A bodysuit is a one-piece garment that has fastenings in the crotch. It resembles a regular top from the waist up, and looks like a leotard from the waist down. The top part of a bodysuit is knitted or woven and comes in a range of silhouettes, patterns, and colours. It can look like just about any style of shirt, blouse, knitted top, or tee. The bottom part of a bodysuit is knitted, and has stretch for comfort. Sometimes the top and bottom parts are made of the same fabric.
The collection below shows a good assortment of bodysuits.
I wore bodysuits in the ‘90s. I had many of them across a range of colours, fabrics and silhouettes. They were form fitting, knitted, and had stretch. I have fond AND awful memories of them.
The ones that fitted particularly well were amazing. Rises were high till the mid ‘90s, so wearing a bodysuit with higher rise pants, skirts, and jeans was practical, covered, and fuss-free. Your top stayed put. You created a sleek, alluring, and neat look under a jacket too.
There were also ill-fitting bodysuits. There wasn’t enough coverage around the seat area, and the lengths were too short. They crept up and pulled lengthways. Wedgie-galore, and awfully uncomfortable. When pants rises began lowering in the late ‘90s, you could see the leg openings of the bodysuit peek out above the waistband of your bottoms. This became a look in itself, and it wasn’t my look.
These days, bodysuits seem to be cut and made better than they were three decades ago. There is also plenty more silhouette and fabric variety. There are fluid blouse and shirt bodysuits too.
I haven’t owned a bodysuit since 1997. That said, I’m open to the idea if the fit is fabulous and very comfortable. As a tucker of tops into roomy pants and jeans, I like the idea of the top staying put. That said, I’m not actively looking for a bodysuit. It would need to find me without much effort. I am a cautious MAYBE.
How about you? Did you wear bodysuits back in the day? Do you wear them now? If not, would you wear them again?
