Have you ever wondered why we wear pajamas and what the origin of this garment is? If yes, and you are a big fan, it is time to learn something new about pajamas that we are sure you did not know. In the following article we have prepared for you, you can read interesting information and a timeline of the evolution of pajamas. In the meantime, if you want to find the right pajamas, we suggest you click here to find the best materials and the most diverse models. It is simply impossible not to find the perfect sleepwear for you.
Origin of Pajamas
Pajamas are undoubtedly one of our favorite pieces of clothing that we need every day, no matter what type you choose (unless, of course, you sleep naked). According to some sources, pajamas originate from the Far East, more specifically from China and India. It is believed that British colonizers brought this sleepwear to Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Pajamas soon became very popular in the United Kingdom. The name “pajama”, and later “pajama”, came from combining the Persian words “to pay” and “Jama”. Translated into Spanish, it means “leg clothing”.
The main characteristic of pajamas at that time, as well as today, was that they were very comfortable and made of thin fabrics such as cotton, silk, satin, and the like. This material has a very positive effect on a person during sleep and allows him to relax as much as possible. However, over the past few centuries, pajamas have evolved, and today we have several different forms of this piece of sleepwear. Interestingly, each type was characteristic of a certain period. Today, you can find lightweight pajamas in different styles and colors. However, we will present a chronology of the characteristic designs of each era, starting from the moment pajamas appeared in Europe. So, let’s start with blouses.
The Age of Chemises
“The Age of Shirts” doesn’t sound like the name of a popular TV series or video game. Shirts are clothing that have been worn since ancient times, literally until the Middle Ages. “Shirt” is the name of a short dress that used to be worn as underwear in the Middle Ages, resembling a shirt. The name shirt comes from the word “Camisia”, which comes from the ancient Celts or late Latins.
The thing about shirts is that they have been handmade for a long time and look a bit sloppy. However, in recent times, the development of tailoring has allowed this item of clothing to be made much better. About 200 years ago, the discovery of the sewing machine led to the creation of small details on shirts in the 19th century. In addition, at that time, tailors began to use lace, tuxedos, ruffles, pleats, and embroidery in sewing casual clothes. This made people in the Victorian era pay more attention to the details of sleepwear, such as shirts.
If you look at today’s sleepwear, you will notice that shirts have not lost their place. On the contrary, shirts are very popular, but with slight changes compared to their beginnings.
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The Age of Empire and Regency Style
The beginning of the 19th century saw the popularization of a new style called the Empire style in France and the Regency style in Great Britain. This sleepwear design was a favorite of the famous Josephine de Beauharnais. She was the wife of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and judging by her taste in fashion, one could say that she was very elegant.
The classic Empire silhouette is a long dress with the bodice as close to the bust line as possible.
This design highlights not only the bust but the entire body, creating an impression of elegance. In addition to being used in sleepwear, the Empire style also became very popular in everyday wear.
The first decade of the 20th century saw a revolutionary fabric-cutting technique pioneered by Madeleine Vionnet, a French designer from Paris. It was the popular “bias cut” technique that emphasized the shape and curves of the body. The best part is that the best materials, such as satin, were used to create sleepwear made with this technique. Silk charmeuse is one of the most popular materials and also the best used in the production of bias-cut sleepwear. It is satin combined with silk threads to create a shiny effect. An interesting fact is that this trend was very popular in the design of long dresses, which were extremely popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and especially favored by Hollywood stars.
The first decade of the 20th century was marked by a revolutionary fabric-cutting technique first introduced by Madeliene Vionnet, a French designer from Paris. It was a popular “cutting the fabric on the bias” technique that emphasized the shape and curves of the body. Best of all, the finest materials such as satin were used to create the sleepwear made with this technique.
Silk Charmeuse is one of the most popular and also the finest materials ever used in the production of bias sleepwear. It’s satin combined with silk yarns to create a shining effect. An interesting fact is that this trend was very popular in designing long dresses that were extremely popular during the 1920s and 1930s. Hollywood stars of that period especially liked that style.
The Popularity of Robes
The dressing gown, which was very popular in the 18th century, has been modified in modern times and is now called a dressing gown. Dressing gowns are usually worn over a camisole or similar sleepwear. This type of sleepwear probably has many different uses, which is why there are dressing gowns, tea gowns, lounge gowns, and popular names such as kimono, dressing gowns, morning gowns, or peignoirs. All of these words mean the same garment but may differ in material, manufacturing method, and so on.
Finally, it is also important to note that in the mid-20th century, classic pajamas with sleeves and leg openings became popular. This type was and remains one of the favorite designs for men and women today. The 1970s were particularly successful when it came to classic pajamas, and it can be said that this period made them popular again. Before that, the 1960s were marked by the popularity of Baby Doll pajamas, especially among women.
So, the point is that pajamas have evolved over the last few centuries. Today, we cannot say that one style is more popular than another because each of them is represented and everyone has their own taste. However, what all pajama models have in common is that the materials used in production today are of high quality and there is a wide choice of the best of them (cashmere, silk, satin, cotton, siphon, etc.).
