MANY of us are most comfortable spending the night in an old pair of shorts and a loose T-shirt. Some still choose to sleep in humongous gowns, maxis and such ill-fitting varieties of conventional nightwear. But for many others, it is important to look good both in bed and out of it.

Just as inner wear is fast transforming into outer wear, the line between sleepwear and daywear is getting increasingly blurred. Women are no longer inhibited in showing themselves off around the house in what they wear to bed at night. And encouraging them is a set of highly imaginative designers, specialising in some of the most exciting sleepwear options conceivable:

The most popular options that make for sweet dreams at night are as follows:

Pyjama suit: In its most simple, non-fussy, yet elegant form, the pyjama-kurta has traditionally been part of the male wardrobe in white and light cottons. It transforms into sexy, women’s wear the moment satin replaces cotton and it takes on pink tones with frills like lace and a dash of embroidery.

Designers these days are working around the kurta with deep side-slits, having flaps for collars and shortening the sleeves by half. Some are even substituting it for long shirts with rolled up sleeves or else as typical bush shirts buttoned in the front — but all in satin.

Capris: Cotton capris and sleeveless T-shirts are ideal for those who hate hitting the sack in a nightgown that could ride up during the night. When teamed with white beaded slippers, the outfit makes for perfect daywear and is perfect for women young at heart.

A popular night number doing the rounds comprises pink capris in crush-proof woven cotton and a matching pink-striped white T-shirt with a boat neck. Brought out by La Lingerie, this inexpensive combination is proving a hit with teenagers this summer.

Chemise: From a non-descript under-frock, the chemise has transformed into a slinky must-have in the wardrobe of every woman proud of her sexuality. You get them mostly in silk and satin, but go for the more practical cotton if you sleep without the air-conditioner on.

Design-wise, your options range for the knee-length cranberry chemise with a hint of lace at the neckline to the more daring shorter versions with shoulder straps and cuts that accentuate your contours. Ideally, keep a matching dupatta or stole handy when you leave the bedroom.

Baby doll: The ultimate in girlie fun, babydolls have for long been seen as teasers since they enable you to be naughty and nice at the same time. Moreover, as a basic frock- ‘n’-shorts combination, it lends a certain cuteness, without compromising on comfort.

In its most popular form, babydolls come in pretty floral prints, with or without scalloped trims on the neckline and shorts and are very body-friendly. This is seduction in the extreme and guaranteed to get you sweet dreams.

Negligee: When combined with a dressing gown, the negligee can give you a rare sense of luxury, most other nightwear numbers don’t. Try out options in satin with pastel shades or animal prints and better still, a cowl neckline adding to the allure.

Ample slits on the side show off more than a flash of leg and when finished with beaded slippers, tousled hair and an appropriate perfume, you’d be set for a night to remember — only that you’d need more attitude than figure to carry off this outfit.

Caftan: This one is for all those women who are not comfortable with strappy numbers. Comfortable, conservative and yet sensual in its own way, the cotton caftan comes in a variety of colours from black, red green to Madras checks and Rajasthani block prints.

Somehow, this outfit has been associated with the elderly and those with not-so-flattering figures. But with designers increasingly deconstructing its shape with plunging necklines, deep side slits and cutting off the sleeves, the caftan is finding acceptance among youngsters.

Nightgown: This is yet another dowdy item of traditional nightwear that has been subject to countless designer interpretations, much like the salwar-kameez. Consequently, it is no longer the tent-like gown that conceals, rather than reveals is meant for the old and infirm.

At its glamorous best, satin becomes the most favoured fabric for today’s nightgown, particularly in colours like ultramarine blue, burgundy, gold and ivory. With sleek shoulder straps, crochet details on the neckline and simple, A-line cuts, this could well be a unique, sensuous experience by itself. (MF)