Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Loungewear

I used to wear thick, bulky pajamas to bed. Then, a few years ago, I tried wearing a silky nightgown. (Actually, it was polyester but it felt silky.)

Wow! What a revelation and delight! I loved the feel of the smooth, light material on my body and I especially loved how the nightie floated around me without the binding that pajama-bottoms cause. I felt free and comfortable.

Now, I own four nightgowns and wear one every evening. I still have the silky one (eggplant-colored with white lace trim), along with a long pink flannel nightie for cold winter nights. I also have two short, light cotton nighties in pretty pastel colors for normal wear.

You probably take it for granted but nightgowns hug the body in a radically different way than pajamas: they connect to you up top near your shoulders and bust and then fall freely beneath that. I love the feeling that structure provides.

I had an interesting insight recently. I observed that, with normal clothes, I like to wear outfits that look different from what others wear, to express my individual style. And yet, with loungewear, I cherish wearing the same kind of nighties that I see on other women in pictures and catalogs. I don't care about style with nightgowns; instead, I want to look like other women to feel a kinship with them.

If it's not too personal, what do you guys wear to bed?





16 comments:

  1. I typically wear a tank top or t-shirt and shorts to bed...I have numerous cotton-y nighties, but I just don't wear them too often. I'm weird and like tight clothes, even when I sleep, so maybe that's why.

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  2. I have one vera-wang night gown that I bought at Kohls that I wear sometimes, one lace trimmed romper-type thing that I wear in Summer, but most of the time I love wearing my pajama sets. I love the cheesy ones, classic ones, whatever, if they match, and they are cute, I love them. :)

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  3. I just wear underwear - I can't stand fabric wrapped around me. In the winter, I'll wear a thin t-shirt or cami on top.

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  4. i wear sweatpants and a tshirt. i always look at nightgowns online and think i should buy one..but i havent yet...my boyfriend would probably like it LOL

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  5. Well actually...I sleep in the nuddy! I just feel too knotted up in pyjamas and I hate being warm in bed. I'd much rather get into a freezing cold bed than a warm one, I don't know why. I don't know how people can wear socks in bed...it just feels so unnatural to me!

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  6. Interesting answers. Thanks, guys!

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  7. Naked! I have sensory issues and naked time is important for that. Sometimes I can't even tolerate wearing my wedding ring.

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  8. I understand that. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. I have pink romper, and navy, lacy nightie. I really love lounge/sleepware!

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  10. I knew you would, Francy! It's so your style.

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  11. I sleep in singlets/tees and pj shorts or pants. Sometimes I wear a dressing gown too if it's super cold haha!

    http://pagesixxx.blogspot.com

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  12. Hey ShyBiker.. great post!
    I like shorter nighties that dont wrap around my legs when I am sleeping.. like wake up in the morning and the front of it is all wrapped around to your back.. hah hah...

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  13. I have that experience with my longer flannel nightie, so I use it only when really cold. The short ones don't wrap around our legs, as you note. Thanks for commenting, Jodi!

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  14. Big, baggy t-shirt type PJs. Super-sexy (not!) but comfy. I love wearing flannel PJs during the cool months, but not to sleep in. They are far too constricting.

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  15. Great post and great question! I'm secretly obsessed with nightgowns and own sooo many. I even have one that's made out of short faux fur! (Talk about staying warm and toasty!). My favorite is by Laura Ashley, it's long and lacy and made out of thin cotton. It makes me look like a ghost!

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  16. argh I can't stand nightgowns - I used to wear them as a child and hated the way they bunched up. Although they do look rather nice....

    In the summer - a single and undies, nothing if its super warm. In the winter - polyprob and undies or pj bottoms. Pretty much always socks though!

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