I was recently on a call with my branding expert who was working from home with her 4 year old daughter. She was trying to get her to put on some warm pants as she was just getting over being sick. I heard her offer her daughter all the reasons to put on the fluffy, warm bottoms, but she continued to resist. Until she asked her why?
The feisty 4-year-old put both her hands on her hips (Double HOH) and announced that they were not Daytime pants! Well, there you have it; indeed, they were pajama bottoms and in her opinion were not suitable for daytime wear. Go figure, out of the mouth of babes. That immediately got me thinking about pajamas…hmmm, where did they start, and how did they evolve to what we take for granted most evenings before “dressing” for bed.
The word “pajama” comes from the Hindi phrase pajama or pai jama, which translates to “garment for the legs”. The word originated in the 13th century Ottoman Empire and referred to loose pants or boxers that were worn by men and women in South Asia and the Middle East.
Europeans began adopting pajamas in the 16th and 17th centuries after traveling to the regions mentioned. At first, pajamas were a symbol of wealth and knowledge because they were scarce and only worn by the elite. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that pajamas became popular in the West.
The “pajama” concept has evolved over time to refer to a variety of different clothing styles, including:
- Leisurewear – Pajamas were originally worn as loose-fitting pants but eventually came to refer to a style of women’s pants worn for leisure.
- Eveningwear – Palazzo pajamas, introduced by Roman designer Irene Galitzine in the 1960s, were a popular evening dress choice.
- Everyday clothing – Pajamas have become more normalized and are now worn outside of the home for a variety of occasions.
Pajamas are a symbol of relaxation and comfort, worn at home during leisure time.
For others, they are a fashion statement, with people wearing stylish and luxurious pajamas to public events.
Before the Western world adopted pajamas, there was sleepwear; most people, regardless of gender, slept in a long and fairly shapeless nightdress or nightshirt. This simple design was easy to make, which was important, since the majority of clothing at that time was hand-sewn at home.
Distinguishing between daytime and nighttime clothes seems pretty simple for the little 4 year old gal. It takes a bit more discernment for the rest of us, I would say. Wearing see through, flimsy or overexposed pajamas in my opinion should stay indoors. While a fun plaid flannel bottom, hoodie and comfy Ugg shoes can certainly make a quick run to the grocery store in style.
As always, I recommend you Dress for the day you want – NOT – the day you are given. Dressing is fun Enjoy.