Silk Nightwear

Silk is measured by momme weight — the heavier the momme, the denser, more durable, and more luxurious the fabric. The brands we stock at Caroline Randell all work with high-grade silk: the kind that moves with you, has genuine weight and drape, and wears beautifully for years rather than seasons. This is worth knowing because not all silk is equal, and the difference between a premium silk chemise and a cheaper one is immediately apparent when you hold them side by side. Beyond quality, silk is a naturally extraordinary fabric for nightwear: it's temperature-regulating in a way synthetic fibres can never replicate — genuinely warm in winter, cool in summer, and breathable enough to let you sleep deeply rather than restlessly. It doesn't tangle or cling, and it feels remarkable against the skin. Our silk nightwear collection covers the full range — silk chemises, silk nightdresses, cami tops and short sets, silk pyjamas, silk robes and dressing gowns — all selected with the same care we apply to every piece in the boutique.

The French houses define one end of our silk edit. Marjolaine is a house we talk about constantly, because once you understand how it's made, it's impossible to overlook: silk produced in France, combined with Calais lace woven on the original lever looms, in striking colour combinations as well as the most beautiful classic ivory. Most Marjolaine styles have a matching robe, making them particularly special for getting-ready photographs — silk has a natural shimmer that the camera captures in a way cotton simply doesn't — and for the honeymoon beyond. These are what we call heirloom pieces: made so carefully, from materials so considered, that customers have handed them down to their own children. Then there is Lise Charmel — a prestigious French house with a devoted following for their silk nightwear. Their silk chemises and nightdresses combine beautiful fabric with exquisite lace detailing: intricate, refined, and unmistakably French. If you've never come across them before, they have a loyal clientele who return season after season, and it's easy to understand why once you see the pieces in person.

From Italy, Luna Di Seta takes a completely different approach: no lace, no embellishment, just precision. Simple, elegant shapes cut to perfection in beautiful quality silk — their cami and short set has been a staple in our collection since we opened, and the cami works just as well as a daywear top as it does in the bedroom. Karen Mabon brings the contemporary perspective — beautifully crafted silk pieces with bold, considered prints, including a wonderful long silk nightdress in the classic slip shape that we stock regularly. We hold a number of Karen Mabon prints exclusively for the boutique, so there are pieces here you won't find elsewhere. We also keep a close eye on smaller silk nightwear houses we discover on buying trips to Paris each season — occasionally a brand comes through that is simply too beautiful not to stock, and these tend to sell quickly.

Caring for silk well is what makes it last. Most silk nightwear can be gently machine washed on a very delicate cycle at a low temperature — always check the care label — but we always recommend Soak Wash for any piece you want to keep looking its best for the long term. It's a no-rinse, gentle formula designed specifically for delicate fabrics, and it's something we suggest to everyone who buys a silk piece from us. If you're choosing silk nightwear for a wedding or honeymoon, our bridal nightwear page goes into more detail on the specific pieces we love for getting-ready photographs and the honeymoon. For our full silk pyjama edit, visit luxury pyjamas. And for silk robes specifically, see our silk robes collection. We're at 6 Church Road, Wimbledon Village — do come in and see these pieces in person, or reach us via our WhatsApp service if you'd like any guidance before visiting.