Confession time: I have four adorable pajama pants sets, including fleece joggers adorned in llamas and a satin menswear piece from Playful Promises. I wear all of them, but when it comes to *sleeping* in them (or pants in general), I hate it. Why then do I have four pants sets? I wear them in the evenings after showering and then change before bed. Between work, workout, lounge, and sleep attire, I go through more wardrobe changes per day than if I were in a Beyoncé video. Technically, my pajama game is on point now, but those pieces aren’t representative of what I actually use for sleep. That portion of my wardrobe is massively underdeveloped. My go-to items are hand-me-down oversized tees from my dad and grandfather, the latter of whom passed in 2005, ya know, to paint the full sad picture. I was overdue for adult sleepwear, and I was most excited to try Shadowline nightgowns!

In the shop, I stocked Shadowline pajama sets and underwear, and I had intentions of offering a full array of their products, including nightgowns, sleep shirts, and slips. With the blog reinvigorated, it was time to add some pieces to my review queue, starting with the Lace Spaghetti Strap Nightgown. Note: I am reviewing the short version which is no longer available on their website, but you can purchase the long version.

Size: Medium

Okay, before y’all judge by the photos: Yes, the medium is big. Could I wear a small instead? Probably. Do I care? No. My pop was not a small man. He wore 4X and 5X men’s shirts. I am not used to sleeping in anything confining. Even my one (and only) regular cotton nightgown is a women’s X-Large and roomy. I’m what my mom called “a rock and roll” sleeper. My dogs box me in which tempers my movements, but I still switch sides or adjust constantly. If I sleep in anything remotely tight, the fabric wraps me up like a burrito.

With this in mind, I like the fit of the medium nightgown but would consider testing a small in the future. My current measurements as of today are: 42”-32.5”-39” which straddles me between Medium and Small. The shape of the nightgown allows flexibility in sizing, so keep this in mind if you plan to order.

Fit

The lace nightgown reminds me of a trapeze dress which contours to the bust and then falls straight. For every day wear, I avoid this style like the plague, but for a nightgown, it’s perfection. In the pictures, I am wearing the Sculptresse Dana strapless bra, which adds more volume in the bust than wearing it braless at night. The lightweight fabric flows and moves with the body, and the neckline and spaghetti straps balance coverage with airiness.

Materials & Price

For a nightgown under $60 (in long form as the shorter variation was/is cheaper), I’m genuinely impressed with the materials. Spaghetti straps are often flimsy, and I worry one wrong move of the shoulder and SNAP! There goes my strap. These braided straps, however, sport a heft and thickness to them, and the inset placement secures them to the shoulders. I never have to readjust them, even while I’m rocking and rolling away at night.

The lace on the neckline features a mix of floral and geometric shapes although the current version leans heavier toward the flower motif. The intricacies pop and add a detailed textual element to the design. The neckline itself, like the straps, utilizes a sturdier fabric to prevent snagging or tearing. As delicate as the nightgown looks, it is anything but.  

Thin nylon fabric drapes softly, skimming the skin with its softness. As a resident of the south, a lightweight nightgown translates to more wear, but even if I were living further north, I run warmer at night. Having a breezy material for sleep means I stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.

While the length of this version hits at the knee, I know other Shadowline long nightgowns hit around the ankle. (For reference: I am a smidge over 5’6”.) Everything about the lace spaghetti strap nightgown is both thoughtful and high quality right down to the stitching, and the value related to cost is exceptional.

Aesthetics

First, and try not to die of shock everyone, I love the color. In person, the color channels Tarheel blue (#sorrynotsorry State and Duke fans). With my skin tone, light colors quickly go awry, but this shade boasts a saturated and icy quality which compliments my complexion. It’s an unexpected choice for me, but I’m glad I branched out of my comfort zone.

The lace, as I mentioned above, blends the ornate with the practical to keep the nightgown from looking too plain. However, the nightgown definitely has a vintage feel (puffy mules would be très cute with it). I know some may prefer a more modern approach, but I feel glamorous wearing it. It also makes me feel more like an adult sleeping in a real nightgown rather than a little girl sleeping in pop or daddy’s old shirts . . . not that I still don’t do that too.

If you’re in the market for a high quality sleeping gown, consider Shadowline. I have another gown I plan to review as well as one of their slips. Keep watch here for more information on this NC-based brand!