The Comfort, Tradition, and History of Everyone’s Favorite Garment, the Pajamas
Pajamas are more than clothing: they’re comfort, ritual, and memory stitched together. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores why pajamas hold such a special place in our lives and how they’ve evolved across generations.
Is there any garment more comforting or relaxing than pajamas? Whether flannel, silk, cotton, fleece, taffeta, or waffle weave, there is a pajama for everyone. With the right sewing machine and a bit of know‑how, you might even make your own.
Oh, and I am talking pajamas, NOT nightgowns. Pajamas are a two‑piece set that includes pants, while nightgowns are typically a single, skirt‑like piece without legs. There is a big difference. Pajamas have legs.
There are so many memories associated with pajamas. One Christmas, all of the kids got matching pajamas. We probably ranged in age from three to eight or nine, and the matching pajamas were a big hit. We paused unwrapping gifts to go upstairs and change. Then we gathered for pictures in front of the fireplace and took a break for hot chocolate. Afterward, we returned to the tree for more unwrapping. I am sure we stayed in our pajamas all day. Sitting at the dinner table in pajamas was quite a treat.
Family traditions around pajamas continue in new ways. Take, for example, the surprise my husband gave our granddaughters. With his teasing nature, he would periodically regale them with tales of his beloved footy pajamas. Because they were supposedly secret, the girls could never see them. But one day, he orchestrated a dramatic reveal. Did you realize that footy pajamas actually come in grown‑up sizes? His were dark blue, covered with rockets and spacecraft. The pajamas were a real hit, ensuring the granddaughters will never again doubt Grandpa’s whimsical stories.
Times change, and so do pajama styles. This Christmas, the granddaughters, who are way beyond footy pajamas, received lovely silky pajamas with short shorts and strappy tops, perfect for the summer if it ever returns.
The tradition of family pajamas is not just personal—it is reflected in popular culture, too. Every year, the catalogs arrive with a lovely family on the front dressed in matching pajamas. I have fun wondering how many families actually end up wearing those sets. I imagine a family of twelve all dressed alike and ready for bed.
Beyond these traditions, pajamas have a fascinating origin. Their history dates back to the seventeenth century in Persia and India. They were originally loose‑fitting men’s pants worn during the day for comfort and to catch the breeze in a hot climate. Somehow, when they transitioned to Europe, they moved from the living room to the bedroom and replaced the nightgown. I am not sure why. Perhaps the stiffness of the English led to their being hidden away in the night.
Want to explore more about comfort, ritual, and emotional well‑being? Visit Psychology Today’s insights on how comfort shapes emotional health and Greater Good’s research on how family rituals support well‑being.
If this reflection inspires you to reconnect with comfort, tradition, or emotional grounding, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support resilience, balance, and well‑being.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
