Bodysuits, Teddies, Camisoles and Basques - 1980s

In the 1980s with the influence of media series like Dallas and Dynasty, erotic lingerie was an outward manifestation of conspicuous consumption and feminine luxury beneath masculine suits.

Women became very body conscious in the 80s.  They pumped iron at the gym, honed and refined their bodies and power dressed.  All in one satin Teddies similar to modern swimsuit designs, but lace trimmed with a pop fastener gusset and high cut legs, were shown worn without bras.  They often had a cup formation that doubled as a bra which when under wired made it a body suit.  This was fine for the toned woman or the surgically enhanced breasts of modern women who needed no support as the silicone did all the work.

Simple camisoles and matching French knickers or hip briefs or tangas became more and more lace encrusted.  Camisoles often became outerwear and women shopping in UK's Marks & Spencer for simple tops just to fill in under a suit, were often directed by floor assistants to the underwear section.

The camisole became popular partly because separates were so fashionable.  Women more and more, wore trousers, so petticoats in the traditional sense were worn less as more mass market clothes were lined as well.  Nowadays a woman is likely to buy an under slip for a specific garment that needs it, rather than always wearing one automatically when she dresses.