A woman's light, loose-fitting nightgown or dressing gown, typically made of sheer or silky fabric.
From French 'négligé' meaning 'neglected' or 'carelessly dressed.' In 18th-century French high society, this described the informal, loose-fitting gowns women wore when they were 'neglecting' formal dress codes at home. The garment was literally named for being casually undressed rather than properly corseted and structured!
A negligee literally means 'neglected clothing' in French — it was what 18th-century ladies wore when they were being lazy about getting properly dressed. The garment is named after the act of neglecting formal fashion rules, making it the ultimate 'I can't be bothered to dress up' outfit!
Negligee emerged in 18th-century European fashion as deliberately feminine, sexualized intimate wear. The term reinforces equation of women's bodies with appearance and sexual availability.
Use descriptively without framing as quintessentially feminine or reducing wearers to sexuality. Acknowledge diverse bodies and contexts of use.
["nightwear","sleepwear","robe"]
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