I Wore Footie Pajamas for a Week: My Cozy Fashion Experiment
One fashion editor ditched her usual wardrobe and embraced life in footie pajamas for seven cozy days in NYC.

As someone who usually feels pressure to look polished at work—especially as a fashion editor—I started thinking, what if I just gave in and embraced maximum comfort? So, for an entire week, I wore a pair of snuggly pink footie pajamas everywhere: at my desk, on conference calls, during naps, and even running errands in New York City. Here’s how my week-long footie pajama experiment changed my approach to comfort, style, and self-care.
Why I Tried the Footie Pajama Challenge
Most of the time, getting dressed for work means balancing style and practicality—trying to look good while also being ready for anything a city like New York throws at me. But the idea of rolling straight out of bed and wearing the same ultra-cozy outfit all day was too tempting to ignore. Plus, I was exhausted from so many Zoom calls and wanted to see if comfort could really replace style.
- No outfit stress: Not having to plan an outfit each morning was a huge relief.
- Pure comfort: One-piece footie pajamas mean no pajama shirt riding up, no bunching pants, and no socks to lose.
- Curiosity: I wanted to see how the city and my colleagues would react.
Choosing the Right Pair
For this experiment, I picked a pair of pink, hooded, plush footie pajamas from BIG FEET PAJAMA CO. (available on Amazon). They were soft, fuzzy, and had big feet, so I didn’t need shoes—just slip them on and go. The material was thick enough for late fall, and the integrated feet felt like walking on clouds.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Monday: The Stuffed Animal Debut
Walking into the office felt surreal. My coworkers did a double take, but mostly smiled and asked for the brand. I settled at my desk, feeling snug yet self-conscious. On Zoom calls, no one seemed to notice, confirming my suspicion that the camera mostly shows your face and shoulders.
Wednesday: Mid-Week Comfort Naps
By mid-week, I discovered the real benefit of footie pajamas: they’re basically wearable nap pods. I found myself curled up under my desk, grabbing 20 minutes of shut-eye without getting cold. Waking up refreshed, I realized pajamas and productivity can coexist.
Friday: Stares and Smells
By Friday, my footie pajamas had seen some things. New Yorkers aren’t easily shocked, but I got plenty of stares on the subway. More importantly, after five days, the pajamas definitely didn’t smell as fresh. Comfort is great, but hygiene still matters!
What Happened When I Wore One Outfit for a Week?
Wearing footie pajamas for a week wasn’t just about comfort—it was also a social experiment. Here’s what stood out:
Day | Experience | Reactions |
---|---|---|
Monday | Excitement, novelty | Curious coworkers, compliments |
Wednesday | Comfort, productivity naps | Zoom indifference, support from friends |
Friday | Lack of freshness, urban exposure | Stares, questions about laundry |
The Psychology of Cozy
There’s a psychological benefit to ditching restrictive clothing for something soft and enveloping. Experts say that comfort can reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve focus. My experiment confirmed this: I felt less self-conscious as the week went on, more at ease, and honestly, happier. Footie pajamas became my little cocoon against the world.
Laundry and Hygiene: The Downside of Comfort
While I loved the comfort, wearing the same pajamas for five days straight did have its drawbacks. Skin cells, sweat, and city grime all accumulate, and eventually, even the comfiest outfit needs a wash. Hygiene experts generally recommend changing your pajamas every two to three days if you’re wearing them to sleep. Extending that to a full week is only possible if you’re on top of showering, changing undergarments, and maybe using fabric freshener—but even then, there’s a limit.
How to Wear Pajamas in Public Without Looking Out of Place
- Pick the right material: Plush is great for home, but a smooth, neutral-colored set can look more intentional outdoors.
- Accessorize: Throw on a jacket, sneakers, or a chic tote to avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed.
- Confidence: Own your look. If you look comfortable and happy, others will accept it.
The Future of Comfort Fashion
If my experiment proved anything, it’s that the line between pajamas and outfits is blurring. Loungewear is now acceptable for Zoom, errands, and even some offices. Brands are embracing this trend, making pajamas that look good enough for the street and feel cozy enough for home. The pandemic accelerated this shift, but even as we return to offices, comfort is sticking around.
Recommendations for Your Own Cozy Experiment
If you’re inspired to try a week in pajamas, here are my top tips:
- Invest in quality pajamas that make you feel good.
- Have a backup plan for meetings that require more formality.
- Don’t neglect hygiene—wash your pajamas regularly, and shower daily.
- Embrace the comfort, but be aware of your environment and context.
Bonus: 15 Chic Pajamas You Can Actually Wear in Public
If you want to try the comfort trend without going full teddy bear, these pajama-inspired outfits work for both home and public:
- Silky pajama sets with tailored lines
- Matching cashmere lounge sets
- Oversized, cozy cardigans with leggings
- Printed PJ-style shirts with jeans
- Soft cotton trousers with a fitted sweater
7 Life-Changing DIYs Every Wine Lover Needs to Know
For those nights you want to unwind at home, here are some easy wine hacks to elevate your cozy routine:
- Freeze leftover wine in ice cube trays for cooking.
- Use a paperclip to reseal a wine bottle.
- Make a DIY wine chiller with salt and ice.
14 Hacks for Making Your Bath the Coziest Place on Earth
If you’re looking to turn your bathroom into a spa, try these tips:
- Add Epsom salts and essential oils for a relaxing soak.
- Place a small tray with a book and tea next to the tub.
- Use candles or dimmable lights for ambiance.
11 Full-Body Workout Moves if You’re Addicted to Your Bed
Even in pajamas, you can stay active. Try these moves:
- Bedside squats
- Incline push-ups using your mattress
- Core rotations while sitting on the bed
8 Genius Workout Moves Using Things Lying Around Your House
No gym? No problem. Use household items for a quick sweat:
- Water bottles as light weights
- A chair for triceps dips
- A towel for resistance stretching
13 Must-Haves for Girls Who Never Want to Get Out Of Bed
If you’re a true bed enthusiast, stock up on these:
- Weighted blanket
- Soft, oversized hoodie
- Noise-canceling headphones
12 Cozy Blankets You’ll Wanna Snuggle Under All Year Long
For the ultimate nest, consider these top picks:
- Cashmere throw
- Fluffy faux-fur blanket
- Heated electric blanket
7 Soothing Beauty Products That’ll Literally Warm Your Frozen Soul
When it’s chilly, try these pampering picks:
- Heated eye mask
- Warming body scrub
- Hot oil hair treatment
FAQs
Q: How often should you wash footie pajamas if you wear them all day?
A: If you’re wearing pajamas for sleep, every two to three days is ideal. For all-day wear, especially outdoors, wash them every one to two days to keep them fresh.
Q: Can you really wear pajamas to work?
A: It depends on your office culture and dress code. For Zoom, sure. For in-person work, it’s best to check your company’s policy, or opt for loungewear that looks polished.
Q: Do footie pajamas get too hot for all-day wear?
A: It depends on the material and the weather. In winter or cooler climates, they’re perfect. In summer, lighter pajamas are better.
Q: Where can I buy adult footie pajamas?
A: Many retailers, including Amazon, offer adult footie pajamas in a range of styles and prices.
Conclusion
Wearing footie pajamas for a week was an unforgettable experience—eye-opening, fun, and undeniably cozy. While I won’t be ditching my entire wardrobe for a closet of onesies, I learned that comfort is just as important as style, especially in today’s world. Whether you’re working from home, running errands, or just need a mental health day, sometimes it’s okay to embrace your inner teddy bear and dress for maximum comfort.
References
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