The one-piece jumpsuit has made a comeback! Usually they are sleeveless or short-sleeved with flaring pants that can give the illusion of being a maxi dress. They are perfect for those warmer months of the year. I've added a few floral jumpsuits to my wardrobe and recently I was shopping online for a new jumpsuit when a photo of a 1930s McCall's pattern for "Ladies and Misses Beach Pajamas" popped up on my screen. Beach pajamas? I had never heard of the term beach pajamas and had always associated "pajamas" with sleepwear not the beach, but the photo intrigued me and I needed to learn more about beach pajamas..... I read that the name "pyjama" referred to a casual dress style that originated in India. It was introduced in Britain during the 17th century and eventually became a style of luxurious lounge wear for men in Europe. But in the 20th century, the one-piece garment became a fashion style worn primarily by women. According to Dolce & Gabbana, French designer and feminist Coco Chanel introduced the pyjama to the world of women's fashion during the 1920s as a feminist fashion statement associated with the liberation of women. This new fashion trend was embraced by women worldwide.
By the 1940s, the one-piece garments were called jumpsuits and clothing designers continued to design jumpsuits that were influenced by fashion trends from each decade. For example, in the 1940s fashion designer Vera Maxwell created military style jumpsuits for casual wear. In the following decades, jumpsuits were designed for both casual and formal attire.
Today, jumpsuits are available in a variety of styles and patterns and have proven to be a popular and timeless garment.
 |
| 1930s |
 |
| 1940s |
 |
| 1960s |
 |
| 1970s |
