How to choose a plus size cotton nightgown that sleeps cool

Three things decide it: fabric, knit weight, and cut. Cotton is the fabric most shoppers commonly reach for and describe as soft and breathable. A lighter knit or a woven cotton moves air better than a dense one, and a cotton/poly blend trades a little breathability for longevity through frequent washing. Cut matters as much as fabric — a loose A-line or full sweeping silhouette keeps fabric off your skin, which gives air room to move.

Cotton knit is the most common fabric across our Woman Within cotton nightgowns collection, and it's the one shoppers describe as light, soft, and breathable. Our V-neck midi cotton sleep shirt and knee-length cotton sleepshirt are both crafted of breathable knit cotton. The 2-pack short-sleeve sleepshirt is 100 percent pure cotton knit, except for its heather grey colorway, which is a cotton/poly knit blend for a little extra hold. For a roomier, robe-like feel, a woven cotton like the bib-front lounger has a different hand than knit — crisper, with a soft breathable drape.

• Knit cotton — soft against skin, stretches with you, the most common nightgown fabric.
• Woven cotton — a crisper hand and a full, sweeping drape, closer to a robe.
• Cotton/poly blend — holds its shape and length wash after wash, with a small trade in breathability.

An A-line or full sweeping silhouette keeps fabric from clinging, so air can circulate as you move. Short sleeves and a V-neck open the shoulders and chest. Side slits add ease of movement and let air in at the hem. Skip a fitted, high-neck style if you want a roomy, relaxed night — the looser the cut, the more the fabric can do its job.

Picked by fabric, cut, and length, so you can match one to how you actually sleep.

• V-neck midi cotton sleep shirt — knit cotton, ribbed V-neck, side slits, about 46 inches. Best for anyone who wants full midi coverage without extra fabric bunching underneath.
• Knee-length cotton sleepshirt — the same knit cotton and A-line cut, about 40 inches. Best if you run warm and want less fabric overall, or you're petite and a midi length runs long on you.
• 2-pack short-sleeve sleepshirt — 100 percent pure cotton knit (heather grey is a cotton/poly blend), roomy relaxed fit, about 40 inches. Best for building a warm-weather rotation without buying one at a time.
• Bib-front maxi lounger — soft breathable woven cotton, full sweeping silhouette, available in Average (54 inches, Sizes S–6X, 10W–44W) and Petite (52 inches). Best for the roomiest, most robe-like night — comfy enough to lounge in before bed, too.

Machine wash on a gentle cycle and dry on low heat, or skip the dryer for the woven cotton lounger to protect its drape. Every style here is easy care and machine washable. Reading the care label before the first wash — and every wash after — is the simplest way to keep length and softness where you want them.