Tossing and turning all night? That old T-shirt might be the culprit. Here’s the thing: Your sleepwear is more than just clothing. It’s a critical component of your sleep quality, temperature regulation, and overall comfort. Read on for expert advice on picking out pajamas.
How to choose pajamas
Selecting the right pajamas is like finding the perfect sleep companion. “Your sleep quality will be significantly impacted by the pajamas that you choose,” says Jack Tanner, a Los Angeles-based fashion designer and textile engineer. “It directly influences the comfort and temperature of your skin.”
Here are the factors to consider before buying your next pajama set.
Fabric
Think of pajama fabrics as a personalized sleep technology, each with unique superpowers:
- Cotton: The universal hero—breathable, soft, and hypoallergenic
- Bamboo: The sustainability champion with incredible moisture-wicking properties
- Silk: The luxury performer that reduces friction and regulates temperature
- Flannel: The winter warrior keeping you toasty
- Merino wool: The athletic-grade fabric that battles sweat and temperature fluctuations
- Microfiber: The flexible friend for active sleepers
- Tencel: The eco-conscious cool kid with supreme breathability
- Jersey knit: The comfort classic that feels like your favorite worn-in tee
Fit
Forget the “one-size-fits-all” myth. Your pajama fit is a delicate dance between comfort and functionality, says Tanner. Overly tight pajamas can restrict blood circulation, create uncomfortable pressure points, and limit your body’s natural movement during sleep, leading to disrupted rest and potential muscle tension.
On the flip side, excessively loose sleepwear can bunch up, twist around your body, and create friction that interrupts your sleep cycle, causing you to wake up and readjust repeatedly.
The ideal pajama fit strikes a delicate balance of providing enough room for unrestricted movement while maintaining a gentle, soft contact with your skin that allows for natural temperature regulation and prevents chafing or irritation.
Style
Different pajama styles not only influence your overall comfort but can also influence your mental state. For example, a structured button-down might feel like you’re still in work mode, while soft, loose loungewear signals to your brain: “It’s time to relax.”
The ideal pajama style shouldn’t only match your personal comfort preferences but also serve as a subtle cue to your body that it’s time to transition from the activities of the day to the restoration of nighttime, helping to establish a consistent sleep routine that supports your natural circadian rhythms.
One thing Tanner says sleepers shouldn’t compromise on style-wise, though, is an elastic waistband. “Look for a sleepwear that comes with an elastic waistband to adjust with your body size,” he says. “Try to avoid tight, waistbands that can cause discomfort and dig into your skin.”
Seasonal strategies
Your pajama wardrobe should be as adaptable as you are. “During warmer months focus should be on breathability and cooling properties of the clothing materials,” says Tanner. “Flannel, fleece and thermal cotton are best for your cold-weather sleepwear.”
Is there an all-weather pajama pick? You can focus on cotton pajamas that are breathable and versatile for all-weather purposes, says Tanner. They’re ideal for layering and adjusting to various temps.
Spring/summer
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Moisture-wicking materials
- Sleeveless or short-sleeve options
Fall/winter
- Thermal fabrics like flannel
- Layered options
- Long-sleeve designs for warmth
What are the best pajamas?
Whether you’re looking for luxury, affordability, or specific features like temperature regulation, here are our top pajama selections you won’t want to sleep on.
Best pajamas for women
- Eberjey Gisele Pajama Set: These pajamas are made of Tencel fabric that feels like a second skin.
- Lake Pima Pajama Set: Crafted from breathable Pima cotton to ensure maximum comfort throughout the night.
- Soma Cool Nights Pajama Set: Engineered with cooling technology that battles night sweats.
Best pajamas for men
- Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set: The temperature-regulating bamboo fabric provides comfort for a restful sleep.
- Saxx Snooze Super Soft Modal Sleep Pants: Designed with super soft modal fabric and naturally breathable and odor-resistant.
- Amazon Essentials Fleece Pajama Set: These fleece pajamas offer budget-friendly warmth for cooler nights.
Best pajamas for kids
- Hanna Andersson Organic Cotton Pajama Set: Made from chemical-free organic cotton and featuring adorable designs.
- Carter’s Snug-Fit Cotton Pajamas: These affordable pajamas come in playful prints with a secure fit.
- Primary Pajama Set: The tag-free, solid-colored pajamas are perfect for children with sensitive skin.
FAQs
What makes a great pajama brand?
The best pajama brands focus on creating sleepwear that’s all about comfort and keeping your body at the right temperature. These brands rely on extensive research and cutting-edge textile technology to develop fabrics that adapt to your sleep habits and physiological needs.
What are the most comfortable pajamas?
Organic bamboo fabric is insanely comfortable, keeps you cool when you’re hot, and wicks away moisture so you’re not waking up sweaty. Basically, it’s like having built-in temperature control, which makes a huge difference for a good night’s sleep. And if you want to get technical, fabrics that mix natural fibers (like bamboo or cotton) with some high-tech synthetics are proven to keep your body temp regulated and even reduce skin irritation.
How do you pick the best pajamas?
Start by thinking about how you actually sleep. Do you get super hot at night or always feel cold? Go for fabrics that match your body temperature, like breathable bamboo if you’re a sweater or cozy flannel if you’re always chilly. And comfort is always key. Make sure they’re soft, not too tight, and feel good when you move around.
Should you snooze in the buff? Next, learn about the benefits of sleeping naked.
