# An open letter to those wearing jammies at the store this morning. Sunday, Nov. 3rd. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 3, 2013, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998 "2013-11-03T18:01:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/61 "2013-11-10T15:27:00Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > There are many reasons to oppose the Taliban. The Taliban have assassinated political opponents, oppressed women, destroyed sacred historical sites, and banned music. But worst of all, those motherfuckers wear pajama pants _everywhere._ so… are you wearing your jammies to the speech? ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/62 "2013-11-10T15:42:07Z")
I wouldn’t wear pajamas outside of the unenflamed walls of my home. I would not wear sweatpants to rake leaves in my yard. I _would_ wear sweatpants in the more public venu of running in the park during winter, though I’d be unusual in that most other runners would be wearing modern, form-fitting fabrics. As a man in my fifties, it would be inappropriate to wear such clothing. Likewise, men running shirtless are acceptable in the summer months, but not beyond a certain age of which I am certainly beyond. Track suit pants are likewise not acceptable for cold-weather running attire, since I might as well hit the trail in a black shirt/white tie/Borsolino hat and go as a 1920’s Italian mafioso as a 1990’s Russian one. ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/63 "2013-11-10T15:54:34Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > Track suit pants are likewise not acceptable for cold-weather running attire,… Irony, thy name is fashion. I am not a runner, but it was my understanding that track suits were meant as overclothes that one wore before or after an event. Runners ran in shorts and light tank tops, but wore track suits over those things while sitting on the sidelines. Still, if track suits are appropriate attire for any activity, I would think it would be running. ---
**Author:** ![Animastryfe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8797f3/32.png) [@Animastryfe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Animastryfe)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/64 "2013-11-10T17:17:21Z")
Was this based on the _All the World’s a Stage_ monologue? ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/65 "2013-11-10T17:23:17Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > Of all the nonsensical or cruel things in this world one might mock or complain about, you guys choose people who wear pajama pants to the supermarket? Do we have to choose just one single thing to complain about? And decide what is the worst possible thing in the world so we can complain about that, and refrain from complaining about anything else ever?:dubious: ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/66 "2013-11-10T18:11:43Z")
> [@Animastryfe](#): > > Was this based on the _All the World’s a Stage_ monologue? Well, some of the bit at the end is cribbed (I thought it was obvious). …and I guess there is a stages of life thang goin’ on. But, my unique take is that fashion wears out more apparel than the man. 🆒 > [@SiXSwordS](#): > > … > If he could sing and dance a bit > He’d surely win some Grammys Ok, I had a hard time rhyming jammies. I did have a couple of also rans… …both prefaced with: I never thought that I should see A strawman wearing jammies… Worst— …strolling through the cured-meats aisle checking out the hammies Creepiest— …I bet his wife and girlfriend both Wear the dreaded granny panties ---
**Author:** ![SecretaryofEvil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@SecretaryofEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecretaryofEvil)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/67 "2013-11-10T19:06:27Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > Do we have to choose just one single thing to complain about? And decide what is the worst possible thing in the world so we can complain about that, and refrain from complaining about anything else ever?:dubious: I’m just surprised by the level of vitriol. I didn’t know that girls who wore yoga pants to the supermarket had given up on life. I thought they just liked comfy pants. ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/68 "2013-11-10T19:21:57Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > I’m just surprised by the level of vitriol. By ‘level of vitriol’ do you mean: Safe for infants, persons with immunodeficiencies, middle-school-bullying-victims, anyone suffering from PTSD and the elderly? ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/69 "2013-11-10T19:23:49Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > I’m just surprised by the level of vitriol. This is rather ironic, considering the level of hyperbole in your own posts. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/70 "2013-11-10T19:58:11Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > On an unrelated note, I’m giving a speech about how awful the Taliban are tomorrow. What do you guys think of the following as my opening line: > > There are many reasons to oppose the Taliban. The Taliban have assassinated political opponents, oppressed women, destroyed sacred historical sites, and banned music. But worst of all, those motherfuckers wear pajama pants _everywhere._ As long as you hold your Queen of Drama scepter and work yourself into a snit again, you’re golden. :rolleyes: While we’re speechifying, remember Albert Brooks’ rant in Broadcast News about the devil will never do anything bad, but just gradually lower our standards bit by bit? To the point where people think the 35 seconds it takes to throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before leaving the house warrants the sort of protests we used to reserve for being drafted into fighting a politically unpopular war, complete with morally-superior sense of high dudgeon. “I can’t be bothered to get dressed before leaving the house - I’m pondering the Infinite as part of my spiritual journey. Hm? What? Yes, I _can_ do that and text at the same time! What are you implying?” ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/71 "2013-11-10T20:14:36Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Why stop at pajamas? I’m going to start doing my chores around town in a robe and bathroom slippers. At least that implies I bathed myself. Eh, I’ve worked retail- it’s been done. Dripping soapy water on the floor and all. ---
**Author:** ![SecretaryofEvil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@SecretaryofEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecretaryofEvil)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/72 "2013-11-10T20:32:59Z")
> [@epbrown01](#): > > As long as you hold your Queen of Drama scepter and work yourself into a snit again, you’re golden. :rolleyes: > > While we’re speechifying, remember Albert Brooks’ rant in Broadcast News about the devil will never do anything bad, but just gradually lower our standards bit by bit? To the point where people think the 35 seconds it takes to throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before leaving the house warrants the sort of protests we used to reserve for being drafted into fighting a politically unpopular war, complete with morally-superior sense of high dudgeon. “I can’t be bothered to get dressed before leaving the house - I’m pondering the Infinite as part of my spiritual journey. Hm? What? Yes, I _can_ do that and text at the same time! What are you implying?” Yeah, because your reply here isn’t at all overly dramatic.:rolleyes: Work myself into a snit? I’m both amused and bemused by some opinions people have expressed that I obviously disagree with, but I don’t really have dog in this fight. I don’t even wear pajamas, I sleep naked. It seems like other people have a lot invested in whether or not they would wear sweat pants to the grocery store, and that just seems very trivial to me. I think the specific standards you’re worried are in decline are a bit arbitrary and pointless. What harm is there really in wearing pants made from a slightly softer cloth to do your food shopping? ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/73 "2013-11-10T20:42:36Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Why stop at pajamas? I’m going to start doing my chores around town in a robe and bathroom slippers. At least that implies I bathed myself. [When you want a White Russian and find you’re out of cream,](http://www.btchflcks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/43.jpg) sometimes you don’t want to be bothered to get dressed up. ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/74 "2013-11-10T20:52:38Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > What harm is there really in wearing pants made from a slightly softer cloth to do your food shopping? Well, there’s the danger of being mistaken for one of the Taliban… ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/75 "2013-11-10T20:53:33Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > What harm is there really in wearing pants made from a slightly softer cloth to do your food shopping? It’s not so much the fabric as the [pattern](http://www.etsy.com/listing/95352880/15-yards-cotton-flannel-prints-designer). Then again, flannel and fleece just stand out! And if you want [liberation](https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=161374633917278), use caution. Some people are a little ‘out there.’ ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/76 "2013-11-10T21:03:34Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > sometimes you don’t want to be bothered to get dressed up. Dude, you abide! ---
**Author:** ![SecretaryofEvil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@SecretaryofEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SecretaryofEvil)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/77 "2013-11-10T21:48:18Z")
> [@epbrown01](#): > > Well, there’s the danger of being mistaken for one of the Taliban… I’m beginning to think that participating in No Shave November and wearing pajama pants has been sending the wrong message. It would explain that drone that has been following me around… > [@SiXSwordS](#): > > It’s not so much the fabric as the [pattern](http://www.etsy.com/listing/95352880/15-yards-cotton-flannel-prints-designer). Then again, flannel and fleece just stand out! Um, that pattern is _adorable,_ and if I saw someone wearing pants made from it in public I would tell them they had awesome pants. ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/78 "2013-11-10T22:18:23Z")
> [@SecretaryofEvil](#): > > … if I saw someone wearing pants made from it in public I would tell them they had awesome pants. You make an awesome point. ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/79 "2013-11-10T22:20:03Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I think each generation gets a little sloppier in their “out in public” gear - my grandmother’s generation wouldn’t go out in public without lipstick on and their hair done. My mother’s generation puts on nice clothes. My generation puts on clean clothes that aren’t used for sleeping in and combs their hair. The generation after mine puts outside clothes on. The generation after them doesn’t even bother putting outside clothes on. The generation after that - slather themselves in mud before going out? at some point it will swing the other direction: cutting edge folks will get dressed all fancy before going out, everyone in suits but with a twist of some sort. maybe the young men will wear pumps and the women fedoras, I don’t know. and clean jammies are a better look than many a pair of regular clothes that are …not ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2013, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998/80 "2013-11-10T23:34:57Z")
I can ignore pajama pants in the grocery store, and girls up through college age (and guys, too - why be sexist?) get a pass from me on the general principle that they’re supposed to be pushing boundaries. But I witnessed a middle-aged mother wear pajama pants, slippers, and a tank top (and very obviously no bra) to a conference with the principal addressing the question of whether her thirteen-year-old was ready to come back to school after a suspension. You can consider me hidebound and starchy all you want; that just seems wrong to me. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-those-wearing-jammies-at-the-store-this-morning-sunday-nov-3rd/672998.md?page=3)