What's with the infantilising of women's nightwear?

[FrickfrackFeckit]

I was just looking for a nightdress (peri menopausal and completely unable to wear pyjamas any more because I'm so bloody hot at night ) on M and S (never again). I was struck by all the Disney bloody characters? I'm not 5yrs old, I don't want to wear Disney characters. Out of interest I had a look at the men's. No Disney, no cutesie stuff, just very normal (if boring) pyjamas. So what's that all about?

It’s not infantilising Adults are allowed to like Disney too, and many do. Why shouldn’t they have the option of having it on their clothing? It’s not like it’s the only style available.

Disney isn’t just for kids, you know.

So why isn't it all over the men's clothes? I absolutely love Disney films, I don't want to wear it though.

ALL of my pyjamas have Disney characters on them. It’s still not a problem finding ones that don’t have them. Isn’t it weird how different people like different things?

I have Disney PJs. I know grown men who have superhero PJs/socks..

I have Disney pyjamas. Aladdin ones with the genie saying I wish for more sleep. My husband has Star Wars ( now owned by Disney).

I agree with you OP I think it's infantilising as well. I find options for nightwear are often limited to very sexy or very childish. Obviously there are options in between but I really don't get why Disney cartoons are pushed on adult women. Whatever floats your boat I suppose but personally I find it patronising.

@FrickfrackFeckit

So why isn't it all over the men's clothes? I absolutely love Disney films, I don't want to wear it though.

Because it’s seen as more feminine and more females tend to buy them? I’m happy to wear stuff with bambi or dumbo characters, my oh wouldn’t though. It’s not hard to figure out.

I have Disney shorts pyjamas I got from sainsburys yesterday. I would prefer something less child like too, but there was no alternative. I feel your pain OP

Then don't wear it. Shock horror, people like different things!! They sell superhero and Star Wars in the men's department.

I really don't think this is a feminist issue.

I can't imagine wearing anything in bed, I haven't since my twenties, as for anything with Disney or superhero's on, well if you like it why not ?

@Insomnia5 Disney is feminine? Why? Why are children's cartoons feminine not masculine?

It's not just nightwear that infantilises adults. Everything does. TV, adverts, the way narrators and presenters speak to us as if we are seven. It's everywhere and it's constant.

Absolutely agree with you OP. I don't want to wear Winnie the Pooh or Harry Potter pyjamas, how embarrassing.

I would like plain or neutral colour pyjamas shorts, with pockets like the men's, and long enough that you can't see my pubes when I sit down.

It seems the choices are cartoon characters or frumpy granny gowns.

So the women get Bambi and Dumbo and the men get Iron Man and Darth Vader? No, it's definitely not a feminist issue. Definitely not, I really feel put in my place now

Why not buy from the men's department then? I have several items of clothing and shoes bought from there.

The White Company’s nightshirts are the solution you’re looking for, by the way. Not a Disney character in sight.

But yes, they should be selling both in both mens and womens to avoid discrimination. I don't personally feel discriminated against on this issue though, I have far more concerning/pressing feminist issues that affect my life presently.

@FrickfrackFeckit

So why isn't it all over the men's clothes? I absolutely love Disney films, I don't want to wear it though.

M&S might not do men’s Disney clothes but many retailers do - Gap, H&M, Primark, Topman to name but a few.

It’s not a feminist issue; stop making it out to be.

I am inclined to agree. It does seem to be either ‘cutesy 6 year old’ or ‘sexy’ with not a whole lot in between.

My daughters are adults they wear character pyjamas it really isn't a huge deal adult women are allowed to wear "fun" pyjamas. It really isn't infantising it's just a bit of fun imo.

Totally agree. It’s all either Disney, granny or flammable. Not to my taste.

@FrickfrackFeckit

So the women get Bambi and Dumbo and the men get Iron Man and Darth Vader? No, it's definitely not a feminist issue. Definitely not, I really feel put in my place now

Op I could very easily go online and buy iron man and darth Vader pyjamas made for women. But the majority of companies do this thing where they tend to mostly stock what people are choosing to buy. More women are buying Disney character clothes, more men are buying superhero clothes. It’s not a feminist issue at all

I have moomin pjs. I’ve seen some nasty ones on Amazon (like grow up baby onesies with ‘daddy’s girl’ on them).

Totally agree OP. I don't want nightwear with cartoon characters or cutesy slogans on it. Just plain and comfortable is fine.

Simple answer is because women are clearly buying it, therefore the market responds and produces more of it.