What better feeling is there than coming home and slipping into soft, comfortable pajamas? Few pleasures can compare, but it hasn't always been this way with this garment. The
history of pajamas is, to say the least, interesting, starting with their very name: the word "pajama" comes from the Persian term "pae-jama" or "pai-jama," which means "clothing to cover the leg." Are you ready for a journey through the history of this garment so present in our daily (or night) lives?
The origin of the history of pajamas: ottomans and nightgowns
The known history of pajamas begins in the Ottoman Empire, around the 15th century , hence their current name, which is derived from a Persian word. While this garment was already used for sleeping in the East, long, tunic-style nightgowns were still popular in the West, for both men and women.
In countries like Pakistan, India, Iran, and Bangladesh, they wore
long, loose-fitting shirts over loose, soft, comfortable pants . But these precursors to today's pajamas didn't reach Europe until the 18th century, when the English imported this garment from their British colonies in the East.
19th and 20th centuries: pajamas become popular
Not only had the English experienced the comfort of this garment, but everyone who wore pajamas was convinced of their usefulness. Thus,
by the end of the 19th century, it had become common practice to wear pajamas before going to sleep.
Initially, it was a garment intended for the upper classes , but gradually it became popular, and even those in the lower classes had their own pajamas to sleep in. These were made with lower-quality fabrics, but at more affordable prices, although just as comfortable. Thus, anyone, regardless of their social class, could wear pajamas to sleep.
In 1902, a well-known department store played a pivotal role in the history of pajamas when they introduced them into their stock and promoted them thusly:
"Simply the best for sleeping and traveling. Their appearance allows for greater freedom than all other nightwear."
The selection was enormous, with different fabrics to choose from, such as
silk for summer or cotton for winter . And the quality of the pajamas would also depend on the economic level of the person purchasing them. It must be said that at this time
, pajamas were still primarily intended for men . But this wouldn't last long.
“Simply the best for sleeping and traveling. Its appearance allows for greater freedom than all other evening wear.” Early 20th-century slogan.
The role of Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel, a pioneer in the world of fashion, also wanted to be part of pajama history. While pajamas were worn by men, women continued to wear uncomfortable and unattractive nightgowns.
Coco capitalized on the trend toward androgynous clothing and, in her eagerness to eliminate the corset from women's lives forever, used pajamas as her main weapon in her fashion shows to demonstrate that women could wear them and still be beautiful and feminine. With this gesture, she contributed another step toward shattering the myth that pants were forbidden for women.
The cinema was quick to promote Chanel's ideas.
Hollywood actors and actresses alike wore two-piece pajamas in films . In fact, many eccentric celebrities even began collecting them, valuing a garment that was only meant for sleeping. A couple of examples: businessman Hugh Hefner claimed to own at least 100 pajamas; and singer Kurt Cobain even got married wearing one.
Pajamas today
Pajamas have endured over time and
have become a part of our lives today . Although many people only sleep in a T-shirt and underwear, pajamas continue to symbolize relaxation and free time at home. Who doesn't have at least one pair of pajamas at home? Being in pajamas around the house is one of the most pleasant things in life.
The first ones that appeared in history bore little resemblance to the ones we know today. They tended to be more transparent and featured details that could easily be worn on shirts or other garments, hardly suitable for comfortable rest.
But technological advances and
changing fashion trends have taken pajamas to another level. A level where comfort, quality, and convenience are paramount, without neglecting designs that make us feel comfortable.
There are those who prefer button-down shirts with pockets, those who want tracksuit-style pajamas that make them feel good, or those who can't do without flannel in the winter. And there's so much variety in designs that it's
hard to even choose . Proof of this are Abanderado men's pajamas, designed for comfort, with quality fabrics and modern designs that will win you over.
