Probably one of the lowest points of my life was when an ex-boyfriend told me I shouldn’t wear pyjamas anymore. God knows why??! This was a VERY clear sign things were not going well in our relationship and we shouldn't be together. I ought to have broken up with him right then and there.
For me, pyjamas are a wonderful thing one can look forward to at the end of the day. They represent time to relax, have an elasticated waistband and still somehow feel chic. You can wear flannel in winter or cotton in Summer. They really are the perfect garment.
The word pajama comes from the Hindi "pae jama" or "pai jama," meaning leg clothing, and its usage dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Pajamas were traditionally loose drawers or trousers tied at the waist with a drawstring or cord, and they were worn by both sexes in India, Iran, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In my mind, this rich history adds to the mysticism and wonder of pyjamas. Although, I wonder if underwear was worn with them…
Pajamas are generally thought to have been introduced to the Western world about 1870, when British colonials, who had adopted them as an alternative to the traditional nightshirt, continued the practice upon their return. By the end of the nineteenth century, the term pajama was being used to describe a two-piece garment: both the pajamas (trousers) and the jacket-styled top worn with them.
Coco Chanel said luxury must be comfortable, otherwise, it is not luxury. And all I have to say to that is ‘Damn straight!’ A pair of soft, chic pyjamas are a dignified and comfortable way to end the day. Light, breathable cotton is perfect for the heat we’ve been in since November. As such, I’ve been living in my PJs, particularly during ‘inbetweenmas’ - the period between Christmas and New Year's Eve (Netflix's The Christmas Prince AND The Christmas Inheritance featured heavily at this time - terrible yet entirely absorbing films with vague links to Christmas and a plot so thin you could slide it under a doormat).
I’ve even got Matt into them, having never worn them since he was a kid until last year. Some may think PJs aren’t romantic but I beg to differ. They’re the perfect thing to wear together on a cold winter night, snuggled up by the fire. All you need is a large glass of brandy and the mood is set!
I love supporting small New Zealand businesses and Fog & Stone are a wonderful example of a chic company serving a gorgeous niche. I really think they’re worth the investment and completely fit the ‘slow living’ movement vibes.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to bed...
