Pyjamas at the moment are a style assertion, says Gen Z
If you think PJS are solely reserved for indoor wear, then you might want to think again.
Generation Z across the globe are increasingly embracing sleepwear as a fashion statement, donning boxer shorts, quilted jackets, and gingham prints, in broad daylight.
The sight of twenty-somethings donning pyjamas in their everyday life might leave older generations baffled.
But it’s a look that has equally boomed in high fashion, with Gucci’s Men Spring/ Summer show at Milan Fashion Week last month rife with models donning outfits that many might consider suitable for bed.
The nod of approval from luxury brands like Gucci has led to a cohort of celebrities incorporating nightwear into their wardrobes, with Gladiator II actor Paul Mescal being a prime example.
Pyjama-inspired clothing is Gen Z’s latest fashion trend, with content creator Ava Black (pictured) embracing gingham clothing
To the Gucci show, the Normal People star, 28, donned a pair of his trademark extra short shorts and a blue shirt that wouldn’t look out of place at bedtime.
Influencers have also caught wind of the trend, with YouTube sensation Emma Chamberlain posting her latest Instagram selfie in a fitted shirt that bares a similarity to a typical bed shirt.
Brands like Uniqlo have offered trendy sleepwear to the masses for an affordable price, with their men’s woven striped boxers becoming a summer staple for male and female Gen Z’ers.
E-commerce company Etsy has found evidence of the trend impacting sales, a movement they’ve branded ‘the pyjama party aesthetic’.
Etsy claimed that comfort has taken the spotlight, with shoppers embracing clothes reminiscent of a pyjama party.
The company saw a 407 per cent increase in searches for sleep wear and 63 per cent increase in ‘time honoured textiles’ items, such as quilted jackets striped trousers.
Etsy’s Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson said: ‘At Etsy, we frequently see fashion adapting to our modern lifestyles and ‘the pyjama party aesthetic’ demonstrates the seamless blend of comfort and style.
‘I particularly love how it allows people to feel relaxed and confident, whether they’re working from home or out and about.
‘The aesthetic blends the ease of at-home wear with the flair of fashion-forward looks. From quilted jackets, oversized t-shirts to embroidered gilets, there’s plenty of ways to bring this trend to your wardrobes.’
Content creator Beth from Manchester (pictured) said she would ‘definitely’ wear a pair of boxer shorts out this summer
Paul Mescal has also hopped onto the trend, with the Normal People actor sporting a pair of striped shorts and loose-fitted shirt to the Gucci show at Milan Fashion Week last month
Influencer Emma Chamberlain sported a pajama-inspired fitted shirt in her latest Instagram post
Gen Z have revealed the ways they are actively embracing sleepwear into their everyday wardrobes on TikTok.
Mia Buxton from London said she was ‘obsessed’ with wearing a pair of boxers as outwear while displaying them to her followers.
The content creator wrote: ‘Obsessed with these! Super light and perfect for summer.’
Elsewhere, social media manager Beth from Manchester showed her followers how to style a similar pair of shorts, opting for a tight t-shirt and a pair of mini Ugg boots.
The Manchester-based creator said to her followers: ‘What do we think? I will definitely be wearing these this summer’.
Influencer Ava Brown dubbed herself a ‘gingham girl’ as she flaunted her pyjama-inspired outfit on TikTok.
The red outfit included a pair of shorts and a matching collared top with a cinched waist.
Meanwhile, Leigha Coade from Northern Ireland, said she was ‘obsessed’ with her quilted jacket from fast fashion brand Shein.
It’s not just the general population that have embraced pyjama-inspired clothing, with Gucci showcasing a series of looks that bare similarities to to nightwear at their latest fashion show in Milan
It comes after Gen Z are increasingly turning to car boot sales to secure their trendy clothing items.
No longer the preserve of older people looking for bric-a-brac, the sales are now a hotspot for youngsters keen to secure their next Instagram-friendly outfit.
And it wouldn’t be a Gen Z trend if fans didn’t parade their new hobby on social media, with more than 23,000 videos with the hashtag #carboot currently listed on TikTok, featuring individuals keen to show off their thrifted goods.
Hipster Londoners clutch onto cash and an iced latte as they queue outside Dalston or Peckham car boot sales for their next dose of vintage designer clothing.
And it’s not just trendy in the UK’s capital: Yorkshire-based TikTok creator Becky, who uses the handle @beckysbazaar, has gained some 200,000 followers thanks to her car boot sale content.
Gen Z’s new obsession is influenced by numerous factors, including the cost-of-living crisis and sustainability.
Leigha Coade from Northern Ireland (pictured) said she was ‘obsessed’ with her quilted jacket from fast-fashion brand Shein
Joseph Hagan, Director of Streamline PR, which specialises in fashion, said car boot sales allow for fashionable choices at an accessible price.
‘Y2K fashion is extremely trendy among this generation,’ Joseph said. He added: ‘Car boot sales provide the perfect venue for them to find items that fit this nostalgic aesthetic at an affordable price.’
Similarly, consumer research company GWI found that almost a quarter of UK consumers purchase a second-hand product on at least a monthly basis, with 55 per cent of shoppers stating price as their main reason for buying second-hand.
The research identified clothing as the most popular second-hand category, making up 45 per cent of all purchases, followed by toys, shoes and trainers, smartphones, and accessories.
Joseph continued: ‘The cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone, and Gen Z is no exception.
‘With the ever-increasing cost of living, car boot sales provide a fantastic opportunity to secure bargains.’
Joseph continued: ‘Additionally, Gen Z is highly committed to sustainability and protecting the planet. They are aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and consumerism.’
‘In summary, car boot sales appeal to Gen Z because they offer trendy, sustainable, and affordable shopping options that align with their values and financial realities.’
