One of the biggest fashion trends of 2025 might surprise you. Women have been confidently wearing nightgowns out and about, in broad daylight, rather than just in the comfort of their homes.
But why nightgowns, and why now?
Understanding the definition and history of nightgowns is a great place to start. Below, we’ll walk through that context, along with recent trends in nightgown styling. Then, we’ll spotlight some ways to wear a nightgown and share tips for choosing stylish sleep shirts and nightgowns that are built to last.
What Exactly is a Nightgown?
A nightgown is a loose, comfortable garment typically worn to bed or when lounging around the house. They’re flowy and simple, designed for maximum comfort and breathability.
Traditionally, nightgowns were seen exclusively as undergarments, worn only at home or in the company of family. However, in recent years, people have been wearing them in more public settings, from quick errand trips to full days (and nights).
The trend recently blew up in popularity, with Elle magazine calling nightgowns the “biggest dress trend” of the summer. Elle also called attention to an age aspect, noting that nightgowns were previously seen as being mostly for children and the elderly. Now, women of all ages—including younger fashionistas and pop icons—are wearing them confidently.
The bottom line? A nightgown is a flowy, dress-like garment that was once reserved for comfortable sleeping and lounging, but can now be worn in many more situations.
Shop Natalie - Classic V-Neck Nightgown
The History Behind Nightgowns
While nightgowns being worn out in the daytime is a relatively new trend, loose-fitting sleepwear has been around forever. The specific garments we call nightgowns today harken back to the dawn of the 20th century—the “Edwardian” or “Princess” Nightgown dates back to the 1890s and early 1900s, when nightgowns were often much more ornate than the simple numbers we see today.
In particular, nightgowns in the 1890s and 1900s often featured ruffled collars or yokes with heavy embroidery. Long-sleeved nightgowns for winter would often have an embroidered cinch or cuff around the wrist, and most gowns were long enough to graze the floor when walking.
These features mellowed out over time, with ruffles turning into simple button closures. Sleeker, simpler, and shorter silhouettes, closer to the ones we see today, also eventually won out.
Nightgowns vs Other Types of Sleepwear
The long history of nightgowns coincides with the history of other kinds of pajamas and sleepwear. That’s why other garments, like nightshirts and nightdresses, are sometimes referred to interchangeably with nightgowns.
All are comfortable sleepwear or loungewear, but there are some differences to note:
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Nightgowns are traditionally longer and more ornate garments
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Nightdresses are often shorter, sleeker, and slightly more form-fitting options
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Nightshirts are oversized shirts that can be paired with comfortable bottoms
All of these pieces can be categorized as pajamas or loungewear. They’re traditionally meant for sleeping and relaxing at home, but as we’ve seen, nightgowns are suddenly experiencing much wider use.
Recent Trends in Nightgown Styling
Nightgowns are no longer just for sleeping or lounging around the house. In fact, more and more people are now wearing nightgowns anywhere but to bed. Why?
Part of it might be due to the fact that nightgowns have blown up in popularity on social media, with a 200% spike in searches for #nightgown on TikTok over the last year. They’re also featured in the popular Netflix series Too Much, as lead Jessica Salmon (Megan Stalter) is often wearing a nightgown.
They’re being featured on the runway, too, with big-time designers creating sheer dresses inspired by nightgowns and bold re-interpretations of nightgowns as outerwear.
The broader category of all-day sleepwear, for men and women, is also on the rise, proving that people aren’t just looking for style—they’re looking for cozy comfort and breathability.
When, Where, and How to Wear a Nightgown
These days, nightgowns can and should be worn whenever and wherever you feel comfortable. While the name still implies they’re for wearing at night, you should absolutely feel free to rock your nightgown all day long. And, while they’re traditionally for the home, you can go just about anywhere in one.
However, there are some important styling rules to keep in mind.
Let’s start with seasonality. Nightgowns are often associated with summer, in part because of their lightweight fabrics and colors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a nightgown for your favorite fall activities—you just need to know how to style it.
Here are some suggestions for styling nightgowns into the fall that are worth checking out:
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Layering nightgowns over stylish bottoms, like baggy jeans or more fitted trousers
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Pairing nightgowns with stylish autumnal accessories, including but not limited to:
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Trendy socks (colorful and chunky) and your favorite loafers or Oxfords
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Sleek ballet flats and a wicker bag to capture the last breath of summer
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Swapping out a shirt or dress for a nightgown under stylish autumnal outerwear:
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Choose a windbreaker or leather jacket for an interesting clash of fabrics
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Opt for a pinstriped blazer or knotted sweater for a sophisticated fall look
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Mixing and matching prints and colors across nightgowns and accessories
These styles are all equally apt for relaxing, working, or socializing—all throughout the fall.
It should also be noted that nightgowns are still excellent choices for a day or night spent at home. One way to elevate this garment and your sense of style while staying as comfy as possible is to choose nightgowns in bold colors, rather than ones in traditional neutral hues.
The bottom line is that you can and should wear a nightgown anywhere you like, at any time. As long as you keep in mind styling, colors, and accessories, you can pull off this trend with uncompromising confidence and comfort.
Explore High-Quality Nightgowns for Day or Night
Nightgowns are loose, comfortable garments that have traditionally been worn to sleep and around the house. In recent years, women have been showcasing their creativity and style by wearing these and other all-day loungewear pieces out and about—and you can, too!
Regardless of whether you’re hanging at home or grabbing brunch with friends, the best loungewear and sleepwear combine comfort that will keep you feeling good all day with simple, sophisticated styles that work equally well on the couch as they do on the runway.
Explore Softies’ nightgowns and other loungewear to find the best fit for you.
