Author: Amanda Cotterill
Ladies' nightwear is big business today, with numerous styles from which to choose. In today's world, it is difficult toimagine a time when specific nightwear did not exist. Yet specialized nightwear is actually a fairly recent invention. Provided here is a brief guide to ladies' nightwear.
Chemises
Chemises can be traced to the tunic-like garments worn in ancient cultures. By the Middle Ages, the chemise had developed into an early form of underwear. The long garments protected clothing from sweat and body oils, and were the only clothing items to be washed on a regular basis. Chemises were also worn for sleeping. Both men and women simply removed their outer garments and slept in their chemises. In the morning, they put the outer clothing back on.
Negligees
Negligees are believed to be the first widely distributed example of ladies' nightwear. The first negligee was introduced in France in the 1700s. At the time, the revolutionary new garment was designed to serve a utilitarian purpose. It was long and heavy, as were the gowns of the era. Negligees kept pace with dress styles, and in the 1920s they began to mirror the short satin evening dresses that were then popular. These shorter and lighter ladies' nightwear pieces were definitely sexy, but were not specifically designed as such. It was not until after World War II that negligees were designed as sexy lingerie pieces.
Nightshirts/ Nightgowns
Nightshirts and nightgowns developed around the early 20th century. They are natural successors of the earlier chemises. Nightshirts are generally mid-thigh length and cut simply. Dormshirts are a more modern evolution of the nightshirt, generally featuring cartoon characters or slogans and worn as appropriately modest ladies' nightwear in communal living situations. Nightgowns vary widely in design. In modern times, the lines between negligees and nightshirts have been heavily blurred. In general, nightgowns are longer and heavier, perhaps made of cotton or flannel. Negligees are shorter and sexier, in sensual fabrics like silk.
Pajamas
The original pajamas can be traced to at least the 17th century in South and West Asia. By the 18th century, British missionaries had adopted the style as sleepwear for men and boys. In the early 20th century, pajamas replaced nightshirts as the usual sleepwear style for males in the UK. However, it was not until much later that pajamas became a popular form of sleepwear for females in Western society. Although previously available, pajamas did not begin to outstrip nightgowns in sales until the mid-1980s. Today, pajamas are available for women in a wide variety of styles and colors. Pajamas pants with a T-shirt or tank top have now become a popular outerwear style as well, particularly for teens and young adults.
Lingerie Styles
Today, nearly anything can be worn as ladies' nightwear. However, many women love silk lingerie styles for their luxurious sex appeal. You can find nightwear versions of all sorts of sexy lingerie items. Since the development of the chemise, ladies' nightwear has been through many changes. The nightwear of today offers a blend of comfort and luxury in a range of styles. Many women own a small lingerie collection that features both practical and sexy pieces. In this way, they are prepared for any occasion.
About The Author: Amanda Cotterill has been involved in theerotic lingerie uk market for many years. This article outlinesthe benefits of women wearing nightwear of the type shown on http://www.maryjane lingerie. co.uk/nightwear/ .
