Don’t Wear Pajamas to Class!
This is a public service announcement for your own fashion good: If you have any self respect at all, please stop wearing your pajamas to class.
I’m assuming right now that most girls who read this site aren’t the type to just roll out of bed and walk to class without so much as glancing in a mirror. Nonetheless, we all have our lazy days, we all stay up late studying, and we all have hangovers on Friday mornings at some point. Still, these are NOT good excuses to look like an idiot all day.
I don’t really care if you wake up with 5 minutes to get ready and throw on the ugliest jeans you own with a hoodie, or even a cute pair of sweats (which I’m usually against) if it means you aren’t wearing your PJ’s to class. Any semblance of normal clothing is better than wearing pajamas in a classroom.
Illinois State University agrees with me. Starting this semester, students majoring in Marketing or Education will be required to adhere to a business casual dress code in class at all times.
According to the University’s studies of classes with required dress codes, “professionalism exhibited in the class led to a better learning environment, students being better prepared for class, and students being more respectful of one another.”
If you want to look cuter in general or just want to pass your classes at Illinois State, please remember the following advice: Pajamas = cute for sleeping and lounging around the dorm. OFF LIMITS for going out in public!
SOURCE: 209.85.165.104
*Photo by Malingering on Flickr.
Posted on on September 25, 2007 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Clothing, College Life, Fashion Don'ts, School
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Chelsea Rae
I completely agree about not wearing pajamas to class, and this goes for any student. We all realize you’re trying to say you could care less about looking great because “its just school”, but pajamas? There’s a difference between not caring about what you wear to school and not caring what you look like ever, and PJs crosses the line. Sorry!
Rant over…
Meg
Well, you beat me to the topic this week. I’m also fed up with pjs in class. Wearing pj’s or gym clothes is disrespectful to the teacher, to your classmates, and to yourself. Someone who really cares that little for class, shouldn’t be in class wasting everyone else’s time.
Celeritas
Also, your university library is not a place to sleep, so don’t wear your pyjamas and bring your blanket and go to sleep somewhere!
Zephyr
Chelsea Rae – Awesome, I’m so glad somebody agrees with me here! There are times when I feel like so many girls don’t understand the ugliness of this “trend.” And you are completely right about these people trying to send the message that they “could care less”, but really – is that a good thing?
Meg – Seriously, it’s sooo disrespectful to the teacher! These people go out of their way to prepare all this stuff for you, they have to dress up every day, and then they have to teach to a room of half-asleep pajama-wearing 20 year olds? Come on. It’s so rude.
Celeritas – Haha, I know right! It always freaks me out when I see people asleep a the library in their pj’s… it’s like, don’t you have somewhere to go? Just being at the library isn’t gonna make you smarter, you have to actually be doing something.
Jennifer
Just wondering – where is everyone else from, and is this a common “trend” on your college campuses? I’m from Northern California, and not only is NorCal one of the most chill states in the U.S. (aside from, say, Hawaii), I also attend UC Berkeley, which is even more relaxed in its fashion atmosphere. As such, even professors don’t necessarily “dress up” for class (lots of them just wear t-shirts and jeans/shorts to lectures), and I’ve definitely seen people wearing PJs to class for a long time, all the time. I mean, we have homeless people wandering around campus in grungy jeans, old jackets, and rain boots in summer and many, many college geeks with no fashion sense, who don’t even care what they’re wearing, so that sometimes even the people wearing PJs look more put-together than them.
Personally, I wouldn’t wear PJs to class (except maybe super-comfy sweats/jazz pants on test days), but I guess as someone from NorCal, it’s not that big of a deal to me.
erin
i totally agree. at my school is was mainly the sorority chicks who did it, too, and they are the ones with the most expensive clothes! wtf? Vic Sic’s is making some crazy cute dormwear right now, so get off your butt 2 minutes earlier and throw on some Pink sweats at least!
ps. Pajama pants do not hide cellulite, and YES WE CAN SEE IT!
Zephyr
Jennifer – I’m from New England and it’s a big trend at my school. Granted I go to a big university where not everyone is fashion-conscious, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Still, I don’t think pjs should ever be appropriate for class. I’m with you though on the super-comfy yoga pants on a test day! If I got 2 hrs sleep and need to take a final, fashion is not the first thing on my mind.
Erin – Haha you are so right! At my school the sorority girls always do it! And seriously, VS sweats are really cute. I guess it must be TOO MUCH of an effort to even bother. Even though they can’t make an effort to get dressed, these chicks always seem to have a full face of makeup on…
monica
I go to the University of Arizona and wearing pj’s to class isn’t a big deal and nobody seems to care. There are some days were I feel I am better dressed then the professors, trust me some of them are WORST than the students.
Zephyr
Haha monica I know how you feel about badly dressed professors – one of mine wears the SAME dark green courderoy mom jeans EVERY class. She’s so cute but so in need of help fashion-wise. I wanna pull a Cher in clueless on her haha
Lyd
So agree with the against idea of wearing sweats and pjs to class = Laziness, scruffines..
Amanda
What’s worse, is that at my college a large number of girls will come in to class with their sweatpants tucked in to their Uggs! UGH
Lisa
Im not a fashionista… i read this site to learn about it. However, i would NEVER go to school in PJ, even though i dont have much pretty clothes (im a little like amanda in “The Devil Wears Prada” (not as pretty))… BUT NEVER PJ
BRIANNA :]
HEY! I AGREE WITH THE SWEATS THING. EVEN IF I AM COMPLETELY TIRED I MANAGE TO PUT ON JEANS AND A CUTE TOP.
*BTW, I AM A SORORITY GIRL.
BUT I DONT OWN UGGS OR HAVE TONS OF EXPENSIVE CLOTHES.
allie
sounds to me like you are all a bunch of snobs. what are yall majors, business, Public relations, all of that other easy stuff? Well hardcore female science majors don’t have time to get all fancy just for a class where even the professor is dressed very casually. Ocassionaly i (like half of my campus) will wear pjs to class and no one cares and no one is offended. I remember one girl in my lab that got all dressed up every time well she ended up ruining her fancy clothes (HELLO there are chemicals and other gross things in a lab) and not doing too well in the lab. I don’t think someone who is wearing pjs are “wasting everyones time” especially if that person makes a good grade!
nicki
ok, im not a college student, im actually in 8th grade, but i always read collgefashion.net because it has really cool ideas!
i totally agree with the whole pajamas to class, but i do wear pajamas when its “pajama day” in my school, a little ritual we do once a year. but its not like i dress sloppy. i usually wear cute Victorias Secret PINK pjs with a cute top and a hoodie with my Crochet Uggs( luv them!). But on regular days, i am usually very put together, and sometimes i use collegefashion.net’s tips and ideas.
stephanie
Ok…the only time i feel that anyone should wear pajamas out is when they are getting “dolled up”. take for example. My wedding day i wore a pair of pajama pants and a reallly really loose t-shirt because I didn’t want my hair to mess up when i went to put the dress on. for the pants…ok..i wore heart pants but i wanted to be comfy on my wedding day before i got into the heels.
btw..if u are ever in a wedding or a bride. buy some old navy flip flops in the color of the dress when u are dancing. prevents u from stepping on anything and u dont have to wear heels. (prom too)
Alec
I cannot stand it when people use “I’m a hardcore science major” as an excuse to walk around looking as though they dressed in the dark. As a genetics major who makes a real effort to look presentable every day, this attitude is really disheartening. I’m not saying you have to wear a business suit, but is it too much to ask to throw on a pair of jeans (or non-gymwear-shorts if it’s hot outside)? Also, the girls wearing pajamas on my campus always seem to be wearing those butt-ugly silvery jogging shoes; it’s bad enough when you go straight to class after the gym or your morning jog, it’s even worse if you’re wearing those shoes and it’s obvious you haven’t been jogging in years (see comment above re: cellulite). Pajamas in class is a great way to get guys to ignore you.
Becks
I freaking HATE seeing people in their pajamas. It looks super sloppy. I wear jeans and a cute top everyday and do my makeup all within 30 minutes. Seriously, how much more effort does it take to pull on a pair of jeans?! I go to a small liberal arts college, and I pay a really lovely (not) price to go to school there. I expect the people I am in class with to have a certain level of maturity and professionalism when it comes to their education.
Can I also say that sweatpants are ok occasionally, but everyday is a little ridiculous. If you have on sweatpants and a full face of makeup you look stupid. End of story.
P.S. Miss Science Major? I live with three and all of them manage to get dressed just fine in the mornings, as well as make good grades. Even when pressed for time they all look presentable, even if its just jeans, a sweater and a ponytail.
Kortnee
Gosh. I really wish people didn’t do this. It’s so ugly. When I see a girl in pj’s and a hoodie with that grungy looking pony tail, I just want to shake her! Sweatpants or pj’s take just as long to put on as jeans. One leg in, the other leg in, EASY! So just put on the jeans! I’m not saying I expect everyone to be dressed flawlessly every single day, but even a little effort shows on those “off” days.
Cheri
I’m sorry but I must agree with the science major. I just completed my 1st year in college. I go to a very small school, Amherst College. There have been a few times when I wear a cute pair of pjs to class because I had an 8:30 class and literally had to run out the dorm just to make it there on time. I’m someone who cares about her appearance greatly but when it comes down to it that’s not what’s getting me the grade. But please believe after that class I go back to my dorm and get presentable for the rest of the day. Also I don’t mind people in the library in their pjs. Many people go shower for the night and then go study in the library. It’s not that big of a deal really.
Kaci
It really doesn’t bother me to see other people wearing pjs to class but I personally hate doing that. On occassion, if I’m REALLY pressed for time, I might toss on athletic pants or something light with some structure (South = Major heat). Even in those cases, I usually throw on jeans just because I like to feel awake in class – it’s necessary.
As for hardcore science majors – that’s cool if you feel like you need to schlep to class in pjs. However, as a pharmacy major myself, I prefer to head to lectures and labs looking professional. And trust me, I know the stress levels. With 6-8 classes a semester w/ labs as well as rotations and then working a job I never feel like I have time in the mornings. Yet, I still manage to look nice. However, to be fair, going to school for pharmacy is more like a job – so it’s more important to be presentable. Although, alot of people come to classes in scrubs depending on where they are working or doing rotations so that’s obviously acceptable. But still, pjs just aren’t professional, hinder your mood and attention, and, as I’ve found out through experience, classes can be an excellent means of networking depending on major. So I prefer to look nice, yet I do also understand why some are actually too stressed to feel like wearing anything but pjs.
Erika
I completely agree with this article! I’m a Biophysics major (for the people who think you can’t look nice in organic chemistry) and I still think its important to dress acceptably for class. What if the professor chooses the day you’re dressed like you rolled out of bed to talk to you about grades? Or about a job recommendation? Do you really think that a professor ISN’T going to notice that you didn’t care enough about their class to put on jeans? Looking like a slob just leaves a bad impression, and no professor wants to write a recommendation for a slob.
Honestly, even if you’re running really late and just rolled out of bed, you can make it work. Take off the pajama pants and pull on jeans. Throw on a clean t-shirt and brush your hair in a ponytail. There you go. Not exactly fashion forward, but perfectly acceptable.
If you’re REALLY that pressed for time in the morning, lay your clothes out the night before! That way you have no excuse to look homeless!
Kaci
Exactly, Erika! I agree!
Ella
I completely disagree, learning comes before fashion!
Kaci
I don’t think anyone was debating which comes first or is most important.
Andie
I don’t really wear pajamas to school…I would just feel weird having everyone see what I sleep in. It would be like being seen in my underwear. I do, however, wear sweats sometimes which I’m sure some people construe as being what I sleep in. I honestly don’t care. I impress my profs with my attitude, my work ethic, my grades, and my initiative. When it actually matters, you can bet I dress the part. I’m not at school to impress people with my appearance (for the most part). If I’m not comfortable, it’s all I can focus on. Also, immediately after class, I go to work (which is on campus) at a child care center where it isn’t a big deal to wear sweats or whatever. I’ve had kids puke all over me, etc. I don’t have time to change into clothes that are suitable for puking on. Like I said, though, I usually try to stay away from sweats and pajamas. Sometimes it’s just more convenient. Also, as previously stated, when it actually matters what I wear, I definitely don’t put on pajamas. (For instance, I have another job where I need to look sharp and be in uniform. I most definitely take pride in my appearance then.)
Andie
@ Erika – I’m pretty certain professors realize that people with actual brains in their heads won’t wear pajamas to a job that they might recommend you for. Just being in college shows that you have determination and are taking your future seriously…I’m sure this would be doubly apparent if you had good enough grades that your professor might recommend you for a job. I understand dressing up if you’re presenting something or whatever. Also, let me remind you that college isn’t an education. It’s a business. We that take classes are the consumers. We are buying a product. How I choose to look while receiving my purchase is up to me. I don’t owe anyone anything…it’s a fair trade…something that I have bought.
Erica
I don’t feel like it’s a huge deal if people wear pjs to class. I personally don’t…. but as for sweatpants, definently! Sweatpants are so comfy, and if worn right are not “sloppy” looking. Yeah, you won’t win fashion points, but I think it’s acceptable. As far as the professor’s opinion of you, I’ve never been treated differently for what I am wearing. Sometimes I dress up for class, sometimes I don’t, and it really doesn’t make a difference. Professors have way too much to worry about to think about your wardrobe choice. Maybe in smaller classes where the atmosphere is professional, but for your typical classroom setting, I don’t think sweats are a problem.
Fyre
I can agree that wearing pajama’s to class is a big NO. They look sloppy and like you don’t really care about the course. Another thing that bothers me is guys who wear pajama pants hanging halfway off their bum. I mean, what kind of message are you sending to your professors or anyone else who happens to see you in the hall? I live across town and bike to my campus and have to be there at 8 am every day. I manage to put on jeans and a cute top before I leave the house, even if I wake up 5 mins before I have to leave. Image is important in college. We’re here to learn how to be adults, so people need to start dressing like one!
lo
i think the whole pjs to school thing isnt for me, just cause i cant pull it off,but if you can pull it off i think its a cute look exspecally for school.BUT i agree you do look way more professional not wear pajamas to school but its whatever floats your boat!!(: