Nikkei Asian Review points out that wearing pajamas when going out, and – among men – putting on mismatched shoes are two hot trends in Japanese fashion now.
According to the publication, “Rei Oshima styled striped shirts, pants and a checkered dressing gown on pajamas in the 2014-2015 collection for her women’s apparel brand Oshina Rei and Kin.” The designer is quoted as saying: “I thought, ‘How about going out in clothes I wear at home when relaxing with a mug in my hand?’ I wanted to express a laid-back feel.”
Meanwhile, Style.com carried an article last weekend entitled “Our Tips for Pulling off Pajamas During the Day”, in which it redefined “laid-back chic”.
In reality though, it seems this pajama movement is an outgrowth of the trend toward women wearing activewear and fitness outfits to work as well as going out to lunch or even dinner, with a great pair of high heels.
Called “Athleisure”, the term is described by the Wall Street Journal as “the apparel industry’s term for the casual, athletic-inspired way of dressing rooted in leggings, tank tops and sneakers. Athleisure promises a whole day’s wear from a single outfit, taking women from spin class to the coffee shop to the office and then out for a cocktail at happy hour”.
More than making a statement, a key draw appears to be comfort. Why wear wool trousers when you can transition from downtime to the office by pairing a favorite blazer with designer track pants?
As this news post summarized it, women often wear athleisure clothing “because they’re comfortable, attractive and make them feel good about themselves”. How about you? Pajamas, athleisure?