The occasion was the very packed opening late last year of the Kate Spade flagship store on Oak Street. A group of fairly glam girls-about-town gathered upstairs by the loungewear collection. As they examined the charming pajamas and nightshirts, each admitted that her idea of a great night involves cozy pajamas and a stack of magazines far more often than it does lip gloss and hors d’oeuvres.
What is it about pajamas that makes grown women with great jobs and beautiful families go weak at the knees–discussing flannel, of all things? Why does loungewear on TV (Allison’s robe on “Melrose Place,” Ally McBeal’s Nick and Nora pajamas) inspire so many calls to costume designers?
“Pajamas have become an extension of a woman’s wardrobe,” says Brenda Lightner, senior buyer of sleepwear, robes and loungewear for Marshall Field’s, Dayton’s and Hudson’s.
“PJ’s come in novelty and beautiful floral prints. A woman’s choice of print is a fun way to express her individuality. Prints are very personal.”
And very popular. Everyone from dedicated coffee drinkers to “I Love Lucy” fans can find sleepwear imprinted with themes to match their interests.
Mix-and-match pajamas are another way to personalize your sleepwear. Old Navy has been very successful with its “Just Bottoms” line-sleep pants you can wear with your favorite T-shirt or a coordinating camisole.
Great fabrics are another big selling point with pajamas. Fleece and flannel are soft and inviting and feel great against the skin. Some women favor cool, crisp cotton or silky satin. These very tactile fabrics offer a gentle touch that is in direct opposition to the harshness of daily life.
Changing out of business clothes and into your favorite loungewear is a great way to remind yourself that life isn’t all work. So go ahead, pick a great pair of pajamas and show off a side of yourself that you keep under wraps from 9 to 5. Lip gloss is optional.
