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A babydoll is a woman's short nightgown sometimes with lace, ruffles, bows and ribbons, optionally with spaghetti straps. Sometimes they are made of sheer cloth like chiffon.Short dresses of similar style are sometimes called babydoll dresses;the name is sometimes two words,baby doll,and sometimes hyphenated,baby-doll.
It is said the name comes from the 1956 movie Baby Doll starring Carroll Baker in the title role,which essentially marks the beginning of the enduring popularity of the style for adults.In any event some styles of the nightgown are similar to what is worn by dolls in the form of infants,and by some infants;the gown is short enough that diapers are easily changed.Thus,it is a common garment for women who practice infantilism.
It is a highly eroticized item of adult apparel,as when worn by an adult woman there is great contrast to when worn by an infant;the legs are fully displayed and some styles emphasize or deliberately expose the breasts as well.The gown is often sold as a set with panties as a typical babydoll is short enough that these are visible when it is worn with them.Styles of the same general length but not intended to emphasize sex appeal are sometimes called shortie nightgowns.
They are available in a sufficiently wide variety of styles that many lingerie retailers consider babydolls a distinct department.
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