embodiment of confidence, softness, and feminine strength all at once. Whether you wear it to bed, for a special moment, or simply for yourself on a slow Sunday morning, the babydoll invites you to feel seen, celebrated and sensual.

What makes the babydoll so timeless is its versatility. It suits every curve, every body, and every mood. For women who have felt underrepresented in lingerie, the babydoll offers a sigh of relief. It doesn’t demand perfection. It doesn’t cling where you wish it wouldn’t. Instead, it flows with you. It enhances your silhouette without trying to change it. And perhaps that’s why so many women reach for it again and again.

This piece has become more than a symbol of sensuality. It represents self-love. The choice to wear something just for you. To slip into something that feels like a celebration of your body, no matter the occasion. That’s the true magic of the babydoll, it adapts to your life, your story, your body, and your becoming.

And for the modern woman exploring lingerie not just as something to wear, but something to feel, the babydoll is a must-have. It says, "I see myself. I adore myself. And I deserve to feel this good."

So whether you're adding your first babydoll to your lingerie drawer or expanding your collection, remember where it came from. A piece born from necessity, transformed by desire, and now cherished for the empowerment it brings.

At Adore By S, we honour that legacy with every design. Because lingerie isn’t just about looking good, it’s about coming home to yourself. And in a world that constantly asks you to be more, the babydoll gently reminds you that you’re already enough.

With love,

Adore By S x