When the days are quite short and summer seems a long way off, what better way to stay cosy at night than to snuggle up in a pair of pyjamas.
The word pyjama stems from the Hindi word paejama, meaning “leg covering”, and men first started wearing them around 1870, after the returning colonials brought them back from the East.
In the 1890s, pyjamas, in wool and silk were starting to replace the night-shirt for gentlemen and, by the Thirties, they had become a key part of a man’s wardrobe. Pyjamas could be worn at home as elegant evening attire in materials such as silk and cotton.
Until the beginning of this century it had not been thought proper for women to wear pyjamas, as they preferred the more feminine nightdress.
Thank goodness for Coco Chanel, I say! She introduced lounging pyjamas in the Twenties, to be worn in the evening, and the beachwear versions, to be worn on holiday (French Riviera, of course, darling), convincing women that pyjamas could be a stylish alternative to nighties.
Between the wars, pyjamas grew in popularity with both sexes, and for women came in a more tailored style, with a tunic top and narrow legs.
Men now almost exclusively wore pyjamas, in cotton twill, calico and flannelette and decorated with pale stripes – still the most popular style today.
As we know, Pyjamas (or PJs as we love to call them) are a necessity in cold countries, especially at this time of year in the UK. There’s lots of things to consider when choosing the right ones for you. For example, are you a silk, cotton, jersey or a flannelette wearer? Do you prefer long ones or are you a shorts or baby doll girl? What’s your favourite colour? Remember, your pyjamas have to be in your best colour too! Effortless and easy, choosing the right PJs will ensure you head to bed in style.
The minute you put them on you start to feel relaxed and they are so comfortable. Some of my friends put them on as soon as they get home from work. Or what about that Saturday or Sunday when you stay in them until lunchtime or later – bliss! I do love a cosy duvet day – don’t you?