Nightshirts for Men – Guide

Short answer: A nightshirt for men is a long, loose shirt to sleep in, with no trousers to pinch. The classic woven nightshirt is rare today, but a long, loose night T-shirt in bamboo viscose gives the same freedom with far better comfort against the skin.

The classic and what replaced it

The woven nightshirt with buttons and a collar was standard until the middle of the last century, when the pyjama took over. The cut did not disappear because it was bad, but because woven cotton was stiff and cool. Today a long, knitted model does the same job far better.

What the nightshirt can do

There is no waistband around the stomach, no fabric between the legs and no pieces that can shift against each other. For a restless sleeper it is the simplest form of nightwear there is. See the long models under night T-shirts for men.

Length is the decisive part

A nightshirt should reach well down over the hip and ideally to mid thigh. If it is shorter, it gathers around the ribcage when you turn over, and the advantage of the cut is gone. Measure a shirt you already own before you order.

With or without trousers

The nightshirt is meant to be worn alone, and that is also the coolest way to use it. If the bedroom is cold, a pair of night trousers for men in the same material can go underneath without getting too warm, because both layers move moisture.

Why bamboo rather than woven cotton

A woven fabric does not give when you move, and it holds the moisture when you perspire. Bamboo viscose is knitted, stretchy and smooth, and it carries the moisture on. That is why the old cut works better today than it ever did back then.

Buttons and collar

A collar is felt when you lie on your side, and buttons are felt when you lie on your front. That is why most modern models have neither. If there are buttons, choose a model with only two or three, and leave them open at night.

How many you need

Two to three cover an ordinary week if they are washed after two to three nights. They take less space than a set with trousers and are therefore an obvious choice for a travel bag as well. The rest is under bamboo nightwear for men.

Washing and service life

Wash after two to three nights at 30 degrees without fabric softener, and hang the nightshirt to dry. It lies against the skin for eight hours at a time, and skin oils gather faster than in daywear. Fold it in the drawer so the neckline keeps its shape. See also bamboo and temperature regulation and bamboo nightwear for men.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a nightshirt and a night T-shirt?

In practice only the name and the length. The classic nightshirt was woven with buttons, while today's model is a long, knitted T-shirt without a collar.