What women want from sleepwear tends to change through their forties, fifties and sixties. Sometimes that is about the shape of a garment, sometimes about the fabric, and often it is simply about wanting something that feels considered rather than functional.
Here is how we would think about choosing, decade by decade, with specific styles from the Hank & Hera range. Everything below is made across sizes XS–4XL (AU 4–34). For measurements, see our size chart.
In your forties: comfort and polish together
This is usually where women start choosing sleepwear the way they choose the rest of their wardrobe — by fabric and cut, rather than by whatever is in the drawer.
What to look for
- Natural fibres — premium cotton, linen and silk, chosen for how they feel and how they wear.
- An easy silhouette — a long cotton nightgown, a pyjama set, or a light robe over the top.
- Something to layer with, for cooler mornings and for the moments when you would rather be covered.
Where we would start
- Florence — cotton voile, flutter sleeves, and an elastic neckline that can sit at the neck or off the shoulder.
- Lauren — a long button-front cotton nightgown. The button front is the reason it stays in rotation.
- Anne — a premium linen robe with Japanese satin finishings, cut to layer over any of these.
In your fifties: light fabrics and an easy shape
Perimenopause and menopause fall in this decade for most women, and they are a common reason for rethinking what you sleep in. We are a sleepwear brand rather than a health one, so what we can speak to is fabric and cut: light, breathable natural fibres, and silhouettes that skim rather than cling.
What to look for
- Light natural fabrics — linen and woven cotton.
- A relaxed silhouette with room to move.
- Sleeve and neckline options, so you can choose your own level of coverage.
Where we would start
- Kareena — available in premium cotton and in linen, with button detailing at the neckline.
- Leilani — premium cotton, in long and short. Fit note: Leilani has a generous silhouette and currently runs large; we recommend choosing one size down from your usual Hank & Hera size.
- Hera Pyjama Shorts with the Sara Camisole, if you prefer a two-piece. Fit note: the Hera Pyjama Shorts run smaller than our usual fit — take one size up. The Sara Camisole currently runs large — take one size down.
In your sixties: softness, and nothing you have to think about
Comfort matters more by this point, and none of it needs to come at the expense of a garment you actually like putting on.
What to look for
- Soft fabrics — cotton-silk blends and linen.
- Relaxed shapes with room to move.
- Details that earn their place: lace trims, flutter sleeves, button fronts.
Where we would start
- Grace — cotton-silk with cotton lace details and a light, sheer finish.
- Deborah — premium cotton with lace straps and side slits for movement.
- Jessica — a simple mid-length cotton nightie with lace straps.
The pairing most people end up with
Nearly everything above is worn with a robe over it. The Anne linen robe layers over any of these nightgowns and runs the same AU 4–34. If you would rather the pairing was already made up, The Hospital Bag Edit is the Barbara nightgown with the long Anne robe. Free Australian shipping applies on orders over A$400.
Browse the full range of nighties and nightgowns, our cotton and linen styles, pyjamas and pyjama sets and dressing gowns and robes — all made across sizes AU 4–34.
