Long winter evenings are a good excuse to make more of the time after the day is done. For some, that means a new book and a candle; for others, it means swapping a worn-out T-shirt for nightwear that feels a little special. It can be a treat for yourself, or a thoughtful gift for a partner.
Danish retailer Sinful sells a wide range of lingerie and nightwear in the UK. Its category pages separate babydolls and chemises, kimonos and short dresses, and the names are not always self-explanatory. This guide explains the differences using the retailer’s own descriptions, checked on sinful.co.uk on 4 November 2026.
In this guide
- Nightwear Styles at a Glance
- What Makes Nightwear Different
- The Babydoll: Relaxed and Flattering
- The Chemise: Close-Fitting and Sophisticated
- The Kimono: The Versatile Layer
- Short Dresses: Between Nightwear and Clubwear
- Finishing Touches
- Buying Nightwear as a Gift
- Caring for Delicate Fabrics
- Shopping at Sinful UK
- Final Thoughts
Nightwear Styles at a Glance
| Style | Fit (as Sinful describes it) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Babydoll | Loose; snug over the bust, then falls lightly over stomach and hips | A flattering, comfortable fit |
| Chemise | More fitted; follows the body all the way down | A closer, more defined silhouette |
| Kimono | Worn open over a nightgown or lingerie set | Adding a layer and a little cover |
| Mini dress | Short and figure-hugging; between nightwear and clubwear | A bolder look, at home or out |
Sinful also notes that its nightwear is typically made from lace, mesh, satin or a mix of these, chosen to feel comfortable against the skin. Check the individual product page for the exact fabric and size guide.
What Makes Nightwear Different
In Sinful’s words, the difference between ordinary nightwear and a sexy nightgown “lies in the details”: deep necklines, open backs, delicate straps, a side slit or sheer panels. The retailer frames it as being as much about feeling good in your own body as looking good for someone else, and says its range covers “every taste and body shape”.
That is a useful way to think about choosing. Start with how you want to feel, then pick the cut. Comfort-first shoppers often lean towards a loose style, while those who want structure may prefer something fitted.
The Babydoll: Relaxed and Flattering
A babydoll, according to Sinful, is often loose-fitting. It sits snugly over the bust and then falls lightly and airily over the stomach and hips. The retailer describes it as an ideal choice if you want a flattering fit that is both comfortable and sensual, and says it enhances the bust and creates a soft, feminine look.
Because it skims rather than clings, a babydoll is often the easiest style to buy as a gift when you are not completely sure of someone’s preferences. Even so, check the size guide carefully.
The Chemise: Close-Fitting and Sophisticated
A chemise is more fitted and follows the body’s curves all the way down. Sinful recommends it if you want a closer fit and a more defined silhouette, describing the result as a confident and sophisticated look. Lace chemises like the one above combine that fitted shape with texture, which can make a simple design feel more special.
The Kimono: The Versatile Layer
Kimonos, shown in our featured image at the top, are designed to complement other nightwear. Sinful suggests wearing one open over a nightgown or lingerie set, adding an “exclusive and playful layer” while letting you cover up a little. If you are unsure where to start, a kimono is arguably the most versatile piece: it can also simply be a comfortable robe for a lazy weekend morning.
Short Dresses: Between Nightwear and Clubwear
Sinful describes its short dresses as moving “along the line between nightwear and clubwear”: short and figure-hugging. Its category page even suggests some styles could be worn on the dance floor “if you dare”. These suit people who want a bolder look and may also wear the piece beyond the bedroom.
Finishing Touches
Accessories can change the feel of an outfit without a big spend. Sinful’s lingerie section includes separate categories for stockings and hosiery, suspender belts and accessories such as long gloves. A pair of stockings can work with a chemise or dress, while gloves add a vintage, evening-wear touch.
Buying Nightwear as a Gift
- Note the person’s usual clothing size and compare it with the product’s size guide rather than guessing.
- If in doubt, choose a forgiving cut such as a babydoll or a kimono.
- Think about the fabrics they already wear: satin feels smooth, lace adds texture, mesh is lighter.
- Read the returns information on the retailer’s website before you buy, since rules for intimate items can differ.
- Order early in December to leave time for delivery before Christmas.
Caring for Delicate Fabrics
Lace, mesh and satin last longer with gentle care. Always follow the label first, but as a general rule hand washing in cool water, avoiding the tumble dryer and drying flat away from direct heat help keep delicate pieces in shape. A mesh laundry bag offers extra protection if you do use a machine.
Shopping at Sinful UK
According to its About page, Sinful was founded in 2008 by Mathilde Mackowski and describes itself as the largest e-commerce business for sex toys in the Nordic region, with webshops in many European countries. Its UK site states that orders come with discreet delivery and packaging, and advertises free delivery on orders over 50 GBP. It also has a dedicated section for lingerie offers and a Christmas lingerie category.
Prices and stock change often, so check the current range and any live offers on the site before you order.
Final Thoughts
Choosing nightwear is mostly about matching the cut to how you want to feel: relaxed with a babydoll, defined with a chemise, layered with a kimono or bold with a short dress. You can browse every style on the Sinful UK website.
Whether it is a gift or a treat for yourself, a well-chosen piece can make an ordinary winter evening feel a little more special. Find more ideas at Sinful.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Product descriptions and store information were taken from sinful.co.uk on 4 November 2026 and may change.