In Shanghai, wearing pajamas to run errands or to have a nice dinner with your family is common. It is not considered impolite to show up in cotton pj's covered with Hello Kitty pictures. This phenomenon might seem strange to an outsider, but to a Shanghainese it's pragmatic and comfortable. Why wouldn't you wear pajamas outside? After all, you're only going to sleep in them. This accepted custom is not isolated to gender or a particular age group, but practiced by the young and old. Women usually dress up the attire with a favorite pair of pumps and a flashy handbag.

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