A couple years ago, while perusing wedding pins on Pinterest, I happened to stumble across a picture of some very unique looking pyjamas. These pants were more than just the stack of generic nightwear tucked away in my closet. The colours were splashed across the fabric in a dazzling, eye catching pattern; they were ornately trimmed and looked beyond comfy. They were also way bolder than anything I would normally wear – even as pyjama pants. But there was just something about them and as I peered closer, the description caught my eye.
“PUNJAMMIES™ are loungewear bottoms made with hope by women in India who have escaped human trafficking. Whenever you purchase PUNJAMMIES™, you invest in the freedom and dignity of these women and girls who are working to forge a new life for themselves and their children.”
I was immediately intrigued and after doing a bit of research, I hopped online and ordered a pair for myself and each of my four bridesmaids. This was the perfect gift: five pairs of jammies, each as unique as the girl wearing them.
These pants are super easy to love and quickly became one of my favourite items. The material is soft and comes with an elastic waistband and a wide leg for comfort. I adore the details on these pants – little wooden beads on the drawstring and a gold and red Baranasi border along the hem.
This past month, the brand has undergone a huge makeover and been renamed “Sudara” (it used to be called International Princess Project™). Their new name is inspired by the sanskrit word, “Sundara” meaning beautiful. There’s been a recent flurry of activity as they now have a new website, new products and a new line for kids. (Seriously – matching mommy/daughter jammies? Can it get any cuter?)
But the thing that I love the most about these pants is that each pair has a story. Each hem and stitch tells of a woman who has been given hope. It tells the story of safe employment and of the opportunity to make a better life for one’s family.
Sudara believes in creating safe, sustainable jobs as one way to help women remain free from slavery. Since 2006, they have employed over 300 women in their sewing centers. Women who arrive at these centers are given the opportunity to learn how to sew, are provided with a living wage, and are given housing, medical and education options. They are in a loving community that allows them to re-build their lives and get back on their feet. Sudara is clear that they do not see themselves as “rescuers” for these women – rather they provide opportunities to partner with and empower each woman as she works towards a better life.
Pros:
- Punjammies™ are the perfect lounge wear pants: comfy and soft.
- They are truly unique and a lot of fun!
- The loose, light material is perfect for warm, summer evenings.
- New patterns are constantly being added online.
- Punjammies come in both full and capri length.
- They are beautifully, handmade, quality pants.
- You’re investing in lives and empowering women.
Cons:
- The material is quite light and I did end up wearing mine out quicker than usual. (Although, to be fair, I wore them at least once a day for a year. That’s how much I love these!!!)
- Styles and sizes sell out really quickly! If you see one you like, be sure to nab it before someone else does!
I love the vision of this company. Often, we buy into these programs because it gives us warm fuzzies to “help” someone. But when it comes to buying Punjammies we’re not helping these women, we’re investing in them. We’re saying that we support them as they strive to get themselves and their family out of a life of bondage. Buying a pair of pyjama’s isn’t going to end global sex trafficking. But it may, however, impact one woman’s life. It says that we’re standing behind her, that she can do it.
To learn more about Sudara or to check out their Punjammies, visit sudara.org. (For all my Canadian friends, check out Punjammies at underables.com to avoid shipping costs from the States.) Trust me, you will not regret picking up a pair of these super cozy, beautifully handmade jammies.
This post is not a sponsored post. I just love this product!
Thank you SO much for taking the time to share this review and for your support!! Also, forget the shipping from the U.S. 🙂 We’d love for you to check out our Canadian partner Underables for punjammies without the U.S. shipping fees: underables.com. They should be getting the new styles soon, too! Thank you, again, for the support. We greatly appreciate it!!
Awesome! Thank you for letting me know, this makes things so much easier! I will update my post with this new info for all my Canadian gals 🙂
Thank you for connecting me with Mommy Mannegren!
Reblogged this on Flamingo Media Pr.
Did you order true to your size? I am always weary of ordering my “true size” in something that is suppose to be comfy. I am an athletic 6-8. From their chart I should order a small but I keep thinking more of a medium?
I’m usually a size 6 – the first pair I bought in a medium and found them super comfy. The second pair I went with a small and kinda wish that I’d gone again with a medium. I like the fit a bit looser. The waistband is elastic but also has a drawstring so if you did go one size up, you can always tie it tighter if needed.
Thank you very much! I will order tonite or tomorrow. Also getting a pair for a friend who is due in three weeks! Great gift!!!!
These pajama pants are quite controversial in some circles because of the lack of financial info given when asked. We have no idea how much these women are paid. It could be just above sweatshop prices. In these poor countries, there are people trying to decriminolize prostitution because people who make more money prostituting are arrested and their punishment is basically to work at these companies. I woukd be leery of promoting a company that you really know nothing about what there employees are paid. There are several articles you should read about this company. I think the pajamas are cute so i will buy them. But, i definitely not brag to my friends about it…just some food for thought.
Thanks for your thoughts, Lizzy! Just curious, why would you still buy them if you’re so hesitant about the company? I actually have read a lot of the articles that disagree with punjammies and agree that there are definitely good points within them – one of them for sure being further financial information. Overall though, I was really happy with the product that I purchased and felt reasonably reassured by the information they provide. I’m definitely open to hearing further concrete evidence for either side of the argument. Thanks for bringing this up!