1952 Men’s Lounge Shirt and Pants
What did men lounge in in the mid century? Pajams and lounge clothes were one in the same for the 1930s , 1940s, 1950s, 1960d and beyond. The 1930s started the trend for more fashionable pajamas and robes that could be worn around the house from the moment he got home from work. Previously men would wear a robe or smoking jacket over his work shirt and pants instead of changing in pajamas.
1938 Men’s Russian Style Lounge Pajama and Robe
1937 Men’s Lounge Pajamas
1946 Men’s and Boy’s Knit Top Lounge Pajamas
The 1950s began to use the word loungewear to describe men’s pajamas that looked more like casual clothes such as camp shirt and dress pants and knit sportswear. The pajama bottoms were shaped just like men’s dress pants but in soft cotton materials and a partial elastic wait band. In summer men’s short pajamas looked identical to cabana sets designed for lounging by the pool. The cross over from casual or sleepwear was diversifying.
1950s mens summer pajamas and loungewear
1953 Men’s Lounge Shirt and Pajama Pants
1952 Men’s Lounge Shirt and Pants
1959 mens summer pajamas and loungewear
1951 mens winter pajamas and loungewear
Men’s vintage 1960s and 1970s loungewear continued many of the same trends as previous decades but since casual clothes were taking over the fashionable words for all day comfort the need to have specific lounge clothes went by the wayside.
1969 Lounge Pajamas
1972 Men’s Knit or Cotton Pajamas
Much more can be said on the topic. I will keep researching and add to this article. In the meantime enjoy this color photos from various American Catalog clothing companies.
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
