Contemporary Chemise

The word chemise is French for “shirt,” and in fact, the chemise nightgown is the precursor to the modern shirt. In the Middle Ages, women's sleepwear typically was a chemise – or shift – under their long dresses to ensure the gowns stayed clean and uncontaminated by body oil; a chemise was the only piece of clothing that women washed regularly. Modern-day underwear – bras, panties, etc. – replaced the chemise as the first layer of clothing worn by women, but the chemise still exists as sleepwear today.

Women's chemise sleepwear refers to any type of shirt-like nightgown that hangs straight from the shoulders and fits loosely at the waist. Chemise sleepwear is sleeveless and may come with adjustable straps. The chemise sleepwear category features a broad range of lingerie, including most babydolls, nightgowns, night shirts, slips and nighties. HerRoom.com offers a variety of chemise nightgowns from many different manufacturers. Check out the chemise nightgown selection at HerRoom.com today and enjoy free shipping.