Flappers Secret? Silk Teddies!

What was the secret to being a good dancer in the 1920s?

Athletic underwear, of course! Of the one-piece silk variety.

By Leslie Drollinger Stratmoen

For Flappers to Fringe

AUGUST 26, 2021 -- This one cracks me up, about what makes a good dancer. The secret, apparently, was athletic underwear, according to an ad I found in one of my 1920s McCall’s magazines. And, only by wearing this little number could you be able to do the “twirl of the waltz” and the “glide of the foxtrot.”

What a hoot! It had nothing to do with your ability, apparently, just with your undies.

Of course, when you think about the times, this makes perfect sense coming from those who’d just shimmied out of their heavy-boned corsets.

This new little silk one-piece that looks like a slouchier version of today’s sexy silk “teddies” worked beautifully under the short shift flapper dresses, for sure.

And it was all thanks to “Lady Sealpax,” or at least that’s what the ad says. Now, girls who loved to dance could do so in both comfort and style with no worries about flashing any onlookers.

After all, that’s what it says in the AD…

FUN FACT: What is a teddy?

A one-piece garment that covers the torso and crotch, also called a cami-knicker, because it combines a camisole with panties. They were usually easy to slip on and off by the use of button-on straps and sometimes even had an open or snap or button-crotch for easy use with a commode.