My story

Way back in 1997, I hunted for some simple, stylish women’s sleepwear and couldn’t find any. Some PJs and nightshirts were comfy but ugly. Some were stylish but didn’t fit well. That’s when I decided to put my pattern-making and sewing skills to use and make my own sleepwear.

I experimented to get the pattern, fabric, look, and feel just right. My friends complimented the result and pretty soon, they were trying out my creations too. Their honest feedback helped me refine my sleepwear so that it worked for women of different body types.

Next, I worked up the courage to send samples to a few stores. I was super nervous, but just like my friends, the retailers loved my creations. So my sleepwear business was born and started to grow, along with my range.  

From selling stock in boutique stores to wholesaling into 60 different retail stores in New Zealand and Australia, I’ve been designing and creating women’s sleepwear for over 20 years.  

As my business grew, life became more hectic, so I decided to pare back my range and focus on what I most enjoy designing and wearing myself. Happily, that’s my ‘best-sellers’ — my customers’ favourites.

Every piece is made with care, made to last, and made so you feel and look great. I hope you enjoy wearing Louise Hanes Sleepwear as much as I enjoy designing it. My mission is to make sleepwear that’s a dream to wear!