Pajamas vs. Sweatpants — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 28, 2023
Pajamas are soft, lightweight clothing for sleeping, while sweatpants are casual, often fleece-lined trousers primarily for exercise or leisure.
Difference Between Pajamas and Sweatpants
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pajamas are typically designed as a two-piece set, consisting of both a top and bottom, made for the purpose of sleeping. They come in various materials, but commonly, they're made of soft fabrics like cotton, silk, or satin. Sweatpants, on the other hand, are singular pants, generally made of cotton or a cotton-blend, and designed mainly for comfort during activities or leisure time.
The origin of pajamas traces back to South and West Asia, with Western cultures adopting them in the 19th century as sleepwear. Sweatpants, in contrast, find their roots in American culture, initially introduced in the 1920s for athletes to wear over their shorts to keep warm before or after physical activity. Their design is more about functionality and comfort, especially during physical exertion.
Pajamas often have designs or patterns like stripes, checks, or playful graphics. They are primarily worn in the privacy of one's home, especially at bedtime. Sweatpants, while they can have designs or logos, are more uniform in color, often featuring elastic or drawstring waists and elastic ankle cuffs. They've also gained popularity as a fashion statement, especially in casual or "athleisure" wear.
A significant difference between the two lies in their cultural and social acceptance. While it's more common to see someone in public wearing sweatpants, it would be considered unusual to see someone in pajamas outside of their home. However, the lines have blurred recently, with some people donning stylish or luxury pajamas as daywear.
In terms of maintenance, both pajamas and sweatpants are easy to care for. Pajamas, especially those made of delicate materials like silk, may require gentle washing. Sweatpants are more robust and can typically handle regular washing cycles, reflecting their more rugged use compared to the delicate nature of pajamas.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Sleepwear
Exercise or leisure wear
Typical Material
Cotton, silk, satin
Cotton or cotton-blend
Design
Often patterned (stripes, checks, graphics)
Generally solid with potential logos
Acceptance in Public
Rarely worn outside home
Commonly worn, especially in casual settings
Components
Typically a two-piece set (top and bottom)
Singular pants
Compare with Definitions
Pajamas
Loose-fitting nightclothes.
She gifted him a set of striped pajamas for his birthday.
Sweatpants
Casual trousers designed for comfort or sports.
He wore sweatpants during his morning jog.
Pajamas
Sleep attire that may be patterned or plain.
Her pajamas had a cute cat pattern on them.
Sweatpants
Often made of cotton or a cotton-blend.
Her fleece-lined sweatpants were perfect for winter.
Pajamas
Soft clothing primarily for sleeping.
She wore her favorite silk pajamas to bed.
Sweatpants
Designed for warmth and comfort during physical activity.
He always wore sweatpants to the gym.
Pajamas
Often a two-piece sleepwear set.
His flannel pajamas kept him warm on chilly nights.
Sweatpants
Trousers with elastic or drawstring waists.
These sweatpants have a drawstring to adjust the fit.
Pajamas
A comfortable attire worn at bedtime.
After a long day, he changed into his pajamas and relaxed.
Sweatpants
Popular in "athleisure" fashion.
Paired with a trendy top, her sweatpants looked stylish.
Pajamas
Pajamas (US) or pyjamas (Commonwealth) (), sometimes shortened to PJs, jammies, or Jim-jams, are several related types of clothing originating from South Asia. Adopted in the Western world, pajamas are soft, warm, and traditionally loose garments derived from the Indian and Persian bottom-wear, the pyjamas.
Sweatpants
Sweatpants are a casual variety of soft trousers intended for comfort or athletic purposes, although they are now worn in many different situations. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa they are known as tracksuit bottoms.
Pajamas
A garment, usually consisting of loose-fitting pants and a shirt or top, worn for sleeping or lounging.
Sweatpants
(US) Informal cotton trousers, with an elasticated or drawstring waist, used for exercise etc.
Pajamas
A pair of loose-fitting pants worn in South and Southeast Asia by men and women.
Pajamas
Clothes for wearing to bed and sleeping in, usually consisting of a loose-fitting shirt and pants/trousers.
Pajamas
Loose-fitting trousers worn by both sexes in various southern Asian countries including India.
Pajamas
Originally, in India, loose drawers or trousers, such as those worn, tied about the waist, by Mohammedan men and women; by extension, a similar garment adopted among Europeans, Americans, etc., for wear in the dressing room and during sleep; also, a suit consisting of drawers and a loose upper garment for such wear.
Pajamas
Loose-fitting nightclothes worn for sleeping or lounging; have a jacket top and trousers
Pajamas
Lightweight trousers worn in various Eastern countries
Common Curiosities
Is it common to wear pajamas outside?
Generally, pajamas are worn at home, but some wear stylish pajamas as daywear.
Can sweatpants be worn for exercising?
Yes, sweatpants are often worn for exercise or leisure activities.
Are pajamas usually two-piece sets?
Typically, yes. Pajamas often come as a set with both a top and bottom.
Are pajamas meant for sleeping?
Yes, pajamas are primarily designed as sleepwear.
What material are sweatpants typically made of?
Sweatpants are commonly made of cotton or a cotton-blend.
Do pajamas come in silk?
Yes, silk is a popular luxurious material for pajamas.
When did pajamas become popular in Western culture?
Western cultures adopted pajamas as sleepwear in the 19th century.
Are sweatpants and joggers the same?
They're similar, but joggers usually have a tapered fit, while sweatpants might be looser.
Can sweatpants be a fashion statement?
Absolutely, sweatpants have become popular in "athleisure" fashion trends.
Are all pajamas patterned?
No, pajamas can be patterned or plain.
Why are sweatpants called "sweatpants"?
They were initially designed for athletes to sweat in during physical activity.
Do sweatpants have pockets?
Many sweatpants come with pockets, but not all.
Can pajamas be one-piece?
Yes, some pajamas, like "onesies," are one-piece garments.
Do sweatpants always have elastic at the ankles?
While many do, not all sweatpants have elastic ankle cuffs.
Which is more formal, pajamas or sweatpants?
Both are casual, but sweatpants are more commonly worn in public settings.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
