A peignoir is a light, decorative robe, usually in satin, chiffon or lace, made to be worn over a matching nightgown or lingerie. A peignoir set is the robe and the piece underneath sold together. It is a bedroom piece rather than a robe for keeping warm.
Here is how a peignoir differs from a dressing gown, the main styles, how to wear one and how to get the size right.
Where the word comes from
Peignoir comes from the French verb peigner, to comb. It was the light wrap worn while your hair was being brushed, and the name stayed with any delicate robe worn in the bedroom. You will also see it spelled pegnoir or penoir.
Peignoir or dressing gown?
A dressing gown is made for warmth and for the rest of the house. A peignoir is made to be seen, often with what you wear underneath showing at the neckline, through the sleeves or through a sheer fabric. Many are tied at the waist with a belt, and the traditional set pairs a long sheer robe with a long gown. For a side-by-side comparison that includes kimono robes, read Peignoir, Dressing Gown or Kimono Robe.
The three main styles
1. The satin peignoir set
A satin robe with a belt, sold with a matching thong. Beauty Night makes this style in several finishes. Sara in white has black lace accents and flared mesh sleeves. Samira in silver keeps it plain, with wide, airy sleeves. The silver peignoir with burgundy trim adds lace at the shoulders and a two-tone belt.
2. The long gown and sheer robe
The classic version: a long gown with a long, sheer robe over it, so the gown shows through. Shirley of Hollywood's set pairs a tricot and lace gown, with underwired cups and adjustable straps, with a sheer 15 denier robe trimmed in lace. It comes in plus sizes: white in 1X to 3X, black in 4X to 6X and red in 4X and 6X.
3. A single peignoir over your own nightwear
If you already own a nightdress you love, a peignoir on its own adds the second layer. The Me Seduce Florence is a black satin peignoir with a statement sleeve, and it sits well over a slip or one of our satin nightdresses.
How to wear a peignoir
- Over its match. A set is designed as one look, so wear the robe open or loosely belted to show what is underneath.
- On a wedding morning. A white satin peignoir makes a getting-ready robe that photographs well, and a long white set suits a honeymoon bag. Our bridal checklist covers the rest of the morning.
- For an evening in. Satin over a satin nightdress is the simplest pairing. If the piece underneath is plain, let lace or a contrast trim on the robe do the work.
- Not for warmth. Light satin and sheer fabrics are not made for a cold house. For that, choose a dressing gown and keep the peignoir for the bedroom.
How to choose one
- Fabric. Satin gives shine and drape. A sheer 15 denier robe is a see-through layer. Mesh sleeves keep a satin robe light.
- Set or single. A set does the matching for you. A single robe works with what you already own.
- Length. A shorter robe suits getting ready and evenings in. A long set gives the traditional bridal look.
- Sleeves. Wide or flared sleeves are the most decorative part of many peignoirs, so choose the sleeve you like most.
Getting the size right
Robes are forgiving because the belt does the adjusting. Beauty Night's peignoirs come in one size labelled S–L. Me Seduce sizes Florence as S/M, L/XL and 2XL/3XL. Shirley of Hollywood's plus range runs from 1X to 6X, and because the gown has underwired cups, follow its measurements more closely than you would for a robe alone. Charts for our main brands are on our size guides page, and Find My Size turns your measurements into a UK size.
Care
Wash satin peignoirs cool and gently, in a lingerie bag, and do not tumble dry. Lace and sheer robes are safest washed by hand. Iron satin on the reverse at a cool setting.
Buying one as a gift
A peignoir set is one of the easier lingerie gifts, because the robe is forgiving on size. You have 14 days to change your mind on robes. Where a set includes a thong, the hygiene rules in our returns policy apply to it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a peignoir and a negligee?
A negligee is usually the light nightgown itself, and a peignoir is the robe worn over it. UK shops often use the words loosely, and a peignoir set normally means both pieces together.
Is a peignoir warm?
Not really. Peignoirs are made in light satin, chiffon or sheer lace for the look rather than for warmth. For a cold house, a dressing gown is the better buy.
Can I wear a peignoir as a dressing gown?
Around the bedroom and on warm evenings, yes. For a cold landing or an early start, a longer, warmer dressing gown will serve you better.
How do you pronounce peignoir?
Most people in the UK say pain-wahr. You will also see it written as pegnoir or penoir.
Browse all our peignoir sets, or see our satin dressing gowns for something to wear around the house.