Leveling Up My Sleepwear

I have no excuse for the sad shirts I wear to bed other than this: comfort is paramount. But there comes a point when one who can sew can no longer justify sad shirts for sleepwear. And so, I sewed, and created four nighties that tick all the right boxes. Now I can be totally comfortable without looking like I emerged from a schleppy pile of laundry.

The Patterns

George + Ginger to the rescue! The Little Black Bra (free with discount code from YouTube video) with crop band paired with a Mix-It-Up half circle skirt is perfection for some simple yet flattering sleepwear. It’s just right for avoiding all the things I hate while sleeping: any kind of neckline, any kind of sleeve, straps that don’t stretch, long gowns, pants, fitted bottoms, elastic, anything that rolls up, ugly fabric, and too much/too little structure around the girls.

---

The Makes

#1: The Toile

About the Fabric

Leftover Copper Diagonal Geometrics Swim/Athletic Nylon Spandex from Boho Fabrics.

About the Make

I had a little less than a yard of this leftover from my second Agility top, and so I had to be creative while cutting. I had to cut the back skirt piece as two halves, and one of those halves is off-grain. Not a big deal to me since this was basically a proof of concept.

• LBB size: 10, A cup
  • band size 10 minus 4″
  • back strap placement: 2″ from side seams
  • straps cut at 1.25″ wide (half the original width)
  • single layer (no lining) crop band
• MIU half circle skirt
  • size: 2
  • length: 14.5″
  • no hem

Verdict: Band was too tight, and skirt could stand to be a tad longer. Still wearable.

---

#2: Colorful Abstract

About the Fabric

1 yard of Ivory, Lavender, Pink, and Brown Abstract Pattern Nylon/Lycra from Cali Fabrics

• FABRIC CONTENT: Nylon/Spandex
• WEIGHT: Light midweight
• STRETCH: 4-way

Going with nylon spandex again (also known as swim fabric.) Nylon spandex has an incredibly smooth and cool texture. It’s a popular choice for sportswear and—surprise—swimwear. With ample stretch and snappy recovery, it’s comfortable to wear and easy to sew.

About the Make

• LBB size: 10, A cup
  • band size 10 minus 3″
  • back strap placement: 3″ from side seams
  • straps cut at 1.25″ wide (half the original width)
  • single layer (no lining) crop band
• MIU half circle skirt
  • size: 4
  • length: 15.5″
  • no hem

Differences and verdict: Much better! Increasing the size of the crop band and the circle skirt was just the way to go. One tiny critique: the straps could be a bit shorter, but this is so comfortable and the smooth texture of the fabric is a tactile dream.

---

#3: Geometric

About the Fabric

1 yard of Black, Ivory, Grey, and Tan Geometric Poly/Lycra Print from Cali Fabrics

• FABRIC CONTENT: Poly/Lycra
• WEIGHT: Lightweight
• STRETCH: 4-way

A close cousin to nylon spandex is poly spandex with some notable differences. It feels much more lightweight with a smooth but warmer texture. Poly spandex dries rapidly. Compared to nylon spandex, it feels like it has a looser recovery, but it still holds its shape well and sews nicely. It curls a bit at the cut edges.

About the Make

• LBB size: 10, A cup
  • band size 10 minus 3″
  • back strap placement: 3″ from side seams
  • straps cut at 1.25″ wide (half the original width)
  • single layer (no lining) crop band
  • -1″ from strap length
• MIU half circle skirt
  • size: 4
  • length: 15.5″
  • no hem

Differences and verdict: Shortened the straps by 1″. This whole thing is perfection.

---

#4: Paintbrush

About the Fabric

1 yard of Black and White Paintbrush Zigzag Pattern Poly/Spandex Stretch Knit from Cali Fabrics

• FABRIC CONTENT: Poly/Spandex
• WEIGHT: Light Midweight
• STRETCH: 4-way 100% horizontal, 25% vertical

About the Make

Same as #3.

---

I love these so much. I’ll probably never really wear the toile with these other three knocking it out of the park. It would be great to whip up a few more with longer skirts for crazy comfortable summer dresses—but I’m shelving that idea until next year since we’re approaching winter. For now, I’ll continue looking forward to getting ready for bed and bask in glorious comfort without sacrificing style.

Project Settings