What Women Really Slept in at Night in 1850 — Naked, Dressed, or Braless?
Sweety Karlak
By 1850, women’s nightwear had evolved from the simple chemises of the early 1800s into longer nightgowns, layered garments, and nightcaps. Sleep habits reflected modesty, practicality, and social norms, with comfort often balanced against tradition.
This blog explores the sleepwear trends, fabrics, and habits women followed in 1850.
1. Nightgowns — The Most Common Choice
65% of women wore nightgowns at night
Long and flowing garments made of cotton or linen
Provided modesty and comfort
Worn alone or over chemises
Wealthier women sometimes had silk nightgowns for special occasions
Nightgowns were the standard sleepwear for women, combining functionality with social propriety.
2. Chemises — The Essential Undergarment
55% wore chemises underneath nightgowns
Light, loose-fitting undergarments
Allowed airflow and comfort
Provided an extra layer for warmth
Simple cotton or linen were the most common fabrics
Chemises remained the foundational layer for nightwear.
3. Nightcaps — Hair Protection & Warmth
60% of women wore nightcaps
Protected hair from friction and dirt
Preserved hairstyles for morning
Added warmth in drafty rooms
Worn especially in cooler months
Nightcaps were an essential part of proper sleep attire.
4. Layered Bedding & Blankets
80% of women used blankets, quilts, or feather beds
Multiple layers ensured warmth and comfort
Wealthy households had finer linens, embroidery, and luxury fabrics
Blankets were considered just as important as nightwear itself.
5. Sleeping Naked or Without a Bra
Braless: nearly 100% (modern bras were not yet in use)
Naked: very rare (~5%) due to modesty norms
Women prioritized modest, light garments rather than sleeping completely nude.
6. Shawls, Petticoats & Extra Layers
40% layered with additional garments
Petticoats under nightgowns for warmth
Light shawls or wraps to cover shoulders
More common among middle- and upper-class women
Layering was essential for cold bedrooms or winter months.
7. Fabric Trends of 1850
Linen and cotton dominated for comfort and breathability
Wool used in winter for warmth
Silk or fine cotton indicated higher social status
Fabric choice balanced practicality with modest luxury.
8. Early Bedtimes & Sleep Routines
Women went to bed soon after sunset due to limited lighting
Bedrooms were often shared, so nightwear emphasized modesty
Nighttime hygiene included washing before bed and using night caps
9. Cultural Influences
Proper sleepwear symbolized virtue and respectability
Family traditions and local norms guided nightwear choices
Comfort was secondary to modesty and decorum
10. Nighttime Accessories
Nightcaps, shawls, and sometimes slippers
Minimal adornments
Emphasis on practicality and warmth
Final Summary
Women in 1850 typically slept in:
Long nightgowns
Chemises underneath
Nightcaps for hair protection
Layered shawls or petticoats
Multiple blankets or quilts
Sleep habits emphasized modesty, warmth, and household tradition. Comfort was considered, but social expectations remained strong.
Estimated Sleepwear Percentages (1850)
65% wore nightgowns
55% wore chemises
60% wore nightcaps
40% layered with petticoats or shawls
80% used blankets or quilts
Braless: nearly 100%
Naked: ~5%
FAQs — Women’s Sleep Habits in 1850
1. Did women wear bras while sleeping in 1850?
No, bras as we know them weren’t commonly used yet. Women generally slept in nightgowns, chemises, or petticoats, without chest-support garments.
2. Did women sleep naked in 1850?
Sleeping completely naked was rare. Cultural norms favored modesty, so women usually wore loose nightgowns or chemises.
3. What clothing did women prefer for nightwear?
Long nightgowns or chemises made of cotton, linen, or silk were common. Wealthier women might use finer fabrics.
4. Did women use blankets or quilts?
Yes, quilts, blankets, and feather beds were standard for warmth. Layering was common, especially in cold climates.
5. Were pajamas worn in 1850?
Modern-style pajamas weren’t popular yet. Pajamas became more common later in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
6. Did nightcaps have a purpose?
Yes. Nightcaps kept hair tidy, retained warmth, and were considered proper attire for sleeping.
7. Did women follow any sleep routines?
Yes. Early bedtimes were common due to limited artificial lighting. Women often went to bed soon after sunset.
8. How did social class affect sleep habits?
Wealthier women had softer beds, more blankets, and finer fabrics, while poorer women had simpler linens and minimal bedding.
9. Were there cultural beliefs about sleep clothing?
Yes. Sleeping modestly in loose garments was seen as virtuous. Comfort was secondary to propriety in many households.
10. Did women sleep differently in summer vs. winter?
Yes. In summer, women might wear lighter cotton nightgowns, while in winter, they layered heavier nightgowns, shawls, or extra blankets.
