The Pajama Fashion Evolution

Sleepwear has evolved dramatically over time. Before the evolution of sleepwear, for centuries, men wore long and loose nightshirts to bed without pants. Women wore nightgowns. That was it.

Any day you can stay in pajamas all day is a good day. Click To Tweet

In the 1920’s, men began to wear pajamas with trousers in lieu of the nightshirt. Women were able to wear loose pajamas as loungewear during the day while at home. Eventually, by the 50’s, sleepwear became what is it today. Pretty much anything from nightgowns, shirts with shorts, shirts with pants, nightshirts, short nighties, tank tops with shorts, and more. Anything goes in terms of pajama fashion.

Sleepwear at Home

What do you normally wear to bed? The answer may be nothing, for some of you. But, in the interest of the topic, let’s discuss sleepwear typically worn at home. Whatever pajamas you choose to wear usually has something to do with the fabric. Some love silk, others not so much. It’s a matter of preference on what feels good on your skin.

Also, do you wear sleep attire that can be worn outside of the house as well?

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Do you wear the same fabric year round? Do you get hot flashes? Apparently, picking pajamas has a lot of factors. [/perfectpullquote]

Cotton: Cotton is breathable, lightweight and doesn’t irritate the skin. However, if you choose sleepwear depending on the climate, cotton doesn’t provide much insulation. It’s also a moisture magnet; which may not be a good idea for those who get hot flashes.

Silk: Surprisingly, silk has the ability to keep you warm when you’re cold and cool when you’re hot. However, it is costly and very slippery. You may not want to slip and slide across your bed.

Flannel: In cold months or climates, flannel is a good option to keep you warm. It’s soft, breathable and doesn’t raise your body temperature to a point where you are overheating.

Moisture Preventing Fabric: This would most likely be your best choice if you happen to get hot at night. Fabrics like these draw water away from the skin and helps your body to regulate its own temperature.

Bamboo: This unusual fabric is made from the fibers of bamboo. It is soft and silky on the skin and naturally wicks away moisture. If you suffer from allergies, bamboo is hypoallergenic and is said to have antibacterial properties. 

Wool and Fleece: These fabrics are very warm, but they cause overheating. Wool tends to irritate a lot of people’s skin, causing itchiness. Fleece can easily make you perspire.

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What Do You Prefer?

Now, you are aware of the fabrics, so you need to think about the fit you prefer. Most people like their pajamas to be loose rather than binding. But this is not always true. 

Then, there’s the part of the population who hate wearing anything to bed.

Some of them just can’t stand the feeling of any fabric against their skin along with the blankets.

Personal comfort seems to be the most important reason when deciding what type of sleepwear to choose; silk chemise, classic cotton pajamas, a stretchy jersey sleep shirt, or nothing at all.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Several factors need to be taken into account – including what type of trip you’re going on – when deciding what sleep attire to bring. I will break each down and provide tips depending on the length and type of trip.[/perfectpullquote]

Vacation Alone: Going on a week-long trip by yourself for leisure basically gives you free reign with your choices. Two pajamas tops and possible a souvenir nightshirt or t-shirt.

Honeymoon: Even more free reign. Whatever suits you.

I just really love to be in my sleepwear. Click To Tweet

Vacation With Friends: If you are sharing a room, a long t-shirt and another choice that offers enough coverage. You can bring a robe, but they take up an awful lot of room in your suitcase.

Road Trip Alone: Again, your choice. Whatever you’re most comfortable in.

Road Trip With Friends: A pair of pajamas should be enough, or a long t-shirt worn with boxer shorts.

Remember, regardless what type of trip you are going on, there will be laundry if you’re trying to pack light. Therefore, rinsing your pajamas in the sink every few days is enough, or you can pay to have them laundered at the hotel/resort.

Climate Matters

What is the climate going to be like at your destination? Whenever going to a warmer climate, it’s always best to pack a lighter fabric for your sleepwear. Too cold in your air-conditioned room? Turn it off!

If you’re going to a colder climate, it depends on what you’re comfortable in.

A long-sleeved shirt with leggings is a good choice, or pair the shirt with classic pajama bottoms. Can your jacket double as a robe if need be? Having an extra comfy sweatshirt doesn’t hurt either.

Of course, if you choose not to pack sleepwear at all, that is your choice. But allow me to discuss some points with you before you choose to sleep in your birthday suit.

Think about what you will be sleeping on. A fine hotel room bed? A guest bedroom bed? A not so fine hotel bed? Everyone has their own feelings about sleeping in a strange bed regardless whose it is. Some people refuse to sleep without any type of clothing even in the finest hotel room bed.

Regardless of how you feel, you should bring something that at least remotely resembles sleepwear in the case of an emergency in your hotel. You’ll need to grab something really fast that will provide adequate coverage if the fire alarm goes off. Just keep it near your bed for easy access.

My advice is to put some thought into your travel plans. Think about where you are going, who you are going with, or if you’ll be sleeping alone or not. After you’ve gotten a handle on your travel destination, you can decide which sleep attire to take with you.

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What are your favorite pajama fashion trends? Do share with us, in the comments below!