The babydoll is a classic example of these crossover styles as it is somewhere between a nightie and a piece of lingerie. The basic babydoll is a simple, short loose garment that hangs from small straps and reaches down to the hips. It can be made from any light material and decorated with all the usual feminine trimmings. From this basic design it can be worked into a simple short nightie or an exotic piece of lingerie.
The name babydoll comes from the 1956 movie of the same name (although it was spelt Baby Doll). The movie starred Carroll Baker in the title role as a 19 year old nymphet who sleeps in childish shortie nighties of this style and is a figure of lust for the men in the movie. The babydoll has remained popular ever since with the movie contributing greatly to the styles current erotic appeal. To this day, babydoll nightdresses are seen as exciting, erotic and tempting nightwear and are often explicitly marketed as such.

While many babydolls really are only short nighties and make comfortable and cool sleepwear, there are just as many that have been developed into fancier sensual and sexual styles. These are very often shorter exposing the legs and even the buttocks, in which case they are usually sold as babydoll sets with matching panties. They may also expose much more of the breast or incorporate bralets or cups to enhance the bust. Open babydolls which are split or buttoned up the middle are also available in this vein. The more erotic styles can be made from sheer, see-through or luxury materials and are very often decorated with fancy lace and other trimmings.

Despite their barely there nature, the basic erotic babydoll can be worn by women of many different shapes and sizes and retain its allure. Sizing is not important and it is possible to get specialist petite babydolls and plus size babydolls. The trick is to choose one that highlights and flatters your individual body shape. By paying attention to shape, color and embellishments it is always possible to draw the eye to those parts of your body that you feel happiest about.

Babydolls are an essential item in any woman’s wardrobe. As short nighties they are great for staying cool on hot nights. And as exciting lingerie they are great for heating up nights too. Most of all, they are great fun for dressing up in.

The classic nightgown is a long, loose, dress style garment that reaches from the neck to the floor covering up all the body and the arms and legs, in fact it is sometimes referred to as a nightdress. Historically, they would have been worn by men and women and to differentiate the male and female nightwear, nightgowns for women were usually decorated in a feminine manner with ribbons, bows, lace and embroidery. While to a modern eye these long nightdresses appear modest the reason for their all covering style had more to do with keeping the wearer warm and comfortable in the days before well heated bedrooms. These practical attributes are still attractive in nightgowns but they are also styled to be more feminine and to make the wearer more attractive. There is a subtle sensual feel to a well designed nightgown that teases by suggesting what is underneath rather than displaying it. Of course, if you want a more overt and sexy sleepwear there is always the skimpier successor to the nightgown which is the babydoll nightie.

The difference between a nightgown and nightie is vague but generally a nightgown is something that veers towards the traditional garment described above. Traditionally, they were made in simple white materials with linen and cotton nightgowns being the commonest form of women’s sleepwear. For colder weather there was always heavy flannel nightgowns. For wealthier women and for more special occasions, such as wedding nights, there were silk nightgowns and later satin became a popular and more accessible material. The basic night gown would have long sleeves and a high neck which, especially if teemed with a nightcap, kept the wearer well insulated from the cold. The long flowing body of the gown allowed free movement in sleep and would trap warm air around the body to help keep a sleeping woman warm.

Today, even traditional nightgowns will come in a variety of decorative styles for a more feminine feel. Long sleeves, while still available are uncommon, replaced either by short or sleeveless versions. Necklines have become lower too and a loose white nightgown with a plunging neckline can create an exciting contrast between the virginal white nightdress and the dramatic décolleté. Trimmings of lace and ribbons are pretty much standard too.

For those who hark back to the traditional night attire there is a thriving business in Victorian and vintage nightgowns. As much of the detail on these gowns was done by hand the workmanship of the embroidery and lace can be beautiful and a good vintage nightgown can be as much a work of art as something to sleep in. There are dedicated dealers in these sorts of garments and of course sites like e-bay will always have interesting and unusual old sleepwear for sale.

Most designers and retailers now include their own take on this classic style. In addition to the traditional materials there is a range of synthetic materials that mimic traditional satin and silk sleepwear and specialist fleece and microfiber materials to create very warm winter nightdresses. Contemporary designs do tend to be more revealing but still use traditional decorative ideas such as lace and embroidery. These have been updated with fancy prints and a much wider range of colors than the traditional white nightdress.

While one of the great things about nightgowns is that they are less size sensitive than other styles of sleepwear, they do come in a range of sizes including specialist sizes. For the shorter woman who will find even small sizes too long there are dedicated petite nightgowns. Similarly, there are many plus size nightgowns too and many fuller figured women prefer these to plus size pajamas.

Nightgowns are also a popular choice with pregnant women who find them more comfortable to wear than conventional pajamas and, of course, they have more room to “grow into” than conventional pajamas. Not only are they more comfortable to wear they are flattering and allow an expectant mother to indulge her flirty and feminine side. There are many dedicated ranges of maternity sleepwear that provide special maternity nightgowns. Nursing nightgowns are also popular and are usually fitted with easy to open straps or panels for quick breastfeeding. They can also be designed with integral bras for extra support and pads to help with leaking or painful breasts.

There is much more to women’s sleepwear than women’s pajamas and the old-fashioned nightgown can be as fresh, feminine and fabulous as any other intimate item in your wardrobe.

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.

© Dumitrescu Ciprian / www.photoexpress.com

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.

Photo by AndersonRise via PhotoExpress

So what counts as petite size? Petite women are usually taken as being less than 5’4” (that’s about 162.5 cm). Petite clothing is about height rather than weight. It is short rather than small. It is possible to get plus sizes pajamas which are also petite for women who are neither tall nor slim. For this reason, it is necessary to look for specific petite sleepwear that is cut and proportioned for the petite lady.
Traditional pajamas in petite sizing can be very flattering as they are a style that looks good in vertical stripes and which can have an elongating effect upon the body. The loose nature of an old-fashioned pajama suit means that it can be easily adapted to suit different bodyshapes. Tying in the waist of a pair of satin pajamas will emphasize a small waist or create an illusion of larger shoulders for example. Petite nightgowns are similarly adaptable. Nightgowns come in many different styles from conservative to modern and it is no great difficulty to shorten the hem of one that is too long if the rest of the gown is the right size.

For younger women traditional pajamas and nightgowns may be less attractive. For them there are many more casual and modern styles. Simple separates that can be mixed and matched together are very popular and the combination of tank top with shorts or pajama bottoms is probably the most common approach. Very often these are simple cotton pajamas but for something more sensual and grown up this style is also available in fancier styles of satin and silk pajamas. A silk camisole matched with silk shorts is a simple way to warm up this look. For the girl who wants to cover up and keep warm there are alway petite footed fleece pajamas.

There are some alternatives to specific petite sizes in sleepwear but they are not very satisfactory. Small sizes are one choice and can be adapted but they are very often in the wrong proportions and the tailoring necessary, unless you are a particularly good needlewoman, is too much trouble. Alternatively, there is always the option of wearing children’s pajamas but these to tend to be too little-girly for the grown up if smaller woman. There is only so much pink and so many princess designs that a girl can take! Also, for younger petite women, and in particular for teenage girls, they will be trying to leave behind childish things rather than continue wearing them.

Generally, petite sleepwear will come in similar styles, designs, colors and patterns to other pajamas. However, certain patterns and colors may be more suitable for the petite woman. As mentioned, vertical stripes are a simple way to make you look taller and they also look good on pajamas. On the other hand, traditional tartan and plaid patterns, which are also common on pajamas, will have a shortening effect and should be avoided. Dark colors do tend to make you look smaller so bright colors, if they match your coloring, may be better. Again, too much pink on a petite woman can make her look younger which may be a good or a bad thing. For pajamas reds and warm pastels may be the better choice.

As always, the best place for ideas and solutions if you are looking for petite pajamas is online. There are many websites dedicated to petite fashions and most of the big retailers and manufacturers now carry petite ranges. However, it is very important when purchasing pajamas online to check all the sizing information the vendor provides and to carefully read their terms and conditions in relation to returns to ensure that you can return them if you are dissatisfied with their interpretation of petite.

For such a simple combination of apparel, women’s pajamas fulfill a multiplicity of roles.  They are, quite simply, the basis of the stylish woman’s sleepwear and loungewear collections.  A woman who takes care over the choice of her pajamas will never need worry again about being inappropriately dressed at home.

There are few things as comfortable as a pair of pajamas. Their very comfortable looseness is the exact opposite of the tight, restrictive clothing that women are so often obliged to squeeze themselves into in the normal course of their day to day existence.  Women’s pajamas on the other hand are soft, warm and cozy; the very essence of normal femininity.  Nor or they restricted by the artificially numbered sizes of retailers – a woman is free to choose whatever size she likes from skimpy satin pajamas to comfortable plus size pajamas to match her mood and feeling.

It is this practicality that attracts so many women to pajamas.  They are not just great for sleeping in, they are perfectly functional for wearing around the house.  You can even put out the garbage in them.  And there is nothing better for loungewear.  What woman does not love her pajama day?  It is the height of luxurious me-time to settle down on the sofa in your cozy cotton pajamas with nothing but daytime television or a good book and not a care in the world.

Which is not to say that women’s pajamas are frumpy or unattractive in any way.  There are few things as attractive as a relaxed woman in her silk pajamas.  Or, indeed, in her boyfriend’s pajamas.  The variety of materials, cuts and styles available in women’s pajamas today allow for a wide range of emotions from the teasing tomboy to the seductive vamp.  Women’s pajamas can be as sexy as you want to make them.  As with so much of a woman’s wardrobe, when it comes to women’s pajamas, it is about how you wear them rather than what you wear.

Take the time to read through The Best Women’s Pajamas Guide for your complete introduction to women’s loungewear, women’s sleepwear and women’s pajamas.  Hopefully, this site will give you some new ideas and inspiration in nightwear.  Happy reading, whether you are in your pajamas or not!



Cotton pajamas are by far the most plentiful type of pajamas on the market and with good reason. Cotton pajamas are comfortable, stylish and practical for all your sleepwear and leisurewear needs. For a good night’s sleep or just for taking it easy around the house, they are the perfect pair of pajamas. Good cotton pajamas are a mainstay item in every woman’s wardrobe.

Cotton is a natural fabric that makes soft, durable clothing that is comfortable to wear. Light and fluffy, cotton feels soft and snug against the skin. The best quality cotton is often labeled as Egyptian cotton. It is worth considering organic cotton pajamas too. The cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and processed without any chemicals so that there is even less chance of it irritating sensitive skin.

Cotton pajamas are best worn loose. It is always better to buy them a size too big to be sure that they are not tight or constricting when asleep. You might even consider buying plus size pajamas for that extra loose fit. Wearing loose pajamas not only allows you to move freely, it traps an insulating layer of air between your skin and the cotton. This keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer while helping your skin to breathe. Cotton nightwear can also reduce the amount you perspire in your sleep.

Loose cotton pajamas are not just great for sleeping in, they make ideal leisurewear for relaxing in at home. At the end of a long day, changing into a crisp pair of cotton pajamas allows you to leave aside the troubles of the day and pamper yourself in your own time. Indeed, why not just take a day to yourself? Cotton pajamas are ideal for a snug pajama day at home.

Cotton pajamas come in a wide range of styles and patterns so there is cotton sleepwear for every occasion and for every woman’s taste. Cotton is widely available and very affordable so you can build up a selection of different ites to suit your different needs. For a warmer, more traditional style consider flannel pajamas which are also made from cotton.

Not only are cotton pajamas great for women, they are great for the whole family. Why not co-ordinate outfits and try “his and hers“ , “mother and daughter”, or even whole family matching sets with parents and kids wearing co-ordinated pajamas. You can even try novelty prints for seasonal pajamas for you or your children if you want to try a Christmas or Easter theme with, perhaps, a special breakfast in bed for the holidays.

Cotton pajamas are excellent value as that they are affordable to buy, affordable to maintain and durable. You can wash and dry them easily at home and whether you press them or not is up to you as you can wear them crisp or crumpled. All around they will save you money and let you splash out on some key pieces of luxury sleepwear too. Always count on cotton as a practical mainstay item when considering women’s pajamas.

For the ultimate in luxury sleepwear every woman should try silk pajamas. There is nothing quite like the feel of silk next to your skin nor is there anything that looks quite as sumptuous. Silk pajamas are for the woman who is relaxed in her own body and in control of her own sensuality. Silk pajamas are for you.

 
 
 
 
 It is no surprise that silk has been valued as the cloth of princesses throughout history. It was rare, expensive and luxurious to the touch. Modern silk farming techniques mean every woman now has access to quality silk sleepwear at competitive prices. Silk pajamas are an affordable piece of personal luxury. In a pair of silk pajamas a woman can look and feel like a princess in her own boudoir.

Of course every woman feels special in silk pajamas, silk sleepwear looks amazing. Whether silk pajamas or scanty silk lingerie, the soft sheen of silk exudes a sense of sophisticated, stunning, sensuality. The material hangs lovingly on your body, highlighting your curves in a seductive manner while flattering the spaces in between. The contrast between the richness of the material and softness of your skin is a sensual delight. The natural shimmer of silk reflects the sophisticated nature of the material whether in natural daylight or romantic candlelight. Nothing looks as sensual or as stunning as silk.

Silk doesn’t just look good on you, it feels good on you too. Silk is a pure natural material which is perfect for wearing next to the skin. It should not cause irritation and it is naturally hypoallergenic. As a natural material it reduces unwanted perspiration and helps wick any such sweat away from the skin. The material used for silk pajamas is usually double knitted or woven to create a long lasting, soft and comfortable fabric which is surprisingly warm. To sleep in a loose pair of silk pajamas is to guarantee a good night’s sleep.

Whatever type of sleepwear you favor; there is something in silk for you. For the winter months try a long sleeved jacket and long pajama bottoms. For the summer months you might just wear the jacket on its own or over a pair of shorts. Roll-up the sleeves and this combination is great for leisurely breakfasts or lounging round the house in. For a sporty but feminine look add a lacy camisole to the pajama bottoms. Consider different colors too. The same pajamas in different colors will give different messages: red is sexy, black sophisticated, pink girly and so on.

Once you have chosen your silk sleepwear, make sure to look after it. Silk requires more care than other materials. Always check the care label on your silks. They may require dry cleaning or you may be able to wash them at home at low temperatures. If they need to be pressed, then use the lowest setting on your iron.

So if you are a woman who wants to look fabulous and feel special, invest in some silk women’s pajamas.

Nowadays there is a wide range of plus size pajamas available. Nor is the fuller figured female limited to pajamas when it comes to plus size sleepwear. For those looking for something sexy to wear to bed, if not necessarly to sleep in, there is no shortage of plus size lingerie out there. The best place to start looking for plus size clothing is right here on the internet. Take the time to browse online and consider all your options. It is worth trying to buy separate pajamas pieces in different sizes so that you can mix and match them perfectly to your figure.

Plus size pajamas are not just for the larger woman. There will be occasions when you may want pajamas in a larger size. For the pregnant woman, you will find that there are whole ranges of dedicated maternity pajamas available or, of course, you can just buy a larger size of your favorite pajamas. Larger sizes of pajamas are also suitable for women with reduced mobility, for example due to illness, who may find plus size pajamas more practical and easier to change into.

Whatever the size, the qualities that make women’s pajamas comfortable are a constant. They are designed to be relaxing and comfortable to wear. They are made from lovely tactile materials – silks, satins, cottons – that feel fabulous against your skin. They are suitable for both cold and hot weather. They are available in a range of styles to suit all tastes, from traditional conservative combinations in cotton pajamas to sexy separate silk pajamas. Don’t forget that pajamas make great lounge wear as well as great sleep wear. And, of couse, they look great on every woman.

Indeed, whatever size or shape of woman you are, there is a lot to be said for buying larger size pajamas and lounge wear. Real women are comfortable in their plus size pajamas.

When it comes to staying warm on long winter nights, nothing is as warm and cozy as fleece pajamas. While flannel and cotton pajamas may be more traditional, advances in technology mean that fleece pajamas now ensure that you can stay warm no matter how cold the night.

Fleece fabric is a completely man-made product that uses various synthethic materials to make a cloth that is soft, light and very, very warm. For the environmentally friendly shopper it is possible to get fleece clothing made from 100% recycled materials. And, of course, snug in your fleece you can turn down the thermostat and reduce the amount of fuel you use. You can sleep comfortably with a clear, clean conscience.

For the really cold nights a popular development in pajamas has been one piece footed pajamas. Indeed for all over snuggling you can also get one piece pajamas with hoods. With only your nose peeking out you are guaranteed to stay warm in your own little private cocoon. Like giant romper suits, these pajamas keep out all cold air and drafts and keep you warm and cozy from the tips of your toes to the top of your head all night long. And not only are fleece pajamas warm, they allow your skin room to breathe and help carry moisture away from your body for that complete comfortable night’s sleep.

Fleece pajamas are usually fitted with nylon zips which warm up along with you and your pajamas so that there is no cold metal to startle you in the middle of the night. Some ingenious one piece women’s pajamas even come with a zipped bottom flap so that you do not have to undress in a chilly bathroom if caught short in the middle of the night.

But fleece pajamas aren’t just warm and practical sleepwear, they make ideal loungewear in the depths of winter. Footed fleece pajamas even do away with the need for slippers! There no need to worry about the fleece slipping as the specially textured feet on the pajamas are non-slip. You can curl up in a cozy ball on the sofa or carry on with your chores in cozy confidence.

Although fleece pajamas are available in traditional styles, they are more generally available in contemporary loungewear styles. Fleece bottoms and sweatshirts style tops give a sport look to your pajamas. While the one piece and footed pajamas are clearly for the girl who values comfort over appearance. As fleece material is available in every possible color and in a range of patterns and prints they are particularly suited for novelty pajamas and are make for very popular kids pajamas.

Fleece pajamas are crumple free and can be washed at a low temperature as often as necessary. The will look as good as new for years to come providing you with reliable warm winter wear. While you may prefer silk or satin pajamas for special occasions, there will always be nights when only your fleece pajamas will keep you warm.

Satin is a popular material for women’s pajamas. Like silk it is opulent and luxurious but it comes at a more affordable price and is easier to care for. Satin is the ideal material for sleepwear that doubles as luxury leisurewear. Every woman should add some satin pajamas to her wardrobe and not just for sleeping in, the are perfect for those days when you want to laze around the home in luxury pajamas.

Satin material is woven in such a way that it has a distinctive gloss shiny side and a dull side. The material can be woven from silk, synthetic fibers like nylon, or from cotton fibers (in the latter case it is sometimes called sateen). The type and quality of the fiber it is woven from will dictate the quality of the finished satin. As with all your clothes, natural materials will feel better but synthetic materials will cost less. Pure silk satin will make the most sumptuous of satin sleepwear but other variations will still look good and feel great. Satin pajamas are a great alternative to silk pajamas for women for day to day wear.

Satin has been used as a material for quality sleepwear for centuries and it is easy to see why. With its characteristic glossy appearance it makes every woman look wonderful. It is a versatile material that can be cut to any style and is easily colored or patterned to suit any taste. Satin pajamas are available in a range of styles from conservatively cut, traditional suits, to lacy scanty pajamas that are as much for playing in as for sleeping in!

Satin does not just make for great pajamas for women, it is widely available in nightgowns, lingerie and other intimate women’s apparel. The variety of satin nightwear and satin underwear allows the savvy women to create a whole series of sensual looks in soft cosy satin. For a simple sexy style, try combining your satin pajamas with a brief pair of satin pants for a very teasing look.

The flexibility of satin is what gives it so much appeal. By choosing the type and color of sleepwear you wear you have total control over the image you project.

For cold winter nights or quiet days at home, traditional loose and baggy satin pajamas are ideal. They are warm and comfortable to wear. They do not restrict your movement allowing you to stretch and relax with ease. They will, above all, allow you to luxuriate in being you.

For romantic nights you might want a pair of satin pajamas that are a little tighter, a little brighter and a little more revealing. Something that is still soft and sensuous to wear but that highlights your natural feminine charms. Something that can be teemed with your favorite satin underwear to tease your chosen partner.

It is this versatility of satin, from satin pants to pajamas that makes satin such an integral part of the well dressed woman’s wardrobe. For day to day sleepwear that makes you look and feel a million dollars, try satin women’s pajamas.