Intro to Vintage Loungewear
Let's talk lingerie and loungewear ladies (and gentlemen if you're reading). This is the perfect time to support small businesses and indulge yourself in a plethora of beautiful vintage pieces to wear around the house. Etsy and Ebay are great sources! I believe that glamour can be achieved morning, noon, and night with the right attire. During this time of social distancing and staying indoors, I wake up and take out my pin curl set, style my hair in a 1950s or 60s style, put on: powder, blush, eyeshadow, a cat eye, eyelashes, and tidy my brows. I shower and dress myself up in a vintage peignoir set with marabou slippers. I like to play a little Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald, and Perry Como as I get ready. While I am not going anywhere, it feels good to get ready for myself. So I want to share with you a few key vintage pieces that I think are staples for beginning your "pretties" wardrobe.
This 1950s/60s advertisement showcases a plethora of many dreamy pieces. Nylon was commonly used beginning in the 1950s because it was a more convenient alternative to the usual rayon acetates and silks used in previous decades. Nylon is hand or machine washable and drip dries--no dry cleaning needed. The "lace trimmed pretties" and "day of the week briefs" shown in an array of pastel colors normally come in a set with a "shortie" or "baby doll." A shortie is essentially a short nightgown like the red and black laced number and the baby blue and pink ribboned number shown in the ad. Shorties are common from 1950s - 70s.
The long baby blue nightgown with matching sheer robe (peignoir) is a "peignoir set." Peignoir sets are perfect year-round and come in a variety of lengths and decorations--ruffles, pleats, ribbons, lace, etc. Peignoir sets can be found in a number of decades. 1940s - 50s are typically my favorites.
If you live alone or with a lover, you can go a bit more risqué with mesh options. Opt for a mesh peignoir or baby doll which was common wear especially post-1960s. Fredericks of Hollywood online has good retro modern options.
Vintage full slips are my absolute favorite for its comfort and ease. A "full slip" can be worn under dresses and covers the bodice and legs. (Whereas a "half slip" is essentially just an underskirt.) I love full slips underneath sheer dresses because it offers full coverage and extra support. I also wear full slips as loungewear around the house and to bed. There are many options--vintage and modern, trimmings or no trimmings, neutral colors or bright colors. 1920s slips have straight silhouettes, short hems, and intricate lace. 1930s slips are typically long and silky--cut on the bias. 1940s slips are normally made of rayon and have simpler trimmings. 1950s and on are more versatile.
Vintage bed jackets are a fabulous option if you're chilly and need to layer on top of your pajamas. "Bed jackets" are quilted medium - heavyweight puffy jackets that typically come in pastel colors. 1960s/70s bed jackets with lovely embroidery are typically my favorites!
I am envious of you if you own a vintage chenille robe. Commonly worn during the 1940s (although it was first manufactured long before that time) chenille is a tufted textile typically made of velveted cord or yarn. They come in various lengths and colors and are extremely glamorous but comfortable. This robe is great for chillier weather and/or if you want to feel like Carole Lombard who donned a chenille robe in Made for Each Other (1939).
You cannot go wrong with any of these glamorous options and I hope you found it inspiring. I have a few Spotify playlists perfect to listen to as you get dolled up in the morning:
Married Life Soundtrack Cool summer nights w/ brandy in hand
I don't know anymore, but it's jazzy
just another vintage music playlist
Hope you enjoyed this post and I will see you next Friday!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS POST.