Pajamas — or pyjamas if you’re feeling properly Commonwealth — are such a part of our everyday lives that it’s easy to forget they have a surprisingly global, and rather stylish, history. The word itself carries a journey across continents, cultures, and centuries before landing in our wardrobes.
Where the word comes from
The word “pajama” originates from the Hindi and Urdu term pāy-jāma (پاجامہ), which translates literally to leg garment. Pāy means “leg” and jama means “clothing.” These loose, lightweight trousers were common in South and West Asia, often paired with a tunic, and worn by both men and women in warm climates.
When British colonial officers encountered these comfortable garments in India during the 18th and 19th centuries, they were quick to adopt them — first as casual wear during the day and later as nightwear. The term was anglicised to “pyjamas” and brought back to Britain, eventually making its way into other parts of the world, including Australia.
From daywear to sleepwear
Originally, pajamas weren’t just for bedtime. In India and the Middle East, they were worn as everyday attire because of their comfort, breathability, and suitability for hot climates.
It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when they became popular in the West, that pajamas started replacing the long nightshirts typically worn by men. The shift wasn’t just about comfort — it was about style. Tailored pajama sets looked sharper than shapeless nightshirts, and they offered a certain modernity that fitted the new century’s tastes.
The glamour years
By the 1920s and ’30s, pajamas weren’t limited to the bedroom. The “beach pajama” became a high-fashion statement for women, with flowing, wide-legged trousers paired with bold tops and glamorous sunglasses. Hollywood stars would be photographed lounging in silk pajama sets, blurring the lines between loungewear and luxury fashion.
Modern pyjamas
Today, pajamas are a global staple. They range from traditional cotton sets to high-end silk pieces, from flannel warmth in winter to linen lightness in summer. The concept has expanded even further — “day pyjamas” have become part of the loungewear and athleisure movements, proving that comfort never goes out of style.
And the spelling? In Australia, pyjamas holds strong, thanks to our British English heritage. But you’ll see pajamas on American brands, and the two are now used interchangeably in global marketing.
Why it matters
The history of pajamas is more than just a quirky fact — it’s a reminder of how clothing is a shared story across cultures. What started as a traditional South Asian garment has travelled the world, evolved in purpose, and become a universal symbol of rest and comfort.