Our Favourite ‘Italian’ Pyjamas from the Movies

Who said pyjamas can’t have a starring role?

In the golden age of Italian cinema, where neorealism, glamour, and captivating characters intrigued audiences worldwide, the humble (and not so humble) pyjama also played its part. Even in Hollywood at the time, some of our favourite Italian actresses like Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida were popping up on screen in iconic pyjamas and nightwear looks that endure in cinema wardrobe history! Whether classic, colourful or completely over the top, film directors including the legendary Federico Fellini and Charlie Chaplin used pyjamas for symbolism, visual effect and to create meaning on screen.

Inspired by the launch of our new ISSIMO x Schostal Pyjama Collection featuring a luxe colour palette and elegant details fit for the film screen, we look at some of our favourite pyjama moments from classic Italian cinema and beyond. Buonanotte, indeed!

Divorce Italian Style (1961) - Directed by Pietro Germi

We’ve all watched this glorious satirical comedy many times, and we notice several scenes in which Mastorianni’s character Ferdinando is wearing his pyjamas. One particularly memorable pyjama moment occurs when Ferdinando, in a striped silk set, paces around his room late at night, plotting his wife’s murder. The luxurious silk pyjamas represent his aristocratic status, but at the same time, they symbolise his ‘confinement’ in a marriage. Isn’t there something so iconic about Mastroianni smoking a cigarette in bed wearing his striped silk pyjamas?

Strange Bedfellows (1965) - Directed by Melvin Frank

This 1965 Hollywood romantic comedy film stars Italian cinema icon Gina Lollobrigida as the bohemian artist Toni who marries a rich business executive played by Rock Hudson. One scene captures Lollobrigida in a flame-red silky flowing nightgown with a matching sheer cape, a look that embodies her character’s sensuality and glamour. Certainly not your typical (or practical) choice of nightwear, this ensemble captures the essence of 1960s Hollywood glamour, and we can’t think of anyone who could have worn it better than Gina Lollobrigida! This red ensemble even became one of the actress’s most iconic cinematic fashion moments.

8½ (1963) - Directed by Federico Fellini

"8 and a half" movie by Federico Fellini

Marcello Mastroianni plays Guido Anselmi in this Fellini masterpiece, a film director suffering from creative block and personal turmoil. The iconic pyjama scene happens during one of Guido’s surreal dream sequences, where he is lounging in bed with a group of women from his life, wearing plain white pyjamas.

In their comforting simplicity, the pyjamas are a symbolic contrast to Guido’s surreal visions and fantasies. They also accentuate Mastroianni’s handsome features and remind us of the ideals of Italian masculinity in the 60s.

A Countess From Hong Kong (1967) - Directed by Charlie Chaplin

If anyone can make yellow oversized men’s pyjamas look good, it’s Sophia Loren. Starring as a countess named Natascha alongside Marlon Brando in this romantic comedy, she illuminates the screen with her smile, her laugh and the pair of pyjamas she ‘borrows’ from Marlon Brando’s character Ogden Mears while staying in his room on a cruise ship. Given their oversized fit, these pyjamas are associated with some of the film’s most comic moments, and they also enhance her character’s exuberant and eccentric personality. You can bet that oversized yellow pyjamas were in hot demand across America and Italy following the release of this film.

ISSIMO x Schostal Pyjama Collection

ISSIMO x Schostal collaboration Unisex Pyjama Olivegreen Bordeaux

Ready for your own iconic pyjama moment? Our ‘ChicISSIMO’ new collaboration with the iconic Roman brand Schostal features two unisex pyjama sets crafted from the finest cotton, now available in two colour stories – plain olive green with Bordeaux trimming, and beautiful Bordeaux stripes. Trust us when we say these pyjamas are classic, comfortable and Fall-Winter essentials!