What nightwear goes through in a year
Short answer: Nightwear is worn for many hours every night and is exposed to sweat, friction against the sheet and frequent washing. There are no fixed figures, but general mechanisms explain what wears it and how to make it last longer.
Many hours every night
Nightwear is the clothing you wear for the longest part of the day, if you sleep eight hours or more. You move in your sleep, turn over and rub against the sheet. That means the fabric is stretched and worn, especially at the elbows, knees and hips. How much it wears depends on the fabric and on your sleep. If the nightwear is too tight, you notice it quickly, and if it is too loose, it can roll up during the night.
Sweat and body heat
Many people sweat at night even if they do not notice it. Sweat and body heat go into the fabric, which is why nightwear often smells sooner than daywear if it is used several nights in a row. Air it in the morning so that it can dry before you put it away. Choose a fabric that breathes, so that moisture does not stay. It depends on the temperature of the bedroom and on how well the duvet and mattress breathe.
Friction against the sheet
The sheet is in contact with the nightwear all night. A rough sheet rubs more than a smooth one, and a sheet that rolls up causes more movement. In time that can make the nightwear pill or go thin. This applies especially to the back and legs, where you lie the most. Choose sheets that are smooth and stay firmly on the mattress. You can also look at the brand Nordic Weaving to see what it has in the collection.
Washing and drying
Wash the nightwear at 30 to 40 degrees and follow the care label. Avoid too much fabric softener, as it can make the fabric less breathable. Dry it without high heat so that the fibres keep their shape. If you have several sets, the wear is spread. If it is washed too rarely, sweat and skin oils can settle in the fabric, and if it is washed too often, it wears out faster. Find a rhythm that suits you, and change if you sweat a lot. It depends on habits and season.
A layer underneath and a layer over
Many people sleep with a thin layer under the nightwear, because it keeps moisture away from the outer layer. See bamboo undershirt for men. It can be a practical solution in a colder period. You can also adjust the thickness to the season and have a lighter set in summer and a warmer one in winter. That lets you keep the nightwear for longer, because each set is only used for part of the year.
When the nightwear is worn
Nightwear can live on even when it has started to pill. Many use it as loungewear, for painting jobs or for cleaning. If the fabric is thin and starts to get holes, it is time to replace it. You can also think of brands such as Jack & Jones as inspiration for everyday clothing. Notice when you feel least comfortable in it, because that is often a sign that it is worn.
Frequently asked questions
How often should nightwear be washed
Many wash after three to four nights, but it depends on sweat and season. Wash sooner if it smells or is damp.
Why does nightwear pill
Friction against the sheet and mattress and frequent washing can make the surface pill. Wash inside out and avoid high heat.
When should nightwear be replaced
When the fabric is thin, has holes, or you no longer feel comfortable in it. It depends on use.
See our range of bamboo sleepwear.
