An infant bodysuit or onesie (American English) is a garment designed to be worn by babies much like a T-shirt; they are distinguished from T-shirts by an extension below the waist, with snaps that allow it to be closed over the crotch. The purpose of the opening at the crotch is to facilitate access to the infant's diaper as well as preventing the garment from riding up the infant's body and exposing skin. Like T-shirts, infant bodysuits come in a wide variety of designs and may be worn as undergarments or as outer shirts.
Synonyms
Other names of this outfit include onesies (a registered trademark often used in the United States as if it were generic),[1][2]creepers, diaper shirts, or snapsuits. If the bodysuit is sleeveless, it may also be referred to as a vest (British English only).
Types and design
An infant bodysuit may be sleeveless, have long sleeves, or have short sleeves. A common feature of the bodysuit is the lap neck (figures 1 and 2). This design makes it easier to get the head through the neck of the bodysuit, as babies have large heads proportional to their bodies, and additionally have poor head control, making traditional neck openings less suitable.[3] Bodysuits without the lap neck may have snaps at the neck instead (figure 3).
Infant bodysuits have gained significant popularity over the years and have become iconic in baby fashion. Their practicality, comfort, and versatility have made them a staple in many households worldwide. The convenience of the snap fasteners and the ease of dressing and changing diapers have contributed to their widespread use.
Infant bodysuits have also found their way into popular culture. They are often featured in movies, television shows, and advertisements, and have become a popular choice for personalized baby gifts.
Social media platforms have played a role in popularizing infant bodysuits. Parents frequently share cute and funny photos of their babies wearing personalized or unique bodysuits, contributing to the trend's visibility and popularity.
The term "onesie" has become widely recognized and is often used colloquially to refer to any type of infant bodysuit, regardless of the brand. It has also inspired the creation of adult-sized versions, known as adult onesies or jumpsuits, which have gained popularity as loungewear or costumes for events like themed parties or Halloween.
