What Women Really Slept in at Night in 1700 — Naked, Dressed, or Braless?
Sweety Karlak
In 1700, women’s sleepwear reflected modesty, practicality, and household norms. Unlike modern times, comfort was often secondary to social expectations and propriety. Nightwear was designed to provide coverage, maintain warmth, and adhere to cultural standards of virtue.
This blog explores what women typically wore to bed in 1700, the fabrics they preferred, and the sleeping habits they followed.
1. Chemises — The Basic Nightwear
75% of women wore chemises at night
Long, loose-fitting undergarments made from linen or cotton
Provided light coverage and airflow
Served as the foundation layer under nightgowns or petticoats
Wealthier women sometimes had finer linen chemises
Chemises were the essential garment for modesty and comfort.
2. Nightgowns — Long & Flowing
50% of women wore nightgowns
Worn over chemises for warmth and additional coverage
Typically ankle-length, loose, and made of linen, cotton, or wool
Allowed freedom of movement while maintaining modesty
Nightgowns were a practical and socially acceptable sleepwear choice.
3. Nightcaps — Hair Care & Warmth
65% of women wore nightcaps
Protected hair from friction and maintained hairstyles
Added warmth in unheated bedrooms
Made of cotton or linen, sometimes silk for wealthier households
Nightcaps were a critical accessory for nighttime hygiene and propriety.
4. Layering — Petticoats & Shawls
40% of women layered nightwear
Petticoats for warmth under nightgowns
Light shawls or wraps to cover shoulders or chest
More common in middle- and upper-class households
Layering helped women stay warm in cold, drafty homes.
5. Sleeping Naked or Braless
Braless: nearly 100% (modern bras didn’t exist)
Naked: rare (~5%) due to cultural modesty norms
Women prioritized modest garments rather than sleeping nude.
6. Bedding — Blankets, Quilts & Feather Beds
80–85% of women used blankets, quilts, or feather beds
Multiple layers were common to maintain warmth
Wealthy households had finer fabrics and embroidered quilts
Bedding was just as important as clothing for comfort at night.
7. Early Bedtimes & Sleep Routines
Bedtimes followed natural light cycles, going to bed shortly after sunset
Shared bedrooms were common; modesty dictated nightwear choices
Hygiene included washing before bed and wearing nightcaps
8. Fabric Choices
Linen and cotton dominated for breathability
Wool used in colder climates
Silk was a luxury option for the upper class
Fabric choice balanced practicality, warmth, and social status.
9. Cultural Influences
Proper sleepwear symbolized virtue and social respectability
Household traditions and societal norms dictated clothing choices
Comfort was secondary to modesty, decorum, and social expectations
10. Nighttime Accessories
Nightcaps
Shawls or wraps
Minimal adornments or jewelry
Focus on practicality and modesty
Final Summary
Women in 1700 typically slept in:
Loose chemises
Long nightgowns over chemises
Nightcaps for hair protection
Petticoats or shawls for warmth
Layered blankets or quilts
Sleep habits were guided by social norms, modesty, and household practicality, with comfort considered within these constraints.
Estimated Sleepwear Percentages (1700)
75% wore chemises
50% wore nightgowns
65% wore nightcaps
40% layered with petticoats or shawls
80–85% used blankets or quilts
Braless: nearly 100%
Naked: ~5%
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FAQs — Women’s Sleep Habits in 1700
1. Did women wear bras while sleeping in 1700?
No, modern bras did not exist yet. Women always slept braless, usually wearing loose nightgowns or chemises.
2. Did women sleep naked in 1700?
Sleeping completely naked was very rare (~5%). Cultural norms emphasized modesty, so most women wore light garments like chemises.
3. What nightwear did women prefer?
Most women wore chemises (75%) as the base layer, often topped with long nightgowns (50%) for additional coverage.
4. Did women use nightcaps?
Yes, 65% of women wore nightcaps to protect their hair, preserve hairstyles, and add warmth.
5. Did women layer their nightwear?
Yes, around 40% layered with petticoats or shawls, especially in cooler regions or wealthier households.
6. What fabrics were common for sleepwear?
Linen and cotton were standard; wool was used for warmth, and silk was a luxury option for the upper class.
7. How important were blankets and quilts?
Very important — 80–85% of women used layered blankets, quilts, or feather beds for warmth and comfort.
8. Did social class affect sleep habits?
Yes. Wealthier women could afford finer fabrics, more layers, and better bedding, while poorer women used simpler linens and minimal layers.
9. What were women’s typical sleep routines?
Women went to bed early, usually soon after sunset, followed household norms, and prioritized modesty in shared bedrooms.
10. Did cultural norms influence sleepwear?
Absolutely. Proper sleep attire reflected virtue, modesty, and social respectability, and dictated most clothing choices at night.
