View cart for details. Some historians[who?] Nightgowns, or dressing gowns, were predominantly worn by men. Fashion historian Patricia Cunningham has also suggested the cut of the gown may derive from Persian and Turkish caftans. Some scholars suggest that as daywear has become more relaxed over time, it has allowed for the nightgown to be repurposed into different styles people wear every day. The sweep (taper from top to bottom) of the night gown can vary from virtually straight, to full circle sweep, like the Olga gown. Gabriele Stein, "Word Studies in the Renaissance", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nightgown&oldid=1099722159, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with failed verification from December 2021, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from December 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Nightshirts resembled tunics; worn by both sexes for centuries in Egypt and Rome.
There is no indication whether the term referred to sleepwear or an item of clothing with a different purpose, however. The top had a high collar and a buttoned-down front, and there were frills at the wrists and at the knees." When the nightgown was redefined as sleepwear in the 20th century, it reached new levels of popularity amongst women as styles became more flattering and it entered the fashion world. Nightgowns may be worn with a matching outer garment, a robe, sheer chiffon peignoir or dressing gown, to make them appropriate for receiving guests.[2]. It was not until the late 17th century that sleepwear developed its own identity in Western Europe, and higher-class women began to wear chemise-like gowns exclusively to bed, known as nightshifts. 
It was loose fitting and fit over men like a coat. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Dictionary of Fashion History highlights the use of the term "nightgown" as early as 1530, when French linguist John Palsgrave[3][failed verification] translates "sloppe" to nightgown in his own textbook. [1], A nightgown may have any neckline, and may have sleeves of any type, or be sleeveless, and any shoulder strap or back style. By the 1960s, nightgowns were completely diversified, found in varieties of lengths, patterns, and fabrics. "Embellishments such as frills, ruffles, tucks, ribbons, lace, beading, openwork and embroidery would often be added to necklines, collars, bodices, sleeves, cuffs, and skirts." During this time, nightgowns also moved from domestic use to fashion statements. In the early 18th century, the kimono style became popular. Nightshifts developed more shape when the neglige[4] was born in France in the early 18th century. The variety of styles of nightgowns have pushed into daywear and are also often seen on the runway. In the 1990s, designer Calvin Klein developed a line of nightgown style dresses which were simple, silk gowns that were short or reached the floor. Margaret Swain, "The Patchwork Dressing Gown".
A nightgown, nightie or nightdress is a loosely hanging item of nightwear, and is commonly worn by women and girls. Trade throughout Europe and Asia from the 16th to 18th centuries led to the foreign fabrics and styles used for nightgowns in Western Europe and America. There, additionally, is little evidence of designated sleepwear prior to the 16th century. Despite the introduction of pyjamas, the popularity of the nightgown grew drastically in the 1920s. As recently as 2019, actor Gwyneth Paltrow wore a sheer yellow lace nightgown on the red carpet at the Met Gala with a high neck, filled collar much like one from the 19th century. Common modern nightgown styles are made from cotton, satin, silk or lace and have embroidery or lace details with thin shoulder straps. [5], Nightgowns or dressing gowns also increased in demand because of portraiture and implications of status. Nightgown influence has been seen in street style clothes as well as high fashion. The nightgown was a "version of a modern dressing gown" and tended to be worn around the house or to occasions when formal attire was not necessary. From 1840 to 1900, stylistic changes were made to nightgowns' necklines, collars, sleeves, bodices and closures. Shorter nightgowns are also known as "nighties" and a common style is the "baby doll" nightgown which is generally lace and silk with a V-neckline. [5], Portrait by John Smibert of a man in an 18th-century nightgown, painted in 1730, French banyan style dressing gown, or nightgown, 1730, 19th-century simple white cotton nightgown with embroidery insertion and lace trimming. In the 21st century, nightgowns are predominantly worn by women. The garment is seen throughout portraits in the 17th and 18th centuries. The neglige was typically made with soft-sheer fabric and was tighter around the waist, but still loose-fitting for comfort. "The adoption of the gown by the English may date from the 16th century when Henry VIII wore what appears to be an Islamic caftan with frogged closure for a portrait by Holbein". It was also a sign of wealth and is regarded as the first womens nightwear to be used widely and a predecessor to the modern nightgown. They tended to be made from white linen so as to be easily washed and absorbent. This style, now referred to as the "slip dress" made a resurgence in the 1990s.
Modern nightgowns originate from nightshirts on men, or night-chemises on women which date back to as early as the 16th century. Nightgowns have several different variations. Additional widths of fabric form the sleeves. A nightgown is made from cotton, silk, satin, or nylon and may be decorated with lace appliqus or embroidery at the bust and hem. The material varied based on the weather and the person wearing the gown. Sleepwear was widely regarded as a private matter within households until it became more popularized. Prior to the late 19th century, the term "nightgown" referred not to sleepwear but rather to informal wear. The gown "consists of two widths of fabric seamed at center back up to the neck, where it joins a small rectangle of fabric to build up the neckline. ", Nightgowns were also typically made from cotton or silk (damask, brocade, velvet, taffeta, and satin) or wool with linings using satin or lutestring in a bright, contrasting color. According to historians Willet and Phillis Cunnington, only small adjustments were made to nightdresses up until the late 19th century because of social attitudes; trimmings of lace or tighter fits were viewed "as a sign of depravity that went against the highest principles of prudery in the English lady". Pyjamas soon became an essential item in men's wardrobes because of their comfort and exotic connotations. ", "Eighteenth Century Nightgowns: The Gentleman's Robe in Art and Fashion", Yvette Mahe, History of Sleepwear: Fashion in Time, History of Fashion, March 27, 2015, Paulla Estes and Niki Foster, What Are the Different Types of Nightgowns?, wiseGEEK (Conjecture Corporation, April 5, 2020), Justin Parkinson, When Pyjamas Ruled the Fashion World, BBC News (BBC, January 31, 2016). Between 1920 and 1940, nightgowns did not curve the body but draped down in a straight line. Negligee or nightgown made of lace fabric, Shirtlike garment intended for wear while sleeping most often used by women, Nightgowns as dressing gowns: 18th and early 19th centuries, "Sheer hell of it: what's behind the trend for nightgowns as daywear? Her styles accentuated curves while also providing fluidity and comfort. Longer, cotton nightgowns are often referred to as "Victorian Nightgowns", having been influenced by similar styles in the late 19th century. suggest a lack of record of early sleepwear is due to social attitudes. Something went wrong. French designer Coco Chanel was the first to release a line of attractive women's pyjamas which coaxed along their popularity. Other trends like beach slip tunics have been linked to the first variations of the nightgown, or nightdress in the 17th and 18th centuries. Valerie Cumming, Cecil Willet Cunnington, and Phillis Cunnington, This page was last edited on 22 July 2022, at 07:32.
A slip nightgown may be used as a nightgown or as a full slip. The traditional nightshirt was replaced by pyjamas amongst the Western world when it was adopted from India in 1870. European portraiture from the Middle Ages suggests men and women commonly slept naked, sometimes with a nightcap. This is widely attributed to French designer Madeleine Vionnet who rejected corsets and became famous "cutting fabric along the bias". English variations of the nightgown or dressing gown were influenced by similar gowns from India, Japan and the Middle East. In portraiture during the 17th and 18th centuries, high class members of society would often pose in their nightgowns, or casual day wear, for comfort and to display their exoticism. V-shaped inserts could be sewn at the side seams for additional fullness. Nightshirts and night-chemises tended to just be day shirts or undergarments and were similarly ankle-length, shapeless articles with varying collars. Other variations are the "shirt style" nightgown or the "slip dress" nightgown. In colder seasons, nightgowns would have fur linings. Exotic associations popularized the nightgown, especially in the kimono or banyan style. Cunningham points to paintings "The Apothecary's Shop" (1752) and "The Concert" (1741) which "illustrate the apparent appropriateness of the gown for both professional and social occasions". Female pyjamas were introduced in 1886 and were a combination of a nightgown and pants "that required 4 yards of calico or flannel fabric. The length of a nightgown may vary from hip-length to floor-length. The middle of the 19th century saw more tailored nightgowns which were full skirted with figure-hugging bodices, reflecting trends of the time. A short nightgown can be called a "shortie" or a "babydoll", depending on the style. Nobles and Lords however wore nightshirts that were embroidered. In 1933, trend setter Mary d'Erlanger wore a nightgown cut low in the front and back to a ball in New York popularizing the elegance of the style. Each width of fabric then falls over the shoulders to create the gown front. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, 100% Cotton Sleepwear and Robes for Women, Victoria's Secret Kimono Sleepwear and Robes for Women, Peter Alexander Women's Sleepwear and Robes, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, Croft & Barrow Womens Short Sleeve Nightgown Plus Size 2x, Secret Treasures Women's Nightgown Size L Pink Polyester Rayon, Gold Coast Women's Classic Nightgown in Lavender Floral - 2xl, Felina Chemise Lounge Size Small Super Soft Modal With Lace Sleepwear Lilac. This garment was actually a Banyan, a T-shirt shaped robe adopted by the British from India but became known as a "nightgown", dressing gown or "morning gown" in the early 1700s due to its casual nature.
There is no indication whether the term referred to sleepwear or an item of clothing with a different purpose, however. The top had a high collar and a buttoned-down front, and there were frills at the wrists and at the knees." When the nightgown was redefined as sleepwear in the 20th century, it reached new levels of popularity amongst women as styles became more flattering and it entered the fashion world. Nightgowns may be worn with a matching outer garment, a robe, sheer chiffon peignoir or dressing gown, to make them appropriate for receiving guests.[2]. It was not until the late 17th century that sleepwear developed its own identity in Western Europe, and higher-class women began to wear chemise-like gowns exclusively to bed, known as nightshifts. It was loose fitting and fit over men like a coat. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Dictionary of Fashion History highlights the use of the term "nightgown" as early as 1530, when French linguist John Palsgrave[3][failed verification] translates "sloppe" to nightgown in his own textbook. [1], A nightgown may have any neckline, and may have sleeves of any type, or be sleeveless, and any shoulder strap or back style. By the 1960s, nightgowns were completely diversified, found in varieties of lengths, patterns, and fabrics. "Embellishments such as frills, ruffles, tucks, ribbons, lace, beading, openwork and embroidery would often be added to necklines, collars, bodices, sleeves, cuffs, and skirts." During this time, nightgowns also moved from domestic use to fashion statements. In the early 18th century, the kimono style became popular. Nightshifts developed more shape when the neglige[4] was born in France in the early 18th century. The variety of styles of nightgowns have pushed into daywear and are also often seen on the runway. In the 1990s, designer Calvin Klein developed a line of nightgown style dresses which were simple, silk gowns that were short or reached the floor. Margaret Swain, "The Patchwork Dressing Gown".
A nightgown, nightie or nightdress is a loosely hanging item of nightwear, and is commonly worn by women and girls. Trade throughout Europe and Asia from the 16th to 18th centuries led to the foreign fabrics and styles used for nightgowns in Western Europe and America. There, additionally, is little evidence of designated sleepwear prior to the 16th century. Despite the introduction of pyjamas, the popularity of the nightgown grew drastically in the 1920s. As recently as 2019, actor Gwyneth Paltrow wore a sheer yellow lace nightgown on the red carpet at the Met Gala with a high neck, filled collar much like one from the 19th century. Common modern nightgown styles are made from cotton, satin, silk or lace and have embroidery or lace details with thin shoulder straps. [5], Nightgowns or dressing gowns also increased in demand because of portraiture and implications of status. Nightgown influence has been seen in street style clothes as well as high fashion. The nightgown was a "version of a modern dressing gown" and tended to be worn around the house or to occasions when formal attire was not necessary. From 1840 to 1900, stylistic changes were made to nightgowns' necklines, collars, sleeves, bodices and closures. Shorter nightgowns are also known as "nighties" and a common style is the "baby doll" nightgown which is generally lace and silk with a V-neckline. [5], Portrait by John Smibert of a man in an 18th-century nightgown, painted in 1730, French banyan style dressing gown, or nightgown, 1730, 19th-century simple white cotton nightgown with embroidery insertion and lace trimming. In the 21st century, nightgowns are predominantly worn by women. The garment is seen throughout portraits in the 17th and 18th centuries. The neglige was typically made with soft-sheer fabric and was tighter around the waist, but still loose-fitting for comfort. "The adoption of the gown by the English may date from the 16th century when Henry VIII wore what appears to be an Islamic caftan with frogged closure for a portrait by Holbein". It was also a sign of wealth and is regarded as the first womens nightwear to be used widely and a predecessor to the modern nightgown. They tended to be made from white linen so as to be easily washed and absorbent. This style, now referred to as the "slip dress" made a resurgence in the 1990s.
Modern nightgowns originate from nightshirts on men, or night-chemises on women which date back to as early as the 16th century. Nightgowns have several different variations. Additional widths of fabric form the sleeves. A nightgown is made from cotton, silk, satin, or nylon and may be decorated with lace appliqus or embroidery at the bust and hem. The material varied based on the weather and the person wearing the gown. Sleepwear was widely regarded as a private matter within households until it became more popularized. Prior to the late 19th century, the term "nightgown" referred not to sleepwear but rather to informal wear. The gown "consists of two widths of fabric seamed at center back up to the neck, where it joins a small rectangle of fabric to build up the neckline. ", Nightgowns were also typically made from cotton or silk (damask, brocade, velvet, taffeta, and satin) or wool with linings using satin or lutestring in a bright, contrasting color. According to historians Willet and Phillis Cunnington, only small adjustments were made to nightdresses up until the late 19th century because of social attitudes; trimmings of lace or tighter fits were viewed "as a sign of depravity that went against the highest principles of prudery in the English lady". Pyjamas soon became an essential item in men's wardrobes because of their comfort and exotic connotations. ", "Eighteenth Century Nightgowns: The Gentleman's Robe in Art and Fashion", Yvette Mahe, History of Sleepwear: Fashion in Time, History of Fashion, March 27, 2015, Paulla Estes and Niki Foster, What Are the Different Types of Nightgowns?, wiseGEEK (Conjecture Corporation, April 5, 2020), Justin Parkinson, When Pyjamas Ruled the Fashion World, BBC News (BBC, January 31, 2016). Between 1920 and 1940, nightgowns did not curve the body but draped down in a straight line. Negligee or nightgown made of lace fabric, Shirtlike garment intended for wear while sleeping most often used by women, Nightgowns as dressing gowns: 18th and early 19th centuries, "Sheer hell of it: what's behind the trend for nightgowns as daywear? Her styles accentuated curves while also providing fluidity and comfort. Longer, cotton nightgowns are often referred to as "Victorian Nightgowns", having been influenced by similar styles in the late 19th century. suggest a lack of record of early sleepwear is due to social attitudes. Something went wrong. French designer Coco Chanel was the first to release a line of attractive women's pyjamas which coaxed along their popularity. Other trends like beach slip tunics have been linked to the first variations of the nightgown, or nightdress in the 17th and 18th centuries. Valerie Cumming, Cecil Willet Cunnington, and Phillis Cunnington, This page was last edited on 22 July 2022, at 07:32.
A slip nightgown may be used as a nightgown or as a full slip. The traditional nightshirt was replaced by pyjamas amongst the Western world when it was adopted from India in 1870. European portraiture from the Middle Ages suggests men and women commonly slept naked, sometimes with a nightcap. This is widely attributed to French designer Madeleine Vionnet who rejected corsets and became famous "cutting fabric along the bias". English variations of the nightgown or dressing gown were influenced by similar gowns from India, Japan and the Middle East. In portraiture during the 17th and 18th centuries, high class members of society would often pose in their nightgowns, or casual day wear, for comfort and to display their exoticism. V-shaped inserts could be sewn at the side seams for additional fullness. Nightshirts and night-chemises tended to just be day shirts or undergarments and were similarly ankle-length, shapeless articles with varying collars. Other variations are the "shirt style" nightgown or the "slip dress" nightgown. In colder seasons, nightgowns would have fur linings. Exotic associations popularized the nightgown, especially in the kimono or banyan style. Cunningham points to paintings "The Apothecary's Shop" (1752) and "The Concert" (1741) which "illustrate the apparent appropriateness of the gown for both professional and social occasions". Female pyjamas were introduced in 1886 and were a combination of a nightgown and pants "that required 4 yards of calico or flannel fabric. The length of a nightgown may vary from hip-length to floor-length. The middle of the 19th century saw more tailored nightgowns which were full skirted with figure-hugging bodices, reflecting trends of the time. A short nightgown can be called a "shortie" or a "babydoll", depending on the style. Nobles and Lords however wore nightshirts that were embroidered. In 1933, trend setter Mary d'Erlanger wore a nightgown cut low in the front and back to a ball in New York popularizing the elegance of the style. Each width of fabric then falls over the shoulders to create the gown front. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, 100% Cotton Sleepwear and Robes for Women, Victoria's Secret Kimono Sleepwear and Robes for Women, Peter Alexander Women's Sleepwear and Robes, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, Croft & Barrow Womens Short Sleeve Nightgown Plus Size 2x, Secret Treasures Women's Nightgown Size L Pink Polyester Rayon, Gold Coast Women's Classic Nightgown in Lavender Floral - 2xl, Felina Chemise Lounge Size Small Super Soft Modal With Lace Sleepwear Lilac. This garment was actually a Banyan, a T-shirt shaped robe adopted by the British from India but became known as a "nightgown", dressing gown or "morning gown" in the early 1700s due to its casual nature.