SWEET DREAMS
Ya don't Say!
Any time any place!
If I Could Fly!
Ya gotta be kidding!
Pajamas, everybody loves them, men women and children. After all there are pajama parties, pajama grams, baby dolls, pajama dresses and pajama sets. We cannot eliminate the kaftan the robe or the nightgown. The list goes on. One thing for sure, everyone loves pajamas because they are lounge worthy, comfortable, and soft.
So how is it that this versatile garment conquered the world? Ready for a little history? I did some digging and was fascinated with what I found. The word pajama has an interesting beginning. It came from the Hindi “pae jama”, which means loose clothing. It dates to the 1500s-1900s and the Ottoman Empire. Pajamas gained their popularity mostly in South Asia and the Middle East. Both the gentry and the peasants wore this type of clothing. The pant was created to fit tightly about the leg or be full at the waist and knees, then tighter at the calf and ankle. When touring Jordan and Israel a few years ago this exact description was on full display in vibrant glittering colors. There we saw that both men and women wore the loose fitting trousers that had been worn centuries before.
In India 1526-1855, pajamas were worn as everyday attire by both men and women. They were made from cotton and silk which was ideal for hot weather. When Europeans colonized India and set up trading posts in the early 17th century, they noted these comfortable garments and adopted them, using them primarily as sleep wear. Many European countries set up trading posts, and because of it, this fashionable nightwear spread to all parts of the world. The British elite adopted the “pae jama”, wholeheartedly and the word pajama became part of the English language around the 1800’s.
In the Western world, during the 1800s men first wore night shirts. But, by the late 1900s the matching top and bottoms made of soft cotton or linen were adopted. By 1902 men’s pajamas were made of flannel and madras, a lightweight cotton fabric. They were no longer the exotic garment of long ago. The department store, Sears, advertised pajamas as, “Just the thing for traveling.”
The 1920s helped popularize the wearing of pajamas for women. Women’s night gowns were made of bright silk or rayon complete with bows and lace. Then in 1934, Claudette Colbert appeared in a scene from, “It Happened One Night”, wearing a pair of men’s pajamas. After that the typical two-piece top and bottoms worn by men became a fashion statement for women. It was done. The popularity of women’s pajamas, styled after men’s two-piece sets, exploded. By the 1970’s unisex styling was inspired by menswear.
Around the world pajamas are worn by millions. They are not limited to the bedroom any longer but are worn as a comfortable option for lounging.
At Welowela we have designed 2 easy wear styles of pajamas. Frequently our Seniors want to stay in their pajamas all day even for dinner. For women, a perfect choice would be our Women’s Pajama Dress. It is attractive and constructed of polyester, rayon and elastane jersey. The floral pattern is bright and cheery. White contrasting piping along the front, the cuffs and pocket give it a polished look, fit for the dining room or casual visit. The long sleeves, chest pocket and magnetic closures make it convenient to dress and undress.
Mimicking a men’s 2-piece pajama, our brand also carries a beautiful Women’s Pajama Set. It is constructed of 83% polyester,13%rayon,4% elastane jersey, giving it the softest feel ever. Magnetic closures ensure easy dressing and undressing. Adding to its already attractive style, the front is accentuated with white piping and floral embroidery on the front pocket and cuff of the pant. The pajama pull up pant, has an elastic waist band with convenient band loops. White piping along the hem gives it a stylish finishing accent.
The pajama has come a long way from the Ottoman Turks of long ago. European Cultures, Western Cultures and even the culture of Hollywood has taken the common pajama to new heights. Welowela hopes to take it even further with their Women’s Pajama Dress and Pajama Set. Afterall, its time to make more history.
