The Cozy History of Pajamas

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

If there's one thing that all humans and most species have in common, it’s that we all sleep. Sleep is necessary to cognitive function and memory storage, but society has taken this basic life function and turned it into one of luxury. Feather plush beds and an elevated sleeping experience would be nothing without the clothes worn during sleep. Pajamas have had a long history, ranging from royalty to the pinstripe of present day.

Pajamas have been worn since ancient times. In the middle east, long and flowy garments were worn to bed. The word pajama comes from the Hindi word pai jama which means leg clothing! When Europeans came to the Middle East and Asia, they adopted the clothing and brought them back home. Because clothing and textiles were so expensive, these became a status symbol of the rich. Later on, the pajamas that we commonly know today were introduced in the 1800s. Before this, Europeans slept in dressing gowns and robes, not a pant-like structure. Even though PJ’s were not seen by the outside, these long nightgowns were used for warmth as well as status. 

Besides the warmth, pajamas added to the quality of life due to the cleanliness they introduced. People used to sleep in the clothes that they worked in, or maybe the more inner layer of it. This brought the dirt and grime from working into people’s beds, making them a breeding ground for bacteria and illness. It also aided in sleep and the transition between day and night was more relaxing. 

In the 1920’s pajamas reached a whole new level of luxury. In the age of new money and glamor, fashion designers had a new and creative way to make PJ’s lux and desirable. Shortly after this era, pajamas became more and more of a fashion statement. In the 1930’s, Coco Chanel produced a more desirable shape for pajamas including silk, bows, and new silhouettes. They became so popular that people started to wear them fashionably out of the house. 

In the 1970s, loungewear became huge. Women switched from tight and uncomfortable gowns to flannel pajamas commonly worn by men. Pajamas became more unisex and comfortable. Overall, pajamas have become more than just sleepwear. They have offered women rights and created a larger barrier between day and night.