Wearing pajama pants to school has been a growing trend across high schools in America since the pandemic, but is it okay? And is it a fashion rebellion statement or a trend that is here to stay?
Drumbeats talks with students, teachers, and parents to research the trend, which seems to defy traditional dress codes, here is what we found.
Let’s be Honest!
Wearing pajamas is just easier and more comfortable for students because you wake up, brush your teeth and you can be on your way to school. Getting ready is time-consuming, so why not cut the corners?
“I like to wear pajamas to school because I feel more comfortable in them,”says Emma Graffanino, a junior. She started wearing them two years ago when she was a freshman. “I saw other people wear them and they were kind of like a trend. There were and still are a lot of pajama days in school that promote wearing them to school.”
Are Parents Fighting it or Loving it?
Although some parents may not believe that it is proper for students to wear pajamas to school, there are many that feel that it comes down to what the students feel comfortable with — Amanda Lillie is one of them. The mother of two students in our RIH School District, Lillie, who grew up wearing uniforms in school and admits it made her appreciate wearing appropriate attire in certain settings, says, “It’s important for our kids to feel comfortable and relaxed in a learning environment. There are a lot worse things they could wear at school.”
How Teachers are Grading the Trend
According to Mrs. Van Kampen, who teaches art classes, “If a student can stay alert and focused while wearing clothes that make them comfortable, that is what they should wear. I think it is great that students have the freedom to choose to wear whatever makes them comfortable.” We asked her if wearing pajamas in her class is a sign of laziness and she responded, “I do not think PJ’s are a sign of laziness, but a sign of someone wanting to be cozy.”
A Little Bit of History
The school uniforms that we know today can be traced back to 16th century England but the first recorded use of any school uniform was in 1222 in England. English private schools have been wearing uniforms for centuries and their uniforms were very formal, ProCon.org even cited that Eton College students were mandated to wear black top hats and tails till 1972, which is a far cry from what students in America today are wearing. In the U.S. till the late 1980s, private schools were the only ones to have uniforms, but in 1987 one public school in Washington D.C., and one public school in Maryland followed suit. These two public schools implemented uniforms with the reasoning that it fixed discipline issues. These “discipline issues” ProCon.org states are what prompted the change in at least Maryland public schools because in 1986 a shooting took place between students over $95 sunglasses. Uniforms make it so kids from different socioeconomic backgrounds are seen as equal and united.
Is There an RIH Dress Code?
The Department of Education in New Jersey allows each school district to implement their own uniforms or dress codes. Searching for the RIH Dress Code Policy, Drumbeats found BOE policy 5600 which, “Acknowledges that students have the right to express themselves,” but it states that, “students should respect the school community by dressing appropriately.” None of the guidelines mention the wearing of pajamas besides that, “Students should wear clothing that fully covers all undergarments and all private areas,” and, “Students are not permitted to wear clothing with pictures, emblems, or writing that is offensive.”
What Pajamas Do to Your Mental Health
According to the article “Wearing PJs All Day: The Good and Bad” written by The Modern Day Wife, there is nothing wrong with feeling comfortable, but the lack of structure can have a backlash. “Even though it’s fun to wear pajamas all day, it can cause some psychological effects. One psychological effect that comes from wearing pajamas all day is that we can become less productive.”
What About the Style?
Franklin Lakes personal fashion stylist Soneca Guadara, who has more than 13k Instagram followers, does not believe pajamas at school are cool. “I don’t agree that kids should wear their PJs to school. But what do you consider to be your sleepwear? I feel that sweatpants can be a form of pajamas. Loungewear has crossed over making it very versatile from that point of view.” She said pajamas are very stylish now and can easily be worn out of the bedroom but always follow these rules to not give the wrong impression.
Do’s and Don’ts When Wearing Pajamas at School:
-Make sure they are clean!!
-Don’t wear slippers
-Comb your hair
-Look presentable
What’s the Conclusion?
Guadara, who works with celebrities, is convinced PJs are definitely here to stay but adds, “I am a firm believer that if you look good, you will feel good. So even though it’s easy and you can find some stylish PJs that are appropriate, there’s nothing like getting dressed.” Her recommendation is simple, dress for the way you want to be seen, treated, and respected!
