As a resident of Limerick, I have seen my fair share of oddities on the streets of this fair city. One such phenomenon, which is on the rise, is the wearing of night wear as day wear. Last Thursday 28th of January, the BBC ran a story regarding a woman, Elaine Carmody, Cardiff, who was refused entry to her local Tescos supermarket because she was wearing her pyjamas. This particular Tescos erected a sign stating that those who were "barefoot" or in their night wear, would be turned away from the establishment as it is deemed offensive and an embarrassment to others to shop in your nightie. Elaine was highly insulted that she was unable to "pop in for a pack of fags" in her night wear, and couldn't quite understand what the big deal was.
This is not a localised incident, it's a bizarre trend that has snow- balled here in Limerick also, with the legion of pyjama zombies on the rise. I have seen women in the city centre, on a saturday, in full night wear, outside Penneys, with a full face of make- up and immaculate hair. I have seen a larger than life woman, speaking rather animatedly on O' Connell street, in nothing but a pair of triangular wranglers and a well worn, off white, cross your heart by Playtex bra. I have also seen a woman, in the middle of the big freeze, in a full length nightdress eating ice- cream outside Savins. As you do.
But why is it okay to step out in your pyjamas in the middle of the day?
It's almost become a status thing, a two finger salute to the establishment that says "f*&k you, I'll do what I like and there's nothin' you can do about it, kid."
The trend was branded "disgusting" by None other than Limerick fashionista, Celia Holman Lee, in June of 2008. Celia couldn't understand where this trend came from, and stated that it didn't come from any trends on the catwalk. She spoke to Joe Nash of Limericks Live 95 FM about it, with a massive public response from the listeners. One woman said she was a single mother who had no time to get dressed up to bring her kids to school. When asked did she just roll out of bed, she stated that she didn't, she changed her pyjamas first... Surely it takes just as long to throw on a tracksuit?
So what is it that bothers people so much about it? Is it because it seems unhygienic? Is it because it goes against what is deemed to be socially acceptable and most people are expected to stay within these parameters? Or is it envy on the part of those who don't have the gumption to step outside the door in whatever they want, with not a care in the world about what anyone thinks of them?
You decide.
I'm off to iron my going out pyjamas, the shopping won't do itself.
EOB
Sunday, January 31, 2010
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8484116.stm
ReplyDeleteHere is the BBC article :)
Great topic, well written, really enjoyed the post!
ReplyDeleteOW
At work today I served someone who was wearing a fluffy dressing gown. I spat in her food. Well, I actually didn't because I would have got in trouble with my manager, but I wanted to :)
ReplyDeleteAH
A primary school just outside the city of Waterford had to send a note home to the parents asking them to refrain from wearing their pyjamas when bringing their children to school as it was deemed offensive.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have the 'gumption' to go do my shopping in Tesco's in my pyjamas (it would be obscenely comfortable, imagine!) but am I being old-fashioned in believing one should have a small bit of pride in their appearance and a small bit of interest in their personal hygiene?
DC
This is actually a really interesting post for me because, coming from Canada, this is a trend that I've seen a major rise in since beginning university. It's commonplace and even almost the norm for students to show up to class in there pyjamas, or at least in clothes that look like pyjamas. I personally haven't engaged in the practice because, well, as the other gentlemen probably understand showing up anywhere in our pyjamas would likely end with a trip to jail. But enough about that. I wish Canadian companies and authorities would take this as seriously.
ReplyDeleteBW
I meant "their".
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't mind if people are shopping etc. in their pyjamas. If it were me I would feel a little ridiculous but each to their own I say.I don't think this ban will reach Limerick somehow and anyway, surely there is worse things that should be worried about?
ReplyDeleteIt's just a bit of fun! Not everything that goes on here has to be serious.
ReplyDeleteAH
It seems these fashionistas only appear in cities and student populated areas. If they were to venture out in rural towns and villages around this country, they would be the talk of the town. I know myself working in a supermarket in Mitchelstown, I would be astonished if anyone were to grace the shop with their night wear.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the idea is very appealing and the experience is hilarious. Everyone stares at you much like when one might stroll around Cork city in one's own debs dress the morning after the debs or the like.
Maybe wearing your pink cotton "Good In Bed" pyjamas around 24 hour Dunnes Stores is actually a cry for attention. We need to take a step back, as Patricia Neville would say, and look at things from a broader perspective and ask why these people feel the need to be looked at? Are they grappling with an inner turmoil? Is there something we're missing?
DA
I don't think DC is being old-fashioned in the comment above.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for individuality and all that but I don't know, I just find the pyjama-wearing look plain sleazy.
NK