Sideways glances while out and about in sleepwear

AUT student reporter Poppy Wortman takes a walk on the sleepless side of town and tries out wearing her pyjamas. Photo / Chris Loufte

A firm tap on the shoulder is followed by a terse "show some respect" from a clearly offended elderly man.

The debate over wearing PJs in public is hotter in some places than others.

And the people at the New World supermarket in the blue-rinse suburb of Remuera do not approve.

My cupcake-patterned bedwear draws looks of distaste, a few giggles and a young check-out operator asks if I'm unwell.

He seems confused when I reply no, I just felt like wearing sleepwear for the day.

With leopard-print slippers and a fluffy dressing gown, I couldn't be more out of place on the well-heeled side of town.

I experience prickles of embarrassment as heads swivel when I pass through the aisles.

At a DVD store, a young boy is shushed by his mother as he asks why I am allowed out in my pyjamas and he is not, ensuing a tantrum and my quick departure.

At the Remuera chemist, I retreat from a hostile glare at the sliding door.

In this part of town, there are places one shouldn't go - and also where one wouldn't go because it isn't the done thing.