Historically, pyjamas referred to a loose‑fitting ensemble, typically made of cotton or silk, tied at the waist with a drawstring. (News18)

Clothing trends have certainly evolved over the years, yet one arm of fashion has remained steadfast: the pyjama. While renowned as a sleepwear staple, pyjamas have now crossed into everyday life, worn at home, at weddings, and even on the streets.

Youth culture has embraced the concept wholeheartedly, with ‘pyjama parties’ becoming a global phenomenon. But where does this comforting garment get its name and what does it actually mean?

The term pajama, commonly linked with bedtime attire, originates from the Hindi/Urdu word paijama, which in turn derives from Persian. In Persian, ‘paay’ or ‘pa’ means ‘foot’, and ‘jama’ signifies ‘cloth’ or ‘dress’, so the literal meaning of ‘pajama’ is more akin to ‘foot‑covering garment’.

Historically, it referred to a loose‑fitting ensemble, typically made of cotton or silk, tied at the waist with a drawstring. Both men and women across India and Central Asia favoured this stitched form; distinct from the draped clothing predominant in South Asia at the time.