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A teddy, also called a camiknicker, is a garment which covers the torso and crotch in the one garment. It is a similar style of garment to a one-piece swimsuit or bodysuit, but is typically looser and sheerer. The garment is put on by stepping into the leg holes and pulling the garment up to cover the torso. It may cover the whole of the torso or partially and may also cover the arms. They may open at the crotch so that the wearer may use the bathroom without taking it completely off. As an undergarment, it combines the functions of a camisole and panties, and may be preferred to avoid a visible panty line. It is also found as lingerie.
History
thumb|upright|Ladies' underwear advertisement, 1913
The modern-day teddy has its origins as an adult’s undergarment in the 19th century apparently named after German-American clothing manufacturer Theodore Bear (-1902).
Originally known as combinations, an 1862 patent introduced men’s one-piece vest and drawers made up of knitted woollen cloth, which were popularly worn from the 1880s.
As a women’s undergarment, combinations comprised chemise and drawers, and could be fashioned from various different fabrics including silk, linen, cotton, or wool. First introduced in 1877, women’s combinations were initially developed to reduce bulk under new styles and silhouettes of outer clothing, While many styles were sleeveless and had a low-neckline, options also featured long sleeves and/or high necklines, and into the 1890s, were also decorated with ribbons and lace. The style remained fashionable into the 1920s, with examples being referred to as step-ins, combinations, camiknickers, cami-combinations, or cami-bockers at this time.