There was once a time when babydolls were considered quite old fashioned, but in recent years the graceful lingerie garment has made a trend u-turn.  Now the fuller bust market is increasingly trend led, brands are offering more than the basic bra, and babydolls are the latest lingerie candy.

Babydolls are flirty and fun, and as such a popular favourite for nightwear.  Many women like to sleep in a bra, so the benefit of wearing a babydoll to bed is that it’s designed like a nightie.

I like to sleep bra-less, however, so I’ve never felt a babydoll met my need.  But recently I found myself wondering why, and if, this was the only reason why I’d never tried wearing one, which of course led me into curiosity, and here I am now reviewing my very first babydoll.

I received the Parfait Underwire Babydoll (32G, RRP £49 ) and Hipster (Large, RRP £19)

The Parfait Kitty collection has been out for a few seasons now, available in black and black/red.  The range includes a babydoll, which even though is only available in black, I feel looks best in this simple colourway.

I hadn’t read much about the Kitty range, especially the babydoll, so it was all the more exciting to discover when I was able to see and wear it for myself.  At first glance I assumed Kitty was a polka dot design but in actual fact (unless my eyes deceive me) the dots are cat heads!  Kitty is not just a minxy name!

The Kitty Underwired Babydoll is a mesh balcony bra with a diaphanous veil of stretch tulle skirting.  The unpadded bra has three section cups that are opaque and semi sheer to the upper part of the cup.  The wings have gentle side boning for extra support, and the band closure is 3 hooks wide.  While the straps are essentially semi adjustable, they are fully stretch so it’s a very comfortable grip.

The front of the strap is detailed with stylised grosgrain ribbon, that adds a luxury touch to the overall design.  Just under the closure there’s an opening at the back, which means it’s easy to put on and remove.

The skirting finishes high up, just under the bottom, so doesn’t add bulk if you choose to wear it under your daywear, like I did.  It’s not overly flouncy, neither snug fitting, skimming neatly over my hips.  The frilly hem gives some volume to the shape, and a long satin bow finishes off a supremely feminine piece of lingerie.

I felt like I wanted to wear the babydoll as regularly as a normal bra, so in essence it felt more like I was wearing a camisole too.  At first I thought it interestingly odd, but I did like it.  For practicality’s sake, I was wearing an extra layer, and as someone with awful circulation, this was a welcome addition.  Its thin fabric’s thermal factor most likely negligible but intrinsically it was an another item of clothing trapping in any vital air.

And then there was a sensual factor.  Feeling the light, softly swishing fabric beneath my usual clothes was a flirty reminder.

The 32G was a comfortable and very wearable size for me.  Although it wasn’t a perfect fit (the centre gore stands away slightly), that’s mostly down to my sizing limitation.  (I mostly wear a 30GG, if not a 30H these days.)

The band fit just nicely, not loose and definitely not tight.  I will say, that even though it wasn’t especially snug I did still feel supported and I wasn’t bouncy at all.  So because of this, I’m really quite happy to continue wearing the babydoll.

I chose the co-ordinating hipster brief to accompany my babydoll and it fits a treat.  Featuring the same kitty-dot print to the front and a plain sheer mesh reverse, the briefs are soft and stretchy.  Cut low on the tummy and generous on the bottom, the hipster is a flattering style of knickers and so comfortable to wear.

The Kitty line is a gorgeous design.  I love a good polka dot print, but I would never have known about the cute cat-dots had I not looked further.  If you have a penchant for felines, or are a minx at heart, then Kitty’s a must for your drawer!

*PR Gifted*

Have you tried or do you own a babydoll?  What are your experiences of babydolls?  Do you think the full bust market has room for more babydolls?  I’d love to hear your babydoll adventures!