Issue #241: ok but what do you actually wear to bed? 🛏️

Friday edition: Our best recommendations for your downtime.
Issue 241 ~ October 8, 2021

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Editor's Note

What do you actually wear to bed anyway?

GNI readers weigh in on the loungewear-as-sleepwear debate.

by Alisha Ramos, Founder at Girls' Night In

Hello,

Something that has been occupying my shower thoughts lately: With this massive influx of Cute Loungewear we’ve seen during the p*ndemic...are any of us actually wearing it to bed?

Let me explain: I love my fancy loungewear. But I will almost always opt for a loose tee and a pair of shorts before hopping into bed. I am a toss-and-turner and don’t want to get my nice loungewear all rumpled and jumbled! Also, I do it for practicality reasons: I run very, very hot at night.

Experts agree: there is a very clear difference between loungewear and sleepwear.

On Monday, I found myself down a deeeeeeep rabbit hole of Emily Mariko’s TikTok archives and stumbled across this video she took of “everything I wore today.” In it, you can see a clear distinction between “loungewear” and “sleepwear.” I agree with this! In my opinion, loungewear is puffy, poofy, warm, fuzzy; a sweatsuit is my idea of the perfect loungewear. SLEEPWEAR on the other hand, is light and freeing; like the loose top and shorts I mentioned above. I felt validated to discover that Emily feels the same way.

All of this is to say that this shower thought led me to some extremely “scientific” research. I asked you, our readers, on Instagram a few weeks ago what you thought. What do you actually wear to bed? A cute set? Nothing at all? A ragged old tee? I ended up getting an overwhelming number of responses! Here’s what some of you said:

“I am a big believer in inside clothing and outside clothing. I have an outfit for going outside, which can range from a dress to workout clothing. Then, I have room wear, aka an outfit for hanging out at home, which consists of leggings/shorts and a t-shirt (long or short sleeve, depending on the weather). And finally, I have my pajamas that I will only wear in bed. Having three different outfits to signify my activity and setting has helped me be mindful about every activity I do, whatever it may be. I bought this from Uniqlo, I think about a year and a half ago.” -Haruka I.

“What a 33-year-old wears to bed:
1. Sleep mask
2. Ear plugs
3. Sound machine
4. Apple Watch
5. Favorite T-shirt
6. Favorite boxers: on sale from Anthropologie 2015 probably."
-Kelly H.

“This year I upgraded all my ratty t-shirts and ripped shorts for 🌸matching PJ sets🌸 and my life transformed. They make me feel put together and adult, plus the more rigid fabric of these doesn’t give me wedgies in the night like my old shorts (yikes). Turns out my mom was right that I should wear nicer jams. The below are from J. Crew and I bought them in two different colorways.” -Kyli W.

"Can't send a pic because I don't wear anything to bed. #nakedandasleep." -Ashley L.

So...yeah. There were a lot of differing opinions here, but passionate ones. In case all this PJ talk has you inspired to refresh your sleepwear this fall, I’ve pulled together some PJ looks for you, according to your vibe, in a section below.

Happy sleeping maybe-in-the-nude-maybe-not,
Alisha

a few updates from the team

🙏 We want to hear your thoughts! Do you have 15 minutes to take this survey? We really want to learn more about what you want from Girls' Night In and how we can better serve you. Plus, you can win a $500 VISA gift card! Check it out here.
🆕 Say hello to our new newsletter! We chatted with candle obsessive (like, she made an incredible candle review spreadsheet which you can find in our recent interview) and home decor enthusiast Ashley Hosmer. You can read Downtime Diary here.
✨ What small-but-delightful thing is making you happy these days? Is there a book that made you snort-laugh? A decorative gourd that's just really working for you this season? Transcendent granola? Email us and share your spark of joy to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

sleepwear ideas, according to your vibe

“Nice” pajama sets that you can still practically sleep in: Lunya’s washable silk pant set (so chic). Eberjey’s shorts set (the old standby). This set from Madewell that’s also soft and stretchy.
Sleepwear for extreme comfort, regardless of “style”: Honestly, the largest, loosest, most-washed tee you own + cotton shorts, in my humble opinion. Other ideas: Underbares boxer briefs + tee. This Target tie-dye set is quite comfortable.
Some sleep accessories I love: the book light I use every night, this sleep mask to block out bright morning light, and these Ugg slip-ons are all the rage right now for shuffling around your space during your pre-sleep routine.

New-to-me brand Wray has the coolest fancy PJ’s.

weekly picks

this week's picks and reads were curated by: Alisha Ramos

📚 READING: I recently picked up two books from the library: Rebecca by Daphne du Marier for spooky vibes, and the much buzzed about Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor. Thoroughly enjoying both.
🧦 WEARING: Reach new levels of coziness with Bombas ' cloud-like socks, t-shirts, and underwear. They're made with high quality materials and years of research—seriously, their socks have a special arch support system that's unlike any other! Learn more about these comfy pieces and shop Bombas today. Sponsor
📱 WATCHING: Kirsten Dunst’s AD Home Tour (“Give me a room where I can shut a door.” A+). Emily Mariko’s TikToks, of course. Girls5Eva (a new Tina Fey comedy; it’s LOL funny and if you’re an elder millennial woman...I think you will love it.).
🍳 COOKING: Fly by Jing’s uncensored Chinese flavors are here to seriously level up your weeknight dinner. The Triple Threat (Sichuan Chili Crisp, Zhong Sauce, and Mala Spice Mix) is a spicy and versatile trio of Sichuan spices and sauces you will want to put on everything. Really, everything. GNI readers can get $5 off this bestseller! Sponsor
🏠 DECORATING: Hunker’s newsletter has us itching to redecorate. Their emails are chock-full of spot-on design advice, tip-offs to the best home decor sales, plus fun—and totally doable—weekend projects (like this DIY copycat of the Insta-famous Anthropologie Primrose mirror). Sign up here. 🏡
👀 WANTING: This PJ set from Latinx-owned brand, Wray. This dark spot serum from EADEM, a new-to-me brand that makes beauty products specifically for people of color. My favorite candle now comes as a diffuser.
😍 TRYING: Lots of amazing launches from friends this fall to shout out: Brightland’s honey duo, Soft Services Buffing Bar (not a new launch, but my husband and I are big fans—it completely gets rid of those small bumps on your arms), Margaux’s new collab, Ghia Ginger, and Great Jones’s dutch baby.
🎧 LISTENING: I’ve enjoyed Arthur Brooks’ columns on happiness for The Atlantic, and it turns out that he is now launching a podcast. To whet your appetite, I recommend this Doing It Right episode featuring him discussing introverts vs. extroverts.
😂 LAUGHING AT: This tweet about Adele (new single out next week - ahhhh!).

weekly reads

8 journal prompts to help strengthen your friendships (Local Optimist)
This one, on forgetting your first language, hit home for me. (The New Yorker)
THIS THIS THIS. We all need a break sometimes. (The New York Times)
On the privilege of mediocrity: "true freedom may lie in being allowed to be fine — or to fail." (The New York Times)
SELF made a really thorough and practical package mental health from all angles. This piece is especially helpful. (SELF)
There’s no way to release a list like this without inciting chaos.This is mostly correct, except for #1. (The Cut)
This week's #WeirdRead. (Atlas Obscura)

take action and take care

Ways to take action this week... Support our friends at N Street Village, an organization that empowers homeless and low-income women in Washington, D.C., virtually or in person at their annual event. Learn about the Indigenous land you may be occupying and back a project to uplift Indigenous voices and Indigenous art.

Ways to take care this week... Tune in to a free online Q&A on mental health for restaurant workers by ROAR and Coa.

reader ❤️ from our inbox...

"Wait this is like my favorite email from you guys in a while! I love this. It could be because I'm also a person in their 30s who carries a blanket around the house to rub the satin edge 😂 . Downtime Diary Stars: They're just like us! Thanks for sharing Ashley, I relate to her in every way." -Chelsea (We're thrilled to hear you're liking our new series! )

Issue #241: ok but what do you actually wear to bed? 🛏️

Editor's Note

What do you actually wear to bed anyway?

GNI readers weigh in on the loungewear-as-sleepwear debate.

by Alisha Ramos, Founder at Girls' Night In

a few updates from the team

sleepwear ideas, according to your vibe

weekly picks

this week's picks and reads were curated by: Alisha Ramos

weekly reads

take action and take care

reader ❤️ from our inbox...

Older messages

Downtime Diary: a candle-obsessed perfectionist with no chill 🕯️

Issue #240: lessons from the garden 🌱

Help! I want to be creative in my downtime 💡

cozy meals made simple 🥘

Issue #239: weekly chats and love notes 💌

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