The Victorian Nightgown - A Romantic Ladies Sleepwear Favorite

The classic Victorian nightgown is a romantic ladies sleepwear favorite for women of all ages. Here we take a look at this popular womens sleepwear style and why it stands the test of time!. A Victorian nightgown can be a useful member of any woman’s sleepwear wardrobe. As with all lingerie undergarment styles, however, it’s important to know how to properly fit such a nightgown so that it is as comfortable and as flattering to your body type and silhouette as possible.

Many women are under the mistaken impression that a Victorian nightgown must involve tens of yards of voluminous white fabric billowing out in all directions. This traditional intimate apparel look frequently appears in movies and on television where it has been popularized over the years; however, for many women, this is not the most flattering style of cotton nightgown available. It’s definitely possible to stay within the Victorian paradigm without wearing a tent; you just have to understand your body type or shape and what flatters it or shows it to advantage.

Very thin, tall women can easily wear the billowy, tent-style nightgowns that have been popularized in the media. This nightgown style is the most flattering on women with small busts; on buxom women, even those who are thin, this style can visually add pounds and make the wearer appear heavy when they really are not. Buxom women will be more flattered by a Victorian nightgown that has some shape to the bodice with a classic V neck style so that the wearer’s waist is more defined; these nightgowns are often made from a fabric that has a degree of stretch to it, so that the fabric can cling to the wearer’s curves but still remain cool and comfortable.

Women who are overweight- particularly those that carry their weight up top, or have an "apple" shape to their body, can benefit from a Victorian nightgown with a highly elaborate scoop or sweetheart neckline. These necklines draw attention to and accentuate the breasts up, away from a heavy tummy or torso. Long nightgowns are preferable in this situation, as a gown that hits at the knees and reveals skinny lower legs will only accentuate the top-heaviness of an apple-shaped woman and do nothing to flatter her assets. A plus-size woman who carries her weight in her hips, butt, and thighs is frequently flattered by a gown with a walking slit on one side. Such a slit makes the legs look longer and is visually slimming.

Women who are short and slim should stay away from floor-length gowns when possible; a gown that drags on the floor will only make the wearer look shorter than she is. A calf-length gown is a wonderful alternative; this length is still modest, but breaks up the silhouette just slightly so that the wearer’s curves are accentuated, rather than attenuated. Slim women of all heights can freely enjoy the variety of Victorian nightgowns that are produced without sleeves; some have spaghetti straps, while others have thicker shoulders or short sleeves such as would be found on a t-shirt.

Women of all ages and body types should carefully consider the thickness of their nightgown’s fabric when planning what undergarments, if any, to wear beneath. Thick fabrics such as flannel may frequently be worn without underwear beneath; however, thinner fabrics can be deceptively transparent and may leave the wearer displaying more than she had originally intended! When in doubt, a simple pair of nude, neutral or skin-colored underwear or panties are always a safe bet, and a women's robe can prevent accidental breast or nipple exposure if it’s necessary to answer the door or tend to a child during the night.

Look for more of Carmen Petitclerc's lingerie and intimate apparel tips on the Victorian nightgown.

By Carmen Petitclerc

Posted in: Women’s Fashion