How to Wear Pajamas As Everyday Clothing

Graphic by Margeaux Rocco. Images via Cami NYC

What defines pajamas as clothes that are only worn in your bed? Why do only a select group of friends and family members get to see them? In a time when private and public spheres are blurred by social media, it’s surprising that we still reserve pajamas to intimate settings. 

Now, I understand if your pajama wardrobe consists of old concert and middle school t-shirts that you may not consider it fashion. But, “currently, the demand for visually-appealing sleep and loungewear is driving the market […] Although sleepwear and loungewear are worn inside the house, the preference for visually-appealing products with better features is high,” says a senior analyst at Technavio for research on apparel and textile. According to Technavio, the market is accelerating at a compound annual growth rate of 9 percent by 2023. More pajama options and brands means a greater potential to expand the attire beyond the bedroom. 

According to Edited, 70 percent of sleepwear is in the mass market and only five percent is in the luxury market. If developed, the trend would be very accessible. Brands like Zara don’t have a sleepwear category, and Urban Outfitters markets its pajamas as loungewear. However, department stores like Bloomingdales and Nordstroms have a huge pajama selection. So, the question is: When will “hip,” trendsetting brands pick up on the potential of PJs?

Image via Nordstrom

Think about a silk pajama button-down you can both wear to bed and keep on for your 10 a.m. class – just change into a pair of jeans or slacks! Or what about pajama pants worn with a graphic t-shirt, turtle neck or sweater? 

Ironically, pajamas can look more put together than other clothes considered more suitable for the public – like sweatshirts and leggings – because they are mostly sold in matching sets. Recently, fashion has been moving towards mixing comfort with streetwear, but what about bedwear? We all sleep, so why don’t more people wear fashionable pajamas in their public life? Perhaps it’s because so many celebrities are spotted wearing the trend in posh settings that aren’t relatable for a college student.

Image via Elle

For years, pajama sets have been red carpet and interview chic when worn with the proper shoes and jacket. According to Elle, Cher in 2013 wore a cheetah pajama set on NBC’s News Day and Emma Watson wore a robe and pantset to the afterparty for The Circle during a Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Zendaya showed off how one can wear the trend in a red print pajama by Fendi on June 25, 2019 and at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards on August 13, 2017.

Image via Elle

Quality pajamas should be seen as an investment, especially since they have the potential to be worn beyond bedtime and lounging. Not only do pajamas align with the trend of matching sets and bright patterns, but their loose fit couldn’t align better with the current desire for boxier fits. Additionally, button-downs are gender neutral and work with various body types. 

Introducing pajamas to our everyday wardrobes is just another step we can take in defying structures and expectations – setting self-expression and comfort free. Skinny jeans are of the past, and flannel pants paired with a leather jacket are of the future.