Founded in 2012 by Central St Martins alumni Alexandra Suhner Isenberg, The Sleep Shirt is a nightwear and loungewear brand bringing classic style back into the bedroom.

Alexandra was born and raised in Canada, but spent her formative years in London and Paris. A graduate of Central St. Martins’ prestigious MA in Fashion Design, Alexandra graduated with Richard Nicoll and Jonathan Saunders and her previous career includes positions at Burberry and Sonia Rykiel. In 2009, Alexandra moved back to her hometown of Vancouver, and it was during a trip to the UK for London Fashion Week that Alexandra found a 19th century men’s chemise in London’s Spitalfield’s market – which inspired The Sleep Shirt. Tired of sleeping in silky nighties, traditional pajamas, or old t-shirts, Alexandra decided to start wearing the shirt as a nightshirt, and promptly fell in love with its comfortable and classic design.

Intent on keeping production as local as possible, Alexandra sourced a traditional, Italian family run shirt making business outside of Toronto to manufacture the nightshirts, and a small production unit in Vancouver to make the nighties and pants. All of the cottons are 100% Japanese and the linens are sourced through a Canadian supplier. The brand was an immediate success with local retailers and customers, who appreciated the nightshirt’s roomy fit and easy care. Packaged as men’s shirts with recycled kraft paper, The Sleep Shirt also makes a great gift.

The Sleep Shirt combines modern comfort with 19th century design and classic tailoring to create luxury unisex nightshirts. Unlike mainstream nightwear brands, The Sleep Shirt offers an alternative to the traditional pyjama set, offering a collection of comfortable nightshirts, feminine nighties, and nightwear separates in classic, soft colours and patterns. The brand started with simple nightshirts, but has expanded to include a selection of simple nighties, lounge pants, and sleepwear sets that fit in with the relaxed, clean aesthetic of the brand.

Canadian Megan McEwan joined The Sleep Shirt in 2014 as a partner, responsible for the development and production. Her experience as a footwear buyer has brought some invaluable skills to the company. That same year, Alexandra relocated to Sweden and now lives with her family on her husband’s forest estate while Megan runs the Canadian operations. While the brand remains a Canadian company, Alexandra has found that the Swedish aesthetic and lifestyle matches the ethos of the brand. Keen on working locally as much as possible, The Sleep Shirt commissioned Canadian Ryan Willms, editor and founder of Inventory Magazine and Inventory Stockroom – the highly successful men’s publication and retailer – to art direct the brand’s first lookbook.

Whether at a chalet in the mountains, a hut on the beach, or the most glamorous of hotels, The Sleep Shirt makes sleeping better and the versatility is endless. Customers range from a stylish twenty something to elegant sixty something, and are perfect for anyone looking for classic, comfortable, high quality nightwear.

VIEW THE SLEEP SHIRT COLLECTION GALLERY

For more information please visit:
The Sleep Shirt
www.thesleepshirt.com
Facebook – thesleepshirt
Twitter – @thesleepshirt
Instagram – @thesleepshirt

Share this page