Nightwear you can answer the door in

Short answer: Nightwear with clean cuts and calm colours can easily be worn when the postman rings or a neighbour knocks. It is usually the cut rather than the fabric that decides whether something looks like pyjamas or like loungewear.

The cut decides

A set without trim, prints or patterns looks more like loungewear than nightwear. Lace, bows and large buttons signal bedtime, while a simple top and straight trousers could be anything. Choose pieces with clean lines if they should also work at the door. See bamboo loungewear for women for simple sets.

Colour matters too

Dark, muted colours such as grey, navy and black read as loungewear, while pale pastels and patterns read as nightwear. It is a matter of habit, since we link light blue stripes with the bedroom. With a set in a calm, dark colour you can open the door without thinking, and it still looks neat after many washes.

Trousers rather than a nightdress

A set with trousers can be worn more widely than a nightdress. The trousers cover your legs, look like ordinary lounge trousers and also work when you take out the rubbish or fetch the post. A nightdress rarely looks like anything but nightwear. See bamboo pyjama bottoms for women for a pair that does both.

A top layer

A sweatshirt or cardigan over your nightwear does the rest. It hides a thin top, adds a layer in a cold hallway and makes the whole set look like something you have worn all day. Hang it on a hook near the door so it is always within reach. See sweatwear for suitable styles.

For men

The same applies to men. Straight trousers and a plain T-shirt or top look like loungewear, even if you slept in them. Avoid large prints and checked patterns if the set should also be worn in the morning. You will find matching pieces in bamboo loungewear for men, with simple cuts and calm colours.

The dressing gown

The dressing gown is the classic solution and takes two seconds to put on. It covers everything, whatever you wear underneath, and keeps you warm when you stand in an open doorway. Choose one with a belt and pockets so it stays closed and has room for keys. See bamboo dressing gowns for men.

Fit counts

Nightwear that is too tight or has gone baggy at the knees looks like nightwear whatever the colour. A set that fits, on the other hand, looks like loungewear. Choose your usual size rather than going up a size for extra room. Baggy knees and a washed out neckline are the first signs that you have just got up.

When you do have to go out

If you are only going to the letterbox or out with the rubbish, a calm set and a sweatshirt are enough. If you are going further, it is better to change, as nightwear is not made to be worn on the street. Shoes, a jacket and a few minutes usually make the difference.

Washing

If the set is worn both night and day, it needs washing more often than if it is only worn in bed. Wash at 40 degrees inside out and without fabric softener so the fabric keeps its shape and colour. Let it dry on a line rather than in a tumble dryer. The other care rules are in the washing guide.

Keep two sets

With two sets in rotation you always have a clean set you can wear at the door while the other is in the wash. Each set is also washed half as often and therefore lasts longer. Consider two sets in the same calm colour, so you can mix tops and trousers as you like.

Frequently asked questions

What turns nightwear into loungewear?

Clean cuts, calm colours and no trim. A set with straight trousers and a simple top in a dark colour looks like clothing you have worn all day and works fine at the door.

Is a dressing gown enough?

For most people, yes. It covers your nightwear completely, takes no time to put on and keeps you warm when you stand in an open doorway on a cold morning.