Nightwear for those who read in bed
Short answer: If you sit up in bed for an hour every evening, the shoulders and sleeves matter more than the rest of the set. A style without tight armholes and in a soft fabric is the one that gets worn.
The shoulders carry the weight
When you lean against the headboard, part of your weight rests on your shoulders and back. A tight armhole or a narrow shoulder seam makes itself felt after twenty minutes. Choose a style where the shoulders leave room to lift your arms and hold a book.
Sleeve length
Short sleeves mean bare arms against a cold headboard and cool air above the duvet. A long-sleeved style solves that without an extra jumper. See bamboo nightwear for women if you want long sleeves.
A jumper on top
A thin jumper over your nightwear is easier than changing the whole set when the evening turns cool. You can take it off when you lie down to sleep. Choose a soft jumper without stiff details. See sweatwear.
The back
A fabric that does not bunch up causes fewer pressure points on your back when you sit for a long time. Bamboo viscose glides and folds less than coarse cotton, so you do not have to keep straightening your top. The same goes for a set without thick seams at the back.
The bedding
When you sit up, the duvet lies around your waist and the rest of your body is uncovered. A soft pillowcase that does not scratch your neck makes leaning back more comfortable. See bamboo bedding.
For men
The same advice applies for men: shoulders with room and long sleeves if the bedroom is cold. A fabric that does not bunch up is pleasant when you sit up for a long time. See the equivalent sets in bamboo nightwear for men.
Pockets and buttons
A chest pocket can be handy for reading glasses, but large buttons on the back or shoulders press when you lean back. Choose a style with smooth seams and few details in the places where you rest against the pillow.
The fit
Nightwear for reading may fit loosely, so it does not pull across the stomach when you sit up. A set that is too tight rides up at the back, and one that is too loose can slip off the shoulder. Your normal size is usually right.
Bedroom temperature
A cool bedroom is pleasant to sleep in, but it can feel cold when you sit up. Long sleeves and a thin jumper give warmth without making you clammy. When you put the book down, the jumper can come off and the duvet can come up.
Washing
Wash at 40 degrees, skip fabric softener and let your nightwear air dry. That way it keeps its shape and softness longest. The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
What do you notice first when sitting up in bed?
The armholes and the shoulders. That is where the weight rests, and a tight armhole is usually felt after about twenty minutes of holding a book in front of you.
Are long sleeves too warm?
Not in bamboo viscose. The fabric moves moisture away, so the sleeves keep you warm without making you clammy. If it gets too warm, you can push the sleeves up.
Should I wear a jumper over my nightwear?
It is a good idea if the bedroom is cool. A thin jumper can come off when you lie down to sleep, so you do not have to change the whole set.
See our range of men's bamboo pajamas.
