Whilst nightgowns and housecoats remained as popular as ever, the humble bed jacket had rather fallen from favour in the past few years. Resigned to hospital stays and gifts, it languished towards the lower end of Carr and Westley’s selling popularity lists. Suddenly, however, it has made a comeback and its useful properties are being seen by a wider audience.
‘The bed jacket, a woman’s garment, is a waist-length robe worn to cover the chest, shoulders and arms while sitting up in bed. Its short length and cape-like cut allowed it to be put on (or removed) while in bed. Often made of sheer or lacy fabrics and displaying very feminine trimmings and details, it was often used more for seduction, rather than warmth or modesty. It was popularized in 1930s Hollywood films featuring glamorous settings and glamorous stars lounging languorously in their silken bedrooms. Ostrich feather tips, swan’s down, pleated tulle and shirred lace were just a few examples of the extravagant materials that could be used in creating these confections. These garments are currently very popular with people who have been hospitalized or recommended bed rest.’ so reads the Wikipedia entry on bed jackets. I was recently introduced to the wondrous garments when I gave birth to our son last February (warmth and modesty definitely on my mind more than seduction and Hollywood glamour!). Sitting up feeding him at night I found a dressing gown cumbersome and hot, yet it was too cold for lightweight nightwear. Arise the bed jacket! It was a perfect alternative.
The ribbon tie front on my favourite is so easy to manage and pretty whether tied or open. Quilted satin, feather knit stripes, cable fleece, soft fleece or boucle fleece are perhaps less Hollywood than their 1930s counterparts, but they more than make up for this with comfort, femininity and ease of washing and drying. range, including the well known brand Slenderella, cater for a variety of styles and tastes.
The modest bed jacket might be for life and not just for Christmas, but I for one will be putting a bed jacket on my Christmas list!
