What Do British People Call Pajamas? A Look for Shoppers in Ireland
Strolling through a shop on Grafton Street or scrolling online for that perfect set of nighttime gear, you'll probably notice something—it’s not always spelled "pajamas." In Ireland, the British version "pyjamas" pops up everywhere, from Penneys in Letterkenny to the latest offers on Littlewoods Ireland. This slight difference in letters might sound minor, but it helps you spot local stock versus American or global brands almost instantly.
For anyone new to the Irish market or just comparing UK and Irish habits, this switch in spelling is more than a quirky detail. The word "pyjamas" has taken root here for generations, thanks in part to Irish and British influence on schools, shops, and even children's bedtime stories. You'll see it printed on tags, listed in catalogues, and even as themes for charity events like the Irish Cancer Society's Pyjama Day.
- The Great Spelling Split: Pajamas vs Pyjamas in Ireland
- Spotting Pyjamas on Irish High Streets and Online
- Local Brands, Traditions, and Trends
- Sleepwear Shopping Tips for Ireland
The Great Spelling Split: Pajamas vs Pyjamas in Ireland
This is one of those Irish and British quirks that throws people off, especially if they’re used to the American spelling. In Ireland, if you’re looking for comfy nightwear, you’ll spot the word “pyjamas” almost everywhere. It’s just how things are thanks to British spelling habits sticking around since before independence. Walk into Dunnes Stores or browse Tesco Ireland’s site, and you’ll see “pyjamas” on nearly every label. But hop onto an American retailer’s page, and it’s always “pajamas.”
So, what’s behind this? The word itself came to English from the Hindi “pajama” (which meant leg clothing) during British colonial times. As English split into varieties worldwide, the British held on to “pyjamas,” while Americans simplified it to “pajamas.” Here’s how you’ll see it break down in Ireland and beyond:
| Country | Common Spelling |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Pyjamas |
| UK | Pyjamas |
| USA | Pajamas |
| Canada | Both spellings |
| Australia | Pyjamas |
For the Irish market, using the pajamas spelling is a dead giveaway you’re dealing with something American or international. It also matters for online shopping—searching the wrong spelling can cut you off from local bargains. The spelling doesn’t change what you get—it’s still your trusty t-shirt and bottoms—but knowing the Irish way gets you farther whether you’re in Armagh or Athlone.
If you’re writing a shopping list or picking something up for a charity event at a local school, use “pyjamas” to avoid any confused looks. People here grew up watching The Late Late Toy Show in their pyjamas, not pajamas, and that’s not changing any time soon.
Spotting Pyjamas on Irish High Streets and Online
Walk into any Penneys, Dunnes Stores, or Marks & Spencer in Dublin or Cork and you’ll see racks labelled “pyjamas,” not “pajamas.” It’s the same on their websites, making things easier if you're shopping from your couch in Galway. While US-based sites like Amazon or Gap use “pajamas,” Irish and UK retailers stick with the British spelling pretty much everywhere you look.
If you’re looking for actual examples, just search “Ladies Pyjamas” on Brown Thomas online, or check out the sleepwear aisles at Arnotts. Even Lidl and Aldi use “pyjamas” in their special buys leaflets. The difference isn’t just in the spelling—the styles can change too. Irish stores feature thicker flannels and fleecy sets, because honestly, Irish nights are rarely tropical, even in July. Plus, every December, you’ll spot whole families in matching Christmas pyjamas for the annual Late Late Toy Show, a tradition that keeps breaking sales records.
"In Ireland, pyjamas aren’t just for sleeping, they’re for comfort—especially during the long, rainy winter evenings," says retail consultant Brian McLoughlin of Jervis Shopping Centre.
If you care about local trends, you’ll spot cotton blends and button-down tops in shops like Avoca or Meadows & Byrne, and unicorn prints or football club logos for kids in Tesco. Price-wise, supermarket own-brands can be less than €10 for a set, while fancier brands, like White & Green, may run upwards of €60—sometimes more if you get into organic materials.
| Shop | Common Spelling | Starting Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Penneys | Pyjamas | 7 |
| Dunnes Stores | Pyjamas | 10 |
| Marks & Spencer | Pyjamas | 18 |
| Brown Thomas | Pyjamas | 40 |
| Amazon.ie | Pajamas | 12 |
If you're buying from outside Ireland, watch for the spelling and double-check shipping costs. Websites that use “pajamas” sometimes charge extra for deliveries to Irish addresses or offer less selection suited for pajamas weather here. So, knowing the right word puts you ahead, whether you’re hunting for a bargain in Limerick or browsing for luxury in Blackrock.
Local Brands, Traditions, and Trends
Walk into any Irish department store—think Dunnes Stores, Marks & Spencer in Cork or Galway, or Penneys in any shopping centre—and you'll spot racks stacked with "pyjamas." These are often affordable, practical, and ready for every kind of Irish weather. Dunnes and Penneys regularly release themed sets for Christmas, Mother’s Day, or charity events, so you’re rarely stuck with boring old stripes or plain grey. The best-selling options still lean toward fleecy, warm pyjamas, especially during those endless Irish winters. If you’re after designer sleep gear, high-end boutiques in Dublin carry snazzier loungewear, but for most, local brands win for value and comfort.
Irish folks have a habit of wearing their "jammies" (slang for pyjamas) well beyond bedtime. Pyjama Day in creches and national schools lets kids (and yes, some teachers) show up all day in their favourite sets for a laugh, often raising funds for a cause. Even at home, it isn’t odd to spot someone doing weekend chores in a pyjama top and a battered T-shirt. Family Christmas photos in matching pyjamas have taken off big time, with Dunnes rolling out matching sets for all ages, dogs included.
Here’s a quick snapshot of where Irish people shop for pyjamas and how common certain sleepwear routines are:
| Brand/Shop | Popular Styles | Price Range (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Penneys (Primark) | Printed sets, Disney, fleece | 8–18 |
| Dunnes Stores | Cotton, flannel, festive designs | 10–23 |
| Marks & Spencer | Jersey, modal, family sets | 20–40 |
| F&F at Tesco | Kids and family themes | 7–15 |
Buying "pyjamas" as an Irish resident means you’ll rarely end up with something too light or too flashy unless you’re grabbing a bargain online. Most folks still prefer button-up two-piece sets for comfort or mix pyjama bottoms with a classic old GAA t-shirt. If you want to fit right in, just wear your pyjama bottoms to bin out the rubbish in the morning—no one will bat an eye.
Sleepwear Shopping Tips for Ireland
Don’t just grab the first pair of pyjamas you spot on the shelf. Shopping for sleepwear in Ireland has its own quirks, especially if you’ve just moved here or aren’t sure what local shops offer.
- Stick with trusted shops like Penneys (Primark elsewhere), Dunnes Stores, or Marks & Spencer if you want affordable, classic Irish and British-style pajamas. These spots rotate their pyjama stock with the seasons—fleece sets in winter, lighter cotton options when summer hits (if summer actually shows up!).
- Avoid overheating by checking the label: lots of Irish homes still get pretty cold at night, so flannel or brushed cotton goes down a treat from October onwards.
- Shop local when you can—Irish brands like McNutt of Donegal sometimes do limited runs of higher-end sleepwear, using local linen and organic cotton. These are pricier but make brilliant gifts or feel a bit special for those home nights.
- If you have sensitive skin or allergies, look for OEKO-TEX or organic cotton labels. Irish mum groups online often tip about these, especially for kids.
- Heading online? Pick Irish sites or UK-based retailers with reasonable delivery times and proper euro prices to dodge those sneaky post-Brexit customs charges. Littlewoods Ireland is a safe bet, as is the Irish branch of M&S.
- Keep an eye out for charity events—Pyjama Days pop up in Irish schools and creches, so buying a fun set for your kids (or yourself) can mean you’re prepared for those random dress-up days.
The last tip: Don’t be shy about mixing up your sleepwear with a cosy t-shirt. In tons of Irish homes, the humble tee gets as much love at bedtime as any fancy pyjama set. Just go for comfort—and be ready to dash to the door or chat to housemates without feeling daft.