Searching for the perfect bedtime attire? At Shadowline Lingerie, we’ve always been fans of nylon sleepwear. It’s breathable, it has a lovely soft and silky feel (it was originally invented to be an alternative to silk after all!), it’s easy to launder – no wrinkling, no shrinking, and no taking ages to dry – and it holds onto dye really well, meaning the color will stay looking vibrant year after year.

Nylon is also wonderful for its versatility. It’s a highly durable fiber, something that makes it a popular choice for rugged backpacks and hard-wearing camping tents, but it can also be made to look light and delicate. Just think about nylon stockings, for example.

We chose to create two rather different pure nylon fabrics for our sleepwear: Opacitrique® and Satintrique®. Both exclusive to Shadowline®, they each deliver a different look and feel, varying in warmth, weight, opacity and shine. Want to know more? Keep reading for the definitive guide to Shadowline’s classic nylon nightwear ranges.

Opacitrique® – unrivalled opacity

On the hunt for a nightgown you can wear in front of family or when opening the door to the postman? Our Opacitrique® nylon nightwear was specifically designed to deliver above-average opacity. It’s especially solid in the darker colors such as Navy, Sapphire and the newest addition, Raspberry.

But that’s not the only reason to love it! The heavier weight of this fabric also gives it an excellent drape, so it hangs beautifully on the body. Plus, it means that it’s a little warmer and cozier than our Satintrique® sleepwear, which may be what you’re looking for in the fall and winter.

Satintrique® – softly-shimmering glamour

Our Satintrique® nylon nightgowns and pajama sets on the other hand offer a lighter alternative, which can be worn year round but is particularly ideal for warm summer nights. This fabric is about half the weight of Opacitrique®, which gives it an airier, floatier feel as well as a slightly sheer appearance (most apparent in the lightest colors such as Ivory, Silver and Blush).

What’s more, we gave this material a subtle pearlescent sheen that really adds to the beauty and glamour. It’s simply the perfect choice for romantic occasions such as bridal trousseaus and Valentine’s Day gifting!

The Opacitrique® and Satintrique® sleepwear collections (+ panties!)

If you’re drawn to the solid look of our Opacitrique® nylon, you’ll find it paired with various embroideries in the Petals, Cherish, Beloved, Cameo and Rosebud sleepwear collections, with scalloped lace in the Twilight collection, or (new for 2024!) with glossy satin trims in the Satin Touch collection. If, on the other hand, it’s the delicacy and elegance of Satintrique® that’s caught your eye, head over to our extensive Silhouette sleepwear collection where we’ve paired it with soft lace and pearl-topped bows for a delightfully feminine look.

And we don’t just make nylon sleepwear; at Shadowline Lingerie, you’ll also find an extensive range of nylon panties. Some are made with stretch nylon, while others are crafted using these same two 100% nylon fabrics for a more traditional fit and feel. ManyShadowline® panties are made from Satintrique® nylon, since the lighter look and slight satin finish lends itself beautifully to intimate apparel. However, for those who’d prefer the cozier touch and firmer support of the thicker Opacitrique® nylon, our Shadowline® Nylon Seamless Full Brief Panty will be just the thing.

If you still have questions about choosing between Satintrique® and Opacitrique®, feel free to get in touch with our highly-knowledgeable customer service team!