When you’re investing in your nightwear, you’ve likely thought of sleepwear sets, negligees and even comfortable underwear but have you considered a sleep shirt?
Hear us out. Once the reserve of the elderly, this dozing attire will allow you to drift off in the utmost comfort since your legs are free from fabric. With breathability, sumptuously soft fabrics and sophisticated aesthetics, it’s understandable to see why these pieces have returned en vogue.
We don’t blame you if the sheer mention of this style conjures images of Wee Willie Winkie in an ankle-grazing design, topped with a nightcap and twitching his curtains in the middle of the night. Sleep shirts date back to the 16th century, were derived from traditional undergarments and were generally worn by men.
Yet, while eschewing their medieval reputation, the more feminine constructions pay close attention to design details with luxe contrast piping, snazzy collars and materials ranging from jersey and cotton to silk. They maintain their full coverage silhouettes that offer freedom and no restrictions for wrigglers and hot sleepers.
Shop the best sleep shirts below
Eberjey Gisele jersey sleep shirt
If you’re not yet familiar with Eberjey, prepare to have your sleep attire transformed forever. The brand is well-known for its use of the most sumptuously soft jersey-modal fabric and the Gisele design is its signature style. While this is traditionally made up of a shirt and trouser set, the label - named after the Nigerian word for joy - is offering the utmost mood-boosting comfort with an elongated top half that has a relaxed fit and contrast piping.
Buy now £121.00, Selfridges
Olivia Von Halle Poppy V-neck silk nightdress
Silk pyjamas is the Olivia Von Halle signature and if budget is of no concern, it’s the brand you want in your nightwear arsenal. The epitome of luxury, the sleepwear specialist turn the sleep shirt’s octogenarian connotations on its head with this eight hour-ready piece that feels silky smooth on the skin. It has a sophisticated contrast piping and comes in a few different colourways and patterns including the OVH zebras, leopards, floral and in seashell, white and the navy pictured.
Buy now £430.00, Selfridges
The White Company Stripe Organic-Cotton Nightshirt
Anyone who has slipped into the sumptuous softness of The White Company bedsheets will fall head over heels for this nightshirt that is crafted in the same pure organic cotton. The breathable style is ideal for all seasons and will come as a welcome breath of fresh air to the hot sleepers among you. The pattern is kept minimal with a timeless pale pink stripe design, constrast piping and mother-of-pearl buttons.
Buy now £65.00, The White Company
Soak & Sleep Grey Marl Brushed Cotton Large Night Shirt
This may not be the pyjama style that you reach for in the first few sleepover dates with a budding partner but it’s the one you’ll grab in haste as soon as they’ve gone home. The lightweight brushed cotton has a lovely skin feel, while the relaxed fit makes for ideal duvet day apparel. It comes in this muted grey marl hue.
Buy now £18.00, Soak & Sleep
Lauren Ralph Lauren Stripe Cotton Poplin Nightshirt
The idea of slipping on a boyfriend’s shirt the morning after is a common rom-com trope - and while it is questionable whether anyone actually does that in real life (surely trackies and an oversized jumper are more comfortable?), what’s certain is that this Lauren Ralph Lauren nightshirt brings a sophisticated feel to your nightwear if you fancy yourself as the main character in your own blockbuster. It has a classic collar, a patch pocket that’s helpful for storing the remote or an eye mask and the label’s signature monogram logo.
Buy now £79.00, John Lewis
Lilysilk 22 Momme Classic Silk Nightshirt
Cut from high quality 22 Momme Mulberry silk, this nightshirt combines luxury and practicality. While looking sleek and far more expensive than the price tag suggests, silk is actually a very breathable material and so is ideal for the humid summer months. This option from Lilysilk has a traditional shirt design and comes in one of the most extensive colourways that we’ve seen, from avocado green (pictured) to burgundy, grey, violet and black.
Buy now £135.00, Lilysilk
M&S Cotton Rich Floral Short Nightshirt
This is one of those joy-inducing pieces that will have you relishing bedtime. The floral print brings the springtime feeling all year round, while the cosy cotton construction and regular fit makes for a style that is oozing with comfort.
Buy now £20.00, M&S
Hanro Deluxe cotton nightshirt
No longer do you need to sift through their wardrobe to find oversized nightwear options, Hanro is delivering your new favourite pyjamas piece that is minimal in its construction yet maximises simple design details to offer you ultimate comfort each time it comes back into rotation after laundry day. The classic collar, pearlescent buttons and lightweight cotton material make this a breakfast-in-bed-ready garment.
Buy now £110.00, Selfridges
Boody Goodnight Night Dress
This may not be the most aesthetically pleasing pyjamas that you’ll ever wear but what it lacks in style points, it makes up for in the comfort department - and really, isn’t that all that matters? The silky-soft fabric is lightweight, breathable and made from a bamboo blend that is not only kinder on the planet - using less energy, water, and no pesticides - but will keep you cool, calm and collected all night long. Choose between dusty pink and dove.
Buy now £39.91, Boody
Piglet in Bed Midnight Stripe Linen Night Shirt
Harking back to traditional men’s sleepwear is this classically constructed shirt but where it breaks away is the use of a soft stonewashed linen, a fabric known for its temperature-regulating properties. With this night shirt, Piglet in Bed has excelled in making a style that is comfortable, sophisticated, cool in the literal sense and chic - with our favourite being the stripe design.
Buy now £75.00, Piglet in Bed
