Left: Caroline Hu Spring 2024 RTW, Right: Moncler x Simone Rocha Fall 2019 RTW
While some of us might view hitting the sack as just another part of everyday life, it has always enjoyed a prominent and romanticised role in society. From fairy tales Snow White and Princess and the Pea, to common phrases like “beauty sleep”, getting your snooze on — or more accurately, the fateful events that might occur in relation to it or the benefits you reap from a full eight hours — is usually approached with a generally positive and even wishful tone, especially as more of us struggle to get enough of it and covet being properly rested.
Fashion has been playing on these concepts for years. Who could forget Viktor & Rolf’s 2005 Bedtime Stories collection, with sleeping beauties tucked in between satin covers, hair fanned out across cushion-shaped headpieces? Or the quilted coats evoking vintage duvets for Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2016 ready-to-wear line, cocooning the body as if the wearer had just left the sanctuary of the boudoir. Three years later, Moncler and Simone Rocha created a line of shapeless puffer ponchos complete with hoods and fanciful ribbon ties. As the models wandered around the woodland-inspired set, the reference to sleeping bags became obvious.
Avant-garde interpretations have been more apparent in recent times. Maison Margiela’s Fall 2018 couture presentation included a bizarre, extravagant look featuring layers of a printed quilt pattern, tulle, feathers and an attached striped bolster. Guests at Caroline Hu’s Spring 2024 show gasped at the sight of two twin gowns with gigantic lace-edged pillows sculpted to peek from folds of draping, only to be further stunned by a jaw-droppingly voluminous number covered in so many fluffy pillows that had the model slipped and tumbled on the catwalk — you would wonder how she might get back on her feet unassisted. And that’s just scratching the surface. If we wanted to talk about all the high fashion examples over the years, we would be here all day.
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In the normal world though, where there is no glitter or spotlight to simulate glamour, there was a time when wearing pyjamas anywhere but to bed would quickly place you into the category of slob.
If everyone else is taking the time to get ready before heading out the door each day, so should you. All clothing must be spotless, modest and well-fitted. Bonus points if you did your hair and makeup — no one wants to see slumber lingering in your eyes and skin. Despite the enduring popularity of #IWokeUpLikeThis, it is hardly an excuse for looking like you actually just rolled out of bed.
Then, in 2020, while most of the world was in the depths of lockdowns, a curious social media trend emerged — fashion creators wearing pillows as “dresses”, positioned over the body and cinched with a belt to create the hourglass figure of a traditional frock. Obviously, this would never work as an actual outfit, but its message was clear — dressing up just to linger around the house didn’t make sense, but with a little creativity, sleepwear and even bedding could become just as fun and chic. This perfectly coincided with the revival of naughties fashion and a surge in demand for vintage slip gowns, camisoles and lingerie. And people wore these out, usually layered with higher coverage pieces for a more modest final product.
Today, hybrid work has emphasised a need for comfortable clothing that is durable and versatile enough to work harder than the wearers themselves. Coordinated loungewear and pyjamas now have trims and prints so cute it would be a shame if the outside world never saw them. Even styles that are not necessarily designed for sleep but are cosy enough for it — think lightweight linen pants with drawstring waists or basic tees constructed from high-quality materials — are experiencing upticks in sales and visibility. Niche and high-street brands alike are marketing nighties for any setting but the bedroom. In the end, you can always add a fancier shoe or some jewellery to make these pieces work for a night out with friends or casual coffee meet, right? You’re probably heading straight home afterwards anyway, so why do a full change?
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But this raises several questions, namely where do we draw the line between acceptable and inappropriate, cool and plain lazy? Just because your workplace does not enforce a strict dress code, is it okay to roll out of bed, look at yourself in the mirror while still in your PJs and think, “Oh I can just throw on a blazer, some heels and call it a day”?
The truth of the matter is, it is a luxury to be able to be so dressed down on a daily basis. It means you have the flexibility and freedom to not have to wear blue-collar uniforms or their starched white-collar counterparts every morning. Not everyone is allowed to work from home, sprawled out on the couch in between answering emails, or can clock out early to take a nap. In a world where the average person works more than they play, getting a good night’s sleep (or just looking like you have) is a luxury not many can afford.
Certain dress rules also have their purposes, be it for safety or reducing distractions that might hinder productivity, and ignoring them not only demonstrates a blatant disregard for others in your surroundings but also a shallow understanding of the occasion you are attending. Having different clothes for day and night helps separate the activities in your daily routine and prevents everything from blending into one never-ending loop determined by sentiments of nonchalance and “Who cares?”.
Comfort should always be a priority when shopping for new wardrobe additions. Clothing that is tight and structured, made from unforgiving textiles or festooned with embellishments might have that wow factor but can be more fussy and annoying than they are worth. Here, pyjama-inspired pieces that apply the textures and silhouettes associated with sleepwear can offer a solution without compromising on style, and put-together loungewear is always handy to have in-closet for relaxing at home with loved ones, easy errand days or travelling. Having strong discernment about when, where and how to don these items is key to mastering the trend tastefully. Perhaps not the radical conclusion you were hoping for, but true nonetheless.
This article first appeared on Sept 15, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
