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
- Long Johns
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Long Johns are a one-piece knitted, thermal undergarment that covers the legs and buttons up the front. Introduced in the 1880s, the long john was once called the union suit as it was worn by Civil War soldiers. In the 1940s, the term long johns was adapted from a similarly styled swimming trunk named after the garment that heavyweight boxing champion John L. Sullivan wore. Today the long john is still used for layering and is also a popular style for sleepwear.
- Micro-Fleece Pajamas
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Micro-fleece pajamas are a soft synthetic wool like fabric made from recycled plastic bottles or other synthetic fibers. One of the first forms of microfleece was "Polar Fleece" which was created in 1979. This new, light and strong pile fabric was made to mimic and in many ways surpass natural wool. Fleece does have some of wool's finest qualities but weighs much less compared to the lightest available wool garments. Micro-fleece is a vegan alternative to wool that can be manufactured entirely from recycled plastic bottles and is very light, soft and easy to wash. The thickness of fleece fabric varies - 100, 200 and 300 with 300 being the thickest and least flexible.
Some of the advantages that fleece provides are it is soft and comfortable to wear and is very easy to care for. Other advantages are that it is extremely warm and provides this warmth without weighing a lot. Also, the nature of fleece is that it cannot hold liquid very well and is a breathable fabric so perspiration passes right through the fabric and dissipates quickly. This is why many interested in physical activity are drawn toward fleece. Fleece is a great fabric for someone who is allergic or sensitive to wool apparel.
Overall fleece is a fabric that has been engineered to be warm and soft, lightweight, resilient and easy to take care of. If you don't have any fleece clothing or products I recommend you check them out. Not only are comfortable, but they are also considered environmentally friendly.
- One-Piece Pajamas
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A one-piece pajama is another term for a footed pajama or pajama with feet. See detailed definition above.
- Onesies
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A onesie is an infant bodysuit designed to be worn by infants much like a t-shirt; they are distinguished from t-shirts by an extension below the waist, with snaps or Velcro that allow it to be closed over the crotch. The purpose of the opening at the crotch is to facilitate access to the wearer's diaper. Like t-shirts, infant bodysuits come in a wide variety of designs and may be worn as undergarments or as outer shirts. Onesies are also referred to by other names, including creepers, diaper shirts, babygro, or snapsuits.
- Other Names / Synonyms for Footed Pajamas
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- Dr. Dentons
- Onesie
- Blanket Sleepers
- Bunny Feet Pajamas
- Bunny Pajamas
- Bunny Suit
- Coverlet Sleeper
- Dormer
- Footed Pj's
- Footed Sleeper
- Footies
- Long Johns
- Night Drawers
- Nighties
- One-Piece Pajamas
- Padded Feet Pajamas
- Pajamas With Feet
- Pajamas With The Feet In Them
- Potato Mashers
- Romper Suits
- Sleeper Blanket
- Sleeper Suit
- Sleeper Walker
- Sleeping Drawers
- Sleeping Garment
- Sleepsuits
- Union Suits
- Walking Blanket
- Walking Sleeper
- Pijamas
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Pijamas are an alternative spelling for the traditional American word pajamas. Pijamas are the common term and spelling for sleepwear in Asia and Africa.
- Pjs
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PJs are an informal term for pajamas or sleepwear. In colloquial speech, sleeping pajamas are often called "pjs", "jim jams" or "jammies."
- Pyjamas
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Pyjamas are an alternative spelling for the traditional American word pajamas. Pyjamas are the common term and spelling for sleepwear in Europe.
- Sleepwear
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Sleepwear, also called "nightwear", "sleeping suit", "nightclothes", or "nightdress", is clothing designed to be worn while sleeping.. The style of nightwear worn may vary with the seasons, with eg. warmer styles being worn in colder conditions. Some styles or materials are selected to be visually appealing, sometimes in addition to their functional purpose of warmth.
- Trap Door
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A trap-door 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 drop-seat.
- Union Suit
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Union Suits (also referred to as Long Johns) are a one-piece knitted, thermal undergarment that covers the legs and buttons up the front. Introduced in the 1880s, the union suit was worn by Civil War soldiers. In the 1940s, the term long johns was adapted from a similarly styled swimming trunk named after the garment that heavyweight boxing champion John L. Sullivan wore. Today the union suit is still used for layering and is also a popular style for sleepwear.
