dearjohnnies embodies the idea that hospital patients and those recovering at home deserve to wear something better than an ordinary hospital gown.

This idea initially came to me shortly before the birth of my first daughter, Cece. Like most new parents-to-be, my husband and I planned to take photos right after the birth to share with family and friends. But then I realized that a prominent feature in the photos would be the generic, unattractive pattern of a hospital gown. Did it have to be this way? Why couldn't I be wearing something less institutional and more attractive? Besides, wearing a "used" gown worn by who knows how many other patients wasn't appealing.

When my second daughter Lucy was on the way, I decided to turn my idea into action. But I wanted more than a gown that would look good in photos. I also wanted one that would fit better than the standard hospital model - apparently designed for six-foot, 300-pound males - and would make me feel better. Every woman who's given birth knows you feel somewhat unattractive immediately after the event. Wearing a used, oversized gown with the hospital's name stamped on it reinforces that feeling.

So, before Lucy was born, I designed two dearjohnnies gowns to wear in the hospital. They were comfortable, securely covered my backside when I walked, helped me look presentable for visitors, and most importantly made me feel better about my appearance. The nurses at the hospital commented on how cute they were. And friends who saw the dearjohnnies began ordering them as gifts to give at baby showers. That's how my business got started.

On May 7, 2007, my third daughter, Lexie arrived. When I went to the hospital, I brought a full supply of monogrammed dearjohnnies gowns, robes and swaddle blankets so I would not have to wear any of the hospital's versions. I felt comfortable, was appropriately covered and looked good for visitors and photos. The doctors and nurses all swooned over my dearjohnnies. And I was reminded again of why I started my company. Since then dearjohnnies has grown leaps and bounds and is now focused on providing all women with something special to wear whether they are giving birth for their first or fifth time, experiencing chemotherapy, intensive care, or recovering at home from plastic surgery.

dearjohnnies...the (get) better hospital gown

Rachel Zinny
Founder, President and Mom