How to choose a nightdress as a gift
Birthdays, Mother's day, Wedding Anniversary and, of course, Christmas Day are all occasions to gift a gorgeous nightdress to someone you love....but nightwear is a very personal choice so how do you choose which one to buy?
Let's imagine that you want to buy a cotton nightdress as a gift for a woman called "Mary". She might be someone you live with or she might be your aunt who lives in Australia. If its the former you will have lots of opportunity to see her current choice of nightdress and can buy something similar but if this is not possible then here are some tips to help you choose the right one:
Consider the fabric of her day clothes first. Does Mary wear lots of synthetic fibre clothes or is she more of a natural fibre person? Perhaps she has sensitive skin, or is she at that age where she gets very hot at night, This sort of information will help to determine what fabrics she might like to wear in bed and where you should shop. At Victoria Goss I have a range of lovely cotton and bamboo nightwear for ladies that may suit her if she likes natural fibre clothes - https://www.victoriagoss.co.uk/ourshop/cat_1428783-Ladies-Nightwear.html
Next look at her dress style. Is she a simple dresser wearing well cut dresses or blouses or is she more flamboyant with a love of ruffles and frills,? Does she like plain coloured clothes or coloured patterns? An elegant style to suit the simple dresser could be the sleeveless smocked nightdress. For a fancier choice there is prettily beaded Nora, or Eleanor and Cecily which each have coloured embroidery or there is Oriental Floral for a splash of summer colours.
Her height is a consideration too. If she is a tiny lady either choose a shorter length style such as Rosemary with its exquisite hem or a nightdress with a plain hemline as it can then be shortened if necessary without spoiling the look of the garment. If she is very tall opt for a longer length style like Nadine that will still look right if it is shorter than it is intended to be.
What is Mary's bodyshape? Be sure to choose a cotton nightdress that will give her room to be comfortable in bed as most of the pure cotton styles don't stretch but in general terms always choose one to fit her bust rather than her hips as most of my nightdresses are intended to be full around the hips.
How old is Mary? Sweetpea is in a feminine pink patterned nightdress which feels very youthful, or for a young feel and for someone with concerns for the environment the deliciously soft bamboo chemise could be perfect.
Where do you expect Mary to wear her cotton nightdress? Will she be seen in it - perhaps she has asked for one as she has a hospital admittance coming or maybe she wants to wear one on holiday in that villa she is renting with six friends? If this is the case choose a cotton nightdress that has a little more opacity so that she will not feel embarrassed wearing it - Felicia and Ade are both pure cotton jersey styles which are not only cool & comfortable but also modest to wear.
Sleeves are a very personal choice. If Mary is young and has pretty arms by all means choose a sleeveless style but if there is any doubt about this then go for a short sleeve to provide a little more cover - Serena is good or Juliet. If the nightdress is for cooler climes or Mary just likes to wear long sleeves then Barcelona is a good option.
If Mary is fond of red roses, candlelit dinners and romantic novels then Katherine and Sarah are both nightdress styles that offer a little bit more Victorian allure. Katherine has beautiful lace inserts to the skirt & bodice and Sarah has gorgeous lace trimmings to the sleeves and the flattering V neckline.
Or, finally, perhaps Mary is expecting or has just had a baby. If this is the case she will appreciate a nightdress that will allow her to feed her baby easily. Naomi has a deep front opening which makes it perfect for this or if baby is a little older and breast feeding is almost finished Chemise has buttons on the shoulder straps allowing them to be undone for a feed but when baby has moved on to solid foods this style will look lovely in its own right without Mum feeling it is a post natal nightdress.
And last of all, when you choose your nightdress the stockist you buy from should know all about each of the styles they are selling and should be happy to discuss your requirements with you whether in person or over the telephone. Your gift ahould be wrapped with care and you should be kept informed along the sales route and there should be a simple, no hassle returns policy in the event that, despite your best intentions, Mary isn't totally happy with your choice. Here at Victoria Goss your satisfaction is my priority - I love to talk about the nightdresses that I sell and often they are styles that I wear myself so I have personal experience of them, I pack your order with care and I know exactly when it was sent out and to what address. You can truly buy with full confidence here so please do browse the styles I have on offer and enjoy selecting you choice knowing that all my nightdresses are brought to you with love.