Hostess pajamas were loose-fitting, flowy outfits worn for lounging and entertaining in the 1960s. They were often made of soft silk, rayon, or cotton and had culotte-style pants or shorts. Modern hostess pajamas are lounge pants, often worn in public, and can also refer to a hostess gift of pajamas or lounge pants.
The hostess pajamas may refer to one of two probable articles of clothing. Once a fashion term used in the 1960s to describe a specific type of outfit, hostess pajamas were loose-fitting, flowy ensembles worn for both lounging and entertaining. A more modern application of the term could also refer to a hostess gift given to invited guests at a weekend gathering or event.
In the early 1960s, McCall’s catalog featured women’s outfits called hostess pajamas. These sets were usually one-piece sets or matching two-piece sets. Hostess pajamas were often made of soft silk, rayon, or cotton and had a fitted top with culotte-style pants or shorts. The patterns were both wild and feminine in a variety of colors. Well-appointed hostess pajamas, these ensembles were suitable for casual entertaining and lounging. A woman could have worn these pajamas to be comfortable while at home, but still be prepared for visitors.
In more modern times, hostess pajamas have been redefined as lounge pants. These trendy pajama bottoms for both men and women are often worn in public, especially by younger age groups. They may not be called hostess pajamas, but they are still typically sold in matching sets. Other styles of clothing that have appeared in more recent fashion trends include gaucho pants or flared leg capris, which are similar to the pants on 1960s-style hostess outfits.
These pajamas also refer to hostess gifts in the form of pajamas or lounge pants. A host or hostess of a weekend gathering or event with overnight guests in attendance can provide a pair of casual pajamas for her guests. The most likely implication when giving pajamas as a hostess gift is to make the guest feel comfortable by providing a pajama outfit deemed appropriate for presenting to the host or hostess at the breakfast table or in the family room for the night.
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