Women's Sleepwear in the 1600s
Women’s sleepwear in the 1600s was modest and plain. Unlike today, most undergarments were not made of cotton since the use of it in the textile industry was not common until about a century later. Rather, they were made from linen or yarns, or perhaps silk if the woman was wealthy enough to afford it.
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Nightshirt
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The nightshirt, or nightdress, was worn for bedtime. This sleepwear was usually made from linen. In the evenings women often wore a night jacket over their nightdress, both for warmth and modesty. The nightshirt is similar to a 21st Century woman wearing a long t-shirt to bed.
Nightgown
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The nightgown, otherwise known as a dressing gown, served as a modern-day bathrobe. It was a long garment designed to be worn over a nightdress. Typically they were made of linen or flannel. Their purpose was to provide covering for a woman while she performed her morning duties, such as washing, cooking, eating breakfast or caring for the children. In cold homes, they helped her to stay warm when she was out of bed and to protect her modesty.
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Chemise
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A chemise, otherwise known as a smock or shift, was the most common undergarment during the 1600s. It was made of linen and sometimes adorned with lace trim or otherwise plain. Some styles had a drawstring at the neck and elbow cuffs while others were worn loose. It could have either a high or low neckline and was usually knee length or slightly shorter. The chemise could be worn as sleepwear but was also common to wear under clothing to help absorb sweat.
Stays
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A stay is the 17th Century term for a corset, which was worn over a chemise. It could be attached to the dress as part of the bodice or was a separate entity. They were often stiffened with material such as whalebone to help support it. Often a wood or metal rod was placed vertically down the front of the stay as well. They were designed to help give a woman the fashionable figure of the time period.
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References
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