Valentine's Day Gift: How to Choose Loungewear and Nightwear

If you are buying loungewear or nightwear for Valentine's Day, solve two things: size and the language of the relationship. If you are unsure of size, choose a belted robe or a kimono; a nightdress that sits close to the body does not forgive a wrong size. Take the colour from their wardrobe and finish the gift with a box and a short handwritten note.

Why loungewear

Flowers last a few days, dinner lasts one night. A nightdress, robe or pair of pyjamas is worn several evenings a week and recalls the gift every time. Loungewear also covers more ground than lingerie: more tolerance on size, a less loaded message. It works in a new relationship and a long one alike.

Silk holds a place of its own in this gift. In general it is a light fabric with a smooth surface that warms quickly against the skin, and it can be worn in summer and winter. Because it is rarely an everyday purchase, it leaves more of a mark as a gift. We explain how silk differs from satin in our silk vs satin guide.

Which piece for which relationship

The same nightdress says something different depending on where the relationship is. A rough map:

If this is your first Valentine's Day together, a robe or kimono is a safe start: elegant, personal and free of interpretation. A nightdress or slip dress speaks a closer language; choose it when you know the relationship is ready for that. The table is not a rule, only a starting point; you know them best.

Buying a gift without knowing their size

With a surprise gift, the biggest risk is size. A few ways to find out without asking:

1. Check the wardrobe. Note the size on the label of a nightdress, robe or T-shirt they wear often. Sizing differs between brands, so treat the label only as a starting point.
2. Measure a piece. Lay a piece you know fits them well on a flat surface. Measure the chest from armpit to armpit and the length from shoulder to hem. Compare these with the size chart on the product page.
3. Ask someone close. A sister or a close friend often knows their size; you can ask without spoiling the surprise.
4. Choose the cut by size risk. Belted robes and kimonos are the most forgiving pieces; the kimono comes in two ranges, S/M and L/XL. A bias-cut slip dress or a strappy nightdress sits close to the body and shows a size mistake.
5. If you are between sizes. For a belted piece, choose the larger size; the belt takes up the extra. For a close-fitting cut, go by the larger of the bust and hip measurements.

How to take measurements is covered in our nightdress size guide.

Three common mistakes

• Buying to your own taste. The gift goes into their wardrobe, not yours.
• Going a size down as a compliment. A nightdress that is too tight does not get worn.
• Buying “satin” without checking the label. If you want silk, check the fibre name.

Colour: red is not the only option

14 February calls for red, and red works: the Long Lace Nightdress, the Lace Pyjama Set and the Lace Cami + Shorts also come in red. But the gift should speak about the person, not the date. Buy red for someone who wears black and powder pink, and the piece may stay at the back of the wardrobe.

Light colours (ecru, powder pink, ice blue) read soft and romantic, but show make-up and perfume marks sooner. Dark colours (black, khaki, plum) show marks less and look deeper in evening light.

The rule is simple: stay close to the colour they wear most. If you are unsure, black and powder pink are the easiest to read. For him, burgundy is the quiet version of red: it nods to the day without shouting. Black and anthracite suit most tastes.

Gifts for her

From the women's collection, the pieces that stand out for Valentine's Day:

• Silk Long Slip Dress. Bias cut, ankle length, thin bias-binding straps. A nightdress at home, a dress for dinner. Choose it when you know their size.
• Silk Lace Nightdress. Dress cut, a single small lace detail. Black, khaki and powder pink. Less detail, the right cut.
• Silk Kimono. Belted, below the knee. It keeps the size risk to a minimum and goes over a nightdress or pyjamas.
• Silk Lace Pyjama Set. Shirt and long trousers, lace at the collar. Short sleeves in powder pink, ecru and red; long sleeves in ice blue and khaki. In February cold, long sleeves are more practical.
• Nightdress sets with feather-trim robes. If you want a more dramatic feel, look at sets such as the short Nightdress + Feather-Trim Robe. These sets are not silk; they feature chiffon and feather trim.

The Long Lace Nightdress and the Lace Robe come in the same five colours; buy them together and you have a set. Add a third piece and the order reaches three pieces, so the cream signature box is added free.

Gifts for him

For him, the choice is shorter:

• Silk Shawl-Collar Robe: knee length, full-length sleeves, two patch pockets, a belt. Fine piping on the collar, cuffs and pocket openings adds a signature detail to a plain piece.
• Men's trousers or shorts. Covered elastic waist, no drawstring; the elastic waist allows a wide range on size. S–XXL.
• Lounge Set · 3 Pieces. Robe, shorts and trousers, in the signature box. The robe for evenings, the shorts for summer, the trousers for winter.

In a men's robe, size is set by the shoulders and sleeve length. The size of a jacket or shirt he wears comfortably is a good starting point.

For the two of you: couple sets

If you live together, the gift can belong to both of you. A couple set brings a women's and a men's piece in one two-tier drawer box. The shared colours are khaki and black: they match without looking like a costume. You choose two sizes in the set, so confirm both beforehand. Details in our couple pyjama set guide.

Box, note and timing

Every JANESIA order arrives in the ritual wrap: a printed box, a dust bag, a seal and a care card. When a single order has three or more pieces, the cream signature box is added free. For one or two pieces, you can add a gift box in the bag; the note you write is handwritten on the card in the box.

Keep the note short. Valentine's cards repeat the same sentences; let yours say something only the two of you will understand. A place, a date, an inside joke. For example: “The corner table. Still.” See the gift page for the options.

Settle size and colour a few days ahead, and do not leave the order to the last day. Give the gift in the morning; a piece meant for the evening shapes the rest of the day. If you are going out, the long slip dress becomes an evening dress with a light jacket.

Give the care too

With the right care, a silk piece lasts for years. Do not throw away the care card in the box: the label comes first, and the general rule is inside out, 30°C, by hand or in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle, dry in the shade. Let perfume dry before wearing. Read the label together at the first wash. The details are on the care page.