Next campus trend?

[hoosier]

FASHION TREND
(If this kid was a GLO pledge, his chapter would be in hazing trouble)

The student in the pajamas
By Mary-Kathryn Craft
The Sun News


Paul Robinson got a few strange looks at first, but now people are used to him strolling through campus sporting his bedtime best.

The Coastal Carolina University freshman, who admits he puts comfort before fashion, wears pajamas to class at least four days a week. Sometimes he'll change into a fresh pair before heading out the door in the morning, and other times he skips the hassle.

"It just depends on how much time I have," he said. "It seems a lot more people are going for comfort than a look. Everyone is just trying to be relaxed."

The casual clothing movement is reaching new heights as comfort seekers have begun bringing jammies out of the bedroom. The trend is popping up on college campuses and can even be spotted at gas stations, grocery stores and video stores.

Before starting classes at CCU in the fall, Robinson, 19, attended Catholic school in Long Island, N.Y., where uniforms complete with blazers and ties were a must. So when he got a chance at fashion freedom, Robinson chose comfy.

Americans crave comfort, seeking out something to spark relaxation daily, according to the survey "The State of Comfort in America 2003," released in November by Karen Neuburger, Ltd.

"For most Americans, comfort is one of the most critical elements of everyday life," the survey said.

Pj's made the report's top 10 list of things that give women comfort.

But style is also a factor in the recent pj's craze. These days you can create just about any look with soft, flowing flannel jammies. Women can now choose the once daytime capri and cargo pants in cozy flannel, velour or brushed cotton. Prints range from hearts and flowers to more personality revealing items like purses, frogs, pink flamingos, coffee cups and martini glasses. Men can go for ordinary or bright and wacky patterns. Places such as Old Navy and Target offer plentiful selections of red lips, penguins, cartoon characters or the more sedate pinstripes and plaid.

Robinson often opts for the loud. Sure, he's got the plaid pants, but he also sports dancing Twinkies, sleeping Scooby-Doos and bears playing violins.

"One kid around school calls me Scooby-Doo," he said with a laugh.

The 19-year-old art major said comfortable pajama bottoms, t-shirts and flip flops make the perfect outfit for his drawing classes, which meet for two hours three days a week.

"I've had girls say to me, 'I wish I had the courage to go class in pajamas and be comfortable,' and I say 'why don't you? It's this early, and no one's looking at anyone else'."