The Banned Belly Button And 7 Other Secrets Of Barbara Eden's Iconic Jeannie Costume

Few outfits in television history are as instantly recognizable as the pink-and-red harem ensemble worn by Barbara Eden as Jeannie in the classic 1960s sitcom, I Dream of Jeannie. This iconic two-piece costume, a symbol of mid-century fantasy and glamour, continues to captivate fans and spark curiosity decades after the show's 1970 finale. As of December 2025, the story behind the signature look—from its Oscar-winning designer to the infamous censorship battle—remains a fascinating piece of Hollywood lore, with fresh details still emerging about its creation and legacy.

The costume was a masterwork of balancing sex appeal with the strict moral codes of the era, a tightrope walk that led to one of the most enduring rumors in TV history. Barbara Eden herself has recently commented on the "silly" scandal surrounding the costume, confirming long-held suspicions and clarifying the role of the network’s Standards and Practices department in shaping Jeannie’s look.

Barbara Eden: Actress, Singer, and Icon of Classic Television

Barbara Eden, born Barbara Jean Morehead, is an American actress and singer whose career spans over seven decades. Her role as the 2,000-year-old Jeannie, who is discovered by astronaut Major Tony Nelson, cemented her status as a global pop culture icon.

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• Full Name: Barbara Jean Morehead
• Date of Birth: August 23, 1931
• Place of Birth: Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
• Notable Works: I Dream of Jeannie (1965–1970), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Harper Valley P.T.A., Dallas.
• Spouses: Michael Ansara (m. 1958; div. 1974), Charles Fegert (m. 1977; div. 1982), Jon Eicholtz (m. 1991)
• Children: Matthew Ansara (deceased)

The Infamous Navel Controversy: Was Jeannie’s Belly Button Really Banned?

The most persistent and curious secret of the Jeannie costume is the rumor that the NBC network censors, specifically the Standards and Practices department, strictly forbade Barbara Eden’s navel from being shown on screen. This controversy has been a staple of classic television trivia for generations.

The Truth Behind the 'Banned Belly Button'

In a candid interview in April 2024, Barbara Eden addressed the "silly" censorship rumor head-on. The reality is more nuanced than a simple ban.

• The Network's Rule: While the network did not issue a formal "ban" on her navel, the overall guidelines for the 1960s were incredibly conservative. Showing a woman's belly button on prime-time television was considered too risqué.
• The Costume Design Solution: The costume itself was intentionally designed to cover her navel. The waistband of the pink pantaloons was positioned high, and the sheer pink chiffon vest that formed the crop top was long enough to overlap the pants, ensuring full coverage.
• Eden's Clarification: Eden has often stated that she never had to use a "flesh-colored plug" or any special effect to hide her navel. The unique design of the five-piece harem ensemble simply made it impossible to see in the first place. The rumor of a specific censorship order likely grew out of the network's general, strict guidelines for female attire.

This subtle but powerful act of self-censorship by the costume designer and creator Sidney Sheldon satisfied the network's conservative sensibilities while still presenting a captivating, exotic, and sexy look that captured the imagination of viewers.

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The Oscar-Winning Designer and The Costume’s Evolution

The iconic pink genie outfit was not the work of a newcomer but a seasoned Hollywood veteran, giving the costume a pedigree that is often overlooked.

Gwen Wakeling: The Mastermind Behind the Harem Look

The original Jeannie costume was designed by Gwen Wakeling, a highly respected costume designer in the film industry. Wakeling had a long and celebrated career, including working as the head costume designer at 20th Century Fox and being a personal favorite of legendary director Cecil B. DeMille.

• Academy Award Winner: Wakeling won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for her work on the 1950 film Samson and Delilah.
• The Five-Piece Ensemble: The signature Season One costume was a five-piece vintage original, consisting of the pink chiffon crop top, the matching pantaloons, a bolero jacket, a headpiece, and the distinctive harem shoes.

The Evolution of Jeannie's Wardrobe (1965–1970)

While the pink-and-red costume is the most famous, Jeannie's wardrobe evolved significantly over the series' five-season run, reflecting the show's transition from black-and-white to color, and later, the changing relationship between Jeannie and Major Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman).

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• The Pilot Episode: The first appearance in the pilot episode, "The Lady in the Bottle," featured the iconic skimpy pink-and-red look.
• The Color Shift: Once the show moved to color, the vibrant pink and magenta hues became a defining feature. The color choice was crucial for making the genie outfit pop on television screens.
• The Evil Twin: Jeannie's evil sister, Jeannie II, often wore a distinct green costume, a clever visual cue for the audience to distinguish between the two characters in episodes where Barbara Eden played both roles.
• Later Seasons: As the series progressed and Jeannie and Tony eventually married, Jeannie was seen more frequently in contemporary 1960s fashion, although the beloved genie outfit was always ready for a quick blink into the bottle.

Where is the Original Jeannie Costume Now?

For fans curious about the physical legacy of this television masterpiece, the original costume is a prized artifact of pop culture history.

One of the original, screen-worn five-piece Jeannie costumes is proudly on display at The Hollywood Museum in Los Angeles. The museum features an exhibit honoring I Dream of Jeannie, allowing fans to see the authentic garment worn by Barbara Eden during the show’s original 1965–1970 run. This particular piece, a signature Season One costume, has been part of major auction house sales, highlighting its significant value as a piece of TV history.

The costume’s enduring presence in both museums and auction houses proves that the magic of Jeannie’s bottle and her unique, unforgettable look, designed by Gwen Wakeling and brought to life by Barbara Eden, continues to enchant new generations of classic TV enthusiasts.