Nightwear as a gift and how to get the size right

Short answer: Nightwear is one of the easiest clothing gifts, because it is meant to fit loosely. If you go a size too big, it is still wearable. Too small is not, so when in doubt, go up a size.

Why nightwear is an easy gift

Everyday clothes have to fit precisely to look right, which makes buying for others hard. Nightwear is cut loose, so there is more room for error. It just has to be soft and comfortable to sleep in, and that is something most people appreciate, whatever their usual style.

Go up a size if unsure

Nightwear should fit loosely, so a size too big is rarely a problem. Sleeves can be pushed up and bottoms tightened with the drawstring. A size too small pulls across the shoulders, rides up at night and ends up sitting in the wardrobe. See women's bamboo nightwear.

Find the size without asking

If you want to keep the gift a surprise, check the label in a T-shirt or jumper the person wears often. That gives a good hint about the size. Notice too whether they prefer clothes that fit close or loose. Then compare with the measurements on the product page before you choose.

Single pieces are safer than sets

If you buy only a top, there is only one measurement that has to fit. A set needs both top and bottoms to fit, and many people are not the same size above and below. A sleep T-shirt is therefore a safe choice. See men's sleep T-shirts.

Neutral colours suit the most people

Navy, grey and black suit most people and go with most of what they already own. Patterns are personal taste and easily miss. If you are unsure, pick a calm, plain style. It will get worn, even by people who do not normally care much about nightwear.

Think about the season

A Christmas gift should work in the cold months, so long sleeves and long legs are often a good choice. In summer, short sleeves and shorts are fine. If you do not know how warm the person sleeps, a set with long sleeves is the safest bet, because sleeves can always be pushed up.

The material makes the difference

Soft nightwear gets worn, stiff nightwear gets put away. Bamboo viscose is soft and smooth on the skin and moves moisture, so it works for people who sweat and people who get cold. That is one reason it is a safe gift when you do not know the person's sleeping habits in detail.

More gift ideas

If you are still unsure or want more ideas, there are suggestions in Christmas gifts for her and Christmas gifts for him. Nightwear can also be paired with something else soft, such as socks or loungewear, making the gift a little bigger without making it harder to get right.

Keep the receipt

Even with good preparation, the size can miss. Put the receipt or order confirmation with the gift, or keep it somewhere you can find it again. Then the person can swap to another size without fuss, and the gift ends up being worn instead of sitting in a drawer.

Frequently asked questions

What size should I choose for a gift?

Go up a size if unsure. Nightwear should fit loosely, so too big is rarely a problem, while too small pulls and rides up at night.

Are sets or single pieces better as a gift?

Single pieces. Only one measurement has to fit, and the risk of getting it wrong is lower than with a full set, where both top and bottoms have to fit.