The history of pajamas has a rich origin and can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire. What started as simple clothing for rest became a popular fashion category for luxury and sustainability. The evolution of pajama fashion has transformed into a growing appreciation of both comfort and style.
At This is J, we believe that pajamas represent a modern principle of living comfortably and consciously.
Let's check out the story of pajamas, seeing how they went from the start to the comfy, well-made styles we all enjoy now.
Origins of Pajamas
The word pajama comes from the Persian phrase “pāy-jāma”, or Hindu word "pae jama", which literally means “leg garment”. These comfy pants were common in South and West Asia and are made from light cotton or silk.
Back then, pajamas were the symbols of wealth and status. Only the rich and famous wear pajamas because of their scarcity.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Europeans who traveled in Southeast Asia and the Middle East began wearing pajamas and brought them back to Europe.
Men started wearing pajamas instead of nightshirts because they were comfortable and a bit fancy. Women's sleepwear was still fancy, with gowns and lace that looked good but weren't that comfy.
Pajamas show how practical needs started to change fashion. People began to think that sleepwear could be useful and stylish, which led to the focus on comfort we have today.
Changes Through the Decades
As years passed, so did the ideas about rest and what we wear to bed. Every year, pajama styles get a fresh update, and people are loving each trend.
Pre-1600s: Comfortable Everyday Wear
Pajamas before the 1600s were drawstring-waist pants commonly worn in India and South Asia as everyday clothing.
1800s: Gaining Popularity in the UK
British gentlemen wore them for style and comfort, making them popular fashion items.
Early 1900s: Fancy and Classy
Pajamas for men and women became more common during the early 1900s. Made from silk or quality cotton, pajama sets had button-up shirts and pants with drawstrings or elastic. Women’s pajamas started to be stylish with lace trims, pastel colours, and designs inspired by Hollywood glamour.
1920s–1940s: Style and Comfort Get Popular
In this era, pajamas became a symbol of comfort and sophistication. “Beach pajamas,” which are characterized by wide pants with matching shirts, continued to become popular.
Practicality was the main thing. Cotton and rayon are the leading fabrics used for sleepwear. They are cheap and functional, perfect for comfy daily sleepwear.
The 1950s–1970s: Pattern, Colour, and Personality
After the war, self-expression became a huge part of the fashion industry. During 1950s, bright colours and exuberant patterns dominated pajama designs. The trend was often coordinated with matching robes. Until the 1960s and 1970s, pajama designs showcased floral prints and vibrant geometric designs.
Aside from rayon and cotton, other fabrics like polyester and nylon were used for sleepwear. Pajama sets became more accessible to families. This sleepwear was no longer worn to get a good night’s sleep; it became a part of the lifestyle of various generations.
The 1980s–1990s: The Comfort Boom
The beginning of the 20th century served as a turning point in the evolution of pajama fashion. Pajamas became available in softer materials and looser colours, adjusting to the introduction of work-life balance. Comfort was the name of the game. Designers started creating apparel inspired by pajama designs. As innovation and creativity combined, pajamas weren’t just clothing for sleeping; they were viewed as a fashion statement.
Modern Pajama Innovations
Today’s modern sleepwear trends highlight wellness, sustainability, and versatility. Pajama fashion has evolved to celebrate comfort without compromise through innovative design and quality materials.
Flexibility and Functionality
Sleepwear has transcended beyond bedrooms. Pajama sets have become stylish and versatile, and they are now treated as travel and lifestyle essentials.
Fashion icons and designers are redefining the sleepwear industry. They focus on making sleepwear as a personal style statement, incorporating bold color tones and handcrafted designs.
Sustainability Meets Comfort
In a world where technology and modern innovation dominate, it’s still amazing to know that modern sleepwear brands value responsibility. They choose eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and viscose from bamboo. These fabrics are known for their qualities, such as softness, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability. They are ideal for people with sensitive skin and can help regulate temperature to keep the body more comfortable.
For more than two decades, This Is J, cherished this innovation. Our signature Bamboo Jammers are derived from viscose, an eco-friendly fabric that keeps you comfortable throughout the night. It’s a testament to how the combination of sustainable materials and science can result in high-quality apparel. It’s not only about searching for style and comfort, but also being responsible for the world we live in.
Trends in Comfort & Style
The evolution of pajama fashion celebrates comfort, style, and sustainability. Here are some significant trends that shape today’s modern sleepwear.
1. Sustainable Materials
We are now more mindful of what we wear and how they are sourced. Eco-conscious materials, such as viscose from bamboo, are preferred because they combine luxury with low environmental impact. At This Is J, every set of Bamboo Jammers is ethically produced. It is an intentional choice that reflects our commitment to responsible craftsmanship in Canada.
2. Style That Innovates
As the work-from-home setup becomes available, the pajama attire has also become popular. They are more comfortable to wear while working from morning to evening, and people love them. The style of pajamas also improves with details like buttons, piping, and prints. Not only are they more practical to wear, but they are also stylish.
3. Beyond Inclusivity
The style and fit of today’s sleepwear appreciates every body type. Whether it’s for curvy, petite, tall, or unisex, there’s a pajama that you can wear. Careful tailoring, thoughtful cuts, and flexible waistbands are added to make each piece of sleepwear comfortable and confident to wear.
Check our Bamboo Jammers collection here.
4. Wellness-Inspired Design
The evolution of pajama fashion comes with the inspiration of self-care. Our pajama sets at This is J, for instance, are made of fabric with moisture-wicking fabrics, excellent breathability, and temperature-regulating qualities. All these ensure providing care even for sensitive skin and getting a good night's sleep. Apparel designs inspired by comfort reflect the growing awareness that getting a good rest is an integral part of overall health.
The history of pajamas is an exciting and interesting journey. Just imagine how humble beginnings in basic clothing have transformed into the stylish and comfy sleepwear we wear today.
The modern sleepwear trends embody the idea that we deserve both beautiful designs and excellent comfort that value how we live and feel.
At This Is J, we believe that pajamas should do more than help you fall asleep. They should also be an important inclusion in your wardrobe cabinet as a product of conscious design and timeless comfort.
Because the evolution of pajama fashion does not stop at style, it continues to redefine comfort and kindness to the environment.
