The History of Loungewear: From Homewear to Streetwear
Posted on June 05 2026
Shadowline® Petals Sleeveless Swing Top and Capri PJ Set
Loungewear has taken on many different forms over the centuries. So how did it originate, how has it changed, and what might the future of loungewear hold?
Loungewear vs. Sleepwear
Before we begin, it helps to define exactly what loungewear is. With the recent rise of pajama dressing, it’s true that there’s some crossover with sleepwear. Can you wear your pajamas for lounging? Of course! And can you fall asleep in your loungewear? Most likely – it’s designed to be ultra-comfy (though possibly not light and breathable).
However, while sleepwear is primarily designed to be slept in, loungewear occupies a middle ground between sleepwear and outerwear: comfort-first clothes that are generally more informal and less tailored than those worn to head outside, but which still make you feel presentable enough to host an unexpected houseguest.
Think: soft-knit top and pant sets, flowy jumpsuits, smart house robes and cozy bathrobes, all paired with fluffy slippers.
Shadowline® Satin Touch Sleeveless Pajama Set
Lounge Pajamas: From ‘Payjamas’ to ‘Dayjamas’
The history of pajamas begins with the Persian pay-jama – literally meaning ‘leg garment’ – which was a pair of loose-fitting pants typically worn under a tunic. In the 18th and 19th centuries, British colonialists introduced the style to the UK as lounge attire for men, and from there it spread to the rest of the western world.
It was Coco Chanel who was largely responsible for popularizing both pajamas for women, and pajamas as daywear. In 1918, she began wearing relaxed ‘beach pajama’ sets – initially considered shocking but, due to her influence in the fashion world, quickly becoming the hot new thing among the style-conscious.
These new women’s pajamas offered a more casual approach to dressing compared to the previous decades’ stuffy, multi-layered gowns. Chanel was frequently photographed in flowy daytime pajama sets, but for the masses, they were mainly worn at home or in the uniquely-relaxed setting of the beach. It was only in the 1970s that Yves Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche line made waves with fancier ‘evening pajamas’, cementing their acceptability as an alternative to formal dresses.
And now, in recent years, the trend of wearing pajamas as stylish outerwear during the daytime has taken off too. So-called ‘dayjamas’ offer a chic, modern take on the classic pajama set, whether it’s wearing the shirt only tucked into a skirt, or styling a full printed PJ set with smart shoes and a statement bag.
Shadowline® Petals Flutter Sleeve Short Nightgown & Robe Set and Shadowline® Silhouette Peignoir Set
The History of Dressing Gowns and Robes
Modern robes evolved from two distinct places. On the one hand, they followed a very similar path to pajamas, beginning life as a banyan – a loose-fitting robe inspired by the kimono – which was worn at home by men around the 18th century. In the 19th century, this morphed into both cozy dressing gowns, worn by men and women alike for at-home comfort, and smoking jackets, shorter and more tailored garments made from luxury fabrics such as silk brocade and velvet, which were worn by men to protect their clothes from falling ash while smoking.
Lighter house robes however evolved from late 16th century peignoirs, simple capes worn in the privacy of the bedroom that protected the shoulders while brushing or powdering your hair. Over time, these evolved into more form-fitting peignoir robes, which then became ever-fancier in design through ruffles, lace and feather trims.
While dressing gowns were opaque and could be worn while hosting guests, peignoir robes maintained more of a sensual boudoir look, paving the way for modern lingerie robes in satin, lace or sheer nylon. Today, they can both be classed as loungewear, but the vibe is rather different.
Shadowline® Petals Sleeveless Swing Top and Capri PJ Set
Loungewear Today: A Simpler Approach
When the pandemic hit in 2020 and huge swathes of us switched to working from home, sales of loungewear soared. And when we finally started to socialize outside of the home again, many of us were reluctant to go straight back to the tailored clothing we’d worn before. We’d gotten used to exceptional comfort!
That’s led to a new category of loungewear that isn’t strictly home-wear, but rather comfort-driven styles you can wear indoors and out. The name ‘loungewear’ itself has taken on something of a new meaning, now often referring to garments such as hoodies and sweatpants made from soft and cozy fabrics (rather than ones designed for athletic function).
It has to be said that modern loungewear has lost some of its original elegance. The average person today is wearing it to chill and watch TV, not host a dinner party, which means there’s less reason to dress up. But if you’re missing that fancier touch, there is still beautiful loungewear to be found.
Our Silhouette peignoir set is directly inspired by the glamorous styles worn by silver screen starlets of the Old Hollywood era, with light-as-air nylon and lashings of lace. Our Petals robe sets, available in short or long lengths, offer up a colorful housecoat option that’s adorned with floral embroidery. And our Rochelle Satin pajama set may be intended as sleepwear, but you can absolutely wear it as glam loungewear too.
Dixie Belle® 100% Cotton Camisole with Lace Trim
Where is Loungewear Design Headed Next?
Today, the lines between traditionally-separate clothing categories are becoming increasingly blurred. There’s athleisurewear that takes you from the gym to brunch. Made-to-be-seen shapewear dresses with built-in control. Bathing suits you can wear as bodysuits. And sleepwear you can wear on the streets, while looking ever-so chic.
So, it’s very likely that loungewear will continue down this multi-functional design path. Expect to see pieces you can wear to bed, to relax and to run errands. For those who prefer the aesthetics of yesteryear though, take a look at our vintage-inspired Silhouette collection – a little sheer to wear outdoors, but you can certainly sleep and lounge elegantly around in it!
