Tuesday, August 1, 2023

These Silk Pajamas Are So Lightweight I Feel Like I’m Sleeping In Nothing

As a satin pillowcase devotee, it was only a matter of time before I slipped into a pair of silk pajamas. Why silk? Because it’s smooth, lightweight, and cooling. It doesn’t give me sleep wrinkles. And, well, it’s luxurious. Who doesn’t want pajamas that are as decadent as a nighttime skin-care routine? So to help me feel cool and comfortable (and beat the summer heat as a hot sleeper myself), I tried a new silk pajama set from Bloomers Intimates.

The brand known for its “sexy granny panties” in stretchy lace recently expanded into silk loungewear, more specifically silk PJ sets. Bloomers Intimates has debuted the Great Camistry Set, a machine washable silk charmeuse camisole and short set for some luxurious lounging. I was able to try out these silk pajamas, which I was thankful for, considering I typically wear old concert shirts and drawstring short shorts to sleep. So here are my honest thoughts on whether these pajamas are as luxurious as the brand claims and if they elevated my lounging and sleeping game.

Great Camistry Set, $168

It may be a cliché to say this silk charmeuse material is buttery soft, but it’s true. It’s so lustrous and smooth to the touch that you just want to keep swiping your hands across it. The cami and shorts are also pretty thin — not in a cheap, flimsy way but a delicate, lightweight one. I opted for the Blue Quartz colorway (which is closer to a purple in my opinion) in a large based on the size chart. (While the brand’s underwear is available in sizes XS through 3X, this new loungewear set is currently available in small through XL.)

I’m used to my oversized concert tees, but I was initially hoping that the A-line cami was a bit more snug. However, I shouldn’t have been surprised by the fit since Bloomers Intimates’ goal is to create inclusive pieces that grow with us from year to year and size to size. So while it was roomier than I anticipated, I wasn’t swallowed by it. The cami is also reversible so I can wear it front-forward or back-forward for lower or higher lace V-necks. When it came to the shorts, they fit perfectly. The stretchy elastic waistband sat at the smallest part of my torso without digging into it. And the sides were flouncy but still offer full coverage in the back.

Great Camistry Set, $168

I truly loved wearing these silk pajamas to bed. They were so soft and lightweight, and I found myself actually being grateful for the looser cut. I toss and turn a million times when I sleep, so it was nice that the pieces weren’t constricting and the neckline wasn’t fitted like my typical sleep tees. It felt like wearing nothing. And while you may ask, “Why pay for this when you can pay nothing to actually wear nothing?” It’s because I don’t see myself sleeping naked and need a sense of security. And this is one luxurious security blanket if you ask me.

I didn’t find myself sweating or fussing throughout the night and woke up feeling like a princess (in theory). I’ve continued wearing the set throughout the day while I work from home to test its lounging purposes, and it’s been great. I stay feeling cool and comfortable, and the luxurious set brings some whimsy and romance to my more mundane days.

The Great Camistry Set looks luxe and feels delicate, but luckily, it’s machine washable. Bloomers Intimates offers a mesh laundry bag to slip the set into before washing on cold, delicate settings. The brand also recommends line-drying and steam-ironing the set to remove wrinkles, which is pivotal and the one downside I see with these silk pajamas. Because while I’m not getting deep sleep creases on my skin, I’m getting them on the set, which doesn’t give a pristine look and, frankly, I don’t have the time or patience to iron my pajamas.

Alas, on separate occasions, I’ve ironed and steamed the set, and both methods worked well. But again throughout the night and day, the silk eventually became wrinkly. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about that too much at home. And again, the cooling and comforting pros along with a good night’s sleep outweigh this con for me.

Shop all Bloomers Intimates

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Frame’s Luxe Fall Arrivals Includes Everyday Denim & Classy Outerwear

In the truly unbearably hot last days of summer, the only glimmer of hope through the fog of humidity is the excitement for fall fashion. We’re daydreaming of airy blouses paired with denim maxi skirts, cozy layer-able outfits in mid-50 to 60-degree weather — we want it all. Even autumn’s signature oversized sweater and crisp jeans combo has never sounded more glorious. Thankfully, the beloved minimalistic brand Frame has released a new collection that is the epitome of fall, getting us in the leaf-peeping spirit. Get ready to indulge yourself in Frame’s new arrivals. The collection is filled with classic silhouettes in monochromatic hues of light camel, espresso, black, khaki, and blues in luxe fabrics such as cashmere and leather.

If you’re not already a fan of the brand, just know that the Fall 2023 collection, just like Frame’s other offerings, is full of splurge-worthy pieces. The prices reflect the quality, but these are fall classics you’ll reach for year after year. You’ll find timeless cozy cashmere sweaters, rich buttery soft leather blazers, and comfy tailored jeans that will be a forever piece. (Some of my most beloved fall staples are the Le High Straight and a now discontinued ’70s Houndstooth Wool Blend Blazer from Frame.) Consider the styles as an investment item you can fashion into countless looks throughout the years — no matter the trends. 

Elevated Tops & Delicate Blouses

Frame checks all the boxes when it comes to dainty, feminine tops that are both elegant and chic. The current collection offers upgraded basics in smooth stretch silk and 100% organic linen. The brand has also brought the trending mesh and sheer top from spring/summer 2023 firmly into fall with a piece that keeps the striking aesthetic yet is layer-able and works with a variety of structured silhouettes like blazers and shirt jackets. 

All Things Denim

As we begin to shy away from shopping for linen pants and shorts, your gaze might be looking toward jeans for this fall. If this is your first time shopping at Frame, the brand’s jeans are your best introduction to the label. Frame is well-known for its vast collection of collectible soft, stretchy denim. There’s plenty of styles to choose from whether you like a straight high-rise look or flare jeans is your go-to. The brand has recently released its best-selling wide-leg Le Palazzo silhouette in a slimmer version along with various other denim styles like an in-between midi and maxi denim skirt and a shirt dress.

Transitional Layers

Once the weather begins to dip in a month or so, consider Frame’s transitional layers to help you get through the season. There are elevated basics like a ribbed zipped bodysuit, as well as more detailed picks like a cashmere elbow-length ruched pointelle sweater and smocked mockneck option. Don’t get caught off guard this fall when you realize a loose hanger has snagged your favorite sweater or is nowhere to be seen.

Luxurious Outerwear

Feast your eyes on some of the line’s most rich and treasured pieces — the classy outerwear options range from more fitted and tailored silhouettes to cozy and oversized designs. The styles touch upon modern trends like the utility trend and fall 2023’s business-core basics but with an elevated aesthetic. Now the outerwear is crafted in luxurious fabrics like 100% lamb leather and ultra-lightweight linen.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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The Gap x LoveShackFancy Collab Is Giving Rom-Com Energy

Just in time to fill your fall shopping carts, your go-to wardrobe staples are getting a touch of romance courtesy of the new Gap x LoveShackFancy collaboration. 

Launching on August 4, with a campaign led by Grammy-winner Ciara, the capsule collection blends Gap’s classic Americana vibes with the delightful whimsy that the vintage-inspired LoveShackFancy is known for. The result is a 76-piece range that offers new takes on everyday essentials. Think delicate blue floral prints on both jeans and sweatpants, soft pink hues on skirts, tops, and tote bags, and rose embellishments on cropped jackets — all of which will have you looking like a main character in your personal rom-com. 

“Re-imagining iconic Gap classics for all generations through our LoveShackFancy lens has been a dream,” said LoveShackFancy founder and creative director Rebecca Hessel Cohen in a press release. “Each piece is the perfect mix of nostalgia and freshness that you’ll live in forever and won’t find anywhere else. I couldn’t be more excited for this collection to bring some of our magical world to even more people around the world for them to fall in love with.”

The limited-edition collaboration also includes men’s, kids’ and baby apparel as well as accessories. Ciara stars in the campaign, which was shot by acclaimed photographer Zoey Grossman, alongside two of her children, Future and Sienna. 

While this is the first team-up between the two brands, neither are strangers to collabs. Most recently, in May, Gap released its appropriately pinkified official Barbie collection. Meanwhile, LoveShackFancy — which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year — has released lines with the likes of bag brand State, luxury UK fabric brand Liberty London and, earlier this year, debuted a cottagecore-ready collection of homeware with Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen. It also debuted its own line of athletic wear back in January. 

The Gap x LoveShackFancy collection will be available to shop in select stores and online this Friday, with prices ranging from $13 to $248. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.

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Friday, July 28, 2023

We Raided Skims’ Famous Underwear Drawer — Here Are Our Honest Thoughts

You’d think that I, a sweaty crotch advocate, would have a dresser drawer brimming with high-quality undies. However, this is not the case. Or, at least it wasn’t until Kim Kardashian’s cult-favorite shapewear brand Skims came into my life.

If you haven’t tried the four-year-old brand or have evaded the hubbub around its TikTok-viral slip dress, then we’ll fill you in. Skims is best known for dunking breathable, cozy fabrics in dreamy muted colorways (with occasional pops of neon) and transforming them into bestselling clothing and loungewear — from cotton jersey underwear to cotton rib leggings, editor-approved tanks, size-inclusive swim, and the like. In short, it’s a metropolis of must-have basics with surprising sex appeal. So you can imagine why I immediately jumped at the chance to raid and review Skims’ underwear drawer. I even recruited my fellow shopping team member Victoria Montalti to join in on the fun. Scroll on for our honest thoughts on these top-rated intimates and find out why we may or may not have crowned Kim Kardashian the queen of cotton jersey, below.

What is The Panty Shop?

Click on Skims’ The Panty Shop tab and you’re met with an oasis of *gasps* panties. Specifically, you’ll find thongs, briefs, bikinis, hipsters, boy shorts, and a few lacy options in shades of muted pistachio, deep turquoise, stark white…the dreamy list goes on. Victoria and I received the Dipped Thong, Cheeky Tanga, Full Brief, and Jersey Boy Short — which, are all comprised of supple cotton jersey and outlined with stretchy spandex. Everything we tried, and indeed all of Skims’ undies, retail between $16 and $22. But get this: you can bundle three for $36 no matter which ones you choose, so I suggest scoring at least three if you decide to try.

In terms of popularity, customers can’t get enough of the Boy Short based off of its 4.7-out-of-5-star rating and 1,066 reviews. Great, Perfect, Love Them!!!, and Amazing Feel, are just a few of customers’ review titles on site. Meanwhile, Skims reviewer Hannah writes, “So comfortable! I had never actually owned any boy shorts before but I wanted some fully cotton underwear for sleep and these are perfect.” The Cheeky Tanga is also a fan favorite with its 4.8-out-of-5-star rating and 1,012 reviews. Happy customer Emma C. mentions, “Flattering fit and the softest underwear I’ve ever owned!”

There’s enough rave reviews to gab about Skims’ undies for days, so I digress. The question is: what did we think of them?

Cotton Jersey Boy Short, $22

“I would like to frolic around my apartment in these until the end of time. Boy shorts make a homebody’s world go round, and, as someone who was home sick these last few days, let’s just say I have already got my money’s worth out of this pair of underwear. They’ve hugged my hips just right for days (yes I washed them) and were so soft to sleep in. They do leave some cheeks exposed, so don’t expect a spandex-short type of coverage. I think they’re perfect for wearing under baggy pants or a short skirt since they’re thin and snug. In all honesty, I’ll probably get some more in different colors and let them peek out of some low-rise cargos.” —Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer

“I was most excited to try the cotton Boy Short style because I don’t own any other short-cut underwear. I was also excited because I chose this style in the faded blue Kyanite color with decorative stitching, which perfectly matches my Skims cotton rib tank top. (This makes the perfect lounge around the house outfit BTW!) When I tried them on, I realized just how stretchy they were. While you may liken many Skims intimates to compressive materials, this cotton jersey is the total opposite, offering a fitted yet relaxed stretch. I think I could’ve comfortably fit in a Medium, but I was perfectly fine with the Large I ordered since it didn’t dig into my stomach, hips, or butt. Like the model photos, the waistband hit at my belly button, but unlike the photos, the back was slightly cheekier on me — not fully covering my butt; however still pretty full coverage. The leg hole openings rolled up around my inner thighs, but it didn’t cause any discomfort, which I was happy about.” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Cotton Jersey Cheeky Tanga, $20

“The Cheeky Tanga gives the full Kardashian fantasy. The thick-ish waist band combined with the sharp, triangular silhouette makes me feel like these underwear were made to be seen. Perhaps these ones are the perfect pair to let peek out of your baggy pants. Or, you can simply put them on for fun for a sexy photoshoot. Even the stretchy hems are thicker, which gives off bathing suit vibes, but it’s not restricting in any way. Just like with the boy shorts, I will be frolicking around in them as well — these just might deserve a photograph or two. Essentially, I ironically have no intention of covering these flattering underwear up with clothing.” —Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer

“The Cheeky Tanga is different from the boy short in that it has a wide waistband, which offers slightly more compression, and high-cut legs that I found really flattering. It’s also slightly cheekier than the Full Brief because of the higher leg holes. Overall, this cut is the most similar to the types of bikini bottoms I tend to wear. I got it in Light Heather Grey, which has a retro look to it that I really like. Because of the waistband and seams, I personally wouldn’t wear these out under fitted bottoms since I’m not a fan of underwear lines, but I would wear them under looser styles, and most definitely around the house.” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Cotton Jersey Dipped Thong, $18

“The front of this thong is the bathing suit silhouette of my dreams. I have a shorter torso so normal underwear usually sits on my stomach rather than under it. These are so comfy and breathable — the catch is that the cream colorway is therefore a tad see-through. However, I have no reason to be upset about a thong being translucent when my entire butt is exposed. I love them. Perfect for everyday wear and wicking away sweat while I traverse the city. They even disappear under my Lululemon leggings. Plus, I washed them before taking this picture and the quality did not waver.”—Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer

“The Dipped Thong is the closest to my usual underwear preference — a thick front, sans G-strings or a too-itty-bitty back. I picked Bone, a light creamy color, which is somewhat see-through. The style’s ‘dip’ refers to the slight curve at the front, which I find really flattering on my lower stomach. My only flaw with this style is that the crotch area is a bit wide and therefore bunches up, so I think I could’ve comfortably fit in a Medium for an even better fit. But again, the Large offered a relaxed fit that I was thankful didn’t dig in anywhere. “ —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Cotton Jersey Full Brief, $20

“Unfortunately, these are my least favorite. Not because of the quality — the cotton jersey keeps me easy breezy and is so cozy just like the others. The silhouette just doesn’t necessarily complement my wardrobe. Like I said, I have a shorter torso, and if I’m not stretching my stomach these go past my belly button. That being said, they’re still excellent for walking around the house in even if they give you the occasional wedgie. I actually think that makes them perfect overnight maxi pads. If you’re a full-brief lover, I think you’d get a kick out of these (especially this gorgeous colorway).” —Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer

“I finally tried the Full Brief in a muted green Mineral colorway. This cut fell slightly below my belly button and offered medium coverage in the back. I can see myself actually wearing this style out, since it isn’t as high-waisted as the boy shorts. Another thing to note is that I typically wear seamless underwear, and while all of these styles have seams (with cute stitching!), they aren’t as thick or noticeable through clothing as, let’s say, a pair of Hanes cotton underwear. This pair was super comfortable and I think it’ll be my new go-to, especially during that time of the month.” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

If your interest is piqued, feel free to raid Skims’ cult-favorite Panty Shop yourself right now.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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