Editorial: Wake-up call for pyjamas at the cinema

Mark Dawson, editor of Wanganui Chronicle

One accepts that sartorial standards have shifted somewhat over the years.

And that Kiwis, being generally laidback by nature, have never been big on the formalities of attire, usually preferring to dress sensibly and for the weather (of which there is a lot) than observe some rigid clothing convention that may denote dignity and respect but fails to deliver the desired level of comfort.

The time when a man was expected to wear a jacket and tie (or possibly a cravat) to go out for the evening are gone.

But, even so, I was taken aback by this week's news that a cinema in Hawera was banning customers from wearing onesies and pyjamas as they settled down to the latest blockbuster.

Not taken aback by the ban, which seems a decision to be applauded, but by the fact that such garments were on show amid the popcorn and fizzy drinks and that such a ban was necessary.

But it is, alarmingly, the case, and some folk are even getting hot under the onesie collar and calling the ban "unfair".

I recall when I first saw people sauntering around the supermarket in pyjamas. I presumed they had retired for the night only for a pleasant dream to be interrupted by their subconscious reminding them they urgently needed some vital grocery for first thing in the morning.

But could that freakish occurrence have happened to all of them ... time and again? No — it was their bizarre fashion statement and now PJs at Pak'nSave hardly raise an eyebrow.

There has, of course, got to be a balance between personal choice and raiment requirements, but I have always subscribed to the maxim "The clothes maketh the man" and have worn a slight frown at the all-too-frequent sight of executives, business leaders and politicians appearing on TV or in person sans necktie.

But that's the way it goes in NZ — apparently apparel is entirely subjective.

So good to know that Hawera cinema isn't going to wear this drapery degeneration — well done for your dressing down of the dressing gowns.