NIGHTSHIRTS, NIGHTGOWNS, PYJAMAS, DRESSING GOWNS, AND NIGHTCAPS

there are numerous portrayals of persons dressed in different kinds of clothes across the ages, but
images of folk in sleepwear are rather sketchy as night attire is more of a private matter than a
public one. We can assume, however, that some people went to bed naked, while others slept in
their day clothes, undergarments, or in distinct nightclothes.

The nightclothes originally worn in Europe since the Middle Ages were inspired by the styles of
Egyptian, Roman, Asian, and Indian costumes. In the past, sleepwear was usually home-made and
the prevailing patterns were simple and easy to assemble. Therefore, night attire was basically
shapeless with moderate trimmings. With the introduction of the sewing machine and the
launching of ready-to wear clothing in the mid- to later part of the nineteenth century, sleepwear
would become more diverse, intricate, and ornate. When reading about the history of sleepwear
one has to bear in mind that night attire has been influenced by climate, prudery, elites, and since
the late 1800s, by fashion designers and ready-to-wear manufacturers.

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief description of the stylistic changes made to the
nightshirt, nightgown, pyjama, dressing gown, and nightcap over the centuries.

RELEVANCE OF SLEEPWEAR

Since early time, sleepwear, dressing gowns, and nightcaps have served to keep the body and head
warm of people who lived in cooler climates with limited indoor heating. People’s views of
morality and existing customs have aslo had an effect on the relevance of sleepwear.

The societal dictates of morality and prudery dictated what ought to be proper body coverings at
bedtime, when arising, and for lounging around at home. During the Victorian Period (1837-
1901), the guardians of morality criticized fashion trends that accentuated womanly attributes as
they believed that the shape of the female body should be obliterated at all times by layers of
wrapping to protect the mind from dwelling upon corporal characteristics (Kent, 1999, p. 177-
191). Willett & Cunnington (1992) mention that between 1841 and 1856, the notion that a
nightdress should be made attractive by trimmings of lace, for instance, did not sit well with the
elders who viewed such extravagances in young women as a sign of depravity that went against
the highest principles of prudery in the English lady (p. 151).

Different customs have been associated with nightclothes. Nightcaps, for example, were deemed
to be assets as they were mentioned occasionally in wills. Willett & Cunnington (1992) remarked
that in 1577, John Corbett left to his father “my beste velvet nighte cappe” and, Saffron Walden
bequeathed in his will a “night cappe of black velvet embroidered” (p. 43). These authors also
impart that in the 1600s and 1700s a custom was for a bride and bride-groom to give each other
their wedding nightclothes (p. 61). An enduring custom has been to wear black mourning clothes
as an expression of respect for a deceased. In the Thomas Verney Memoirs, dated 1651, Willett &
Cunnington noted that this gentleman’s wardrobe included mourning nightwear such as “Two
black taffety nightclothes with black night capps” (p. 61).
NIGHTSHIRTS AND NIGHTGOWNS

In the Middle Ages, the shape of the male nightshirt was similar to that of the female bed smock
and shift. They resembled the tunic and chemise worn for centuries by both sexes in Egypt and
Rome. Early nightshirts and nightdresses were shapeless as they were cut “with rectangular pieces
for the body and sleeves and gussets under the arm, to avoid wasting fabric” (Haughland, 2006-
2014). They were usually made out of white linen as linen absorbs body oils and perspiration, and
can be boiled and bleached when soiled. From the 1800s onward, nightshirts and nightgowns
became better formed and showier.

Men’s Nightshirts, Nightgowns, and Night Robes

By the late Middle Ages, men’s nightshirts, or bed shirts, looked a lot like their day shirts
(Kybalova, et al., 1968, p. 453). Between 1626 and 1866, nightshirts generally had a turned-down
collar or a folding collar, and the neck opening was slightly deeper than the opening of the day
shirt. Buttons would often be used to close the neck opening. A linen nightshirt belonging to
Thomas Coutts (1735-1822), a wealthy English banker, is on display at the Victoria and Albert
Museum. Willett & Cunnington (1992) describe Coutts nightshirt as being thirty-five inches wide
with a high folding collar and one button (p. 107). Fancy nightshirts belonging to wealthy
gentlemen would often be trimmed with lace at the neck and down the sides of the very full
sleeves, and with ruffles at the wrist. By the late 1800s men’s nightshirts were available in fabrics
such as linen, cotton, longcloth (fine white cotton with a close plain weave and soft finish),
flannel, and white or colored silk (Willett & Cunnington, 1992, p. 61, 107, 128, 232).

Near the end of the 1800s, men’s ankle-length nightshirts were known as nightgowns, and the
floor-length models as night robes. Willett & Cunnington (1992) mention that the trade catalogues
for the period 1919 to 1939 list men’s ankle length nightwear as nightgowns (p. 191, 241). In the
Eaton’s catalogues, 1889 to 1921, men’s full-length nightgowns with buttoned neck openings are
listed as night robes (T. Eatons Co., 1899-1900, p. 140-141; 1905, p. 87; 1920-1921, p. 296). The
longer versions of men’s nightgowns gradually lost their popularity in the 1900s. Nowadays,
men’s nightshirts that fall a few inches below the knees are very much in vogue (Google Pictures).

Women’s Nightdresses and Nightgowns

Originally, women’s linen nightdresses were simple, loosely cut and minimally trimmed. Willett &
Cunnington (1992) describe a linen nightdress, dated 1825, that is on display in the Gallery of
English Costume at Platt Hall as being rather plain and unshaped with a falling collar and sleeves
that are gathered into a cuff and fastened by a hand-made button (p. 134). From the mid-1800s
onward, female nightgowns would be transformed into more intricate, alluring, ornate, and
colorful garments.

Stylistics changes made to the appearance of the nightgown between 1840 and 1900 include:
necklines cut in a round, square or V-shape; stand-up or cape like collars; lightly gathered, puffed
or pleated sleeves; partially or fully opened front or back bodices tied together with ribbons or
hand-made buttons; and, pleated or tucked front bodices. Embellishments such as frills, ruffles,
tucks, ribbons, lace, beading, openwork and embroidery would often be added to necklines,
collars, bodices, sleeves, cuffs, and skirts. White silk and foulard printed with small designs of
various colours made pretty nightgowns as well as the soft pink and blue silk fabrics available in
1887. Charmingly cosy winter nightgowns of pink and cream flannel, trimmed with ribbons and
lace, were introduced in the 1890s (Willett & Cunnington, 1992, p. 151,161, 168, 181, 192, 199).
There are illustrations of long cotton nightgowns with elaborately trimmed necklines, bodices and
sleeves, and of fancy flannelette nightgowns with Mother Hubbard yokes in the Eaton’s Catalogue
for 1899-1900 (T. Eaton & Co., 1899-1900, p. 52, 57).

From the late 1800s up until 1918, Empire Style nightgowns were a craze as they could be classy,
elegant, and evocative. They were “a must have” nightdress in a bridal trousseau. Willett &
Cunnington (1992) describe a few of the more extravagant Empire nightgowns for the period
1901-1909 as follows: a large falling collar of exquisite lace with lace trimming in the deep frill at
the hem and at the elbows (1901); a square front and back with alternate bands of torchon lace and
embroidery with ribbon-threaded throughout, and short sleeves with ruffles (1903); and, a low-
necked gown with short sleeves or sleeveless made of flimsy materials (1909). These gowns were
fabricated in in white and pastel colored silk, satin, batistes, cotton, and viyella (p. 168, 181,199,
217, 233). In 1907, fancy nightgowns or negligées of satin with marabou-or-ostrich trimming, and
glamourous negligées and peignoir sets in silk, sheer and see-through materials became stylish
(Carter, 1977, p. 215; Cunnington, 1964, p. 104).

Madeleine Vionnet (1876-1975), the Parisian designer, introduced beautiful and supple bias cut
clothing in her collections in the 1920s. Bias cut nightgowns became the rage in the 1920s and
1930s as they accentuated the body lines and curves, and provided fluidity of movement (Sichel,
1977, p. 215). In 1933, Diana Vreeland, situated in New York, had commissioned lingerie from
Paris. Some of the nightgowns were so stunning that Mary d’Erlanger, an elite trend-setter, bought
a luxurious pink nightgown that was cut low in the front and in the back and wore it as a ball
gown thereby creating a new fad (Stuart, 2012, p. 100).

Between 1920 and 1940, nightgowns had long straight lines, and from 1947 to 1954, full skirted
nightgowns with figure-hugging bodices were modish. In the 1950s and 1960s, nightgowns were
available in full lengths and in shorter lengths that usually came with matching panties. Newer
fabrics such as nylon, cotton knits, and colorful prints with floral and abstract patterns were
introduced during those years (Tortora & Eubank, 2010, p. 467, 473, 514, 557). In the 1960s,
Sylvia Pedlar, a couturière, who mass produced lingerie with a custom-made look under the name
of Iris, introduced a variety of long and short nightdresses in delicate batistes with fine lace
insertions, spaghetti thin rouleaux and satin ribbons, as well as permanently pleated nylon (Carter,
1977, p. 77).

Nightgowns are still prevalent today, and they come in varying styles, lengths, and fabrics with
different appellations such as sleep dresses, sleep gowns, negligées, nighties, sleep chemises, sleep
shirts, mid-thigh length nightshirts, and dorm shirts featuring flowers, cartoon characters and
slogans.
MEN AND WOMEN’S PYJAMAS

The pyjamas introduced in Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were adaptations of
the harem pants worn in Southern and Western Asia. The name pyjama (pajamas or pjs) originates
from the Hindustani word “epai-jaima”. British missionaries were the first ones to adopt the
Moghul breeches or pyjamas as sleepwear for men and boys in their institutions. European men
embraced the pyjama much earlier than women who thought that pyjamas would make them
appear to be a suffragette. In the early 1900s, females started to include the pyjama suit in their
wardrobe (Boucher, 1973, p. 433; Cotterill, 1996-2015; Kybalova, et al., 1968, p. 453).

Men’s Pyjamas
During the period 1883 to 1918, men were steadily replacing the traditional nightshirt or
nightgown with pyjamas. By the 1930s, the pyjama pant and top had become an essential part of
the male wardrobe. Pyjamas were made out of cotton, twill, flannelette, wool, viyella, and silk, but
when the checked and striped pyjamas appeared on the market, they were in greater demand than
the plain ones (Deshabillé Staff, 2013). Between 1919 and 1939, pyjamas were available in lighter
materials such as cotton mixtures mercerized to give a smooth surface, silk, and artificial silk, and
the damasked patterns and coloured designs were considered to be chic (Kybalova, et al., 1968, p.
453; Willett & Cunnington, 1992, p. 192, 207, 232, 241).

From the illustrations of men’s pyjamas in the Eaton’s Catalogue for 1920-1921, it is obvious that
the military dress of World War I influenced pyjamas styles. The tops of the pyjamas shown have
military collars, and a button and three frogs as front closures (T. Eaton & Co., Fall & Winter,
1920-1921, p. 296).

Men’s pyjama sets are still popular today. They are offered with long or short pants, long or short
sleeved tops, and tops with button closures or t-shirt tops. They come in a variety of plain, colored
or printed fabrics and knits.

Women’s Pyjamas
Coco Chanel (1883-1971) was the first designer to promote a line of attractive lounging and
beachwear pyjamas, and to persuade women that pyjamas could be as flattering as the traditional
nightgown. From 1909 onward, women began to accept the wearing of pyjama suits, and by the
mid-1980s pyjamas were apparently outgrowing nightgowns in sales (Cotterill, 1996-2015; Willett
& Cunnington, 1992, p. 217).

When the female version of pyjamas was introduced in 1886, it was a combination of a nightgown
with pants that required 4 ½ yards of calico or flannel fabric. The top had a high collar and a
buttoned down front, and there were frills at the wrists and at the knees. In the following years,
pyjama tops had large bishop sleeves, and a ribbon was tied around the waist. Pale blue and white
silk pyjamas would often be trimmed with lace around the ankles, the throat, and a cascade of lace
would be stitched to the bodice. During the period 1909 to 1918, pyjama fabrics included a pure
zephyr or cassimere (a thin light weight twilled woolen fabric), and silk (Willett & Cunnington,
1992, p. 199, 233).
Women’s pyjamas gradually lost their nightgown appearance, and from the 1920’s onward, they
took on a more tailored look with long straight lines and became available in a variety of plain and
printed fabrics (Tortora & Eubank, 2010, p. 467, 473, 514). Stuart (2012) relates that in 1930,
Daisy Fellowes, daughter of the Duc Deczes and heiress to the Singer sewing-machine fortune,
increased Elsa Schiaparelli’s wealth by wearing her most surreal fashions, amongst them, leopard-
print pajamas which her elitist friends would also espouse (p. 83). In 1933, in association with
Bazaar, Daisy “mesmerized American fashion representatives, receiving them lying on a chaise in
peacock blue pajamas” (p. 110-111).

Since the 1950s, there has been an assortment of stylish pyjamas ranging from the classic pyjama
sets to the Baby Dolls. Currently, the trend is to mix and pair tops with pants. For instance, sleep
shirts, sleep Tees, sleep tunics, tank tops, and camisoles are paired with sleep pants, leggings,
Naomi pants (pants that are tight of the bottom of the leg), and capris. Young women will
sometimes wear the stretch knit tops or bottoms as outerwear (Carter, 1977, p. 217; Cotterill,
1996-2015).

DRESSING GOWNS

Dressing gowns or robes have been given different names over the centuries that signify a garment
worn over night attire, undergarments, or by itself for conducting morning toilettes, including
breakfast, and for lounging at home.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the term nightgown denoted an informal morning gown, house
dress, or banyan worn by both males and females. According to the Victoria and Albert Museum
(2014) a nightgown was more of “a version of the modern dressing gown” than a garment worn to
bed. Since the 1800s, the word nightgown refers to a bed garment. The style for the original
dressing gowns was inspired by the kimono and banyan worn in the Far East and in India for
many centuries. These gowns looked like a loose coat or robe that reached down to the calves,
with some type of wrapper around the waist to keep it closed. They were brightly colored, and
made out of printed cotton chintz, damask, and silk that was decorated with floral motifs or large
shapes (Kybalova et al., 1968, p. 451; McClellan, 1977, Volume I, p. 382; Tortora & Eubank,
2010, p. 275, 276).

Men’s Dressing Gowns

The basic style of men’s dressing gowns remained fairly constant in the past centuries, although its
appearance would sometimes be changed by the addition of smaller or wider collars, shawl
collars, thinner or larger lapels, front closings with twisted rope ties or other types of closures, and
by trimming or cording the edges of the gown. By the early 1900s, men’s long dressing gowns
were sometimes called robes, lounging or bath gowns, and terms such as housecoat and smoking
jacket would be used interchangeably. There are illustrations of men’s long printed cotton blanket
lounging or bath gowns in the Eaton’s Catalogue for 1920-1921 (T. Eaton & Co., Fall & Winter,
1920-1921, p. 295).
The stylish smoking jackets were usually made out of decorative fabrics and had quilted lapels
(Tortora & Eubank, 2010, p. 440). They were worn with long pants. In the Eaton’s Catalogue for
1899-1900, men’s fancy brocade housecoats or smoking jackets are listed as falling several inches
below the waist, of being lined with satin, of having front openings and silk frog closures, and of
being trimmed with black satin or pearl silk cord around the edges of the jacket (T. Eaton & Co.,
Fall and Winter, 1889-1990, p. 126-127).

Men’s dressing gowns, robes, bath robes, and smoking jackets are still being sold in men’s
department stores.

Women’s Dressing Gowns

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, women’s dressing gowns were long in length in order
to cover their nightdress or chemise, and shorter versions such as the night or sleeping jacket tied
with ribbons were also worn (Kybalova, et al., 1966, p. 451, 453). From 1761 up to the early
1900s, the term negligée and banyan were used in reference to women’s dressing gowns, or
morning gowns, some of which were also worn to breakfast outings (Carter, 1977, p. 215;
Cunnington, 1964, p. 104).

Terms like dressing sacques (a short hip length robe or jacket), kimonos, and tea gowns are used
in the 1905 Eaton’s Catalogue to designate fancy form fitting gowns with a diversity of collar
shapes, big sleeves that are richly trimmed with frills and lace, and some with wide tie wraps. In
the 1920-1921 Catalogue dressing gowns are listed as kimonos, housecoats, and negligées (T.
Eaton & Co., Spring & Summer, 1905, p. 25; Fall & Winter, 1920-1921, p. 134-135). In the
1950s-1960s, warm wrap around robes of cotton and synthetic pile fabrics, and of quilted nylon
and polyester were introduced (Tortora & Eubank, 2010, p. 557).

Nowadays women have a variety of choices such as longer and shorter wrap around robes,
dusters, kimonos in plain, floral and paisley patterns, and kimonos with tassels at the bottom of the
hem. There are also lovely Chantilly lace and satin kimonos.

NIGHTCAPS

Written records mention that males and females wore nightcaps in the 1400s, but similar head
covers would have been used in cooler climates since early times. From the 1570s to the late
1800s nightcaps were fashionable with all social classes in Europe and in North America. In the
1570s, the term nightcap was applied to both the decorated style of headwear worn indoors and to
the plain style worn in bed. The poorer classes would add ear flaps to their nightcap so that it
could also be worn out-of-doors (Cunnington, 1964, p. 84; Sichel, 1977, p. 24, 50).

The shapes of the early nightcaps worn by both sexes were quite similar. Sichel (1977) describes
men’s nightcaps as consisting of a deep round crown with a turned-up brim set in close to the
crown and made in one piece (p. 50). In 1557, Dr. Andrew Borde referred to men’s night caps as
being mainly red in colour, and fabricated out of good thick cotton, linen, or pure clean wool
(Willett & Cunnington, 1992, p. 43). The wealthy classes usually donned finely embroidered
linen, silk, brocade, and velvet nightcaps. In the Verney Memoirs, dated 1651, Willet &
Cunnington found that Thomas Verny had ‘six fine night capps laced, marked V in black silks;
four plain capps marked in blew silke,” and ‘thirty fine peaked night capps’ (p. 61). Nightcaps
were particularly popular in the 1700s with men who wore wigs as they would cover their shaved
head with a nightcap to maintain their dignity when they discarded their wig during the day or
evening (Cunnington, 1964, p. 84). Between 1841 and 1856, men’s nightcaps took on the shape of
a jelly-bag and would often be colored and trimmed with tassels (Willett & Cunnington, 1992, p.
94).

The crown on women’s early linen nightcaps was usually trimmed with insertions of lace, the
front edge was frilled to frame the face, and the cap would be tied with a blue ribbon. Fancier
nightcaps would generally be embroidered (Tortora & Eubank, 2010, p. 276). Women’s nightcaps
during the period 1841-1856 looked more like a present day baby bonnet trimmed with
Valenciennes lace and tied under the chin. After 1856, nightcaps lost their popularity, but in the
1870s they resurfaced for a short period of time in a “picturesque form as an ornamental mob-cap”
(Willett & Cunnington, 1992, p. 144,151,181).

Nightcaps were no longer fashionable with both sexes by late 1800s. We can assume that with
better indoor heating systems nightcaps were no longer a necessity.

CONCLUSION

After investigating the history of sleepwear one becomes cognisant that there has been less variety
in men’s nightwear styles compared to women and that female night attire was definitely more
elaborate and decorative than male attire. As Gernsheim (1981) points out, the feminine aim in
dress is to “look attractive in all circumstances” (p. 23).
It is also evident that the stylistic modifications made to sleepwear were usually inspired by the
shapes, patterns, and details of day costumes.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Boucher, François (1973). 20,000 years of fashion. The history of costume and personal
adornment. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
Carter, Ernestine (1977). The changing world of fashion, 1900 to the present. London: Weidenfeld
and Nicolson.
Cotterill, Amanda (1996-2015). Ladies nightwear: A history of pleasure. SelfGrowth.com.
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Ladies_Nightwear_A_History_of_pleasure.html
Cunnington, Phillis (1964). Costume in pictures. London: Studio Vista Limited.
Deshabillé Staff (April 6, 2013). History of pyjamas.
https://www.deshabille.com.au/article/history-of-pyjamas
Gernsheim, Alison (1981). Victorian and Edwardian fashion. A photographic survey. New York:
Dover Publications, Inc.
Google Pictures of Men’s Nightshirts
https://www.google.ca/search?
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Haughland, H. Dristina (2006-2014). Origins of the nightgown. Love to know. Beauty & fashion.
http://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/clothing-types-styles/origins-nightgown
Kent, Susan Kingsley (1999). Gender and power in Britain, 1640-1990. London: Routledge.
Kybalova, Ludmila, Herbenova, Olga & Lamarova, Milena (1968). The pictorial encyclopedia of
fashion. Translated by Claudia Rosoux. London: Paul Hamlyn.
McClellan, Elizabeth (1977). Historic dress in America, 1607-1870. Part I. New York: Arno Press.
Sichel, Marion (1977). Tudors and Elizabethans. Costume Reference 2. London: B.T. Batsford.
Stuart, Amanda Mackenzie (2012). Empress of Fashion. A Life of Diana Vreeland. New York:
Harper Collins Publishers.
T. Eaton & Co. (1899-1900). Fall and Winter Catalogue.
Women’s nightgowns, p. 52, 57.
https://archive.org/stream/eatons1899190000eatouoft#page/n57/mode/2up
https://archive.org/stream/eatons1899190000eatouoft#page/n61/mode/2up
Men’s night robes, p. 140-141.
https://archive.org/stream/eatons1899190000eatouoft#page/n145/mode/2up
Men’s dressing gowns and fancy smoking jackets, p. 126-127, and men’s pyjamas suits, p. 131-
132.
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T. Eaton & Co. (1905). Spring and Summer Catalogue.
Women’s dressing sacques, kimonas, and tea gowns, p. 25.
https://archive.org/stream/eatons190500eatouoft#page/n27/mode/2up
Men’s night robes and pyjama sets, p. 87.
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T. Eaton & Co. (1920-1921). Fall and Winter Catalogue.
Women’s kimonos and negligees, p. 134-135.
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Women’s nightgowns and pyjama sets, p. 156-157.
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Nightwear – also called sleepwear, nightclothes, or nightdress – is clothing designed to be worn
while sleeping. The style of nightwear worn may vary with the seasons, with warmer styles being
worn in colder conditions and vice versa. Some styles or materials are selected to be visually
appealing or erotic in addition to their functional purposes.

Nightwear includes:

Adult onesie - and other all-in-one footed sleepsuits worn by adults but similar to an infant onesie
or children's blanket sleeper, usually made from cotton, and marketed under a number of different
brand names.
Babydoll - a short, sometimes sleeveless, loose-fitting nightgown or negligee for women,
generally designed to resemble a young girl's nightgown.
Blanket sleeper - a warm sleeping garment for infants and young children.
Chemise - when used in reference to sleepwear, it is a delicate, usually provocative, loose-fitting,
sleeveless, shirt-like lingerie, similar to babydoll, but tighter at the hips.
Negligee - loose, sensuous nightwear for women usually made of sheer or semi-translucent fabrics
and trimmed with lace or other fine material, and bows.
Nightgown - loose hanging nightwear for women, typically made from cotton, silk, satin, or
nylon.
Nightshirt - loose-fitting garment, longer than a regular shirt.
Nightcap - a warm cloth cap sometimes worn by women or men with pajamas or a nightgown.
Pajamas - loose fitting two-piece garments for women, men and children. They may be made from
cotton, silk, satin or synthetic materials.
Peignoir - a long outer garment for women usually sheer and made of chiffon. They are usually
sold with a matching nightgown, negligee or panties.
Other types of garment are commonly worn for sleeping, but not exclusively so, including t-shirts,
tank tops, sweatpants and gym shorts as well as underwear with no outer garment. Also, sleeping
without clothing is not uncommon.

Today, ladies' nightwear is sold in a wide variety of styles. With so many styles from which to
choose, it is nearly impossible to imagine a time before specialized nightwear. Yet for most of
human history, nightwear was not a separate category of clothing. Provided here is a brief history
of ladies' nightwear.

ChemisesChemises can be traced to the tunic-like garments worn in ancient cultures. By the
Middle Ages, the chemise had developed into an early form of underwear. The long garments
protected clothing from sweat and body oils, and were the only clothing items to be washed on a
regular basis.

Chemises were also worn for sleeping. Both men and women simply removed their outer
garments and slept in their chemises. In the morning, they put the outer clothing back on.

NegligeesNegligees are believed to be the first widely distributed example of ladies' nightwear.
The first negligee was introduced in France in the 1700s. At the time, the revolutionary new
garment was designed to serve a utilitarian purpose. It was long and heavy, as were the gowns of
the era.

Negligees kept pace with dress styles, and in the 1920s they began to mirror the short satin
evening dresses that were then popular. These shorter and lighter ladies' nightwear pieces were
definitely sexy, but were not specifically designed as such. It was not until after World War II that
negligees were designed as sexy lingerie pieces.

Nightshirts/Nightgowns
Around the turn of the 20th century, nightshirts and nightgowns evolved as a natural successor to
the practice of sleeping in chemises. Nightshirts are generally simply designed, mid-thigh length
shirts. Dorm shirts are a more recent innovation, featuring cartoon characters or slogans. Dorm
shirts are popular for modesty in mixed-gender living environments.

Nightgowns vary widely in design. In modern times, the lines between negligees and nightshirts
have been heavily blurred. In general, nightgowns are longer and heavier, perhaps made of cotton
or flannel. Negligees are shorter and sexier, in sensual fabrics like silk.

PyjamasThe original pyjamas can be traced to at least the 17th century in South and West Asia. By
the 18th century, British missionaries had adopted the style as sleepwear for men and boys. In the
early 20th century, pyjamas replaced nightshirts as the usual sleepwear style for males in the UK.

However, it was not until much later that pyjamas became a popular form of sleepwear for females
in Western society. Although previously available, pyjamas did not begin to outstrip nightgowns in
sales until the mid-1980s. Today, pyjamas are available for women in a wide variety of styles and
colours. Pyjamas pants with a T-shirt or tank top have now become a popular outerwear style as
well, particularly for teens and young adults.

Lingerie StylesToday, nearly anything can be worn as ladies' nightwear. However, many women
love silk lingerie styles for their luxurious sex appeal. You can find nightwear versions of all sorts
of sexy lingerie items.

Since the development of the chemise, ladies' nightwear has been through many changes. The
nightwear of today offers a blend of comfort and luxury in a range of styles. Many women own a
small lingerie collection that features both practical and sexy pieces. In this way, they are prepared
for any occasion.
 Girls who eat, sleep and live for fashion will understand how rejuvenating they feel when they
wear a fashionable nightwear to their sleep. It might sound absurd to many, but a fashion faithful
lady will agree that during your bedtime you should look a class apart.

sleeping garments styles, different types of women's sleepwear

While many invest in a simple and comforting sleepwear, we ask you to take a look at
Looksgud.in collection and we bet you won’t sleep in simple nightwear anymore.

Also, we bring top 8 styles of nightwear that every woman must wear and look fashionable during
her sleep.
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8 Types of Nightwear for Women to Flaunt in Style

Sleep Shirt/Night Shirt

Robes/Robe Sets
Night Dress
Playsuit/Jumpsuit
Nightie/Nightgown
Pyjama Set
Shorts Set
Capri Set
1. Sleep Shirt/Night Shirt

For all those humid nights when you feel stuffy and uncomfortable, sleep shirt is at your rescue. It
is super airy and you can pick from short sleeve, rolled up sleeve to long sleeve in funky prints
and even floral prints.

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2. Robes/Robe Sets

If you are a bride to be then you ought to buy these seductive, stylish robe sets. Robe sets are
feminine, modest and come in a plethora of designs, length appealing every woman. Try the satin
robe set in lace or floral print and look ultra chic for the night.

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3. Night Dress

Night dresses are overloaded with cuteness and we bet you will fall in love with them and buy
more than one piece. The best thing about night dress is that it will suit every body shape and the
right choice for the humid weathers.

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4. Playsuit/Jumpsuit

Have a pyjama party with your gifts? Then do wear this pretty playsuit that will define the
fashionable side of yours. Girls who like subtleties can opt for full-length jumpsuit whereas
bombastic girls can definitely pick the short, printed playsuit- you are spoilt for choices.

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Recommended Read: Top 10 Brands to buy Nightwear in India

5. Nightie/Nightgown

Old school looks never die, and nightgowns are every woman’s favorite. But we ask you to
upgrade your plain looking nightie to stylish embroidery, printed, lace pattern nightie. Also
newlyweds can invest in a sultry satin nightgown, that looks modest yet feminine.

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6. Pyjama Set

It is impossible not to own pyjama set, they exhibit utmost comfort and style. There has been a
huge evolution and nowadays pyjama sets have become funky with prints, colors, and patterns.
Don’t forget to pair the super comfy night slippers with this amazing sleepwear.
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7. Shorts Set

Make your nights even more comfortable and fashionable with this cute babies. Short sets are a
fusion of allure and nonchalant look, especially if you opt for lace and printed shorts set. The
coolest thing about shorts set is that be it tall or petite woman it complements everyone flawlessly.

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8. Capri Set

If shorts aren’t your cup of tea, then worry not we ask you to pick this modest capri set. They are
perfect sleepwear for the winter nights and a decent wear for those who live in joint families.

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These were are top 8 nightwear styles that we suggest every woman to own. Shop with us and you
will get the best deals from the best brands, and we bet you won’t be disappointed. What more,
then you can upgrade your wardrobe with our voguish fashion clothes and look like a style icon
wherever you go.