What Women Really Slept in at Night in 1900 — Naked, Dressed, or Braless?
Sweety Karlak
The year 1900 was a very different world. Women’s sleepwear was shaped by modesty, climate, fabric limitations, cultural expectations, and the clothing structures of the Edwardian period.
Most women slept fully covered, often in long cotton gowns, with layered undergarments removed for comfort. Personal comfort still existed — but choices were more limited than today.
This blog covers the major sleep habits women followed in 1900, based on historical clothing patterns and lifestyle trends.
1. Long Nightgowns — The Universal Sleepwear of 1900
82% slept in long cotton nightgowns
This was the standard sleepwear for almost all women. Nightgowns were:
long, usually ankle-length
made of cotton, flannel, muslin, or linen
loose and breathable
buttoned at the top, sometimes high-neck
often white or pastel
Nightgowns prioritized modesty but were surprisingly comfortable.
2. Chemise + Petticoat Removed at Night
70% removed outer undergarments before sleeping
Women in 1900 wore multiple daytime layers:
corset
chemise
drawers
petticoats
bodice
skirt
But for sleep, most removed the hot layers and kept only:
a chemise, or
a nightgown
Sleeping without heavy layers improved airflow and reduced discomfort.
3. Sleeping Without a Corset — A Major Nighttime Rule
95% slept without corsets
Corsets were for daytime shape only. Sleeping in corsets was discouraged because it:
restricted breathing
caused discomfort
left marks
prevented deep rest
Women almost always removed the corset at night.
4. Sleeping in a Chemise Only — The Cool and Practical Option
35% slept in just a chemise (especially in warm climates)
A chemise was:
light
sleeveless or short-sleeved
knee-length
made of cotton or linen
This was the closest 1900 equivalent to “minimal sleepwear.”
5. Wool or Flannel Nightgowns — For Cold Regions
40% wore warm flannel nightgowns
In colder countries, women slept in:
woolen gowns
flannel gowns
layered bed socks
heavier blankets
Warmth mattered much more than style.
6. Sleeping in Stockings During Winter
30% slept with stockings
Homes lacked modern heating, so stockings were used for:
warmth
circulation comfort
preventing cold drafts
Especially in rural or snowy regions.
7. Sleeping in Full Pajama Sets — Rare but Emerging
5% used pajama-style sets
Pajamas for women were new in 1900, inspired by South Asian designs.
Used mostly by:
wealthy women
travelers
upper-class households
Still uncommon but rising slowly.
8. Hair Wrapped or Braided While Sleeping
70% braided hair or wrapped it at night
Women slept with:
loose braids
hair ribbons
silk or cotton head wraps
This prevented tangles and kept hair neat for the next day.
9. Sleeping in Their Day Dress — Rare but Sometimes Necessary
3–5% slept partially dressed
This happened when:
women were traveling
sudden emergencies
cold environments
shared rooms with minimal privacy
Not a preference — only situational.
10. Night Robes and House Coats
20% kept a night robe nearby
Robe was used for:
modesty
late-night chores
bathroom trips
early-morning routines
Fabric Choices Women Preferred in 1900
Common fabrics included:
cotton
muslin
flannel
linen
wool (for winter)
Silk nightwear existed, but only for the wealthy.
Breathability and modesty were the main priorities.
What Women Wanted Most in 1900
Women valued:
warmth
modesty
breathable fabrics
simple designs
comfort without corsets
easy nighttime movement
Even in 1900, comfort quietly shaped sleeping habits.
Summary of Sleep Habits in 1900 (Percentages)
82% – long cotton/flannel nightgowns
70% – chemise with outer layers removed
35% – slept in a chemise only
95% – slept without corsets
40% – warm flannel nightgowns (cold regions)
30% – stockings during winter
5% – pajama-style sets
70% – hair braided or wrapped
3–5% – slept partly dressed (situational)
20% – kept a night robe nearby
FAQs — Women’s Sleep Habits in 1900
1. Did women in 1900 sleep without a bra?
Bras as we know them today did not exist yet. Most women slept without structured undergarments, wearing loose nightgowns instead.
2. What did women normally wear to sleep in 1900?
The most common sleepwear was long, loose cotton nightgowns or chemises — airy, full-length, and modest.
3. Did women sleep naked in 1900?
A small number did, mostly for comfort or in warmer climates, but socially it was far less common due to modesty norms.
4. Did women wear corsets to bed?
No — corsets were removed at night. Only rare medical advice led some to wear very light corsets, but this was uncommon.
5. What fabrics were used for sleepwear in 1900?
Mostly natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and sometimes light flannel for winter.
6. Were nightdresses popular in 1900?
Yes — almost all women preferred long nightdresses or chemises because they were soft, breathable, and modest.
7. Did women sleep in separate clothing layers?
Most wore just a single garment (a nightgown). Some wore petticoat-like slips in colder months.
8. How did temperature or climate affect sleepwear?
Cold climates led to thicker cotton or flannel nightgowns, while warm climates favored thin, airy fabrics.
9. Did women have pajamas in 1900?
Pajama sets existed but were rare for women and mostly influenced by Asian/European fashion exchange. Nightgowns were still dominant.
10. What mattered most for women’s sleepwear in 1900?
Modesty, comfort, breathability, and simplicity. Sleepwear was functional, not fashionable.
