Calling all vintage fashion lovers! It’s time to take a step back in time to explore the beloved loungewear of the 1920s-1950s. From cozy waffle weave pajamas to glamorous silk charmeuse satin robes, this era of fashion was coveted for its effortless glamour and comfort — a combination that still resonates with us today. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rich history of these pieces, thru their iconic designs via images and ads.

Let’s take a look at the delightful evolution of loungewear that defined these era’s fashions.

1950s Vintage Ad for a Pajama Party

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Vintage Pajamas & Loungewear of the 1920s-1950s

Vintage Shopping: I have created an Etsy Collection of vintage pajamas & loungewear (plus sewing patterns) that is updated monthly that you can purchase right now. Find it HERE.

The 1920’s

Two models in nightwear in the 1920s. 1920s Fashion/ 1920s Pajamas

A romantic and feminine vintage 1920s peachy pink silk and lace pajama set.

1920s Fashion: 1920s Pajama Set, Flapper Pajamas, 20s Silk Lace Camisole Top and Pajama Pants, Boudoir Lingerie

Source: Etsy

1928 Glover Men’s Pajamas Ad. “There is sheer joy—just in wearing them“.

1920s Advertisement: 1928 Glover Men's Pajamas Ad. "There is sheer joy—just in wearing them".

Source: Attic Paper

1920’s Ladies’ pajama set sewing pattern. Featuring a robe, trousers and top.

1920's Ladies' pajama set sewing pattern. Featuring a robe, trousers and top

Source: eBay

Superb pair of 1920s pyjamas in the most delightful, light-as-a-feather French cotton voile.

1920s Fashion: Superb pair of 1920s pyjamas in the most delightful, light-as-a-feather French cotton voile.

Source: Etsy

Found in a 1925 Catalog, a beautiful McCall Pattern for 1920s Women’s 2 Piece Pajamas with the prettiest of details.

Found in a 1925 Catalog, a beautiful McCall Pattern for 1920s Women's 2 Piece Pajamas with the prettiest of details. 1920s Vintage Sewing Pattern

Source: Vintage 4 Me 2

You could also go a bit more sexy with a vintage 1920s blush pink silk lingerie teddy shorts combination (avail as of Sept 2024 HERE). This feels to me like something a Flapper would wear. I love it!

1920s Fashion: Vintage 1920s blush pink silk lingerie teddy shorts combination slip with cream mesh trim, embroidery, hemstitching, and side slits

Source: Etsy

The 1930′s

1930s Lounging Pajamas.

1930s Lounging Pajamas as seen on a 1930s actress posing for a photo.

1930s Lounging Pajamas as seen in this vintage sewing pattern. So pretty!

1930s Fashion: 1930s Lounging Pajamas as seen in this vintage sewing pattern illustration.

Vintage 1930s Pajama Loungewear Set Striped Rayon Jersey Wide Leg Satin Pants.

1930s Fashion: Vintage 1930s Pajama Loungewear Set Striped Rayon Jersey Wide Leg Satin Pants

Source: Etsy

1930’s Men’s Pajamas sewing pattern. I love the pocket squares, because you never know when you may need to use it.

1930s Fashion: 1930's Men's Pajamas sewing pattern.

Source: Etsy

1930s Saybury iridescent blue brocade zipper housecoat dress. That BLUE! Love it!

1930s Fashion: 1930s Saybury iridescent blue brocade zipper housecoat dress.

Source: Etsy

The 1940’s

1940s vintage photo of slumber party shenanigans, 1944.

Slumber party shenanigans, 1944. 1940s photo of girls in their pajamas having fun.

Source: Tumblr

1940s Vintage Sewing Pattern from Du Barry featuring Misses Long and Two Piece Pajamas. Adorable!

1940s Fashion: 1940s Vintage Sewing Pattern Misses Long Pajamas, Two Piece Pajamas

Vintage 1940s Rayon Floral Robe-So Elegant!

1940s Fashion: Vintage 1940s Rayon Floral Robe / 40s Rayon Lounge Dress

Source: Etsy

This 16-page (including cover) magazine was issued in the early 1940s (Weldon’s Home Dressmaker, No. 568), at the height of the Swing era, and features a number of illustrations, photographs, and articles regarding fashion and lifestyle.

1940s Fashion: 1940s "Pretty Lingerie" sewing magazine with 3 factory-cut dress patterns fashion illustration

Source: Etsy

Gorgeous 1940s Pink Rayon Liquid Satin Dressing Gown.

1940s Fashion: Gorgeous 1940s Pink Rayon Liquid Satin Dressing Gown / 1940s Women's Loungewear.

Source: Etsy – MamaLovesYouVintage

Men’s slip over pajamas c. 1940 as seen on this vintage sewing pattern.

1940s Fashion: Men's slip over pajamas c. 1940. Vintage Sewing Pattern

Source: Old Patterns

1945 Simpsons Catalog Page featuring, New Pajama Fashions for Spring (Plus Housecoats & Wrap-Arounds).

FURTHER READING: Inside a Canadian Simpson’s Catalogue: Women’s Fashions of Spring and Summer 1945

1940s Fashion: 1945 Pajama fashions for women from 1940s simpson vintage catalog 1940s sleepwear for women

While not an exact match the below silk nightgown from the 1940s reminds me a bit of the one on the bottom right in the above ad.

1940s Fashion: Beautiful pink silk satin pyjama set by Dunning Lingerie from the 1940s. The top has lace detailing on the neckline and bust and an empire waist that ties in the back. The neckline dips into a V in the front and back, and the fluttery sleeves are detailed and trimmed with lace. The pants have sweeping wide legs and a slight elasticized waist.

Source: Etsy

1940s Men’s Dressing Gowns.

1940s Fashion: 1940s Mens Dressing Gown vintage sewing pattern illustration.

Source: Pinterest

The 1950’s

1950s vintage photo of a girl with rags in her hair for rag curls.

1950s Vintage Le Roy sewing pattern featuring a full Length Nightdress or Pajamas with Optional Trouser Lengths.

1950s Fashion: 1950s Vintage Le Roy Full Length Nightdress or Pyjamas with Optional Trouser Lengths, vintage sewing pattern.

Source: Etsy

Drool!! Vintage 1950s batik cotton rayon jacket and pant lounge set.

1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950s batik cotton rayon jacket and pant lounge set.

Source: Etsy

1952 Sears Wish Book Christmas Catalog page featuring a slew of different Pajamas and Nightwear styles to chose from.

1950s Fashion Illustration: 1952 Sears Wish Book Christmas Catalog page featuring a slew of different Pajamas and Nightwear styles to chose from.

Source: Sears Wishbookweb.com

1950s BEAUTIFUL Peignoir (a woman’s light dressing gown or negligee), Nightgown and Bed jacket Sewing Pattern.

1950s Fashion: 1950s BEAUTIFUL Peignoir (a woman's light dressing gown or negligee), Nightgown and Bed jacket Sewing Pattern.

Source: So Vintage Patterns

How cute is this 1950s chiffon robe with Peter Pan collar and in a lime green chiffon? Love it!

1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950s chiffon robe with Peter Pan collar. Lime green chiffon with sheer white floral lace yoke and sleeves. The bust is trimmed with chiffon piping, ribbon lace, and a tiny chiffon bow.

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1950s Pink Dressing Gown Floral Robe. I love a good dressing gown and I own a couple myself.

1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950s Pink Dressing Gown Floral Robe

Source: Etsy

1950’s Men’s pajamas, “For Sleeping & Lounging”: 1952 Sears Christmas Catalogue.

1950s Fashion: 1950's Men's pajamas, "For Sleeping & Lounging": 1952 Sears Christmas Catalogue.

Source: WishbookWeb.com

It’s a Pajama Party 1950s Record featuring teenage girls having a fun slumber party wearing 1950s PJs.

pajama party vintage record featuring 1950s music

Source: 1950s Unlimited

I have to say WHAT STYLE! Seriously these loungewear (especially the 30s) is so delightful and elegant and cool (sorry men, yours is just “normal”). You can’t help but feel elegant all the time.

Question Time: What was your favourite PJ/ Loungewear style above? Share in the comments below.

FURTHER READING:

Vintage Shopping: I have created an Etsy Collection of vintage pajamas & loungewear (plus sewing patterns) that is updated monthly that you can purchase right now. Find it HERE.

And keep staying safe friends!

Liz