Nightgowns

 

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My Nick and Nora sleepshirts all ready to go!

I know there is a wide array of sleepwear out there, but I must confess I have some favorites (which are not Michael’s favorites 😕).  I am not going to cover the teddies, Cosabella, Victoria Secret, camisole and tap pants options as those days are probably over for me (my middle age body is probably better covered in something else).

For years I have been obsessed with Nick and Nora cotton sleepshirts at Target.  Sadly for a few years I haven’t been able to find them at Target, but I was  able to find them at Amazon.com.  Now Amazon only seems to offer one piece pajamas in that brand.

What I like about the Nick and Nora sleepshirts is that they are soft and have the cutest designs.  They last forever and are inexpensive.  What Mike doesn’t like is that it looks like I am wearing a t-shirt to bed.  I have the cutest patterns, like bees and honey, vintage postcards, sock monkeys, by the sea, beach, soda bottles, etc., but he doesn’t see (feel) the redeeming qualities.

A few of my white gowns.
A few of my white gowns.

Mike is even less impressed with my new love, which is  white cotton gowns.  The ones I have purchased are solid white, 100% cotton with details like crochet lace, smocking, ribbons, and pin tucks.

They look vintage, but are crisp and new.  What I enjoy about them is that they are cool.  All cotton lawn, voile or shirting are refreshing fabrics to wear during the hot summer months.  I can’t wait to collect more.

I first saw these in a gift shop in Natchez (Taleen is the brand), I think it was at the Rosalie.  I however did not purchase one.  I just then ran across them again at One Fish, Two Fish in Savannah.  It was fate; I had to get one.  I also ordered a gown and matching robe from thewhitecottongown.com.

Pattern for my gown.
Pattern for my gown.

Of course the real fun will come when I make some (the pattern pieces have been cut!).  I have been wanting to try my hand at smocking, so this will be the perfect project with which to experiment.  And if I get a little off on my sewing, no one but Mike will know!

Pieces are cut and ready to be sewn.
Pieces are cut and ready to be sewn.

Mike is not real thrilled with my new gowns. He said it looks like we are in the 1800s.  At least I haven’t asked him to don a nightshirt and cap!

The good thing is that I think this is a move toward a more sophisticated silk nightgown; like a nightgown evolution.  From tshirts, flannel gowns, and nighties to white cotton gowns.  So maybe Mike can have hope that normal grown-up gowns are in my future.

I decided to monogram my homemade gown in blue and add a bow.
I decided to monogram my homemade gown in blue and add a bow.

I think, for most ladies, nightgowns are a very personal choice, and we all have our favorites.  By my age, I have realized that life is too short to freeze, try to sleep with a wedgie, or otherwise go to bed uncomfortable.  Sleepwear is more a sleepaid and less a fashion statement.

Do you have a sleepwear preference (and birthday suits don’t count because we all have one of those!)?  Has your sleep attire evolved through the years?  Would you be caught dead wearing a white cotton gown, like your granny used to wear?