Choosing what to wear in bed depends on many factors. The two main factors come to style and substance. That is, what you like in your nightwear and how it works as sleepwear. Both nightgowns and women’s pajamas have advantages and disadvantages but when you are looking for something that is both comfortable and traditionally feminine then an old-fashioned nightgown is a good choice.
As the name suggests this is a dress to be worn at night. A traditional style nightgown was a full length white dress that reached from the neck to the floor and had sleeves down to the wrist. To modern eyes they seem very modest as they cover the entire body and there are many modern styles which are more revealing. However, the all-over nightdress was designed for comfort as much as coverage.
Although traditionally nightgown tended to be plain there is much room for decoration, especially when you consider how much material there is. Traditionally they would have been white cotton or linen but it is possible to get modern nightgowns in other materials and in styles that range from traditionally plain and to outrageously fancy. The degree of decoration is a matter of personal taste but traditionally is limited to ribbon and lace at the edges of the gown.
Traditional cotton and linen nightgowns are particularly comfortable and practical for sleepwear. A long nightgown covers you up completely keeping you nice and warm in your own little cocoon in bed. It is like having another more personal sheet to wrap around you. They also allow you to move freely without any of the restrictions that pajamas can have. Cotton and linen may be plain but they are warm and breathable which helps you sleep better and why they are so often chosen for sleep wear and bedding. Not only are nightgowns practical in bed they also look more feminine out of it than pajamas do.