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 before me 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 - would be better quality and would make me feel better. So, before she 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. 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. By the time my third daughter was born in 2007 - I had matching robes and swaddle blankets to go with my gowns!

Since then dearjohnnies has grown leaps and bounds - offering gowns for all types of female patients and launching dearjohnnies jr. for pint sized ones. So whether a patient is giving birth for their first or fifth time, having surgery, undergoing chemotherapy, staying in a skilled nursing facility, or experiencing the scary prospect of being a child whose away from home and family, our gowns provide dignity, safety and comfort.

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, in the hospital for surgery, experiencing chemotherapy, in a skilled nursing facility or recovering from cosmetic procedures.

dearjohnnies...the (get) better hospital gown

Rachel Zinny
Founder, President and Mom