A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, people didn’t wear pajamas. As avid fans of everything “PJ,” it’s hard for us at The Pajama Company to understand or even begin to comprehend. Regardless of how horrific the thought is, pajamas were only truly introduced to England and the rest of the world in 1870.
British colonists discovered and adapted the loose fitting attire from the East, embracing it especially on hot days. Eventually, a form of Indian pajama was brought over to England, quickly gaining popularity with men as a change from traditional nightshirts. Many of the original patterns of Indian pajamas came over as well, adding an element of style to the sleeping outfits.
Twenty years later, pajamas first entered the U.S.A., creating a huge fad with men and women alike. However, it was much colder during the winters for Americans, so the weather necessitated some changes to pajamas. They became thicker and warmer and footie pajamas followed soon after.
Pajamas haven’t changed much since first becoming big in the 1800’s. The designs of one hundred years ago are timeless. You can still find traditional Indian pajamas or funky, babydoll jammies from the 60’s. We add options, but never divert too much from the tried-and-true, amazing design of the pajamas we love.
In the mood for a classic? Buy some traditional flannel footies.
Nothing beats music in your pajamas. A midnight dance party with your best friends, that one lullaby that helps you get to sleep, and the song you listen to while getting ready for school, grooving in front of your mirror. Music and pajamas go together like peanut butter and jelly. Their loose-fighting design enables some truly “out-there” boogie moves. Their bright colors encourage a little loss of inhibitions. The comfort level ensures that you feel free to express yourself, whether by curling up into a ball of sleep or bopping around your bedroom.
Music can truly define a night (regardless of if it’s spent sleeping or partying). Here, we share a few of our favorite pajama jams and fellow pajama lovers rocking out.
By Emily Friedman, The Pajama Company Summer Intern
So you love Harry Potter? AND you love footie pajamas? AND you live near Chicago? Well, this is your lucky day!
After an extremely successful appearance at VidCon, a group of people are following up with an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for a footie pajama gathering at this year’s LeakyCon!
LeakyCon celebrates Harry Potter and everything related to it. However, it’s also an opportunity to enjoy the imagination, ingenuity, and enthusiasm of other fans. This footie pajama “parade” is a prime example of such qualities. A bunch of people, sharing a similar interest, coming together to celebrate one of OUR favorite things: footies! This attempted World Record proves once and for all that footies are stylish, cool, and hip.
Perhaps more importantly though, this event illustrates the bonding power of pajamas. Hundreds of strangers are coming together to enjoy each other’s company and the satisfaction of a record well-broken. On the official Facebook page for the event, participants swap advice on where to buy and what pattern to don. Melissa Diedricks posted an enthused, “Lets get our record breaking on!” Footie pajamas are bringing people together in a way that I doubt other clothing items could.
This is one cause that we can really get behind! So stock up on footies, get over to Chicago, and revel in one of the best parties of the year!
Want to know more? Check out their official Facebook Page and prepare for the world record breaking by buying your own adult footies.
Many of us look back on childhood sleepovers fondly: baking cookies, movies, and the inevitable pillow fight. It begins innocently enough, an unexpected bonk on the head by a rogue down pillow. Before long, it dissolves into a full-fledged war, feathers flying in every direction. At the end, one victor emerges, proudly hoisting his or her victorious pillow.
Every year, in the Big Apple, you can relive these memories at the Pillow Fight NYC. This year, it was held on April 7th at Washington Square Park. Alliances form, blows are thrown, and laughter can be heard in droves. However, NYC isn’t the only place to enjoy an old-fashioned pillow fight. Cities and towns around the world celebrate International Pillow Fight Day, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding a place to practice your childhood skills. By the end of the day, you’ll be an expert at whacking people across the head with a pillow. Not to mention that by the time you finally get home to set your head on your actual pillow, you’ll be exhausted enough to fall right asleep.
Now, this pillow fight presents a good question, what do you wear? One could go with a breathable pair of shorts or a sassy pair of footies to distinguish yourself from the hustling and bustling crowd. Either way, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself amongst old friends, new friends, and pillow fight enemies.
By Emily Friedman, The Pajama Company Summer Intern
Hello everyone! I’m Emily and I’ll be hopping onboard with the Pajama Company as a second summer intern!
1. Describe your favorite pajamas.
My favorite pajamas are a pair of footies I got at a thrift store up in Vermont. They’re striped, rainbow, snowflaked and I’ve worn them absolutely everywhere (including a McDonald’s on the way home from practice for ski team!).
2. What would your perfect day look like?
My perfect day would involve brunch out (bacon and pancakes a must), a trip to the beach, and a good book.
3. What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was actually a collection of poems. The Continual Condition by Charles Bukowski. I highly recommend it as long as you have a strong stomach.
4. What song is currently stuck in your head
Birdy’s cover of Young Blood by The Naked and Famous. It’s become my summer anthem!
5. What youtube video are you watching over and over?
Simon’s Cat in the Box. I don’t think animation gets much cuter than this!
6. Winter or Summer?
That’s a tough choice. I’d probably go with summer just because of the sunny days.
By Makenzie Lynch, The Pajama Company Summer Intern
With all the talk about Father’s Day this weekend, we are reminded that summer is fast approaching. The remainder of June, July and August are sure to bring the heat.That means BBQ’s, beach vacations and, of course, bathing suits. It is around this time when many people are desperate to get in shape. But sometimes on those rainy days or weekend mornings, going straight to the gym can seem like the last thing you want to do.
Thankfully, there are many exercises that you can do in your pajamas. You can enjoy your free time nestled on the couch with a good book one day, and reading pool-side the next. One personal trainer shows viewers a few quick steps to staying fit in the comfort of your loungewear.
No need to change into exercise clothes like the trainer in the video. Simply pair this workout with a light-weight cotton pajama, like these summery apricot pants from PJ Salvage and you’re good to go.
We know how hard mother’s work, often taking care of everyone except for themselves. That’s why we love to treat them to some special comfort every Mother’s Day. But what gift can you get that your mom will love and will show her how much you care? We have some ideas. Here are five:
1. The Mother’s Day Luxury Bundle — Upgrade your typical pajama or robe purchase to an extraordinary gift package. The mother’s day bundle comes in a cute tied up pillow case (which she can reuse as well!) and includes a nightshirt, soothing eye mask, cosmetic case and chocolate bar. Substitutions are available on request, so just ask if you want something different!
2. Emerson Street Nightshirts in a Bag — Your mom will love these 100% cotton nightshirts printed with hilarious and fun cartoons suited for her unique personality. All nightshirts come in a cute drawstring cotton bag printed with a matching design.
3. Kashwere Robes — This is truly a gift of luxury. Featured as one of Oprah’s favorite things, these cashmere-like robes are incredibly soft and warm and will never shrink or fade. Add a fun pillow that reminds her that she is the family matriarch like the “It’s Good To Be Queen” Green Embroidered Gift Pillow.
4. “Marching Elephants” Flannel Pajama — One of our favorite new pajama sets, this fun flannel pajama from Munki Munki features a bright and colorful exotic elephant design. Add some poodle slippers to complete the comfy outfit! If you are looking for other fun animal themed pajamas, make sure to check out our Animal Lover section for more options.
5. From Paris With Love — Bring Paris to Mom this year with these beautiful Pink “Eiffel” Classic Flannel Pajama from Bedhead. The comfortable fit, and luxuriously soft 100% cotton pink flannel with crisp piping make this pajama one she will never want to take off. Complete the gift by adding an Anne Taintor cosmetic bag, like “Born to be Wild”, for her to take on her next European trip!
Didn’t see anything here? Check out or Just for Mom category for more Mother’s Day gift ideas. Remember Mother’s Day is May 13!
A few weeks ago, The Pajama Company took over a local high school in Connecticut for a photo shoot. Our brave models put on flannel pajama sets and hooded onesies and posed in the high school halls, classrooms and courtyards.
Photographer Alex Bordelon captured photos that perfectly reflect what The Pajama Company is all about: fun, friendship, comfort and a little bit of silliness.
Now that you’ve seen the photos, we wanted to get to know the person behind the camera. Bordelon, a high school senior, recently spoke with The Pajama Company about his passions, inspirations and plans for the future.
The Pajama Company: When did you first start taking pictures?
Alex Bordelon: I started taking photos when I was thirteen when I went to Italy. But I didn’t start taking an interest until my sophomore year when I was in an intro to photography class.
TPC: What is your favorite subject to shoot?
Bordelon: My favorite subject to take photos of are people. I love working with people and taking photos of them. It’s fun to bring out a side of them that’s not always seen.
TPC: What do you love about photography?
Bordelon: I love that there are so many ways to get involved with the art. Unlike painting, photography (specifically digital photography) is still a newer medium. Because we’re in the digital age, connecting with people online makes creating art and sharing it even easier. I love how photos can permanently capture a moment in time. I also love how nearly anyone can be a photographer. You can be five or ninety-five and take photos, and that is amazing.
TPC: Taking pictures of people can be tricky. What is your best tip for taking better pictures of people?
Bordelon: When working with people in a studio, or on any photo shoot, you need to make them feel comfortable. Most people aren’t used to having cameras and lights in their faces. By making them comfortable you’re able to get to that vulnerability people have when their guard is down. Telling jokes, playing music, and just talking with your subject will make getting the shot you want easier. The other piece of advice I can give is practice. As cliche as it sounds, the more you work with people and work with a camera the better you get at it.
TPC: Which is your favorite photo from The Pajama Company shoot?
Bordelon: My favorite photo from The Pajama Company shoot is the group photo in the studio (Ed note: It’s the one featured above!). It’s really difficult to get a group photo like that where everyone looks good. I’m really inspired by photographers like Annie Leibovitz. She has so many fantastic photos from her job at Vanity Fair and her project with Disney.
TPC: How do you plan to make photography a part of your future?
Bordelon: I love photography but making it big in the art world is incredibly hard. I’d love to work as a photographer for a big magazine like Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazar, or Vogue. I will be attending DePaul University in the Fall and I plan on majoring in International Relations and minoring in photography. Even though photography is my biggest passion, I still need the security of finding a job if I’m unable to break into the business. I still want to keep it on the back burner and take photos as much as possible while in school. If I don’t make it maybe I’ll be able to retire early and pursue it then. Either way, I will be involved with photography. When you’re that passionate about something, it’s nearly impossible for it to leave your life.
Check out more photos of Alex and the models behind the scenes of the high school photo shoot in this video.
