The term "nightgown" has had a varied history, originally referring to a loose gown worn by men in the 16th to 18th centuries and later becoming a woman's informal day dress, which was also worn to church. Prior to the 16th century, specialized sleepwear for girls
and boys was not common in the Western society. Both men and women adopted nightclothes closely resembling basic daywear.
Nightwear was typically cut like a male shirt or female smock, with rectangular pieces for the body and sleeves and gussets under the arm to avoid wasting fabric. Nightclothes were made from washable fabrics that could absorb perspiration, with white linen being the preferred choice for all classes due to its ability to be boiled and bleached. The quality of the linen was often an indicator of one's economic status.
It was during the nineteenth century that nightgowns started gaining prominence as a preferred sleepwear for girls. Features such as collars, yokes, and cuffs were incorporated into nightgowns to distinguish them from girls inner wear or any feminine undergarments. The Workwoman's Guide, which was published in London in 1838, provided instructions on how to cut and sew several types of nightdresses. It suggested that high-collared nightgowns were more attractive but that those with wide necklines wasted less fabric and were more practical for the ill, being easy to put on and take off.
During the mid-nineteenth century, readymade nightwear was made available, however, it wasn't until the late 1800s when nightgowns began to feature elaborate embellishments such as ribbons, lace, and embroidery. While still being cut long and loose, nightgowns in the mid-nineteenth century became increasingly embellished with ribbons, lace and embroidery. Although white remained the standard color, other soft hues like pink were introduced into the category of sleepwear for girls
.
As the twentieth century commenced, silk and rayon nightgowns in delicate colors like orchid and green surpassed the traditional white cotton nightgowns in popularity. As nylon was introduced, sleepwear became easy to care for and washable, offering women the luxury of elegant and feminine nightgowns. Nightwear has since become more colorful and diverse, catering to new fashion trends. In recent years, nightgowns have ranged from romantic, old-fashioned cotton nightdresses to oversized knit sleep shirts and polyester satin baby dolls- each design reflecting the many roles and moods of modern women.
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