PJ PaNTS

What Are Pajamas?

In their current form, pajamas are comfortable sets of nightwear consisting of pants or shorts and an optional matching top. They can be made from any comfortable material, including bamboo viscose, silk, flannel, and cotton. But they didn't start out as sleepwear. In fact, their history may surprise you.

The Origin of Pajamas

One of the earliest known references to pajamas dates back to the 1600s when a Frenchman named Jean de Thevenot mentioned the Portuguese wore them when going to bed. 

The word "pajama" has its origin in Hindi: "pae jama" or "pai jama", which literally means "garment for the legs" and dates back to the Ottoman Empire of the 13th century. 

Pajamas were originally loose pants or boxers with a simple cord to tie them. 

They were worn by women and men throughout the Middle East and South Asia.

History of Pajamas Timeline

• Pre-1600s – Pajamas were drawstring-waist pants worn by men and women of India and other South Asian countries as everyday clothing.

• 1600s – Pajamas were first introduced to European traders and colonizers.

• 1800s – British gentlemen made them popular fashion items.

• Early 1900s – They became part of a set of pants and tops, or smoking jackets, worn at home as luxury loungewear.

• 1930s – Women in the western world began wearing them, too. Pop culture saw Hollywood stars flaunt them as high fashion.

• Early 2000s – Pajama pants started being seen in public again.

• 2020s – With many people transitioning to working from home during the Covid pandemic, pajamas have become popular daywear too.

Pin your pattern piece onto the material - you will need to make sure you have measured the grain line before you pin and cut - TEACHER CHECK before CUTTING