sleepshirts

Sleepshirts, also known as nightshirts, are loose-fitting garments worn to bed for warmth and comfort. Traditionally one-piece and covering the torso with the potential to extend to the thighs or legs, they may have long, short, or even sleeveless designs. They are distinct from pajama sets, which pair a separate top with matching bottoms, and from nightgowns, which are typically looser in drape and not necessarily shaped like a shirt.

Design and materials vary. Sleepshirts come in lengths from knee to full length and in sleeve options ranging from long to short. Closures can be button-down, snap fasteners, or pullover. Common fabrics include cotton (including percale and jersey), flannel for cooler weather, fleece for warmth, and, in higher-end versions, silk or satin. Blends with elastane or polyester are used to add stretch or softness. The choice of fabric affects warmth, breathability, and care requirements.

History and usage have evolved over time. The term nightshirt has historical roots in Western sleepwear, dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, when men, women, and children wore loose chemise-like garments. In many markets, separates and more tailored pajamas became more common, but sleepshirts remain popular for their simplicity and ease of use. They are marketed to adults and children and are favored in temperate climates or as travel sleepwear where minimal layering is desired.

Care and availability are straightforward. Sleepshirts are widely sold in department stores and online. Care typically involves machine washing in warm or cold water and tumble drying on low or line drying, with fabric-specific instructions for delicate materials such as silk or satin.