If you don’t know what a bed jacket is, it’s a sort of extra-short robe. Sometimes they're cropped right to just below the bust. And if you do know what one is, then you’re probably picturing one of two things. A glamorous Old Hollywood starlet perhaps. Or just that quilted, frumpy-looking thing your grandma wore. But if the below selection is anything to go by, bed jackets are making a modern comeback.

Some bed jackets look like bolero tops and cardigans. Others resemble the top half of a pajama set. However, none are made for sleeping. That extra-short length? It’s so that they’re easier to put on and take off. Because you won’t sit on the hemline when you’re sitting up in bed.

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That’s right. Bed jackets are specially made for those moments when you’re propped up against your pillow. You might be reading a book before you sleep, or enjoying your morning coffee. Pop one of these on and you’ll be warm all over, even the bits of you that are outside the duvet.

Does this seem like an incredibly frivolous purchase? Can’t justify buying something just for those brief periods you’re using your bed as if it were a sofa? Luckily, you don’t need to. Many of the styles below would fit right in with the underwear as outerwear trend.

You could wear one of the simpler styles as a cute summer jacket with jeans and a cami. Or pair fancier pieces with a cocktail dress for an evening out. I think a handful of the styles here would even make great cover-ups at the poolside. Take a look and see for yourself!

If you’re interested in other retro lingerie styles currently experiencing a resurgence, check out my previous post on half slips. What do you think of bed jackets? Do you own any?