In summer, scorching heat might make you forget about nightwear. Lightweight, short and sleeveless nightdresses are opportune. Men, wearing cotton boxers or shorts feel comfortable. But fall comes, temperatures cool down. Now, you would start thinking about warm, cozy garments to sleep in. Where did the word pajamas come from? Originating from India or Persia, soft, loose attire is time-proven. Initially, it was a kind of daywear. Both one-piece and two-piece sets of clothing were traditional and pragmatic. Later, men and women and children wore it for comfort in their homes. Pajamas are versatile and diverse now. So, let’s have a closer look at them.
Who Invented the Word Pyjamas?
Don’t get angry due to summer heat. You bet, extreme heatwaves might become dangerous. They happen in Western North America, affecting your mood and wellbeing. It’s not a solitary instance. Why don’t you adopt the experience of the southern climes?
Summers are very hot in the Indian plains. For example, in June, the temperatures reach 113 degrees. Manmade fabrics and tight-fitting clothes would be not skin-friendly there. Coming from India and adopted by British colonists, pajamas are cute. Nowadays, they are the comfiest possible garments.
In summer, they give you a cool, airy feel. What do most guys wear to bed? You may prefer shorts with T-shirts, boxers or sweatpants. You bet, why don’t you can call all of these variations pajamas? They may include various sleepshirts, such as:
- sleeveless or tank-top;
- crew-neck;
- classic or slim-fit;
- long or short.
Short and long-sleeved options are available. Your lounge or pajama trousers may look like joggers, tracksuit bottoms, or sweatpants. Women may prefer nightgowns or sleeping dresses. Besides, loose fit is determinant. It improves your metabolic rate, breathing and blood circulation.
Weather and Seasonal Aspects
The need for warm soft sleepwear is increasing when it gets colder. In fact, pajamas come from hot, Southeast Asian Countries and it matters. Initially, it was a kind of loose, lightweight trousers. You bet, you would eagerly wear them outdoors when the temperatures reach 100 degrees.
In Utah, summer heat may get scorching in the valley. In August, it reaches its peak. Year by year, it gets warmer due to climate change. Actually, the temperatures are much cooler at higher elevations and nights. Nevertheless, in summer you would prefer lightweight and breathable pajamas.
When it’s hot, your best fabric for pajama pants includes natural options, like:
- cotton;
- linen;
- silk;
- bamboo.
What could Muslim and Hindu men wear in the 1800s? Original pajamas were lightweight, loose and breathable. Coming with a drawstring waistband, the pants created a comfortable, relaxed fit. I guess they might consist of breathable cotton. Nowadays, you get a much wider selection.
What Is the Origin of the Word Pajamas?
The term itself comes from Persian (Urdu). It consists of two words “pai’ and jamah”. You would interpret it like a “leg garment”. During Mughal’s time, it refers to the battledress or Army traditions. So, men were the first to wear these loose trousers.
Men started using them as sleepwear by the end of the 19th century. I guess your little kids will know finer points like this for a fact. Going to primary, they study more than 10 subjects, including history and languages. In Utah, they return to school very soon.
Do you know what to wear on pajama day? Your little kids are to feel comfy, looking cute but tidy. On the first day of school opt for:
- dress code;
- comfortable shoes;
- functional attire of the proper size and fit;
- classic and neat look.
What if it’s hot and sunny in the middle of August? Loose, light clothing is acceptable. The same may refer to pajamas. Top-quality, seasonable nightwear is beneficial.
When Was the Word Pajamas First Used?
In English, it became popular in the 1800s. The word with the initial spelling “pyjamas” came to British English. During the Victorian era, lightweight, loose trousers have become widespread. Gentlemen started using them as sleepwear in Britain. They were the first to realize it’s comfortable and easy.
You bet, the garment and the word existed earlier. In Asia, people used it as casual attire and loungewear. Initially, pajama was an attribute of Persian and Indian noblesse. Kings, princes, ministers, and generals wore them as ceremonial and traditional clothing.
In the 1700s or even earlier, traditional pajamas were:
- luxurious;
- lacy;
- embroidered;
- flowing like dresses.
Consisting of soft, top-quality silk, pajama pants felt breathable and easy. They served both practical and representation purposes. Ordinary people followed this tradition much later. So, in the 1844th, Emily Eden depicted a girl wearing lightweight pajama pants. Very soon, they became global commons and essential pieces of home wear clothing.
What Does Pjs Mean?
The abbreviation is common nowadays. Shortening the word, we feel easy and homey. You bet, we love doing it! It simplifies communication, becoming a widespread modern trend. So are your old-shoe pajamas nowadays. They are popular, versatile and in high use. You can easily call them “jammies” or PJs.
Since the 1870s, men, women and children wear them every night or day. What has changed? Some decades ago, in India, pajamas looked like streetwear. Meanwhile, a girl in the portrait paired it with a kurta. A loose collarless shirt was a kind of daywear at that time.
What about the sleepwear? Similar nightshirts were common too. Until the end of the 19th century, gentlemen in England used nightshirts that were:
- shapeless;
- ankle-long;
- plain;
- loose and practical.
Mid-calf and ankle lengths were common. Thus, men were the first to jump on the pajamas bandwagon. It came into fashion, so women and children adopted it eagerly and naturally.
What Country Invented Pajamas?
The word comes from the Indian subcontinent. Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and India might use it traditionally. The term could derive from Hindu or Urdu. No cap, warm countries have unique fashion traditions. During extreme summer heatwaves, we would think upon their warm-weather, loose clothing.
What are Chinese pajamas called? I guess you won’t study the word in Chinese. Going to Primary, your little kids may do it. In English, it spells, like “shui yi ku”. It doesn’t ring a bell for us. Do you know what did Chinese people worn to sleep in the past? I guess modesty and prudence don’t let them reveal the secret.
Meanwhile, a grip of traditional Chinese traditions is distinct. Loose and long, two-piece garments are common. Traditional ones include:
- Hanfu;
- Cheongsam (qipao);
- Tang and Zhongshan suits.
They might inspire the modern pajamas inventors. Do they look like traditional dresses? Some of them do. Bright, vibrant colors and loose forms are common. Thus, some of these garments, like Tangzhuang resemble modern pajamas. Consisting of a jacket and pants, it stands out by a straight-cut and slimming silhouette.
Why Do We Wear Pajamas to Bed?
Asian traditions and culture are remarkable. They introduced outstanding fabrics, styles and ornaments to us. The invention of silk, batik and satin originated in china. Nowadays, we wear our casual, soft and casual pajamas at home. Children love to do it, especially on weekends.
We commonly wear pajamas for:
- comfort;
- hygiene;
- coziness;
- warmth.
Appearances also matter. During a trip, on a train, a conventional look is essential. In a dormitory, sharing space with your roommates, consider modesty and respect. Will it restrict you? No way. Loose-fit, comfy pajamas let you feel easy and free.
A variety of patterns, styles and fabrics are available nowadays. Multiple colors, patterns and cuts are available. Do you remember what’s on Clark Griswold’s pajamas? Cute dinosaurs, toys and cartoon characters look nice. In a strange land, they remind you about your own home and childhood. Shades and designs are up to you.
Bottom Line
Our pajamas are time-proven. They have a long history. Nowadays, they are versatile and widely spread. Coming from hot, Asian countries, pajamas don’t restrict your movement. These cute garments are skin-friendly and healthy. They are soft and cute. Wearing your comfy pajamas, you can relax anywhere and anytime. Sometimes, it’s acceptable even in school. Fun and creative Pajama Day traditions may look strange. But you bet, it’s better than sluffing. Do you doubt about wearing pajamas in summer? Think about the Indian and Persian climates. Lightweight, breathable, short and sleeveless options are available. They let you feel cool and comfy and any summer night. Just consider your sleeping needs. Choose a suitable, seasonable pajama set, and enjoy its unbelievable softness and coziness.