Pajama Glossary of Terms
We've included some of common terms related to pajamas below. See also: Pajama FAQs and History of Pajamas.
Pajama Terms, A-J, K-Z
- Blanket Sleepers
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Blanket sleepers are another term for footie pajamas, but are more commonly referred to as infant and children's footed pajamas.. The origins of the blanket sleeper can be traced at least as far back as the late 19th Century, to footed, one-piece sleeping garments for children, then known as night drawers. However, the blanket sleeper first took something closely resembling its present form in the early 1950s, when many of the most recognizable features were first adopted, including the use of synthetic fabrics, slip-resistant soles, toe caps, rib-knit collar and cuffs, zipper or button closure, snap tab, and applique. The term blanket sleeper also first came into common use at this time, although sleeper by itself appeared considerably earlier.
- Butt Flap (Butt Flap Pajamas)
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A butt flap is a flap on the rear of a one-piece pajama that allows the wearer to use the restroom, while not having to remove the entire garment. The butt flap is typically sewn at the base of the flap and secured by Velcro, buttons or snaps across the top of the flap. It may also be referred to as a drop-seat or trap-door.
- Dr. Dentons
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Dr. Denton or Dr. Denton's is a (historically) well-known brand of blanket sleepers, formerly manufactured by the Dr. Denton Sleeping Garment Mills of Michigan. The company was founded in 1865, originally as the Michigan Central Woolen Company, and from the late 19th Century through the first half of the 20th Century was probably the single best-known manufacturer of blanket sleepers in the United States. The brand was so well-known that Dr. Dentons became (and remains today) a genericized trademark. The name Dr. Denton derives from Whitley Denton, an employee of the company who created the original design on which its product line was based. The appellation of "Doctor" was a marketing gimmick, intended to give the impression that the garments were designed (and implicitly endorsed) by a medical doctor.
- Drop-Seat (Drop-Seat Pajamas)
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A drop-seat is a flap on the rear of a one-piece pajama that allows the wearer to use the restroom, while not having to remove the entire garment. The drop-seat is typically sewn at the base of the flap and secured by Velcro, buttons or snaps across the top of the flap. It may also be referred to as a butt flap or trap-door.
- Footed Pajamas / Feet Pajamas / Feety Pajamas / Footie Pajamas / Footsie Pajamas / Footy Pajamas
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Footed pajamas are one-piece sleepwear garments that cover the entire body except for the heads and hands, where it is snug at the neck and wrists. Footed pajamas are typically unisex, and are manufactured for infants, toddlers and adults. They come in a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics, including, but not limited to: fleece, cotton jersey knit, flannel, and polyester.
- Flannel Pajamas
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Flannel pajamas are sleepwear garments comprised of soft, loosely spun cotton yarn. Flannel is a warm fabric of various degrees of weight and fineness. The origin of the word is uncertain, but a Welsh origin has been suggested. Flannel can be traced back to Wales where it was well known as early as the 16th century. The French term flanelle was used in the late 17th century, and the German Flanell was used in the early 18th century.
- Jammies
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Jammies or Jammys are an informal term for pajamas or sleepwear. In colloquial speech, sleeping pajamas are often called "pjs", "jim jams" or "jammies."
- Jersey Knit
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Jersey knit is a loose, supple knit fabric comprised of natural cotton that is most popular in tee shirts. Jersey knit is known for its all-season comfort.
- Jiffy Grip
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Jiffy Grip is a breathable, non-slip, cotton fabric with rubber dots that are typically used on the soles of footed pajamas. Jiffy Grip fabric is fairly durable and will help prevent slipping on smooth flooring.
