Nighties Make A Great Alternative To Women’s Pajamas

Women’s pajamas are great both as sleepwear and loungewear but nonetheless sometimes you want something more feminine and fun. This is where the nightie comes into its own. Nighties cover a multitude of nightwear from nightdresses and nightgowns through nightshirts to lacy negligees. They all make great sleepwear in their own way. The only real difference between nighties and pajamas is one of style, well that and the fact that they are dresses versus pants.

Actually, nighties in their various forms are the original women’s nightwear. Pajamas came much later and, of course, were originally menswear. The traditional white nightdress is still a popular choice of sleepwear while it has been interpreted and redesigned to a state of near invisibility in some of more lingerie inspired styles. Indeed, the common practice of wearing a large t-shirt in bed is nothing more than a contemporary take on the traditional nightgown, albeit a unisex one which usually comes with a large image or logo on it.

For generations the simple cotton nightdress was what women wore in bed and they are still popular. The traditional style is a long dress hanging to the ankles. Variations come with long, short or no sleeves and with different necklines. The typical nightdress is made from cotton and comes in white or simple colors or in simple patterns. They are actually quite practical nightwear and it can be a joy to wrap yourself in a long cotton nightgown. Cotton of course is fresh and comfortable to sleep in but a nightgown can be surprisingly warm as you wrap yourself up in what is essentially an extra sheet and create your own little cocoon of warm air to sleep in.

Nowadays, of course, our bedrooms are centrally heated and come with duvets and electric blankets so heavy nightwear is no longer essential. The nightie has changed from the nightdress to reflect this. When we think of nighties we think of something a little more exciting and revealing than a long white cotton dress. Nighties generally are shorter, anything from knee-length to the classic babydoll nightie that just sits on the hips. Even when they are floor-length they tend to be much more decorative and luxurious in the style of exotic negligees. They also come in a much wider range of materials, colors and patterns as these have all become more affordable. Very often they are about making a statement and looking your best in bed.

Nighties vary from the very plain slip to outrageous constructions with ruffles, lace and bows. These characteristics can be used to your advantage. For those fortunate to have a good figure a skimpy plain slip will highlight their figure but for most women something that conceals as much as it reveals can look better. Indeed a long plain nightdress style can be deceptively flattering as it clings to curves while concealing the details. A nightdress that hangs straight down will also conceal a multitude. Nighties with sleeves can conceal shoulders and arms if you are unhappy with them while spaghetti straps or strapless models will highlight the arms, shoulders and neck. Extra detail around the bust will highlight it as will lower necklines. If you need extra support there some nighties come with built in bras and under-wiring or with push up bras for the small busted. Loose sheer nighties can cover up a tummy while others come open at the front for those who want to show off an athletic figure. Short nighties will highlight legs and make them look longer. Short nighties also make great petite nightwear for the shorter lady. Longer hemlines can help cover up hips, thighs, knees or even legs and divert attention elsewhere. Color rules are much the same for nightwear as for any other clothes: dark colors are slimming, light colors can highlight and pastels are feminine. For more lingerie oriented nightwear of course there are rich shades of red, purple and gold which can be very sensual but be careful that they do not turn trashy.

Which type of nightie you choose will depend very much on how you want to wear it. Some are just practical sleepwear. Other nighties are for those nights when you want to indulge yourself, dress up and feel special. Others are for fun, for dressing up, feeling sexy and for sharing with your partner. Whatever style of nightie you choose the one essential accessory is a good robe to throw over it either to conceal or for lounging in. Every woman should have a nightwear drawer if not an entire wardrobe. There are times you want warm fleece pajamas, times you just want an old t-shirt and times when you want to spoil yourself in your best frilly nightie. Building up a collection that covers all your options is great fun and so is wearing them.

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