A
blanket sleeper is a type of
pajama styled as a
one-piece garment,
designed for warmth and ease of donning. The blanket sleeper is very
popular during the colder months in colder climates, especially in North
America. Occasionally, these are referred to as "footed pajamas",
though that term can refer to two-piece garments as well as one-piece
garments; an older term is "Doctor Dentons", after a famous manufacturer
of blanket sleepers.
Appearing similar to a loose
coverall,
the blanket sleeper has long arms and long legs, and is typically
closed with a zipper in the front (either extending to the crotch of the
garment or down one leg to the ankle); many styles feature attached
feet. These can be made from a variety of fabrics, but are most often
made from synthetic
fleece.
Though usually classified as children's wear - and a popular choice
for clothing infants - sizes range from the smallest infant to the
largest adult, though with adult styles styled more for women than men.
Infant's Styles
These are often made from cotton fabrics such as terrycloth, but can
be made from synthetic fleece as well. Often, the sleeper is decorated
with cartoon or nursery-rhyme characters, and occasionally embroidery.
These often close down the front to the crotch with snaps or zippers.
However, the inside seams of the legs are often closed with snaps
instead of sewn closed, to ease diaper changes. The feet are made of
the same fabric as the rest of the sleeper. These are used as
all-purpose clothing at this age.
Children's Styles
These are most frequently made from synthetic fleece; the soles of
the feet are typically plastic-covered (to provide additional protection
and longer wear) and often include toe caps (extensions of the plastic
sole designed to protect the toes). As with the infant's styles, these
are often decorated with cartoon characters. Zippers extend to either
crotch or ankle; often, a fabric tab covers the top of the zipper to
prevent scratches. Up until the 1960's, these sleepers frequently
featured a "drop seat" - a flap of fabric, closed with buttons or snaps,
that the wearer could release to use the toilet without removing the
sleeper. More recent designs usually forgo the "drop seat", but custom
designs often include it. The blanket sleeper is often used as a type
of playsuit at this age, as well as sleepwear.
Adult's Styles
These are made from a variety of fabrics, with terrycloth, flannel,
and synthetic fleece predominating. Feet may or may not be attached; if
present, feet are often made of the same fabric as the rest of the
sleeper, though occasionally plastic soles are attached. As these are
typically sold to women, pastel colors and flowery prints are most
common, though seasonal prints (such as snowflakes) are also popular.
The front opening extends to the crotch and is typically closed with a
zipper, though some close with snaps or buttons. Some styles include a
"drop seat" or a hood. At this age, the blanket sleeper is typically
used as sleepwear, although it also is used as part of a type of
ageplay known as
infantilism.
Links
Warmth Wear, a maker of customized blanket sleepers
: , but whatever it takes, right?).
).
- tgentosi
on Dec. 9, 2009 at 2:56 PM