Pajamas facts for kids

Pajamas are comfy clothes that people wear when they go to sleep. In the United Kingdom, they are often called pyjamas. These special sleeping clothes usually have a shirt and matching trousers. They are often made from soft materials like cotton, which helps you stay comfortable all night long. The word "pajama" comes from the Hindi word Pajāmā and the Persian word pāyjāmeh.

What Are Pajamas?

Pajamas are a type of clothing designed for sleeping or relaxing at home. They are usually loose-fitting so you can move easily and feel comfortable while you rest. Most pajamas come in two pieces: a top and a bottom. The top can be a shirt with long or short sleeves, and the bottom is usually a pair of trousers or shorts.

Why Do We Wear Pajamas?

People wear pajamas for several reasons. The main reason is comfort. Pajamas are made from soft fabrics that feel good against your skin. They also help keep you warm during cooler nights. Wearing pajamas can also be part of a bedtime routine, helping your body and mind get ready for sleep.

Different Kinds of Pajamas

There are many different styles of pajamas for all ages.

• Two-piece sets: These are the most common, with a matching top and bottom.
• Nightgowns: These are long, loose dresses worn for sleeping, usually by girls and women.
• Onesies: These are one-piece outfits that cover the whole body, often with feet attached, popular for babies and young children.
• Sleep shorts and T-shirts: For warmer weather, people might wear lighter pajamas like shorts and a T-shirt.

Where Did Pajamas Come From?

The idea of pajamas actually comes from India and the Middle East. The original "pajamas" were loose trousers worn by people in these regions. British people who traveled to India saw these comfortable clothes and brought the idea back to Europe. At first, pajamas were mostly worn by men. Over time, they became popular for everyone as comfortable sleepwear. By the early 1900s, pajamas were a common sight in many parts of the world.

Images for kids

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  Two-piece men's pajamas

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  US government advert during World War II, female nightwear

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  British Utility Underwear Clothing Restrictions on the British Home Front, 1943. 11 year old girl wearing wool pajamas as nightwear

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  Pajamas with a drop seat

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  225 px

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  Boys in stretch-knit pajamas.

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  Toddler in footed pajamas.

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  Courier in white pajamas, India, 1844.

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  Men in white pajamas with hunting cheetahs, India 1844.

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  Muslim men in pajamas (various styles), Bombay, 1867

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  Muslim woman, in Sind, India, in salwar-style pajamas, 1870.

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  Hindu woman, in Sind, India, in shalwar-style pajamas, 1870.

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  German advert with genuine English "Schlafanzüge (Pyjamas)", 1910

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  1953 American advert for his and hers day pajamas, I Love Lucy-style

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  Dutch couple come out to watch Sputnik 1 pass, 1957

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  Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, c. 1970 (left), Halston, c. 1976 (right)

See also

In Spanish: Pijama para niños