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.
