Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Minor British Institutions: Pyjamas

Charles Nevin
Friday 04 March 2011 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Pyjamas have seen something of a revival these past chilly winters. Not the mimsy ones in pastel colours whose principal existence now is in the parallel world of modesty-conforming television bedrooms, but the full flannel, with stripes, cord and top pocket (for your hanky, of course). What could be more comforting and more secure (so long as you've tied the cord properly) while the ice grips and the wind whistles without?

The teddy bear is optional, as is calling them jim-jams, or PJs. Only slim or brave men wear the top tucked into the bottoms.

The British adapted them from local wear out east, but, as usual with us, the elegance was somewhat lost in the translation, always excepting Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

Other role models: Guy Ritchie, the guvnor of geezer chic, wears them, and has not been afraid to display them at his doorstep, while those of Jacob Rees-Mogg MP are said to be double-breasted, but this may be a fabrication. Cocoa, anyone?

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in