I say “Need” advisedly, because I don’t really need more things to wear to the beach. I have multiple robes, onesies and wrap skirts. But I don’t own beach pyjamas, and now that I know they exist, I want some.
Sam has written about swim dresses before, but those are quite different from the elegant, yet voluminous and comfortable pyjamas of the 1920s and 1930s.
Beach pyjamas were shocking when they first appeared, because they crossed gender lines. Until the 1920s, only men wore the lightweight pants with drawstring waistbands that had been adopted by British colonials from Indian Muslims in the 1800s. But “modern girls” who used them could roam unhindered around beachside towns.
I have some fabric in my stash that would be perfect, for pyjamas. And I think I have something that will make a suitable accompanying top, inspired by these gorgeous looks.
I rather like the idea of tackling one of my 25 in 2025 projects (reduce the fabric stash) by sewing something feminist, even if it doesn’t turn out as cute as one of these:
