Here at Shadowline Lingerie, while we haven’t been creating nylon sleepwear and lingerie since the very beginning, it’s only because we’ve been in business since before nylon even existed. As soon as it became an option, we jumped on it; our 100% nylon Dixie Belle® Scallop Trim Full Brief Panty for example is a design we’ve been producing since 1946.

And once we’d started creating pieces in silky nylon tricot, we never stopped. It’s simply too good a fabric!

All of our nylon sleepwear is made from one of two Shadowline®-exclusive fabrics, materials we developed in-house to be even better than what was already out there, and which we produce right here in the USA. But more on those specific fabrics in a moment. First, let’s talk about why we feel nylon in general is hard to beat when it comes to finding the perfect sleepwear.

Shadowline® Satin Touch Satin & Nylon Sleeveless Waltz Nightgown

It’s breathable

Nylon fibers can be turned into numerous different types of fabric, many of which offer excellent breathability. It’s why nylon is often the go-to choice for performance sportswear materials, and having a breathable fabric against your skin is no less important when it comes to sleeping versus exercising. Research has shown that you’ll sleep better when you’re cool, and it’s especially important to choose your fabrics wisely if you’re prone to night sweats.

It’s silky smooth

For a good night’s rest, you also need to be wearing something soft and comfortable, of course! Nylon was originally developed to offer a lower-cost alternative to silk, so it’s super smooth. Plus, the way it glides over the skin also makes it less likely to get tangled up around your body if you roll over at night.

Shadowline® Petals Flutter Sleeve Long Nightgown

It’s tear and snag resistant

Nylon is an incredibly strong fiber, which means the garments made from it don’t easily damage. If you have long or frequently broken nails, or keep your jewelry on while you’re sleeping, opting for nylon sleepwear can minimize the risk of snags and tears. While nothing is completely damage proof – and finer nylons and naturally more delicate than heaver-weight ones – nylon pajamas and nightgowns are one of the most resilient and durable sleepwear options you could choose.

It won’t shrink or fade

While we’re on the topic of durability, nylon is long-lasting in other ways too. Our nylon tricot doesn’t shrink, so you can enjoy the same comfy fit for years to come, and it’s also highly colorfast, meaning if you select one of our darker or more vibrant shades such as Red or Raspberry, it’ll stay saturated and gorgeous for all that time too.

It’s wrinkle-resistant

Who has time to iron their PJs after each wash? Not us! Luckily, with nylon sleepwear you can skip the ironing and still enjoy a neat, wrinkle-free look when it’s time for bed (and when you get up in the morning) since it doesn’t easily crease. It’s why our nightwear is so great for packing in a suitcase. If it does get lightly wrinkled, all you need to do is hang it in the bathroom while you shower and the steam will make those creases drop right out.

Shadowline® Silhouette Lace Vintage Babydoll Nightie and Silhouette Lace Bodice Button Down Long Robe

It gives you options

As we’ve already noted, nylon fibers can be woven into different fabrics – everything from gossamer-thin mesh to sturdy canvas. For our Shadowline® brand, we developed two versions of nylon tricot (a smooth-textured, knitted nylon) which each have their own unique properties:

• Opacitrique® fabric: our fuller, drapier version of a nylon tricot, we created it specifically to offer a more conservative look than standard nylon sleepwear options. Particularly in the darker colors or when double layering with a matching robe, this is a great opaque option for wearing in front of family or when you might need to answer the front door. Shop it in the Petals, Satin Touch, Beloved, Cameo, Cherish, Twilight and Rosebud collections.
• Satintrique® fabric: our lighter-weight nylon tricot, this fabric is slightly sheer (especially in the lightest colors) and also has a subtle, lustrous shine to it for a glamorous vibe. It feels airier, floatier, and dare we say more romantic – a perfect choice for brides and special occasions. Shop it in the Silhouette collection.

Learn more about our Opacitrique® and Satintrique® nylons here, including how they’re used in our panty collection!