Clearly she doesn't want us to get it on.
January 10, 2010 7:22 AM Subscribe
Attractive sleepwear for women?
My SO's mother keeps sending me cutesy cotton pajama outfits and I've been wearing them for years and they're reaaallllyyy not sexy* and I finally had an epiphany that I should donate them all and exclusively wear sleepwear/loungewear that is both comfortable and also attractive. Thoughts?
I tend to get cold, so a silk slip while sexy isn't comfortable to me. I checked out pajamas at glimpse - are any of these attractive? My SO wouldn't have any idea, but he does recognize that the pajamas his mother sends me and I wear are not at all attractive. I'm looking for both warm weather sleepwear and cold weather sleepwear.
Examples of great sleeping/lounging attire in movies welcome.
*They are all cotton pajamas with long-sleeve v-neck tops and sort of cutesy pastel prints.
My SO's mother keeps sending me cutesy cotton pajama outfits and I've been wearing them for years and they're reaaallllyyy not sexy* and I finally had an epiphany that I should donate them all and exclusively wear sleepwear/loungewear that is both comfortable and also attractive. Thoughts?
I tend to get cold, so a silk slip while sexy isn't comfortable to me. I checked out pajamas at glimpse - are any of these attractive? My SO wouldn't have any idea, but he does recognize that the pajamas his mother sends me and I wear are not at all attractive. I'm looking for both warm weather sleepwear and cold weather sleepwear.
Examples of great sleeping/lounging attire in movies welcome.
*They are all cotton pajamas with long-sleeve v-neck tops and sort of cutesy pastel prints.
For warm options, This previous question may be of help.
posted by Tomorrowful at 7:42 AM on January 10, 2010
posted by Tomorrowful at 7:42 AM on January 10, 2010
Yeah, this is so subjective you're going to have to narrow things down a little more towards your tastes. If you were to ask me I'd tell you that it's not possible for pajamas to be sexy in and of themselves even though it's possible for them to be attractive. Hell, I'd go so far as to say pajamas are pretty much the antithesis of sexy. But I'm not the person whose opinion matters -- you are!
So you're going to have to do a little exploring here to determine what it is that turns your crank as far as what to wear to bed.
posted by majick at 7:43 AM on January 10, 2010
So you're going to have to do a little exploring here to determine what it is that turns your crank as far as what to wear to bed.
posted by majick at 7:43 AM on January 10, 2010
I'm going to repeat what I said on the last pj sexiness thread: Sock-dreams! I feel pretty sexy when I'm dressed in a pair of their thick, thigh-high socks, a pair of very short athletic running shorts, and a loose men's undershirt t, no undies under any of it. Silk pjs might do the trick, too. But I agree with EmpressCallipygos that this is entirely subjective and you should really ask the SO (and, uh, not his mother!) for input.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:58 AM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 7:58 AM on January 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
Yeah, sounds like the same thing my mom gives me-my husband calls it "tank armor".
What fabrics do you like? I personally hate the satiny stuff-pretty much always have -and need warmth in my sleepwear-I like cotton gowns with short sleeves and have been known to borrow the pants to those awful pjs mom gives me to wear under them on cold nights (ahem, not all the time.)
I have always thought some designer could become incredibly rich and famous if he/she would design something slinky in flannel.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:59 AM on January 10, 2010
What fabrics do you like? I personally hate the satiny stuff-pretty much always have -and need warmth in my sleepwear-I like cotton gowns with short sleeves and have been known to borrow the pants to those awful pjs mom gives me to wear under them on cold nights (ahem, not all the time.)
I have always thought some designer could become incredibly rich and famous if he/she would design something slinky in flannel.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:59 AM on January 10, 2010
Best answer: Here are some beautiful sleepwear brands, with a lot of variety therein. Warning - i'm a lingerie blogger who specialises in designer labels, so this stuff isn't cheap! I recommend finding something you love and then snatching it up in a sale.
Undrest - loose knit, really gorgeous cottons, feminine but still quite functional.
Lounge Lover - one of my favourite sleepwear brands - really gorgeous loungewear / sleepwear that you can also wear to answer the door in. Excellent fabrics that will keep you warm.
Skin - Similar to Lounge lover but with more of an urban look, very simple pieces that look great.
Hanro - very simple, chic sleepwear that's cut beautifully. I've linked you to my favourite piece of theirs, but their whole collection is lovely.
Asolon - this brand specialises in merino wool loungewear, which will keep you very warm and comfortable. Really nice styles, albeit with slightly less nice photography.
Dessous by Sophie Simmons -- a very fashion-forward loungewear label that blurs the lines between inner and outerwear - beautiful pieces.
Pretty much anything at Lille Boutique - their entire aesthetic is the relaxed everyday style, paired with beautiful fabrics. Look for the Wondervoll label in particular - it's expensive but gorgeous.
I really like Charlotte and Co for more affordable loungewear that's still made from good quality fabrics.
Generally, i would try a very simple dress + leggings to see how that works for you. I normally wear wool leggings or tights with a cheap merino dress from Uniqlo around the house. Wool is always my go-to loungewear material, as it breathes well, doesn't smell and layers well between the various seasons.
posted by ukdanae at 8:12 AM on January 10, 2010 [20 favorites]
Undrest - loose knit, really gorgeous cottons, feminine but still quite functional.
Lounge Lover - one of my favourite sleepwear brands - really gorgeous loungewear / sleepwear that you can also wear to answer the door in. Excellent fabrics that will keep you warm.
Skin - Similar to Lounge lover but with more of an urban look, very simple pieces that look great.
Hanro - very simple, chic sleepwear that's cut beautifully. I've linked you to my favourite piece of theirs, but their whole collection is lovely.
Asolon - this brand specialises in merino wool loungewear, which will keep you very warm and comfortable. Really nice styles, albeit with slightly less nice photography.
Dessous by Sophie Simmons -- a very fashion-forward loungewear label that blurs the lines between inner and outerwear - beautiful pieces.
Pretty much anything at Lille Boutique - their entire aesthetic is the relaxed everyday style, paired with beautiful fabrics. Look for the Wondervoll label in particular - it's expensive but gorgeous.
I really like Charlotte and Co for more affordable loungewear that's still made from good quality fabrics.
Generally, i would try a very simple dress + leggings to see how that works for you. I normally wear wool leggings or tights with a cheap merino dress from Uniqlo around the house. Wool is always my go-to loungewear material, as it breathes well, doesn't smell and layers well between the various seasons.
posted by ukdanae at 8:12 AM on January 10, 2010 [20 favorites]
There are a lot of pj's on the website that posted that can be considered attractive and *not* cutesy. I like these , these, and these myself.
posted by patheral at 8:12 AM on January 10, 2010
posted by patheral at 8:12 AM on January 10, 2010
Agreeing that you're going to have to give us a little more feedback on what you find attractive. I'm exactly the opposite of majick, for example - someone who can look good in plain old pajamas is way sexier than someone dressed up, because they're not looking to impress.
It's not sexy unless you feel it's sexy. Goes for both you and your guy.
Personally, I prefer having either my arms or my legs bare - either a long-sleeved shirt with shorts or a sleeveless shirt with pants. (And I love the sweetheart neckline in the second example, way more interesting than a v-neck.) Wearing pieces that are slightly fitted, or combining something fitted with something baggy, can go a long way towards making you feel attractive: this and this are both cutesy-printed pajama sets, but the first set is more fitted and reads as sexier. A lot of pajama sets are just all-over big and can feel terribly unsexy.
Something I do that goes a little against the grain but works for me: I like wearing a very light-support sports bra under my pajamas. If you're busty or just feel more comfortable with support, consider getting a very light sports bra or "day bra," or look for tops with either a shelf bra or a little bit of structure in the bust.
And there's always the option of wearing less instead of more and getting under a pile of thick blankets with your guy.
posted by Metroid Baby at 8:29 AM on January 10, 2010
It's not sexy unless you feel it's sexy. Goes for both you and your guy.
Personally, I prefer having either my arms or my legs bare - either a long-sleeved shirt with shorts or a sleeveless shirt with pants. (And I love the sweetheart neckline in the second example, way more interesting than a v-neck.) Wearing pieces that are slightly fitted, or combining something fitted with something baggy, can go a long way towards making you feel attractive: this and this are both cutesy-printed pajama sets, but the first set is more fitted and reads as sexier. A lot of pajama sets are just all-over big and can feel terribly unsexy.
Something I do that goes a little against the grain but works for me: I like wearing a very light-support sports bra under my pajamas. If you're busty or just feel more comfortable with support, consider getting a very light sports bra or "day bra," or look for tops with either a shelf bra or a little bit of structure in the bust.
And there's always the option of wearing less instead of more and getting under a pile of thick blankets with your guy.
posted by Metroid Baby at 8:29 AM on January 10, 2010
For every day, my favorite pajamas are a pair of Juicy Couture's classic velour trackpants (pricey, but this time of year they are often on sale, and they are the comfiest and well-made pajama bottoms I've ever owned) that are just a solid color no silly logos or detailing, paired with a form fitting t-shirt or tank/cami. I pretty much live in this when I'm at home, and if I say so myself, I look pretty smokin'! Of course, a lot depends on fit, and the right choice of top. I like Lucky Brand t-shirts and thermals (again comfy, look cute, and can often be bought on sale), or camis with a little lace and because I am a busty girl, a shelf bra, from places like Fig Leaves .
For more special occasions, it might be worth investing in some lingerie you like the look and feel of, and I suggest browsing through Fig Leaves to get an idea of your options. I tend to not spend too much money on things that I wouldn't also wear as undergarments because if all goes as planned, it's not worn for a very long time.
If you decide to try out the trackpants, do a thorough internet search and check out department stores, because there is no reason you should have to pay full price. Even on sale, they are not cheap, but considering how much I wear them and how well they hold up, I always feel like I get my money's worth.
posted by katemcd at 9:03 AM on January 10, 2010
For more special occasions, it might be worth investing in some lingerie you like the look and feel of, and I suggest browsing through Fig Leaves to get an idea of your options. I tend to not spend too much money on things that I wouldn't also wear as undergarments because if all goes as planned, it's not worn for a very long time.
If you decide to try out the trackpants, do a thorough internet search and check out department stores, because there is no reason you should have to pay full price. Even on sale, they are not cheap, but considering how much I wear them and how well they hold up, I always feel like I get my money's worth.
posted by katemcd at 9:03 AM on January 10, 2010
silk is actually quite warm - you may want to give it a try
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 11:53 AM on January 10, 2010
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 11:53 AM on January 10, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks, all! Lots of good suggestions here. My problem is that I don't really know what I think sexy sleeping/lounging clothing looks like, so I'm partly just hoping for inspiration. I just know that I don't like those cutesy items. And, personally, I don't like sleeveless stuff.
posted by semacd at 2:10 PM on January 10, 2010
posted by semacd at 2:10 PM on January 10, 2010
My problem is that I don't really know what I think sexy sleeping/lounging clothing looks like, so I'm partly just hoping for inspiration.
This puts you in possibly the best position of all, because you can have tons of fun playing dress-up trying to find out.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:34 PM on January 10, 2010
This puts you in possibly the best position of all, because you can have tons of fun playing dress-up trying to find out.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:34 PM on January 10, 2010
Meg Ryan looks really cute in pajamas in You've Got Mail.
Screencaps: 1, 2 (not Meg Ryan, but presented for contrast), 3, 4, 5
posted by ramenopres at 5:45 PM on January 10, 2010
Screencaps: 1, 2 (not Meg Ryan, but presented for contrast), 3, 4, 5
posted by ramenopres at 5:45 PM on January 10, 2010
Meg Ryan looks really cute in pajamas in You've Got Mail.
...That may be more of a function of the inherant cuteness of Meg Ryan, though, than it is due to her clothes.
OP: if you're looking for ideas, you actually inspired me to ask my own tangential question, and I'm getting a lot of good answers there -- complete with picture links, if you want to take a look at ideas.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:48 PM on January 10, 2010
...That may be more of a function of the inherant cuteness of Meg Ryan, though, than it is due to her clothes.
OP: if you're looking for ideas, you actually inspired me to ask my own tangential question, and I'm getting a lot of good answers there -- complete with picture links, if you want to take a look at ideas.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:48 PM on January 10, 2010
Speaking as a guy, I have to say that I find pajamas to be the sexiest thing on a woman! It's a combination of cute and sexy, really, and I find it hotter than lingerie. "Meg Ryan looks really cute in pajamas in You've Got Mail." I'd probably second that!
posted by 2oh1 at 7:30 PM on January 10, 2010
posted by 2oh1 at 7:30 PM on January 10, 2010
Personally, I'd lose the pajamas and just get a heavier duvet.
posted by emeiji at 11:01 PM on January 10, 2010
posted by emeiji at 11:01 PM on January 10, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks EmpressCallipygos - your question is great.
posted by semacd at 7:54 AM on January 17, 2010
posted by semacd at 7:54 AM on January 17, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
What matters the most in making an outfit sexy is whether YOU feel sexy IN it. It could be anything. Right now, the thing that is affecting you is you don't feel sexy in those outfits. If you felt sexy in them, your SO may have a different reaction. (Please don't take that to mean that I'm saying "so START feeling sexy in them!" -- because you just plain don't, and if it don't fit, don't force it, I say.)
I'd try looking for something that YOU personally feel sexy in, and that's a very individual decision. Something that makes you put it on, look in the fitting room mirror, and go, "oh, MAN. This is it." Whatever it is that does that, get THAT. It could be anything.
(Disclaimer: I do have kitschy flannel jammies for lounging, but I do not actually wear anything when I sleep. So YMMV.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:37 AM on January 10, 2010 [3 favorites]