These pajamas, Butterick 3554 and 3551, can be “beach pajamas,” too. I’ve probably written about them before, but I just found the pattern for No. 3554 at the Commercial Pattern Archive. Besides, I do love pajamas!
Hostess pajamas (left) and “college pajamas,”(right) 1930. Both Butterick patterns appeared on page 82 of Delineator magazine, December 1930.
The hostess pajamas are made with a yoke and have very full legs.
Hostess pajamas 3554 are a three piece set.
The pattern envelope (at CoPA) shows options for sleeves on the bolero and a sleeveless blouse.
Information from the pattern envelope. CoPA.
That’s quite a lengthy list of possible fabrics, including linen, pique, and [silk] shantung for beach wear, and light weight velvets or metallic fabrics for “lounging.” I do wish yardage estimates were included, because these trousers need a lot of fabric:
The trousers for Butterick 3554 have very full legs, attached to a close-fitting yoke. Pattern pieces for “inside bands” explain how the waist was finished.
The yoke on 3554 is close-fitting and buttons at the side.
Here, the luxurious hostess pajamas have decorative tassels on the V-neck. The pattrn illustration shows a bow of bias matching the sleeve and neck binding.
Delineator magazine description of Butterick 3554. A 44″ bust meant 47.5″ hips, as a rule….
“College pajamas” as the magazine referred to Butterick 3551, did not have such voluminous trousers.
“College pajamas” 3551 have a longer robe/jacket and less extravagant (more practical) wide-legged trousers.
For beach wear or late-night philosophical discussions, 3551 would be just the thing. For decorating your dorm room, Butterick provided this 30 inch “sailor trou” doll pattern (on the same page as the other pajamas.)
Delineator, December 1930, page 82.
It’s not too early to start planning Christmas gifts — or too late for “back to college” pajamas. More inspiration: Molyneux offered these velvet hostess pajamas with sheer jacket in 1927. Why don’t I dress like this while binge-watching? (Well, mine would have to be washable, but this sleeveless PJ with sheer above-the-knee top isn’t a bad idea!)
A sketch of Molyneux’ luxurious velvet and chiffon pajamas for entertaining at home. Delineator, November 1927. In black chiffon and vermillion [red-orange] velvet, with [vermillion?] poppies and green leaf embroidery. The tight ankles are unusual.
witness2fashion 
I love these patterns so much! Your posts are fascinating and this one makes me wish I was a better seamstress.
How interesting that the “college pajamas” came in a really wide size range! Something for almost everyone. And they aren’t such fabric hogs, either. Now why didn’t I make a pair when I went off to college? I have no idea what my nightwear looked like.
Yes, I have fallen over my own trouser legs….
I have this pattern (3554) that I picked up in its original factory folded unused state! I just finished making a muslin mock up for them and they’re amaaazzinnnngggg!!
Wonderful find! Maybe someday we can see you model it?
Surely! I actually just posted photos of it to a Facebook sewing group, here’s the link for the first photo but there’s a few more:
I design historically researched fabrics and have two versions in the Deco Beach Pajama line I designed that I’ll be making them in and then doing a proper photoshoot 🙂
I look forward to it. (I refuse to join Facebook, but thank you for the link.)
I admire that resolve, I dislike Facebook to the upmost and dream of not having to use it one day.
It’s been ages, but a blog post with this pattern made is finally up if you’d like to see them!
https://sultryvintage.wordpress.com/2022/09/05/butterick-3554-c-1930-31-lounge-outfit-beach-pyjamas-pajamas/
This amazing designer has a range of modern interpretations of Twenties fabrics. When she gets an order, the length is printed ro order. Follow her links to read more about her products.