History of the Nightgown

By: Maureen Barillaro

I Love My Nighty celebrates the long history of the nightgown with our luxuriously soft and eco-friendly collection of sleepwear. The nightgown started with humble beginnings many centuries ago as a simple, loose-fitting, white linen dress made for both men and women to sleep in.  In the 18th century, the negligee was introduced in France. Worn in the evening, it was a lighter version of the typical style of dress worn during the day, and started the shift towards nightgowns as women's clothing.

The nightgown as we know it today began as a staple in women's wardrobes during the early 19th century when women's "nightdresses" became more stylish than the simple white gown that had been the traditional sleepwear. Although they maintained their loose fit, collars, cuffs and contoured yokes started to appear. After 1840, nightgowns started to become even more elaborate with the addition of ribbons, ruffles, lace, pin tucks and embroidery. 

The trend for fancier frocks continued into the 1900’s. H. Kristina Haugland summarizes in her article "Origins of the Nightgown", "During the 20th century, glamorous and luxurious lingerie grew more accessible and affordable. By the 1920's, styles of straight-cut silk and rayon nightgowns in delicate colors were popular, while the mid-century favored gowns with strappy bosom-hugging bodices above sinuous skirts. The advent of nylon allowed women to have, 'all the luxury but none of the fuss,' (Harper's Bazar ad, 1956) with easy-care nightgowns and peignoirs that elegantly enhanced femininity.” 

I Love My Nighty isn’t the first to herald the high esteem of the almighty nighty.  In April 1900, The Puritan “Journal for Gentlewomen” gushed about gowns under the guise of the French negligee:

"The woman who provides herself with enough comfortable lounging gowns is a wise one. She is pleasing not only to her household, but she is a pleasure to herself as well. These little luxuries of life do as much to keep the spirits of women fresh and young as anything except love and religion…and she is fortunate who realizes this in time.”

Throughout the 20th century, nightgowns were a hallmark of feminine expression and came in all manner of materials and modesty. However, at some point, the nightgown lost its favor and women turned to a more casual and unisex style of pajamas for comfort, which eventually led to the "frump slump" that is still in effect. 

Today, the nightgown is finding a new popularity as women crave not just comfort, but a modern, feminine style that makes her feel beautiful even in the comfort of home. Changing into your nightgown sets the tone for relaxation and focusing on self-care, and is an important ritual in your beauty sleep routine. 

Celebrate the nightgown with us, so this classic staple can reign supreme once again! Shop ilovemynighty.com and “make tonight a nighty night”!

I Love My Nighty
55 Craigie St.
Somerville, MA
(857) 523-8424

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