Sizes XS-2XL
Beach Pyjamas, made of silk, linen, or cotton, often in bright, cubist-inspired prints, were the height of summer and resort fashion in the 1920s and 1930s. They were worn from the afternoon to the evening as a fashionable summer style. They generally consisted of wide-legged trousers and a jacket of matching fabric. Slightly more casual one-piece pyjamas for daytime wear sported decorative collars, bindings, or sashes, and were sometimes worn with coordinating bolero jackets.
Our sewing pattern for a one-piece, sleeveless version features a full shawl collar that wraps in front and falls gracefully over the shoulders in back. The wide palazzo pants give the appearance of a skirt, and a contrasting or self-fabric sash that ties around the waist. For daytime wear, you may want a cool linen or cotton, and for evening try a silk or rayon with nice drape.
Suggested fabrics: Light to medium-weight fabrics with soft drape such as rayon, silk, or challis; also crisp, lightweight cotton or linen. Not suitable for fabric with nap, pile, or one-way design. Attached waist sash is great in contrasting color or pattern of same fabric quality.
The PDF pattern is available to download after checkout. The PDF pattern has files for copy shops (36 and A0), print at home (A4 or 8.5x11), and instructions.
LEARN MORE:
Want help sewing with drapey and slippery fabrics? check out this blog post.
Correction: In some versions of the paper pattern, in Step One: Bodice, in the 8th paragraph, the instructions say, Fold under 1” (6mm) of COLLAR seam allowance, enclosing trimmed Bodice seam. This should say Fold under 1/4 (6mm) of COLLAR . . . You will need to enclose the seam by folding under 1/4 twice to cover the seam allowance.