Men's White Silk Pajamas

History of Men’s White Silk Pajamas

Western men used to sleep in loose shirts, generally the shirts they wore as undergarments during the day. The colonization of South Asia in the 18th and 19th centuries brought pajamas into use, based as they were on the jacket and trouser combination worn by men in those countries. White silk, a breathable, cool fabric, was ideal for sleepwear in a hot, humid climate to which the average British man was not accustomed. White was practical as well because it did not require dyeing, so that one’s sleepwear was less expensive. The inherent comfort and elegance of silk was quickly spotted, and it was an opportunity for men to enjoy a fabric that was usually only used for their accessories.

Buying Men’s White Silk Pajamas

Although it’s ideal to judge the quality of the silk by look and touch, pajamas are something one can easily buy online because they are not fitted. Several sites offer quality men’s white silk pajamas, so shop around.

• Amazon
  • Offering Intimo pajamas with free shipping, this is an excellent source. Intimo pajamas are made of 100% heavy gauge silk that can be machine washed on cold. The classic cut recalls the glamour years of the 1940s. Add discrete piping, a notch collar button front and two panel pockets, as well as a drawstring pant and fabric-covered elastic waistband with a hidden fly button and you’re truly ready for your close-up. Sizes are from Small to XXL and customers tout them as comfortable and well-made.

• Iris Silks
  • A site dedicated entirely to silk products, Iris Silks offers luxurious men’s silk pajamas in a variety of solid colors, including the classic white. The top is box cut with a full-length sleeve, notched collar, breast pocket, button closure and straight hem. The pants have an elastic waistband and drawstring closure. The fabric is 100% washable silk and sizes range from Small to XXL. Iris Silks also offers matching boxers, lounge pants, briefs and robes.

• KushTush Organics
  • The white of KushTush’s silk pajamas is more of an off-white, which they call mica, but these are still elegant pajamas in silk charmeuse, and organic is always preferable where available. These pajamas must be hand washed and hung to dry.

• Wintersilks
  • The name is the guarantee of the fabric, and Wintersilks has been making quality men’s and women’s silk products for many years. While they don’t have a classic white, they offer an off-white/yellow called “shale” that is in a soft and sumptuous 100% silk charmeuse that can be machine washed. The top buttons and has a chest pocket, the pants have an elastic waist and fly front.

Asian-inspired Men’s White Silk Pajamas

If you can’t find anything that works for you and you live in a city with stores catering to an Asian and South Asian clientele, be sure to browse around. A classic Chinese or Indian suit in good silk would work well as pajamas and give you an exotic flair.

Vintage Pajamas

For the man who likes an authentic retro look, haunt vintage shops. Items like pajamas often survive well over the decades if they are made of a quality fabric because they weren’t used actively. The only disadvantage in this instance is that you’ll have to dry clean them to maintain their integrity.

You can also search vintage shops, and online, for vintage pajama patterns. Silk pajamas are relatively easy to sew because there is only minimal tailoring and this way you can be sure of getting the exact fabric and look you desire.