Long before pajamas became a fashion statement or work-from-home staple, they were simple, functional garments rooted in Persian and Indian traditions. Over centuries, these "leg garments" evolved, crossing borders, adapting to climates, and blending with cultural tastes. From the refined salons of Victorian England to the Hollywood glamour of the 1930s, and into today's streetwear-inspired sleep sets, pajamas have consistently mirrored societal shifts and personal style. What started as practical loungewear has become a global symbol of comfort, elegance, and individuality.
Origins: The Persian and Indian Roots of Pajamas
Who invented pajamas? Pajamas can’t actually be traced back to one designer or moment in time. Instead, the history of pajamas begins centuries ago in Persia, where the word payjama, or pae-jamah, meaning leg garment, described loose, lightweight trousers that tied at the waist with a drawstring or sash and were often worn with tunics.
In the warm climates of India, this style was perfect for comfort and breathability. For centuries, locals wore them as part of their everyday dress—sometimes in soft cotton for daytime work, other times in fine silks for special occasions.
When British colonizers arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries, they quickly recognized the appeal. The British, accustomed to heavy nightshirts, found the airy, practical pajama to be a refreshing alternative. They brought them back to England, unknowingly setting the stage for a new type of sleepwear.
Victorian England: Pajamas Enter Western Fashion
In the Victorian era, pajamas—tailored in soft cottons and wool—became a novelty in Britain, first worn almost exclusively by wealthy men as a sign of worldliness, status and refinement. That said, they also provided warmth on cold nights and improved cleanliness.
By the late 19th century, women—particularly those who were well-traveled, well-versed in fashion or well-off—began adopting pajamas in place of a chemise or nightgown for nightly wear.
This shift hinted at a broader change. Pajamas were no longer just practical; they were becoming fashionable.
20th Century: Pajamas Go Mainstream
By the 1920s, pajamas had fully entered the world of women’s style—thanks, in large part, to Coco Chanel. Chanel introduced elegantly tailored silk pajama sets for women. And they weren’t only for sleeping—they were just as appropriate for lounging on the Riviera or entertaining at home.
Suddenly, the pajama was glamorous, sensual and modern.
Through the 1930s, silky sets, satin robes and even pajama-inspired eveningwear graced the pages of fashion magazines. Pajamas even made their way to Hollywood’s red carpet, donned by actresses like Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo.
But when World War II arose, practicality took center stage and the glamour of pajamas waned. Instead, pajamas in cotton, flannel and other easy-care fabrics were mass-produced, allowing them to become a staple in all households, regardless of class.
Post-war, Irene Galitzine, Georgian Princess and model, helmed the resurgence of the elegant pajama. After that, the ‘70s ushered in another wave of print-forward pajamas, largely influenced by British fashion designer Ossie Clark.
Pajamas in Pop Culture
Pajamas’ place in pop culture has only grown over the decades. Audrey Hepburn’s demure sleep shirt in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” became an instant classic. Doris Day’s playful pajama looks in “Pillow Talk” brought a sense of fun and flirtation to bedtime fashion.
By the 1960s and 70s, pajama parties were a rite of passage for teenagers—complete with matching sets, hair rollers and late-night gossip. Later, the 1980s embraced the rise of leisurewear, with oversized pajama shirts and coordinated lounge sets that even made appearances outside of the bedroom.
Today, pajama looks still influence designers, stylists and fashionistas alike.
Pajamas Today: Comfort Meets Style
In recent years, the line between sleepwear and daywear has blurred almost entirely. The global shift to working from home accelerated this trend, encouraging the rise of:
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Chic pajama and sweat sets
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Luxe robes
Designers and brands have embraced this movement, creating pajamas that are easy to style and look just as good in the airport security line as they do curled up on the sofa. Pajama fabrics have evolved, too, with sustainable and performance-driven materials like:
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Modal
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Bamboo
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Performance polyester
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Recycled fibers
Softies, with its dedication to no pilling, fading, or shrinkage, exemplifies this modern pajama ethos: garments that feel indulgent, look timeless and are effortless to care for.
Cultural Variations in Pajamas Around the World
Just like other types of fashion, sleepwear traditions around the globe reflect local climates, customs and unique aesthetics. A few different types of pajamas include:
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Japan – The yukata, a lightweight cotton kimono, and the jinbei, a two-piece short-sleeve set, are popular summer sleepwear. Often showcasing crisp indigo-and-white prints or delicate florals, they’re as much about visual harmony as they are about ease of movement. In cooler months, padded hanten jackets bring some extra warmth, without sacrificing sleeptime style.
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China – Silk pajama sets have long been worn as formal homewear, as a nod to the country’s heritage in textiles and the cultural belief of presenting oneself neatly, even at home. To elevate the clothing beyond function, these silk sets often include rich embroidery, frog closures, and jewel tones.
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Middle East and South Asia – Loose pants paired with long tunics, in lightweight cottons or silks—whether called shalwar kemeez in Pakistan or kurta pyjama in India—remain sleep and lounge staples, blending tradition with modern comfort. Breathable cottons keep the body cool in warm climates, while intricate patterns and borders bring artistry to everyday life.
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Scandinavia – Minimalism reigns, with pajamas often doubling as daywear. Cotton button-ups and matching trousers in neutral tones reflect the Nordic trend of balancing functionality and beauty.
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West Africa – In some regions, bright wax-print fabrics are tailored into loose sets or long nightshirts, creating sleepwear that’s joyful, bold and cultural.
The Pajamas of Today: Softies
From ancient Persia’s leg garments to today’s trendsetting loungewear, pajamas have woven their way through history with grace and adaptability. They’ve been markers of culture, status, rebellion, and, most importantly, comfort.
Today, that legacy is alive and well thanks to brands like Softies, which combine the heritage of timeless sleepwear with the innovation modern lifestyles demand. Designed to resist pilling, fading, and shrinkage, Softies’ pajamas offer a luxurious feel and effortless care, perfect for slow mornings, stylish travel, or evenings in.
With Softies, comfort isn’t just a feeling—it’s a way of life.
