Queen Anne's Lace: Softly Feminine Beauty By Candida Eittreim on Apr 01, 2008 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

I love pretty sleepwear! There's just something so nice about slipping something soft and feminine on to get ready for bed. when David and I were first married I'd just pop on one of his undershirts. I think the poor guy got tired of having his wardrobe kidnapped by his wife. So he bought me my first woman's nightgown. He was so proud of it. This was a satiny slinky thing with thin straps and a short flirty skirt type bottom with matching panties. After modelling it for him, we went to bed, only to be wakened by me in tears. I had broken out in neck to thigh welts. So, off to the ER we went. The doc told us I was allergic to polyester, especially sleepwear, and would need to find cotton gowns or continue wearing hubby's undershirts.

We hunted far and wide for pure cotton nightwear, and found Eileen West. These are really wonderful nightgowns. They come in both short and long styles, and are made of a very fine cotton. Nothing's better on a hot sticky night than wearing one of these sheer soft gowns. Each season Eileen West creates one unique gown with a matching robe.

Every gown features handsewn buttons, fine detailing (pleats, or pin tucks), which help make these so endearingly feminine. These are not your Granny's gowns, being both sheer and inviting. They require no special care. Just launder them in cold water, and line dry. They are perfect for women having trouble with hot flashes, because the fabric is so light and breathable.

You can find them at Macy's, Nordstroms, The Vermont Country Store online and even every so often on eBay. Their sizing is generous, ranging from petite to extra large, so women of all sizes and shapes can wear them. If you've never experienced sleeping in one of these lovely gowns, give one a try, before summers heat makes sleeping a nightmare. I promise you, you won't be sorry.