Category Archives: sleepwear

TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE ROBES & SLEEPWEAR FROM 1930’S TO MID-CENTURY

I’m definitely in the mood to look at some pretty Spring lingerie, although it won’t keep us as warm. The 1970’s RED velour robe by Vanity Fair is an exception, but I had to include it for St. Valentine’s Day.

A floral heavy cotton housecoat robe from the 1930’s with big sculpted buttons was a fabulous find! See how it compares when we jump to the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. Double-layer nylon peignoirs and gowns began to appear in the Forties and there were some beautiful ones in silk during the Thirties and Forties before WWII rationing disrupted all of that. Lots of great synthetic materials were developed during this time, however, and the 1950’s nylon used for sleepwear and slips is fabulous! Thick, glossy and still silky to the touch, it could be found into the 1960’s and very early 1970’s but since then has mostly been replaced by cheaper, poorer quality fabric that doesn’t feel or look the same and is definitely inferior.

Until then, we had this wonderful nylon that can be dyed in bright colors, lasts forever and feels like heaven on the body. Lingerie from this time also included beautiful tailoring and details like lace and embroidery which was high quality and didn’t come loose. Tiny pearlized plastic or fabric-covered buttons and satin ribbon were also common. That’s why these garments still look and feel so beautiful 50 – 70 years later!

This marvelous nylon was also used to make lingerie slips, of course, and women bought a gazillion of them while day dresses were still the standard outfit for daily wear. When we go back to looking at day dresses through the decades, I will be opening an archive of beautiful slips, too. First, I think our mid-century gal is getting back from her vacation tomorrow so we will see what she bought at the beach and start the dresses review afterward. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S AND LADIES’ SLEEPWEAR & ROBES FROM THE 1950’S & 1960’S

While our mid-century gal is off on her snowbird vacation (see posts from the last few days), Baby, it’s COLD outside here at home! Although Spring is just around the corner (yes, it really is), we still need to be snuggling into robes and pajamas at night. I love doing posts about my archives of true vintage lingerie because it’s always so interesting and pretty. So, let’s take a closer look at these files –

For the men, a swanky rayon bathrobe makes any guy an instant sophisticate. Abstract medallion print with satin trim. How aristocratic! As for the PJs, cotton print men’s pajamas from the 1940’s and 1950’s are so wonderful. Of course, they wear to cozy softness but the real star of the scene is the art prints that many of them displayed. This pair have stylized hand fans all over – an unusual motif for men’s PJs, but that’s what they are. Both pieces show the standard tailoring for men’s garments, though it’s fun for women to wear them, too.

For the ladies, true vintage sleepwear and robes are always so lovely. Even very plain ones seem to have pretty tailoring details. The rosy red robe pictured above is made from a plush fabric. Details include pretty buttons, satin piping on the collar and 3/4 length bell sleeves. The deadstock cotton PJs are plain but still have pretty lace trim and pearl buttons. I think the plaid fabric is quite nice, too. The thing I like most about these old-style pajamas is how the waistline is made. It does have some elastic around the back, but the front is plain and closes with a side button. It also has at least one hip pocket, which is surprisingly convenient.

Tomorrow, before our vacationer gets home, I’ll look at another true vintage sleepwear archive with more Spring-like styling. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Home for the True Vintage Holidays – Part 2

After the guests, if there were any, are gone it’s time for the serious waiting-for-Santa to begin. Best behavior is still very important (he can always chuck your present into orbit, you know) but comfort and relaxation are essential until you just can’t avoid the bed any longer.

What could be more comfy than a 1980’s does 1940’s cotton flannel jumpsuit in a classic lumberjack weave? I just love this, shoulder pads and all! In a warmer clime, a ruby red negligee’ from the Fifties to early Sixties is perfect and I’ve never found a prettier one than this. As the sun settles out of sight, the temps do tend to cool and this 1970’s Vanity Fair plush robe will do the trick. I love having snuggly true vintage at-home wear for every season and occasion.

Good luck staying awake. See you in the morning. Blessings and Ho, Ho, Ho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930’S – 1940’S – 1950’S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930'S - 1940'S - 1950'S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

Now we’re talkin’!  Setting the mood here for Cupid’s Day.  Some are relatively demure, but all are beautiful nylon and silk sleepwear from a time when those things were really special.

Whether a young girl heading off to college, or a young woman on her honeymoon, one (or two) of these would surely be stowed in her luggage.

Madge likes that cute robe with the double button closure at the waist.  It would work well over the little short-sleeved gown – perfect for dorm room dreams. As for the silk number in the center, well, it is Valentine’s Day so forget the robe . . . . . . . … . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS AND LUXURIOUS 1930’S – 1940’S SLEEPWEAR FOR ST. VALENTINE’S NIGHT

GORGEOUS AND LUXURIOUS 1930'S - 1940'S SLEEPWEAR FOR ST. VALENTINE'S NIGHT

There’s nothing like a silk or fine nylon gown against the skin. These also have beautiful lace on the bodices.

If you dream of being in the movies, here’s your wardrobe. These are real special prizes of mine.

Forget all the lace and frills on anything modern; one of these gowns will give you complete amnesia.

Have a lovely day, and night . .. . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING

I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several.  My rationale? :

1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing!  There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging.  They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft.  The fit is forgiving.  2.  well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments.  3.  often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above.  I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.

Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered.  These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades.  Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great.  Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties.  Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust.  Grab these, too, whenever you see one.  A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PRETTY, FEMININE FIFTIES NIGHTGOWN THAT LEADS A DOUBLE LIFE

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This little nightie can also double as a housedress.  It’s made in two layers, so no need to feel your modesty is compromised.  What a girly, pretty thing to wear around the house and I doubt anyone would complain if you ran out for a quart of milk.

Like my other recent finds, it’s early mid-century and has a label that I have rarely seen, which makes it all the more fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

FUN FIFTIES PJ’s FIND

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Nothing better than Sanforized cotton flannel pajamas on cool nights.  Although these were made for men, the Medium size would be OK for lots of women today.  At first, I thought that they were “new”, but one of them was probably worn a little.  They were made in Hong Kong, so the workmanship is up to a higher standard.  I love all of the old details and vintage buttons.  They were sold by Sears back in the day, under the stores’ own label.

Not the most flattering or delicate of sleepwear, but still wonderful!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WARTIME MYSTERY CUSTOM-TAILORED NIGHTGOWN – WHAT A FIND!

Fabulous late 1930’s – early 1940’s styling details, hand-tailoring and original(?) fabrics???  I know the design (a relative had one similar).  The embroidered mesh on the bodice is similar to the wartime dressing gown shown a couple of days ago.  The synthetic(?) fabric is like nothing I’ve felt before.  The gusset at the hemline is a period feature.

IS THIS AN ORIGINAL WWI – WWII GOWN OR AN EXPERTLY-MADE REPRODUCTION?  I can’t be sure.  It’s in almost-perfect condition, but has been around for a while.  No label, of course.  Would love to know it’s story.  Any ideas, you well-trained experts out there? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! GORGEOUS 1930’S – 1940’S WARTIME TO POST-WAR RAYON BED JACKET

 

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What a neat discovery!  I have 2 or 3 lingerie bed jackets from this era already, but haven’t found another for a long time.  Rare, rare, rare.  This one may have been part of some woman’s trousseau, which she stored away lovingly for decades.  Some were made of silk.  This one is glossy rayon.

Pretty bed jackets from the post-war 1950’s are also fabulous, but much different from the older wartime ones.  Notice in the detail close-up the embroidered mesh decoration.  Remember that from the nightgown I showed just a few days ago?

Oh, I’m over the moon again and will also store this garment away lovingly, probably for decades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM