close

QUICK SHOP

Pay in 4 interest free
installments with

Selected Color:

Select size:

see full details

Size: 

see full details

Free Shipping Over $195 & Easy Returns

Joyful Designs and Premium Fabrics

Size Inclusive Styles From XXS To 6X

Free Shipping Over $195 & Easy Returns

Joyful Designs and Premium Fabrics

Size Inclusive Styles From XXS To 6X
Style

How Pajamas Became a Fashion Staple

I love diving into a good research project (especially when it’s fashion related), so when I started designing pajamas, I knew I needed to find out more about their history. If, like me, you enjoy nerding out over fashion history, read on for our brief history of sleepwear and how it became the fashion staple it is today.
Amy Voloshin
February 2022
How Pajamas Became a Fashion Staple
How Pajamas Became a Fashion Staple

Surprisingly, I didn’t really know much about the history of pajamas before falling into designing sleepwear. I’ve sold vintage clothing for most of my adult life and have studied costume history, but pajamas are a part of fashion history that is often skipped over in fashion courses.

When Were Pajamas Invented?

I’m pretty curious about most things, so of course I dove into learning more about the history of pajamas. I was delighted to learn that they were actually first created in India, which is actually where we manufacture our pajamas. The word pajama originates from the Hindi word “pāyjāma,” which essentially means “leg garment.” These loose trousers were typically tied around the waist and constructed from cotton or silk. 

Apparently, Europeans who were living in South Asia in the 1600’s adopted the style and loved sleeping in them. The British began referring to them as “mogul’s breeches” in the 17th century. In India, both men and women wore cotton pajama pants, and most women in India wear a drawstring cotton pant under their dresses and Kurtas to this day. I’ve seen many outfits in boutiques in Jaipur and Delhi styled in this way, with a wall full of these drawstring pants available in almost any hue.

Today’s pajamas get as much wear out of the house as they do at home
Today’s pajamas get as much wear out of the house as they do at home

In Europe, pants were typically reserved for men — that’s why European women didn’t start wearing pajamas until the start of the 20th century. In the 1920’s, Coco Chanel was known for wearing pajamas as clothing for the outside world, and many trailblazing fashion icons began to wear them, too.

How to Style Pajama Pants

I personally love pajamas, as they are effortless, fun and so breathable and cool to lounge and sleep in. And now, work-from-home pajama bottoms have become a fashion staple for me and others. They really work beautifully with any top, whether you’re wearing a simple tee, a flowy robe or a matching PJ shirt. I love how pajamas have even found their way into trends – we’ve even seen celebrities like Selena Gomez and Rihanna wearing pajamas and robes out of the house. Recently, I’ve been loving these Agent Provocateur pajama shirts for being comfortable and Zoom ready. And, of course, our Printfresh cotton pajamas are my ultimate go-to!

Best Sellers
Shop All
Bagheera - Easy Elegance Dress - Navy - Printfresh
Bagheera - Easy Elegance Dress - Navy - Printfresh
//
Bagheera Easy Elegance Dress
Navy
$168 - $undefined

0 comments

PF MAG: Founder Amy Voloshin is passionate about creating a space that speaks to our brand, shares unique perspectives from pattern enthusiasts and finds ways to promote more sustainable living. Our blog PF Mag covers creative topics on all things lifestyle - including behind the scenes looks, fashion, design, travel, and home decor, as well as interviews with some of the people who inspire us most. 

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Stay inspired with thoughtful interviews, design and DIY ideas, recipes, shopping tips, and so much more.

Most Popular Articles

This Month

1

How to Wash Cotton Pajamas & Satin Loungewear + DIY Detergent
2

Behind the Print: Hen House
3

Behind the Print: Secret Library
4

Behind the Print: Champagne & Caviar
5

Behind the Collection: Spring in Bloom
More Stories
Inspiring Interviews
Ask Amy Anything: The First Edition
Design + DIY
Behind the Print: Kitchen Garden
Inspiring Interviews
Printfresh x Simon & Schuster Book Club: Meet Author Patti Callahan Henry
Inspiring Interviews
Printfresh x The Foggy Dog: Meet the Collaboration
Inspiring Interviews
Sweet Dreams Series: Noelle Blizzard of New June Bakery
Conscious Living
Sincerely, Amy | Springtime Whimsy

Rest easy knowing your purchase is in good hands, We'll be here every step of the way with priority support

SHIPPING PROTECTION

This extra step covers loss, damage, theft, missing or wrong items, return to sender and other carrier mishaps.

PRIORITY CUSTOMER SUPPORT FOR THE TRUE VIPS

The royal treatment is only a message away. Our expert team is guaranteed to respond ASAP.

RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT

We'll make sure you receive an immediate replacement on approved claims, so sweet dreams are never far off.

Full Details
×

YOUR WISHLIST

Back To List

Your Wishlist is Empty!

Click the heart on any item to add it to your Wishlist.

SHOP BEST SELLERS SIGN IN / SIGN UP



{"statementLink":"","footerHtml":"","hideMobile":false,"hideTrigger":false,"disableBgProcess":false,"language":"en","position":"left","leadColor":"#146ff8","triggerColor":"#146ff8","triggerRadius":"50%","triggerPositionX":"left","triggerPositionY":"bottom","triggerIcon":"people","triggerSize":"medium","triggerOffsetX":20,"triggerOffsetY":20,"mobile":{"triggerSize":"small","triggerPositionX":"left","triggerPositionY":"bottom","triggerOffsetX":30,"triggerOffsetY":20,"triggerRadius":"50%"}}
true