As a child I remember how excited I was to open elaborately packaged, tissue-filled boxes enclosing filmy layers of lacy silk nightgowns and satin robes. These luscious things were gifts from my father to my mother, who let me share in the pleasure of unwrapping and admiring the impossibly beautiful confections.
Fast-forward to 2018 and my usual nighttime attire of a cozy, oversize T-shirt and comfy flannel pajama bottoms in which I’ve also been known to spend the day, or at least a portion of it. But, lately I’ve been inclined to up my game, to indulge in well-made pajamas as a treat to moi. A visit to an underwear exhibit at Pittsburgh’s Frick Museum featuring fluidly elegant 1920s pajama playsuits and a fab 1930s ostrich-feathered bed jacket further inspired me.
When the idea of women’s sleepwear as outerwear emerged as a trend on spring runways in 2016, I was ambivalent and still am. But the result seems to be that a whole new crop of designers are turning their talent to the sleep scene. So, if you’re looking to perk up your own bedtime/lounging wardrobe, here’s an abundance of women’s sleepwear options, whatever your style or price range.
Luxe Labels
Printed motifs of animals and birds adorn the dramatic women’s sleepwear from F.R.S., For Restless Sleepers (also the monogram for the label’s designer Francesa Ruffini.) New-York based label, Morgan Lane, offers playful and glamorous women’s sleepwear like lace-trimmed silk pajama tops and matching pants. Other names to know in this you-deserve-a-splurge category include Olivia von Halle, Asceno, Gabriela Hearst and Fleur du Mal.
Go for bold bedtime elegance in Olivia von Halle’s Daria Apollo graphic-print silk pajama set. $595 at Neiman Marcus.
Olivia von Halle Daria Apollo Graphic-Print Silk Pajama Set, $595
Asceno’s patch-pocket, sandwashed-silk navy polka dot pajama shirt says elegance and effortlessness. Add the matching pants for laid-back lounging. $215 at journelle.
Asceno Navy Polka Pyjama Top, $215
Fleur du Mal’s silk Haori kimono has wide sleeves, wraps across the body and is secured by a sash. Wear it as a robe, blazer or jacket. $595 at SHOPSPRING.
Fleur du Mal Haori Kimono, $595
This white linen Frida pajama set is part of Gabriela Hearst’s loungewear debut for this season. To be worn as a pared-down alternative to sultry lingerie. Also available in blue. $495 at MATCHESFASHION.
Gabriela Hearst Frida Aloe Vera-infused Linen Pyjama Set, $495
Mid-Range Brands
Although better known for its lingerie, Cosabella has a wallet-friendly women’s sleepwear selection of tops, pants, shorts and robes. Eberjey’s signature is soft comfy fabrics, combined with simple but still sexy silhouettes in pastels and prints. At Sleepy Jones, think playful prints and roomy silhouettes. Look to Three J NYC and Naked for sporty and practical.
Cosabella’s adorable heart-plaid Margaux robe is reduced from $120.50 to $72.30 at SHOPSPRING.
Cosabella Margaux Printed Robe, $72.30
Eberjey’s supersoft and stylish shorty pajamas, cut from stretch modal and traced in sheer lace, will add a little romance to your bedtime routine. $122 at Nordstrom.
Eberjey Malou the Lace Short Pajamas, $122.00
Three J NYC’s blue-stripe Josephine shorty pjs are uber-comfy, chic with contrast piping and practical–the shorts have got pockets. $150 at journelle.
Three J NYC Josephine Pajama Set, $150
From designer alumni of Kate Spade comes Sleepy Jones’s Bishop pajama set in pink floral. $178 at SHOPSPRING.
Sleepy Jones Bishop Pajama Set, $178
If you need to leap from bed to errands, no one will be the wiser if you’re wearing Naked’s Luxe Tank PJ set with racer-back tank and pants with pockets and elasticized jogger-style cuffs. $110 at Nordstrom.
