Category Archives: Working and Living in Pajamas

Our Favorite Holiday is coming! National Wear your Pajama’s to Work Day!

Leave a reply

Nowadays wearing your pajamas to work can be an everyday occurrence for those that still have the luxury of working remotely. For those whose employers require their presence back in the office or workplace, there’s one day out of the year where you can flashback to the good old days (a couple of years ago) where you can once again work in your pajamas. This year, on Tuesday, April 19th, go back in time to when working in your most comfortable clothes is once again allowed.

banner harley2

And since our favorite thing here at The Pajama Company is – well – pajamas, we’re experts at making sure you get the most of the best national holiday ever!

To begin with, consider where you work. You are no longer in your home office or at your dining room table. Coworkers and customers will be present so make your pajama-style decision based on who you will be with and what’s acceptable. If your workplace leans to the laid-back side, you can probably be a little more casual with your choice. Otherwise think conservative.You should also think about the weather. After all, in many parts of the country it can still be pretty cold in mid-April so dress accordingly.

banner haley

A fun way to make sure that you stay warm on a cooler day is to use an accessory like a bathrobe as a coat as opposed to your normal jacket. We do suggest wearing regular shoes from home to work and or course, sneakers are a great look with pj’s. If  you’re going all-in bring your slippers along to change into when you get there. Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day is especially fun for teachers and students!

SM Illustration pajamaday

Another thing to consider is that you may end up realizing you have to make a stop or two before or after work, and wearing your pajamas to these locations may not be acceptable. Bring a change of clothes just in case. We never know what might pop up over the course of the day and having them with you could be a real time-saver.

So what about hair and make-up? Well, if you are comfortable with people seeing you as they would if they came over to your house, then by all means, tone it down for the day. Maybe just spruce up a little bit as opposed to the bedhead you might have donned when you worked from home and simply crawled out of bed to your computer with your morning cup of coffee.

Here at The Pajama Company, we have always promoted that we often do our best work in pajamas. We imagine that many who worked at home during the pandemic would agree and perhaps find going back to the office distracting. People working in creative fields often work best in solitude and comfort. We also embrace the individuality of your perfect pajama style. Perhaps it’s a flannel pant with a cashmere sweater, perhaps it’s a lounge pant with a great sweatshirt or a classic pajama set with a print that you love.

me nypostpic

 

Lastly, make a fun day of it. You don’t want to be the only one walking around in your plaid flannels while the rest of the company is wearing their daily street clothes, so be sure to let everyone know ahead of time that you will be embracing Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day!

banner evelyn

That’s it! All you need now is the perfect pair of PJs and you’re ready to celebrate the happiest day of the year!

 

Back to the office: Tips for a smooth transition

Leave a reply

For many people, September will mark a real return to normal, as employees all over the country return to the office. Even if it’s on a flex schedule where it will only be a couple of days a week, the sheer thought can fill you full of anxiety. It’s to be expected. For the last 18 months or so you’ve been working remotely in your comfy clothes, having virtual meetings, and enjoying all the comforts of home while doing your job.

So how do you make the transition back? It’s not like you didn’t manage for all those years before the pandemic hit, but it still feels like you can’t even remember what it feels like to “go” to work. The following tips should help get you back to your old ways without too much stress

Routine

Remember your old routine. Think back to how you used to do things. What time did you normally go to bed?  What time did you get up? Did you shower in the morning or the night before? You have to get back to that or you’re going to have a tough time. Start doing these things now before your official “back to the office day” so you can ease back into your routine comfortably.

Construction

Consider drive time. Not everyone will be returning to their respective jobs at the same time and some will continue to work remotely full time. Don’t assume because of this you can leave the house later than normal to be on time. You’ll also have to check into road construction. It’s been a year and a half since you made the drive. Do you know if any of the roads on your route are under construction?

Lunch work

Think lunch. While you’re working from home it’s easy to go to the fridge and grab something for lunch or whip yourself up a quick salad or sandwich. Now you have to start thinking about bringing your lunch to work again. Do a little ahead of time meal planning to get you back in the mode. Create a list for a few weeks until you get your groove back.

App

Dinner too. Now that you’re going to be away for the day, what will you feed the family after work? Do you need to pull something from the freezer? Once you’re at work it’s too late. Lists and notes are a great way to keep you in check. Better yet, download an organizing app that you can plug all your reminders into.

Working dog

Get back in the office frame of mind. We’re all more laid-back at home. Our mindset, attire, and overall attitudes, are just more casual. There likely won’t be a dog lying under your desk either. Now that you’re going back into the office you’ll have to channel your inner professional a little more.  Don’t forget that you’re going to be around fellow employees and bosses all day who expect that same productive person that they could count on before.

Laundry

Make a to-do list. Slipping away from your desk to do a load of laundry or vacuum the living room during the workday is a thing of the past. These things will now have to be done during your free time so before you get overwhelmed, it would be a good idea to plan when you will take care of your regular household chores. The schedule you make will morph over time but in the beginning, it will help you stay organized instead of flustered.

Support

Seek and give support. Remember you aren’t the only one who has to readjust to the return to normalcy. Be open and honest about your own concerns and do your best to support co-workers that are also having a tough time. For many, this won’t be easy and the best thing you can have is a strong support group behind you.

At the end of the day, you really aren’t doing anything you didn’t do before this pandemic hit. You will likely wonder how you could have possibly managed before, but you did. And you will again- we promise!

 

Mastering the Art of Working at Home

Leave a reply

For many, the new normal, at least for the time being, means working from home. So, if you’re going to be working remotely, why not be comfortable right? Working in your pajamas is a dream come true, but it comes with a catch. It actually takes a lot of discipline to work from home and be productive at the same time. We’re here to help you ease into your new home office atmosphere so you can be comfy, get things done, with the same or better work efficiency you show at the office.

Start your day like any other workday. When you don’t have to think about your business attire and comute  to work, your mind might fall into “weekend mode” and that can be a detriment when it comes to productivity. The best way to overcome this is to go about business as usual. That means when you wake up, go through your regular routine just as you would if you had to leave the house to go to work.  Sure you can absolutely get comfortable but don’t get up and go about your day in the same clothes you slept in. Your body will be tricked into thinking it’s a relaxation day and your motivation level will go way down. If you actually change into something else, perhaps a fresh pajama style, it’s like you’re getting dressed as usual.

blog lifebeginswithcoffee

 We love working in  pajama pants paired with a pullover sweatshsirt, sweater or classic shirt which is perfect for video conferencing or any virtual meeting that may suddenly pop-up.

Have a daily plan. Just as if you were in the office, you have tasks, calls, meetings, projects each and every day, so prioritize and stay focused on your calender and what you have to do. Your employer will expect the same results from you while you work remotely as they would if you were at the office or shop. Another must is to take your breaks and eat lunch as you would any other workday. The time will come where you will have to go back into work, so sticking with a normal routine will make it much easier to transition back.

Remove distractions. A designated workspace is a must.  You have to be able to work unabated and without the distractions that might be going on around you. Chances are you don’t watch TV at work, so don’t give in to the temptation at home either. We know that right now, the whole family might be staying home so this can be a challenge. You may have to set a family schedule that works in shifts so everyone has time for everything. We’ve seen some colorful family calenders with designated activites for one and all.

Keep your home office area clean. In conjunction with having an area for ‘work only,’ you need to make sure that your workspace is kept neat and tidy so you can remain organized. Don’t treat it any differently than you would your office or desk at work. It’s easy when you’re at home to let half-full beverage glasses accumulate on your desk, or to litter your workspace with non-essential clutter. Stay on top of it and clean up.

Photo by Nathan Waters on Unsplash

Don’t be tempted to stray. One of the hardest parts of working at home is doing the actual job you have to do. It’s very easy to think “I’ll just put in a load of laundry” or “I’m just going to do a little cleaning.” Don’t do it! One thing will lead to another and before you know it, the workday you were supposed to have, became an all-out domestic chore day. Focus on the task at hand and don’t stray. Wait until the end of the work day to take that long walk.

These are lessons we have learned firsthand from working at home ourselves.We have been working in pajamas since 2004!  pajama pants is great but the importance of staying organized and on task also needs to start right away.

Before this crisis, many companies had already rolled out “Own the way you work” initiatives Companies may start to realize it is better to give their employees more freedom in the way they work to achieve better results. When this is over you may realize you do your best work in pajamas, you are more creative in pajamas.

Join our facebook group Workin’ in Pajamas share your pajama style and workspace stories.

Stay healthy and stay safe everyone!  We’re all in this together.

Most Fashionable Pajama Sets

Pajamas are a Fashion Statement, According to Experts

Leave a reply

For some, wearing pajamas outside of the home is a regular occurance. Stepping outside to get the mail. Making a quick run to the grocery store on Saturday morning. Maybe that’s just how you roll (we’re not here to judge). But recently fashion gurus in magazines like Glamour and GQ have declared that it’s officially en vogue to wear your PJs outside of the house and, well, we couldn’t be more excited.

GQ recently noted the visible shift in men’s fashion towards bold colors and vibrant fabrics, calling them “deeply swaggy.” This awards season men donned ensembles that were designed to make a statement, much like the ladies’ gowns. Men are leaning towards comfort with breezy fabrics like silk and cuts that are more on the casual side, like nice PJs you don’t mind wearing to the grocery store.

In the last decade, women’s fashion has made a steady shift towards comfort over outdated notions of “high fashion.” Yoga pants and athletic wear have become increasingly popular choices for running errands or getting brunch with friends. These outfits are now the rule, not the exception. The fashion industry responded to this trend with more fashionable athletic wear, trendy leggings, and a wonderful jean-legging hybrid known as “jeggings.” Similarly, women’s pajamas have also stepped it up with a number of styles you could potentially wear around town. These are some of our favorites.

8 Fashionable Pajama Sets You Can Wear Anywhere

For some, wearing pajamas outside of the home is a regular occurance. Stepping outside to get the mail. Making a quick run to the grocery store on Saturday morning. Maybe that’s just how you roll (we’re not here to judge). But recently fashion gurus in magazines like Glamour and GQ have declared that it’s officially en vogue to wear your PJs outside of the house and, well, we couldn’t be more excited.”>The Cat's Pajamas - Evergreen Women's Set

1. Evergreen Voile Cotton Pajama Set by The Cat’s Pajamas

This adorable 100% cotton pajama set is perfect for the warmer months. Voile is an ultra-soft semi-sheer fabric, so you might want to pair it with a tank top if you’re considering wearing the top outdoors. The evergreen pattern evokes freshly pressed flowers in spring.

PJ Salvage Women's Dots Cotton Pajama Set

2. Lemon Dots Cotton Pajama Set by PJ Salvage

The cheery soft yellow dot pattern on this woman’s pajama set is a classic. The subtle design could easily be worn underneath a blazer, as pictured, or over a pair of jeans to run errands on the weekend.

Green Pinstripe Poplin Pajama Set Bedhead

3. Green Pinstripe Classic Poplin Pajama Set by Bedhead

Very in line with trending “pajama style” menswear, this crisp green and white stripe set is comfortable in bed or outside the house. 100% cotton means that the set is made from breathable fabric, making these pajamas a great choice for any time of the year.

Kiku Luxe Pima Cotton Pajamas The Cat's Pajamas

4. Kiku Luxe Pima Cotton Pajama Set by The Cat’s Pajamas

Luxe Pima is an ultra-soft, super light tightly woven cotton. These gorgeous pajamas as are as comfortable as they are beautiful. The gray is paired with a modern pop of color in a timeless floral design. In the summertime, you could absolutely wear the top outside with a pair of shorts or rock the pants to brunch with a crisp white shirt.

Paisley Plaid Vintage Jersey Classic Pajama Set Munki Munki

5. Paisley Plaid Vintage Jersey Classic Pajama Set by Munki Signature

In this awkward stage between winter and spring, this ‘vintage’ paisley and plaid pattern is a great combination. This soft jersey pajama set gives off a “modern cowgirl” vibe in a flattering, classic cut.

Blue Chelsea Classic Pajama Set by Bedhead

6. Blue Chelsea Classic Pajama Set by Bedhead

You don’t have to be a soccer fan to sport this classic blue ‘Chelsea’ pajama set from Bedhead. 100% English cotton is styled with a button down front and notch collar. Look put-together on your way to bed or on your way to pick a paper.

PJ Salvage Give Love Classic Pajama Set

7. Give Love Classic Pajama Set by PJ Salvage

Whether it’s a little black dress or a comfortable black pajama top, this adorable pattern from PJ Salvage is always in style. Pair this easy breezy cotton top with a pair of khaki shorts and wedges and you’ve got an effortless springtime weekend look.

Bedhead Men's 3D Stripe Cotton Pajama Set

8. Blue 3D Stripe Fine Cotton Pajama Set by Bedhead

Deep V, anyone? This stylish classic pajama cut is flirty and flattering with vertical baby blue and white stripes. Fine 100% cotton will keep you cool and comfortable in the warmer months, but are light enough to sleep in comfortably under a quilt in the winter. The shirt’s style is so trendy right now, you could even get away with wearing it on a casual Friday.

If you thought this list was fun, check out The Pajama Company Blog for more posts on family fun, movie and book lists, yummy recipes, and tips for rest and relaxation: thepajamacompany.com/blog

How to Make Your Home Cozy

10 Tips to Make Your Home Cozy for Fall

Leave a reply

Crisp, crunchy leaves, vibrant fall colors, and cool refreshing air. This is the time of year that we transition from spending most of our time outdoors to spending most of our time snug in our homes, readying ourselves for a winter hibernation of sorts.

As the days get shorter and daylight during the workweek becomes scarce, we’re often leaving our home when it’s still dark in the morning and returning home to a dark home at night. This can leave our home feeling “cold” and can sometimes make us feel a little depressed. Make your home feel warm, comfortable, and welcoming during the fall and winter months with these simple tips.

 

cute matching family pajamas fall

‘Don’t Moose With Me’ matching family pajamas by Lazy One.

How to Make Your Home Feel Cozy

1. Leave slippers by the door.

Slippers make you feel instantly warm and cozy the second you slip them on in the morning. Why not keep a pair by the door? That way you can kick off your uncomfortable work-approved footwear and slide into instant comfort.

2. Use soft lighting.

The right lighting can make all the difference! If you have a lot of intense, high-wattage bulbs that emit a severe bright light, consider replacing them with lower-wattage warm-toned lights when they burn out. The difference will make your home feel more like a warm, cozy den and less like an office space.

3. Don’t underestimate the power of throw pillows.

Layering warm, soft fabrics in the form of a few strategically placed throw pillows is a great way to ‘cozy up’ your home. The plush pillows invite you to sit down, put your feet up, and relax. Throw pillows are a simple, affordable way to soften any space and make your house feel like a home.

4. Upgrade your towel to a bathrobe.

There’s no rule that says you can’t walk around your house in a damp towel after you get out of the shower… but why not make every moment at home as comfortable as it can be? After leaving the steamy comfort of a hot shower, a plush bathrobe will keep the chilly fall air at bay. The right bathrobe can make any home feel like cozy and spalike.

5. Curl up by the fire (sort of).

Since most of us don’t have a fireplace, make use of candles to create an intimate cozy atmosphere in the room you’re in. If you are searching for a safer alternative, you can also use electric candles. Electric candles and tea lights are a great choice for people with kids and pets — or those of us who are just a bit forgetful!

6. Keep a throw blanket at arm’s reach.

Another tip for “instant cozy” is to keep a throw blanket at arm’s reach. Whether you’re zoning out in front of the TV after a long day of work or reading a book in bed, a soft throw blanket wrapped around your shoulders or draped over your legs will make you feel warm and snug at home.

Ski Themed Women's Pajama Set

‘Apres Ski’ pajama set by PJ Salvage.

7. Wear the right loungewear.

Changing from your clothes into a pair of clean, comfortable pajamas is a small ritual that says “I’m done for today.” Being comfortable at home isn’t just about how your home looks, it’s how you feel when you’re spending time there. If we want to feel comfortable and also put together, we opt for pajama sets. If we want to just let loose, flannel pajama pants and a T-shirt will do the trick. True comfort is about being comfortable in your skin in your space.

8. The smell of freshly baked cookies.

Scented oil and aromatherapy companies have captured the scents of everything in the natural world in addition to some of our favorite, comforting smells from childhood. Far safer than candles, oil diffusers can be used to create that homey feeling with the power of smell. Even if you don’t bake, you can diffuse vanilla scented oil to make your house smell like cookies just came fresh from the oven. Instant warmth.

9. Bring fall colors indoors.

Bring the fall colors you love indoors with seasonal plants like mums, cut flowers, or arrangements with branches of berries or pussy willows. Flowers and plants are a simple way to bring a natural pop of color to any room. As an added bonus, being in or around nature has the same effect on people as meditation and this one of the reasons why houseplants are so hot right now.

10. Stock up on tea and books.

Tea, good coffee, hot chocolate — prep your pantry with ingredients for some great fall drinks that you can enjoy as the season transitions from cool to cold. Keep a pile of your fall reads near your favorite reading spot, like the couch, a cozy chair, or your nightstand. Having these two fall must-haves at the ready will encourage you to get comfortable and hibernate in PJs this season.

We hope you find these tips helpful! For more ideas on how to stay comfy and cozy this season, visit The Pajama Company at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

cute winter pajamas 2018

 

This Year, Workout in Your Pajamas

Leave a reply

We make a lot of promises to ourselves in January that we break by March. New Year’s resolutions are a tradition of goal setting. They key to accomplishing your goals is to start small and build on small successes. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to start working out, we have the perfect way to ease into a new routine.

Gyms are expensive and involve an additional commute. For some of us, the added cost and challenge make it easier to commit to an exercise routine. For others, those same challenges become hurdles. Before you spend on Crossfit classes, try incorporating exercise into your routine slowly to make the habit stick.

A great way to start is by working out in your pajamas. That’s right — a quick workout before or after you go to bed allows you to knock it out before you shower for work. Here are some simple exercise ideas that you can do at home, in your PJs.

10 At-Home Workouts You Can Do in Pajamas

Continue reading →

Six Pajama-Perfect Careers

Leave a reply

Do you ever wish you could have one blissful day of wearing your pajamas to work? Starched suits with bland ties, high heels, dress pants, button downs, blazers. All seem designed to confine and limit personality. Whether the requirement is business casual or super formal, the rules of what to wear in a professional environment can make getting up in the morning harder than ever.

We all have moments where passion dips and the boring side of a career threatens to take over. For some jobs, it would be wise to set aside social norms in favor of shaking things up.

6 Pajama-Perfect Careers

  1. Programmers

The world already thinks of you as basement-dwelling mega hackers. Why not live up to that belief and roll right out of bed wearing your finest pair of pajamas? Arrive at your Silicon Valley position with a soy latte and ignore any shocked stares.

  1. Postal Carriers

There’s a reason most mail delivery trucks have no doors. What better way to show off the latest in sleepwear fashion? Plus, it’ll give you a great talking point in the community as you deliver Amazon Prime packages.

  1. Writers

This one’s essentially a no-brainer. Serious scribes don’t need to dress up to ponder their work in progress. Ties stifle creativity.

  1. Doctors

You spent years toiling to get through undergrad, med school, internship, and fellowship. You’ve worked hard and you deserve to treat yourself, so throw any expectations out the window. Besides, you hardly sleep. It’s only fair. (This is especially appropriate if you’re a pediatrician.)

  1. Entrepreneurs

It’s your business and chances are you have launched in your own home office. You’re the boss so your style sets the trend for your employees. Here at The Pajama Company, we think working in pajamas is key to productivity.

  1. Poker Players

How can anyone keep their poker face when their opponent is dressed for bed? This strategy will help you maintain your edge as you raise the stakes.

 

All silliness aside, changing your clothing really can help you improve your mindset. Efficiency is as much about passion as it is about skill. If something is lacking in your professional life, consider taking a risk. It could be the change you need to work better and have a more satisfying nine-to-five experience.

 

 

How to wear your pajamas to work with style

Leave a reply

Tomorrow is National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day! Quite possibly our favorite unofficial holiday of the year. After all we think you can do your best work in pajamas.

We also think that wearing your pajamas in public can be chic! Here are a few quick tips to pull of wearing your PJs to work with style:

1. Pick the best pajamas for the job! (no pun intended)

Some PJ fabrics are really light for comfort, which is perfect for home but no so much for the office. Make sure the pajamas you wear aren’t see-thru or worn out.

And here’s another tip: if you know your jammies wrinkle easy, you might want to iron them with a little spray starch just so they stay looking fresh for the whole day.

2. Trade in slippers for a cute pair of shoes.

We love the look of pairing a fancier heel with a pajama set. Or consider wearing a fun striped sock with a pair of converse and your favorite PJ pants. A great pair of shoes can give your pajamas just the right touch for the office!

3. Layer.

Uplevel the look of your pajamas with something from your regular wardrobe for a stylish look. Consider wearing a pretty lace tank top or colorful tee shirt under your pajama top with a pair of skinny jeans. Or, add a blazer or the right cardigan to a PJ set. Not only will you look put together, but you’ll stay warm and cozy.

4. Accessorize!

Add sparkle and style with your favorite earrings, necklace, watch, etc. Throw on a bold scarf or a belt if it works with the outfit. Choose a coordinating bag and you’re ready for your day of style and comfort!

Now over to you – how to do you wear your PJs with style? 

 

Suffering from the Mondays? Here are 15 Cures!

Leave a reply

by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor

“Monday is great if I can spend it in bed. I’m a man of simple pleasures, really.”

– Arthur Darvill

Mondays can be well, let’s face it…tough.

Especially in the height of the summer, when the sun is shining and all you want to do is play hooky! Monday might even make you might think of this scene from Office Space.

So just in case you’re suffering from a case of the Mondays, here are some little things you can to do to beat out those blues…

1. Wear your favorite outfit. The one you feel awesome in!

2. Bring in breakfast for you’re co-workers. Doing something nice for others will feel good!

3. Take a dance break!

4. Another meeting? Declare it a walking one and get outside.

5. Meet a friend at a fancy restaurant for lunch.

6. Work somewhere different. Escape the cubicle and head to the coffee shop!

7. Plan a Monday night Happy Hour. Why not?!

8. Wear your PJs to work! Add some heels and makeup and you’ll look fabulous.

9. Sleep in and go into the office late. You deserve it!

10. Take a lunch time yoga class.

11. Treat yourself to a colorful bouquet of flowers.

12. Take a Pajama Day!

13. Sneak out early and go to the movies.

14. Turn on some fun and uplifting music. Pick something you don’t normally listen to.

15. Take a break and treat yourself to something sweet! A decadent truffle? Gourmet cupcake?

Do at least one of these things and we’re betting your day will turn around. Oh, and you should know that you’re not alone on this Monday thing. Here are 18 Dogs Who Have a Case of the Mondays!

Photo Credit: ucumari via Compfight cc