I find it amusing that the English are so proud of their heritage, and yet (in Georgian and Regency England, anyways) so mad for anything foreign. If some new fashion came from France, or Germany, or India, or the Orient, they went for it. (Of course, I’m totally proud of being American and yet melt into a puddle whenever I hear British or Australian accents, so it sorta makes sense.)

The banyan is one such example of loving aspects other cultures. But in this case, they clung to it for practical reasons, as well.

The English banyan is an East Indian word for a fitted, double-breasted, long, robe with fitted sleeves, often with sewn-in waistcoat fronts, and frequently quilted. When at home in casual settings with family or friends, cultured men in the 18th century exchanged their uncomfortable wigs and tight tailored frockcoats for this loose-fitting, long robe. Keep in mind, this was not the same thing as showing up in their bathrobe. It was still considered being fashionably dressed, just more comfortable. They wore their banyans with a linen shirt and cotton stockings, with knee breeches and often a waistcoat. It was even considered stylish to receive visitors in the morning dressed in a banyan. The king himself often did. Many of these garments were lined with wool, velvet, or silk plush—a velvet with long pile resembling fur.

An elegant gentleman’s casual wear usually included a cap, which looks a lot like a nightcap, only it was usually quilted and then adorned, often with a tassel. I’m sure it aided in keeping warm in chilly temperatures, especially since so many men who wore wigs shaved their heads. Men in casual dress also eschewed boots or pumps in favor of a pair of slippers.

Banyans of the early eighteenth century were fairly full and flowingb ut by the Regency, they consumed much less cloth and were more fitted through the upper body. In most cases, silk frogs closures secured the front although some men used gold clasps which had to be removed each time the banyan was laundered, then re-attached.

A dressing gown, morning robe, or robe de chamber, were all similar to the banyan, but since the Indian word banyan sounded so much more exotic, the name stuck. By the late 19^th and early 20^th century, the banyan evolved into the shorter smoking frock or smoking jacket.

I found some great images here and here but I couldn’t tell if they were copyrighted, so if you want to see more pictures, please feel free to follow the links.

When I casual at home, a pair of leggings and an oversized shirt fits the bill nicely. What you do you like to where when you’re lounging at home?