Today’s chemises are a luxurious type of lingerie made of soft fabric. They are most often worn as undergarments, nightwear, or even outerwear (only by the brave). However, exotic and sexy as they may seem, chemises have their own, quite practical history. Here it is - sexy lingerie through the ages until this day.

The Antiquity

It may come as a surprise, but as early as in the times of Ancient Greece and Rome, tunic-like undergarments were worn by both sexes on a daily basis. They were simple gowns and today they are believed to be the prototypes of the chemise as it is nowadays. Contrarily to today’s undergarments, those Ancient chemises were functioning as outerwear and worn alone.

The Middle Ages

It was not until the middle ages when people started to use chemises as undergarments. Back then, they were used by both sexes in a very similar form. Still, though unisex, chemises used to be worn long, underneath full-length gowns by women, and shorter by men. The more masculine version used to be paired with braies (leggings) and covered with various pieces of garment.

From Reneissance to the 19th century

At that time, chemise’s role was very practical and such purpose remained unchanged throughout many centuries to follow. The chemise is said to be one of the earliest forms of intimate apparel, because back then it used to protect expensive garments from body oils and sweat. The chemise as it was back then was the only type of clothing that was washed regularly.

The evolution of the chemise

Until the early 20th century, the chemise’s role was restricted to being a practical piece of undergarment. The making of chemises was also simple - they were homemade, created by a home seamstress, which lessened waste significantly. They were made of linen and other common fabrics. For those more affluent, chemises were made of silk and various luxurious materials. However, it had to be changed according to fashion trends of that time. Women’s styles evolved into camisoles and full slip. Men’s chemises, in turn, gradually became shorter and more fitting, slowly becoming the undershirt as it is today.

Chemises today

Today, chemises are luxurious pieces of women’s lingerie, made of rich materials, such as silk or lace, and their main purpose is to enhance sex appeal. They are designed specifically to heat up the atmosphere in bedroom and extremely popular. Still, some chemises are made to be practical - they are simple and remain unnoticed when worn under a thin dress or blouse. There is a wide range so that anyone can pick up a perfect chemise, either for a spicy date or a summer day.

Nowadays there is little difference between the chemise and the camisole and for many people both names mean the same piece of lingerie. Chemises may also be similar to negligees - for example the famous babydoll style. Although, historically, such pieces of intimate apparel had sleeves, today’s chemises, camisoles and negligees are usually sleeveless to enhance the wearer’s sex appeal.

You may wonder how to fit a chemise so that it fits you perfectly. It is easier than you may think and, thus, they are a popular gift item. As the chemise is designed to be a comfortable, flowing fit, it is easy to guess the perfect size when buying a present - chemises are generally sized according to dress size. “One size fits all” is often available as with other lingerie styles, which makes the quest for a perfect size of underwear significantly easier. It is not so simple when it comes to bras or corsets, where precise measurements are an absolute must.

The chemise has went through many changes since Ancient Rome, but the basic structure of this intimate apparel is quite the same. So, would you like a piece of sexy undies in your wardrobe, whose roots dates back earlier than most of today’s garments? Are you looking for a comfortable, thin piece of lingerie that can serve as underwear, sleepwear or a naughty lingerie for a big night? Well, you couldn’t have chosen better, because today’s chemise is a luxurious, yet very practical addition to all women’s wardrobes.

There are many occasions suitable for buying ladies nightwear or if you will - sexy lingerie for your girlfriend or wife. It is a romantic and practical gift. There are many sizes and styles, though, which makes the pursuit of a perfect set of erotic lingerie challenging. For men perplexed by variety of sleepwear and underwear styles here is a men’s guide to buying intimate apparel.

The right size - It is extremely important to choose the size that fits her. No women would like to think that her partner considers her bigger than she really is. Here are some useful tips how to avoid such situations.

Investigation - Rifle through her drawers and check out some pieces of erotic lingerie. Don’t get scared if you find slightly different sizes, because they may vary according to labels. Taking a good look at a couple of pieces should give you the gist of her actual size and you should be able to work it out once you are in a sexy lingerie store.

Girlfriends - If you know some of her friends, they will eagerly help you choose the right size. Don’t be surprised if some of them, most probably her best friend, will suggest joining you and choosing a piece of erotic lingerie together. And you can fully trust her, because she knows what she’s doing!

The perfect nightwear style

First and foremost, ask yourself what her temper in bedroom is. If she can be wild, go for a piece of daring erotic lingerie, if she’s the shy type, think of something humble and slightly more comfortable. Next, consider the occasion - is it a birthday present or a Valentine’s day gift? If the former, you should think of something more luxurious and practical. If the latter, try an exotic, kinky set of women’s lingerie. If you have problems deciding or differentiating between different styles of women’s nightwear, here is a brief explanation.

Nightgown - A classic when it comes to ladies nightwear. Can be of different length - from ankle to knee to mid-thigh or even above. The most common fabric is flannel, but the sexier versions are made of silk or satin. The most risque lingerie options are lace, mesh or sheer materials. If you look for the shorter versions, ask for a negligee or a daring sexy babydoll.

Chemise - A short, slimming piece of sexy lingerie, which is worn either as nightwear or instead of a bra. Chemises are often made of silk, but there are less or more daring options when it comes to fabric. The can be both sexy and comfortable, thus it is a perfect option of you’re looking for something practical.

Inocent yet alluring sexy nightwear

Pyjamas - Today there are many feminized versions, which aren’t outright alluring, but simple and flirty. Thus, it’s a perfect option for a shy and cute girl, especially if you choose soft pants matched with a top. Think about some luxurious materials, such as silk, instead of traditional cotton.

Boy Shorts - They are a comfortable and sexy alternative to classic panties. Matched with a tank top or a camisole are one of the cutest pieces of nightwear. Consider some styles with fun patterns, which are the best options for those sporty women, who feel overdressed while wearing a daringchemise or other ‘heavier’ pieces of sexy lingerie.

Once you’ve chosen a perfect set of perhaps matching lingerie for your beloved, you can complete it by adding a robe, slippers or high stockings, styles depending on her taste and the style of the underwear you’re pairing the accessories with. Just remember not to go overboard with the style and to choose the right size and we can guarantee your beloved will be over the moon.

Sexy nightwear - lace intrigue

Ladies’ nightwear and erotic lingerie is big business these days and there is a wide range out there to choose from. There are numerous styles, materials and colors so that every woman could find one that is just right sexy lingerie for her taste. Almost every woman owns a small sexy nightwear collection with pieces for any occasion - a daring chemise for a hot date or comfy pajamas for a sleepover with her girlfriends. With so many intimate apparel styles available, it’s hard to believe that there were times when there was actually no choice when it came to sexy nightwear and that specialised ladies sleepwear is a relatively recent invention. Provided here is a brief history of ladies’ nightwear.

Chemises

The beginings of the chemise can be traced back to the ancient times, when tunic-like garments were usually worn. Still, it was not until the Middle Ages that the chemise began to be used as a form of women’s underwear (an not only woman’s…). Still, we should remember that, in that times, chemises were used as a protection from sweat and body oils. Also, the chemise used to be the only garment washed regularly. Both men and women wore it for sleeping - they simply took their outer garments off and slept in their chemises. In the morning, they would put their clothes back on.

Negligees

The Negligee was the first example of widely worn ladies’ nightwear. The very first negligee was introduced at the beginnings of the 18th century in France and back then it served a strictly utilitarian purpose. Similarly to the gowns of the era, it was long and the material was heavy. The negligee kept pace with different dress styles and, thus, in the 1920s they mirrored the short satin cocktail dresses, popular at that time. Being shorter and made of a lighter fabric, they were sexy, but not as sexy nightwear and to seduce was not their purpose. The negligee was designed to be worn as a sexy piece of underwear only shortly after the World War II.

Nightgowns and nightshirts

The nightgown and the nightshirt developed from the earlier chemises early in the 20th century. The nightgown are long and heavy, especially when compared to the sexy chemise or the negligee. They are often made of cotton or flannel. The nightshirt is a very simple, thigh-length plain shirt. Dorm shirts are a more recent form of women’s nightwear. They often feature a slogan or an image of a cartoon character and are often worn for modesty and comfort in communal living environments, preferably by teenagers and young women. On colder nights you may want to use this somewhat sexy nightwear with longer shorts or pajama pants.

Pajamas

The original pajamas’ roots can be traced to the 17th century in Asia. Within the following century, missionaries from Britain had adopted this style as sleepwear for males. Soon it became a popular alternative to nightshirts for men and boys in the UK. Pajamas as nightwear for women in the Western Europe became popular much later. Although they had been available decades before, pajamas began to outstrip traditionally sexy nightgowns in sales in the 1980s. Until today, pajamas are a popular style of men’s and women’s nightwear and they are available in a wide range of styles, colors and fabrics. Teenagers and young adults like to wear pajamas pants with a T-shirt, tank top or even a more daring upper piece of other sexy underwear, which is an interesting alternative to traditional pajamas.

Robe-shirt - sexy nightwear from Shriley

Other styles

As a matter of fact, almost anything can serve as ladies’ nightwear as numerous pieces of traditional underwear can be turned into pieces of sexy lingerie. Any piece of clothing - your favourite tank top or your boyfriend’s T-shirt or even a see through babydoll - can make you comfortable in bed. Still, many women like to wear silk or sheer lingerie for its sexappeal and the lxurious feeling. It is good to have your favorite comfy pajamas as well as a sexy chemise within reach, because you never know how you are going to spend the night.