Dressing not to impress

Supermarket giant Tesco has banned pyjama-wearing customers at some of its stores. So just what is and isn't acceptable for a shopping trip? Tracey O'Sullivan investigates

It's been a long day. You've worked hard and deserve a long soak in the bath after which you slip on your comfies – in other words, your pyjamas.

Then you remember there's no milk in the fridge.

Or it's that chaotic rush in the morning – two children to dress, a baby to feed, two lunchboxes to sort out, a PE kit and cakes for the school fundraiser to be packaged up, all before 8.30am.

There's no way that getting dressed yourself is anywhere on your list of priorities. The pyjamas you are wearing will have to do. Then, on the way back from school, you remember the bread, butter and teabags you desperately need.

Oh well, no one will notice if you just slip into the supermarket in your nightwear to pick up a few essentials.

Well forget it. Tempted as you may be, you could face the scorn of other customers who may be offended by your attire or even be refused entry.

That certainly could be the case after a Tesco store banned people from shopping in nightwear, slippers or barefoot.

Notices went up at its branch in Cardiff that read: "To avoid causing offence or embarrassment to others we ask that our customers are appropriately dressed when visiting our store (footwear must be worn at all times and no nightwear is permitted)."

"We do, however, request that customers do not shop in their PJs or nightgowns. This is to avoid causing offence or embarrassment to others."

While bosses maintain that other Tesco stores have not felt the need to put up such signs they are adamant it was pressure from shoppers that forced the move at Cardiff.

There are no such pyjama policies at Asda or Sainsbury's, but both reserve the right to refuse admission.

So it does raise the question of whether customers are that bothered by what people wear to do the weekly shop and would they really be that offended?

It seems not that much at the Tesco at Telford's Wrekin Retail Park where shoppers said they wouldn't mind people popping in dressed in their PJs.

Mother of two Lisa Churchman from Coalbrookdale said she would be surprised, possibly, but not offended.

Lisa, who was out with her 23-month-old son George and her 10-week-old daughter Annabelle, looked impeccably groomed as she picked up a trolley just after 9.30am.

"I do understand that it can be such a rush for mums sometimes, especially when they have the school run to consider so I don't think 'offended' would be the word I would use," said Lisa who added she had always felt the need to be dressed and with her hair done and make-up on before she left the house.

"I do think it makes you feel better. I know I feel better if I make the effort in the morning – definitely more human and able to face the world. Although, I have to say, I have never seen anyone shopping in their pyjamas so I suppose my reactions have not been properly tested."

It was a similar story for Emma and Matthew Cole from Hadley who arrived at Tesco with their son Finlay after attending the ultrasound scan for their second child, due to be born later this year.

"I don't think I would mind at all," said Emma. "Most pyjamas look like jogging bottoms anyway, and are they going to ban those as well?

"I can understand that feeling of just changing into your comfortable nightwear and then remembering something you have forgotten and dashing out for it, although I have never done it myself and never would.

"I suppose I would have a bigger problem if the person was not dressed because they were not hygienic and because it is a food store."

Matthew said he didn't think it should offend anyone if the nightwear was suitably discreet. "It's not as if they are talking about women shopping in negligees or something. I think it should be treated with a bit of common sense rather than simply banning pyjamas.

"The manager should take a view on a particular situation if a customer makes a complaint. There are other choices of clothing which could be equally offensive."

Putting it to the test I did an early morning dash to Asda at Donnington Wood in my pyjamas for a pint of milk. Admittedly, it was my lovely Abercrombie & Fitch grey sweat pants and slippers which look remarkably like Ugg boots, but I didn't get a second glance.

Several customers who I spoke to seemed only too content to accept my attire.

Susan Hope from Muxton said she thought my outfit was fine for shopping and that she wouldn't have looked twice had I not approached her for an opinion.

Although if I was being totally honest I didn't feel as comfortable with it as everyone else did. Let's face it, getting dressed to go out is about having, not just pride in your appearance, but a sense of confidence, self-worth and respect for the community around you.

Pyjamas don't quite work in the same way and have a definite air of 'can't be bothered' when worn out and about. For me they are definitely all about lounging at home. Perhaps it would be safe to venture out shopping again in Shropshire in those pyjamas – if you really have to.