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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

For thinking that it makes no sense to dress well to be at home?

115 replies

Carrotcake93 · 20/12/2023 15:14

First of all, sorry for the mistakes, English is not my first language.I been inspired by a previous thread

I have a 6 month old baby and since my last weeks of pregnancy I spend the day and night in my pajamas. On such occasions, when I go with dp or friends to a special place I like wearing makeup and show off a good outfit, but as soon as I get home I put on my pajamas again 🤣
In my daily routines going outside with dc I simply wear sports clothes, but that's the only thing I can tolerate to wear at home.

A friend told me that this can affect your mood, is that true?

How do you all do it to look good at home and feel comfortable?

Can't see myself being ready before dp comes back work 🤣 He doesn't seem to care if I wear makeup or not, although he really appreciate a good outfit. I've a good variety of pajamas that are pretty but not that sexy, It's cold!

OP posts:
tattygrl · 20/12/2023 15:58

I think the real difference is between staying day and night, several in a row, in the same pyjamas, vs. getting out of pyjamas and into "day clothes" every morning and back into pyjamas every night. If you're showering and washing your hair and skin every day/most days, it's not really the same thing as when people stay in the same pyjamas for days in a row.

Sometimes getting dressed in proper clothes (not a fancy outfit with full makeup but like, clean trousers and top) energises and refreshes me, and gives me a boost. Other days, staying in PJs all day feels like a treat, a bit like a lazy Boxing Day vibe.

It's all about how it makes you feel, and as long as you're changing and washing regularly, and feel able to have time to get dressed when you want to, there's no issue.

MysweetAudrina · 20/12/2023 15:59

Sweaty Betty or lululemon leggings and a wool jumper are what I wear if I'm not in work or going out. I don't find jeans comfortable, I do a lot of yoga and I love the feeling of buttery soft leggings. Only wear pyjamas in bed and always shower, wash hair, cleanse, tone and moisturise skin in the morning not matter what I have planned for the day.

Nonplusultra · 20/12/2023 16:03

I needed to get out every day for my sanity, and being fully dressed from the moment I got up, made that a less monumental task.

SayDoWhatNow · 20/12/2023 16:11

I think there is a cultural aspect to this too.

For me, pyjamas are for bed and clothes for everything else, with varying degrees of comfort and formality for at home vs going out somewhere. My husband is from the Middle East and for his family there are outdoor clothes that you would wear to go out (shopping, visiting family/friends, work etc) and indoor clothes (somewhere between pyjamas and casual/athleisure type tracksuits) which are what you wear at home with close family and may also sleep in.

If you're used to something more like that, then I don't think wearing "pyjamas" is going to negatively affect your mood all day, particularly if you are doing other aspects of a daily self care routine. But maybe your friend has the expectation that "pyjamas" is just the clothes you wear to sleep in, so finds it odd that you stay in sleepwear all day?

Muchof · 20/12/2023 17:15

I wear lounge wear / pjs if I am going to be at home for the day or most of the day. They are not pyjamas I sleep in as well though, I get up showered and then put on pyjama bottoms or leggings with a t-shirt or jumper.

toomuchfaff · 20/12/2023 17:19

a lack of self care can have a negative mental impact (cause or effect)

So, having a wash, brushing teeth, maintaining hygiene etc as long as you're doing all the normal self care stuff then I'd see the wearing of PJ's as just comfort clothes, who would sit in a suit in the house, or jeans - madness, if it makes you feel better buy some comfy house clothes.. joggers, warm cosy things...

Laiste · 20/12/2023 17:36

Every one is different and there's no right and wrong as long as you're happy.

Personally if i stay in pjs or 'slobby stuff' all day i feel slobby and slow. Me and the house has to be tidy unless i'm at death's door tbh.

Even if i'm down i drag myself upstairs and get myself dressed and a bit of make up. i'll do my yoga and i'll feel better for it. It's just the way i am though.

If i'm not going out of the house i'll wear nice clothes but comfy ones. So ... instead of pj bottoms or trackies i'll wear some silky wide leg trousers with a vest top and nice soft long cardi or something. If i can't be arsed with my hair i'll dry shampoo it and put it up in a bun for the day.

I've got 4 kids, i've always been the same.

Gnomegnomegnome · 20/12/2023 17:40

I dress for me so going out or not I shower, do my skincare, get dressed, do my hair and make up (minimal makeup mostly).

I don’t care what others choose to do but if I was in my pjs all day it would affect my mood. Do what makes you feel good.

dudsville · 20/12/2023 17:43

It can affect some people's mood, but not everyone's. If this doesn't bother you then just let it go. I have felt better since wearing nicer things, but this is more about the quality of the things and making better choices so that my primary aim of comfort is satisfied!

DrCoconut · 20/12/2023 17:46

I am always dressed during the day unless I'm ill. I find it helps my mood and routine. Even just after having babies. But there's dressed and dressed. Joggers and t shirt or similar counts.

Winniespooh · 20/12/2023 17:49

I'd only stay in PJs if I was bed ridden. If I'm ill or having a house day it's leggings and sweatshirt, a normal day is jeans or wide leg trousers with a t & cardi or jumper/sweatshirt. Skirt and boots if I'm feeling fancy. Bit of make up. Hair in some sort of order. I'm always on the go so getting dressed makes me feel ready to go!

FreezyFord · 20/12/2023 17:49

Beyond depressing to be in pyjamas all day. Or at all!

I always get dressed, albeit often in sportswear, sometimes a flowery dress, and do makeup even if I’m just in the house. Makes me feel better.

aSwarmOfMidgies · 20/12/2023 17:52

Sone people clearly find being in pjs all day depressing

Others don't

Sone may find it luxurious

People are different

Topseyt123 · 20/12/2023 18:02

It's been a long time since my three were that age, but I have never been one for pyjama days. I prefer to get washed and dressed into jeans, t-shirt and jumper/cardigan. It just makes me feel more human. My mood is definitely affected if I don't.

It was the same each time I had a baby. In fact, it was even more important to feel human. So I showered and wore clean clothes.

I never wear makeup and haven't for many, many years. Can't be arsed with it at all.

mamaduckbone · 20/12/2023 18:04

If I were at home I would still get dressed but in comfy clothes - jeans or joggers and a sweatshirt - and I wouldn't bother with makeup. I don't like the feeling of being in pyjamas all day - it makes me feel grotty.

museumum · 20/12/2023 18:06

I find it too easy to stay inside all day if I’m not dressed to go out from morning. It becomes too much hassle to change so I’m less likely to pop out for a walk.
I am a big fan of comfy clothes but they need to be “outside suitable”.

Echobelly · 20/12/2023 18:14

Horses for courses I guess. I can't spend all day at home in pyjamas like some people (no judgement on them) because it makes me feel tired and grotty.

I guess some people might like to dress well every day, even if no one's seeing them, because to them being well-presented and made up is comfortable. I'm too lazy to do that!

I like to dress in a more-colourful-than-average slightly bohemian (I guess) way but if I am not going any further than the supermarket, those tend to be the days I wear jeans as I feel very boring in them. Again, no judgement on other people, but as they're the article everyone else seems to live in, they're basically my 'invisible' outfit base.

ScarlettSunset · 20/12/2023 18:30

Well I wear full make up and get dressed as well as I can every day, even if I'm not leaving the house or seeing anyone else at all, but I do that for ME, because it makes me feel good to do so.
Other people should do what makes them happiest too.

Wellhellooooodear · 20/12/2023 18:44

It definitely affects my mood if I'm slobbing about looking rough. I always get dressed and put on a bit of make up even if I'm home alone all day. That's me though, others might be different.

Jeannie88 · 20/12/2023 19:01

I do believe this a new thing, I and my family, Mum, Nannas always got dressed for every day. When my DC were young I would stay in my nightwear until time to go out, either work or parks, playgroups etc, which I did most days and even if not would change and dress. I used to visit some younger friends and they would be in pjs. Thing is, if you've slept in them it does seem a bit slovenly, but if changing into them I think fine and I've embraced this! When I get in from work now I change into my comfies, I used to wear my work clothes til bed and pit in wash but now nothing better than to take my bra off, pit slippers and pjs on! Again, wouldn't sleep in these, fresh nightwear after shower. So yes things have changed and totally acceptable now during daytime, hence the huge section of lounge wear in stores. X

Terrrence · 20/12/2023 19:06

I never wear pyjamas during the day. It would make me feel sluggish.

Andarna · 20/12/2023 19:11

I generally feel happier when I'm wearing a pretty dress. However, the first 18 months with a new child I was too exhausted to care.

mynewusername2023 · 20/12/2023 19:15

I normally wear leggings and a top when at home and I have a range of these that are just for home. If I'm not seeing anyone I don't bother with makeup either as I like to let my skin breathe on some days. However I always put my jewellery on as I feel completely naked without it.

If you don't think it affects your mood then don't let anyone else tell you what to do in your own home.

Bluerisotto · 20/12/2023 19:21

I work from home and when it's cold I generally wear thick leggings and a hoodie. A smart jumper for meetings.
Summer, a t-shirt and shorts. A smart tshirt or blouse for meetings.

Either way I don't have to get changed to go out.

GlitteryUnicornSparkles · 20/12/2023 19:26

Honestly I’m kinda with you!

For work I wear a uniform so no thought or effort required, I come home, shower and straight into pjs as they are super comfy and no point dirtying clothes for a couple of hours wear. On my days off if I’m not planning on going anywhere I often just slob about and won’t get dressed until lunch and even then its tends just to be joggers or leggings and a crap t-shirt / jumper and will often wear the same thing for a second day (clean underwear) if I’ve not been out. I just don’t see the point in wasting nice clothes just to sit in or do housework but I do feel better and a bit more productive for changing out of my pjs themselves. If I know I’m going out somewhere I will always make an effort to look reasonable. I’m single so no-one to try impress and the only visitors likely to show up are delivery men or my mum who I’m sure couldn’t give a crap how I look.

Having a baby is hard work, if you’re happy in pjs and they make your life easier then it doesn’t really matter what others do.