The Informant: Desmond and Dempsey Makes Pajamas That Pass as Daywear
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Bedtime is for frayed underwear and poorly aged political T-shirts. Anything more is overkill; who, you might ask yourself, are you trying to impress?
But unfortunately, there are occasions when you’re trying to impress — family vacations, third dates, midnight interventions with judgy Ghosts of Christmas. Desmond and Dempsey’s Pocket Pajamas make comfortable, handsome options for any of those scenarios, with two bonuses: 1) they’re so comfortable that wearing them on a weeknight feels like a special treat, and 2) they’re so luxe that both the top and bottom pass for daywear in the summertime — which makes them well worth the $215 price tag when they’re competing with both itchy camp collar shirts from ASOS and that Bernie 2020 tee.
Desmond and Dempsey Pocket Pajama Set
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$200 for something so underseen is not the type of investment I typically make, but the multifunctional aspect of D&D PJs is seductive. Furtively wearing pajama separates in the daytime has long been a summer hack for me, especially if the garments in question are a breathable 100% cotton, as the D&D set is. (The top actually passes as a piece from the same collections as my two most-worn camp-collar summer shirts: this one from The Kooples and a long-sleeved version of this one from AllSaints.)
And then there’s the fact that it’s just a lovely set to sleep in. After laundry day, the D&D set is the first thing I reach for, preferring to keep them well-loved rather than sitting in a drawer waiting for a special occasion. I’ve only washed this set twice since I’ve gotten it, but each time, it’s gotten softer and more comfortable without fading, pilling, or looking homely. I imagine even a year or two from now, I’ll still break them out when it’s time to star in a season of The White Lotus.
I’ve also worn my set in two climates over the past two months: frigid December in New York, and humid 80-degree nights while traveling in Guyana. I felt snug in the Brooklyn chill and with the presence of a big fan, felt cool and comfortable in the heat of South America. Vacation pajamas indeed.
I’m also a big fan of the print, which feels tropical and sophisticated – the other styles are great too, including this lovely option in Jag Green. My favorite detail, though — and the most novel — is definitely the inclusion of pockets on the front of the shirt. It makes the PJs look more like a very light chore coat (e.g. this one I love from Alex MIll), reinforcing its covert function as a daywear piece. If you can hold an ID card or a phone in it, it’s safe for work. It doesn’t matter that at night, it’s holding your retainer.
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