What Do British People Call Pajamas? UK Lingo and Sleepwear Traditions Explained

Of all the language twists between British and American English, sleepwear slips under the radar—until you’re hunting for bedtime comfort in London and can’t find anything labeled “pajamas.” That’s right, you’ll spot “pyjamas” almost everywhere. Spelled with a ‘y’, pronounced with a soft ‘a’, the difference is more than skin deep. There’s an entire world of tradition, class, and cozy habits wrapped up in that little word. Stick around, because the next time you’re chatting with folks across the pond (or shopping for bedtime attire in the UK), knowing the right term could spare you a confused stare—or even earn you a nod for good language manners.

Pyjamas or Pajamas: Why the Spelling and Word Choice Matter in the UK

If you've grown up seeing the word “pajamas” on everything from department store ads to sleepover invitations, the British spelling might look quirky at first. The British spell it “pyjamas.” It’s one of those classic British English quirks that can stump a traveler or even a movie buff. If you ask a Brit about this—believe me, I’ve tried—they’ll usually say, "Well, that’s just how we spell it." But there’s history humming beneath that answer.

Both “pajamas” and “pyjamas” came into English in the 1800s. The word itself has roots in Hindi and Urdu (“pāy-jāma,” meaning leg-garment), brought back to Britain by officers and officials who served in India during the British Empire. As the word slipped into British English, it adopted the ‘y’ spelling to better match how words borrowed from Asian languages were often treated. Americans, with a taste for streamlined spelling, dropped the ‘y’ along the way. That’s why, if you hand a Brit a “pajama party” invite, you might get a polite correction—"Don’t you mean pyjama party?"

There’s more, though. “PJs,” “jammies,” and “jim-jams” are all part of the British sleepwear scene. If you’ve got kids in the house, “jammies” rules the bedtime routine—just like we do with Luna, our dog, who somehow has bedtime energy that rivals a five-year-old in new pajamas. The affectionate term “jim-jams” is classic, too, and pops up in children’s books, Sunday morning cartoons, and tea-with-toast chats. Next time you’re watching a British sitcom and someone mentions “getting into my jim-jams,” now you know they’re talking about their comfy sleepwear.

So what’s on the racks in shops across the UK? If you walk into Marks & Spencer or John Lewis on Oxford Street, you’ll see “pyjamas” stamped proudly on the labels. For adults, it's almost always “pyjamas.” For kids, “jammies” gets a friendly nod, and the whole world of branded sleepwear—from Marvel heroes to cuddly unicorns—falls under that ‘y’ spelling. That little vowel swap isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a symbol of British English holding on to its roots, while still sleeping soundly every night.

What Kind of Pyjamas Do People Wear in Britain? Traditions, Trends, and Fun Tidbits

Bust out your magnifying glass and you’ll find that not all pyjamas in Britain look the same—or serve the same purpose. The classic two-piece pyjama set (button-up shirt and matching trousers) is a staple, especially with older generations. It screams “cosy night in with a cup of tea,” or is seen peeking out from under a padded robe when fetching the post. Brits tend to love their traditions, and the fuss-free two-piece is a bit of national nostalgia. If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Dad’s Army” or caught a rerun of “Fawlty Towers,” you’ve probably seen something close to these old-school sets.

That said, fashion has come calling. In recent years, sleepwear in the UK has loosened up. Think super-soft jersey bottoms, oversized tees, and even pyjama sets designed to look almost presentable for a quick run to the corner shop—no judgment if you’re still in your pyjamas at noon on a rainy Saturday. Fiona, my spouse, claims pyjamas with pockets are one of English society’s greatest inventions. And she’s not wrong. “Secret snack pocket,” she calls it, disappearing with a packet of biscuits and a mug of chamomile.

Onesies have also swept through the UK like a winter storm. Around Christmas, you’ll see shelves lined with animal-print onesies, fleece-lined all-in-ones, and novelty styles that even my parrot Kiwi could appreciate (banana patterns, anyone?). British people are famous for wearing pyjamas at any time of day while relaxing around the house, and with work-from-home life soaring, pyjamas are now both pajamas and loungewear rolled into one.

Pyjamas have their celebrity and media moments, too. It’s not rare to spot an article about a beloved UK actor doing a charity sleep-out in pyjamas, or about children’s hospitals encouraging “Pyjama Day” to raise awareness for a good cause. There’s even an annual event called Pyjamarama, coordinated by BookTrust, where schools and workplaces dress in pyjamas for charity and to promote reading. Want to blend in with your British neighbors? Throw on a snug plaid pair for bed, or go wild with tropical prints at a themed party. As they say, "If you can't sleep, at least look good trying."

And yes, mismatched pyjamas are a thing. Brits are known for mixing patterns, repurposing old T-shirts as pyjama tops, or keeping an old rugby shirt on hand for chilly nights. It’s a quiet rebellion against matching sets, and it’s oddly stylish in a “nobody’s watching” sort of way. If you’re staying over at a friend’s flat or crashing after a pub night, expect offers of an extra “pyjama top” or comfy joggers—spares are never in short supply.

Tips for Navigating British Pyjama Culture (and Avoiding Sleepwear Slip-Ups)

If you’re headed to the UK and want to master the local language (or just avoid blushing at the checkout), a few insider tips can make you look and sound like you’ve slept here for years. First and foremost, use “pyjamas” for adult sleepwear in Britain, and embrace the British spelling if you’re writing. If you see “PJs,” or “jammies,” those are friendly and casual, more likely to show up in family conversations, bedtime stories, or playful advertisements. Don’t use “pajamas” with Brits unless you want to have the spelling discussion. Save it for your American friends.

Curious about gifting pyjamas? Brits love a good pyjama set for birthdays, Christmas, or even a new baby. Just mind the sizes and remember: men’s and women’s sizes in the UK are usually a size or two off from American measurements. Double-check if you’re shopping online or picking something up for a trip. By the way, British stores do a big business in “Christmas pyjamas.” Matching family sets—usually red plaid, reindeer prints, or cartoon Santas—sell out as fast as advent calendars every December. If you ever get invited for a holiday breakfast, show up in holiday pyjamas and you’ll fit right in.

For those planning a “pyjama party” (it really is called a pyjama party here), don’t be afraid to bring something colorful, quirky, or even a little silly. Brits embrace humor in their sleepwear as much as in their TV shows. “Novelty pyjamas” are considered a bit of fun—even adults will turn up in onesies shaped like cats, penguins, or dinosaurs, especially if there’s a good cause or a bit of friendly competition involved. And if you’re in doubt, the classic option is always a button-up set in brushed cotton—soft, warm, and deeply British.

It’s also worth knowing that “nightwear” is the formal category used in UK shops. So if you’re browsing a website or asking a store clerk, “nightwear” will get you to the right aisle. “Nightdress” or “nightie” is what you hear for women’s nightgowns. Men rarely wear traditional nightshirts these days, but you’ll still see them in old movies or perhaps at a themed party. For kids, “jammies” or “jim-jams” is perfect—just brace yourself for bedtime giggles when you say it out loud. Luna, our dog, doesn’t care what you call it—she wants in on the cuddles regardless.

One last bit: If you’re putting “pyjamas” in a crossword, trivia, or pub quiz, always remember the British version British pajamas. It might just make you the hero of the hour.