Pajamas

Here is an area of fashion which has clearly changed over time. The styles I prefer seem to drift in and out of fashion in tune with some unknowable cycle. Let's divide them into summer and winter, hot and cold weather sleepy-time wear. We have just gone through one of the cycles for winter pajamas as many of the sleepwear manufacturers were offering footed sleepers or two-piece pajamas with "feet." I am hoping for a spring and summer filled with baby dolls...

The characteristically summer pajama is the "baby doll," taken from the movie. These were all the rage in the 50's and 60's, with older girls drifting onto other styles while the baby doll (in its original form) was retained by children. At various times it has made its reappearance in adult sizes and the pattern companies have retained the style, but the days of bloomer bottoms as "the rage" are gone forever. Today's interpretation would be a baby doll top with a thong. Aaarrrggghhh!!!

	A puffed sleeve, button back baby doll with bloomer bottoms [Burda 7432]. Note the ruffled front panel...		A back-buttoned variant with unadorned top and an open-front skirt [Simplicity 5384].
	Hot summers demand a loose fitting sleeveless pajama [Simplicity 9095].		Raglan-style puffed sleeve -- your basic "15 minute" pajama in that it can be cut and stitched up in about 15 minutes [Simplicity 5126].
	Puffed raglan sleeves accentuate this simple to make pajama [Simplicity 9733].		An innocent shortie Harem-style pajama in nylon.
	A young junior teen style with loose fitting top [Simplicity 9119].		A fitted top with ruffled straps [Simplicity 7354].
	An adult version of the classic style [Simplicity 9929].		A nice front drape effect on this McCall's pattern (4544).
	About a year ago, I sent a few pictures to Apres Noir and suggested that they produce a baby doll pajama. The result is the creation on the left, The Babydoll. "The envy of every boy, this gorgeous babydoll is cut from pretty, rose print satin. The gathered puff sleeve is elasticated for extra body, and then frilled for a truly feminine look. The matching babydoll knickers are heavily gathered with elasticated thigh and frilled lace hem to give volume to the dress. Elasticated waistband." Sizes S-XXL, price is $48 + $22 for the bloomers. <http://www.bodyaware.com>

When the mercury drops and the house gets cold, it is time for something longer than a baby doll. Below are some attractive styles for cold winter nights:

			Harem-style pajamas in double-layer nylon chiffon. Much more innocent than the harem pajamas available from Fredricks of Hollywood, aren't they. They are just so very precious... What does one have to do to get sleepwear manufacturers to make these in adult sizes?
	This is "Samantha's nightgown" from the American Girl Collection. While I am very much like Molly in spirit, I do not like the pajamas they have for her, but prefer Samantha's. If you haven't read at least one of the American Girl series, stop by your local bookseller and get the sampler. Pleasant Company, which markets the series, has an awesome vision. After you have chosen your favorite, send for their catalog (they are also on-line at http://www.americangirl.com/) and get the styles depicted in the books... They have dolls dressed the same as the characters as well.
	Here is an example of two-piece "footed" pajamas, so warm and comfortable on a cold winter's night. This example is from a catalog from the now defunct Faith Mountain Company, Unfortunately, they only had it through size L. Nice bob, though...

In past year the women's sleepwear departments of major stores had two-piece footed pajamas from Lanz of Salzburg, Esleep (the Hispanic sleepwear company), Erika Taylor, Friends & Me, as well as several other sleepwear manufacturers. Long considered childish and out of style by the fashion elite, this style keeps coming back every year or so. Perhaps because it is functional, comfortable and soooooo warm? Stock up when you see them!

As I have gotten a lot of email on this topic, here is what I have written on how to find footed jammies:

Now the good news. There are a few sites that offer footed sleepers, that is the one-piece goodies, and most of them are made of PolarFleece, the synthetic stuff which does not "breathe" as well as 100% cotton.. These are also available from Target and Sears (in the women's PJs department. Websites offering these include:

Once again, these were available on November 1st and they customarily do not restock when they run out...

Taffy's Favorite Pajamas