Gowns and Jammies
Doll clothes are considered as an essential part of the fun of playing with the doll. When doll first appeared, the clothes were in the form of fashion model outfits. Since then, however, outfits can be worn for nearly any situation or occasion.
Gown and Jammies are considered as one of the most important outfits of dolls. A gown is basically a loose outer garment from knee to full-length worn by both men and women in Europe from the early middle ages to 17th century; later, gown was applied to any doll’s garment including a bodice and attached skirt.
A long, loosely-fitted gown called as a banyan was worn by men during 18th century in the form of informal coat.
The gowns worn at present by judges, academics and some clergy get directly from the daily garments worn by their medieval ancestors, formalized into a uniform in the course of 16th and 17th centuries.
In fashion of women, gown was used in English for any one-piece garment, but more often during the 18th century for an over garment worn with a petticoat as compared to the bed gowns or short gowns of the later 18th century.
By the early 20th century, gowns as well as frock were basically used as synonyms with dress, though gown was more often used for a heavy or formal garment and frock for an informal or light-weight one. Only in last few years gown has lost its general meaning of woman’s garment in the US in favor of dress.
Jammies are generally loose fitting and designed for comfort, by making use of softer materials like cotton or the more luxurious satin or silk. Synthetic materials like Lycra and polyester are also available. They are generally worn with bare feet and more frequently without underwear, though these differ by personal preference.
Jammies often consist of visual references to a thing that may hold some special appeal to the wearer. Images of animals, sports, polka dogs, balloons and other things may all be utilized to decorate them. Jammies may also be found in plainer designs like plain grey, but when worn in public, they are generally designed in such a way that it makes their identity explicit.
Jammies are often worn as comfort wear even when not in bed, and are also at times worn as fashion statement. In North America, few people have started wearing Jammies as pants in public as fashion. In china, it is not uncommon in the late evening or afternoon, to have adults wear their Jammies in public around their local neighborhood.
