The pyjama revolution: Britain goes comfy for Christmas
Move over velvet dresses and waistcoats, British Christmas dinner fashion is undergoing a makeover.
According to a survey by Audley Villages, the nation is ditching the formal dress code in favour of maximum comfort, with almost 5 million Brits opting to eat their turkey and roasties in their pyjamas. In fact, as many as 23 million Brits will wear casual clothes for the big meal.
It’s those in their 20s leading the pyjama charge with nearly one in five (18%) planning to wear their comfies to the dinner table. This stands in contrast to their parents and grandparents. Only 8% of people in their 50s and a mere 3% of those in their 60s would dream of wearing sleepwear to this festive occasion.
Despite the shift toward the sofa-ready look, Brits' love for a themed outfit remains strong with 10.8 million still sporting festive or holiday-themed outfits.
"The days of dressing up for Christmas dinner are fading. Comfort is king for Brits on the big day, with older generations ditching dressed up and formal outfits and younger Brits happily tucking into their turkey in pyjamas.
From festive jumpers to flannel PJ sets, it’s a shift that shows Christmas is all about feeling cosy, spending time with loved ones and going back for second servings - no dress code required.”
Susan McClean, Regional Operations Director at Audley Group
Methodology
1 - The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,241 UK general consumers of which 1,000 aged over 55 years old. The data was collected between 03.12.2025 - 08.12.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
2 - There are approx. 54 million adults in the UK as of 2025. 43% of those surveyed would typically wear casual clothes to Christms dinner which equates to 23 million. 20% of those surveyed would typically wear festive / holiday themed outfits to Christmas dinner which equates to 10.8 million. 9% of those surveyed would typically wear pyjamas to Christmas dinner which equates to 4.9 million.
Press enquiries:
For more information or spokespeople for Audley Group contact audley@vccproar.com
About Audley Group
Audley Group is a specialist retirement housing provider which acquires sites, develops and then operates retirement villages. The Group has two brands: Audley Villages, founded in 1991 and aimed at the luxury end of the market, and Mayfield Villages, a proposition with broader appeal. Audley Group now owns a portfolio of 21 villages across the country.
