Striped Pyjamas – The Classic Explained

Short answer: The striped pyjama is nightwear's greatest classic, a timeless look that never really goes out of style. But the cut and the stripes do not do it alone: a pyjama has to be soft and breathable first, and there the material matters more than the pattern.

Why did stripes become the classic?

Stripes have been the pattern of nightwear for over a hundred years, because they were easy to weave and hid wear. Today they are a signature rather than a necessity. See the striped models under bamboo pyjamas for men, where the range changes with the season.

Stripe width changes the look

Narrow stripes read as quiet and close to plain. Wide stripes are bolder and more playful. If in doubt, choose the narrow one, because it looks less worn when the fabric fades slightly in one of the two colours over time.

The material matters more than the pattern

A striped pyjama in stiff cotton poplin looks right and sleeps badly, because the fabric neither gives nor moves moisture. The same pattern in bamboo viscose falls softly and keeps the skin dry. The pattern is the first thing you see and the last thing that matters at night.

Buttons or not

The classic striped pyjama has buttons on the top. It looks neat and makes it easy to cool down, but the buttons are felt when you lie on your front. If you sleep restlessly, a top without buttons is more practical, even though the classic model has them.

For the women's wardrobe

Stripes come in women's models too, and the cuts are made for a different shoulder and a different length. See the range under pyjamas for women and choose a model whose top reaches some way over the hip, so it does not ride up at night.

Washing and stripes

Dark stripes on a pale ground can release a little colour in the first wash. Wash the striped pyjama separately the first few times and then with clothes in the same colour group. Avoid bleach, which attacks the dark stripe and leaves it greyish.

When the stripes fade unevenly

The two colours in a stripe do not fade at the same pace, which is why an old striped pyjama can look washed out even though the fabric is sound. It shows most on the pale ground. Wash at 30 degrees and dry in the shade.

Sets or separates

A striped set is what most people choose, because the pattern only works when the top and bottom match. Washed separately they fade at different rates, and then the pattern stops matching. Always wash the set together, even when only one part has been worn. See also bamboo nightwear for men and bamboo nightwear for women.