According to Stitch Fix Expert Stylist Lauren Nelson, the best pajamas are different for everyone. She advises clients to consider the type of sleeper they are, as well as their environment. “Top quality pajama materials range from cotton to linen to flannel,” she says. “If my client lives in a warmer climate, I recommend something lightweight and breathable, such as a cotton set. Alternatively, a flannel set is perfect for a cozy night in a colder setting.” Keeping in mind the varied opinions on what everyone’s best pajamas are, we spent hours scouring the internet for the top picks for different types of sleepers. While compiling this list, we took into account factors like type, material, size range, and care, as well as Nelson’s informed thoughts on industry trends and what shoppers are looking for in pajamas. “Right now, my favorite type of pajamas are ones that can be worn all day long,” she says. “Loungewear is still a closet staple, especially for clients that continue to work remotely.” Find our picks for best pajamas below, then keep reading for more details on how to choose the best pair for your preferences and needs. Modeled after classic men’s pajamas, the contrast-piped, button-down style is traditional, but the cut is contemporary. The top is slim fit, while the shorts are cheeky. Those seeking a longer, roomier fit with the same cooling fabric and timeless aesthetic can go for the Gisele Relaxed Short PJ Set instead. Eberjey also sells a long-sleeved version if you want to be even cozier. Price at time of publish: $118 Product Details:
Material: 95% modal, 5% spandexSize Range: XS-XLCare: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Price at time of publish: $33 Product Details:
Material: 70% polyester, 25% rayon, 5% spandexSize Range: S-4XCare: Machine wash
In addition to looking stylish enough to allow you to leave the house confidently, this Girlfriend Collective duo is eco-friendly. It’s made of a biodegradable material that combines soft recycled cotton with naturally cooling TENCEL modal. The result is a smooth feel, a drapey fit, and a clean conscience. Girlfriend Collective also has a more inclusive size range than many other companies, and show their clothing on a range of sizes on the site so you can see how they fit different body types. Price at time of publish: $68 Product Details:
Material: 50% Texloop RCOT Primo recycled cotton and 50% TENCEL modalSize Range: XXS-6XCare: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry
Hill House Home’s Aurora Sleep Dress is crafted in Portugal using 100 percent organic cotton, which means it’s soft and breathable. And if you hate doing laundry, good news: The eco-friendly company recommends washing less often to extend the life of the garment and protect the planet. Price at time of publish: $75 Product Details:
Material: Organic cottonSize range: XXS-XXLCare: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry
Buying cotton pajamas from J.Crew doesn’t just ensure a soft, comfortable sleep experience—you’re also supporting the brand’s commitment to Better Cotton, a non-profit organization that works to help cotton growing communities thrive, while also protecting and restoring the environment. We call that a win-win pajama purchase. Just take note that this set only comes in standard sizing, so particularly tall or short sleepers may find that the sleeve and leg length of these pajamas aren’t the perfect fit. Price at time of publish: $98 Product Details:
Material: CottonSize Range: XXS-3XCare: Machine wash
Once again, the Knix Flowy Rib Lounge Top and Flowy Rib Lounge Pant are not technically a set, since they’re sold separately, but they match perfectly and make for a lovely coordinating ensemble. Plus, we love the ribbed texture. Price at time of publish: $55 Product Details:
Material: 93% modal, 7% spandexSize Range: XS-3XCare: Machine wash delicate on gentle, lay flat to dry
Of course, cold sleepers will appreciate L.L. Bean’s Scotch Plaid Flannel pajamas from bed to couch throughout the chillier months, but hot sleepers shouldn’t discount them—even if these pajamas are too warm for you to wear while slumbering, they make for festive loungewear during snowy mornings and cuddly evenings by the fire. Price at time of publish: $79 Product Details:
Material: Portuguese cotton flannelSize Range: XS-3XCare: Machine wash and dry
Since this set is crafted with 100 percent Peruvian Pima cotton, it will shrink upon first washing. You can expect that the shrinkage will occur mostly in length, so you should size up if you’re tall or between sizes. Also note that, like a lot of cotton garments, this set is best washed in cold water on delicate and laid flat to dry. If you’d prefer simpler instructions, 100 percent cotton garments like these might not be for you. Price at time of publish: $108 Product Details:
Material: Peruvian Pima cottonSize Range: XXS-XXLCare: Machine wash cold on delicate cycle, lay flat to dry
But it’s the intricate details that truly bring this Lauren Ralph Lauren pajama set to the next level. Between the tone-on-tone piping, classic notch collar, and embroidered golden logo on the chest pocket, every little element elevates the overall regal look of the set. Best of all, the washing instructions are easy—just machine wash and tumble dry. Price at time of publish: $72 Product Details:
Material: 55% cotton, 45% viscoseSize Range: XS-XLCare: Machine wash
Designed with clean, geometric lines, the Lunya Washable Silk Tee set is also chic enough to wear outside the house. If you style it right, this set could even make it to brunch—though we recommend washing it first. The tee is machine-washable, but it does need to lay flat to dry to keep it in its best shape for years to come. Price at time of publish: $198 Product Details:
Material: Washable silkSize Range: XS-2XCare: Hand or machine wash cold, lay flat to dry
Price at time of publish: $90 Product Details:
Material: CottonSize Range: XXS-XLCare: Machine wash
Nightshirts are best for a specific type of sleeper—someone who wants their legs to feel free of constrictive pants, yet wants their arms to be covered and cozy. Just keep in mind that the longer cut means more coverage than an above-the-knee nightgown if you move around a lot in your sleep. Price at time of publish: $150 Product Details:
Material: CottonSize Range: XS-XLCare: Machine wash
Planet-conscious shoppers will also be pleased to know that Quince’s linen is super eco-friendly. Its production requires less water, fertilizers, and irrigation than other fabrics. Plus, it’s OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means no hazardous substances are present during manufacturing, and is made in Business Social Compliance Initiative-certified factories, indicating a safe supply chain. Price at time of publish: $60 Product Details:
Material: European linenSize Range: XS-XLCare: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry low and remove promptly
All four prints evoke the holiday season, and matching sets are available for kids and men, so feel free to buy these pajamas for your whole family to celebrate. If you do, you can can feel great about it because Pact’s organic cotton is produced using minimal water in a Fair Trade Factory in India. Price at time of publish: $70 Product Details:
Material: Organic cottonSize Range: XS-XXLCare: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
While the Organic Cloud Cotton Top and Organic Cloud Cotton Pant aren’t sold as a set, they definitely belong together, whether you opt for a monochromatic vibe or mix and match two different earthy tones. There’s also a matching tee if you prefer that instead of the long-sleeved button down. Price at time of publish: $89 Product Details:
Material: Organic cottonSize Range: XS-3XCare: Machine wash
You can mix and match colors and sizes for the cropped-yet-slouchy button down and shorts to find the perfect blend for you. The material is breathable and silky to the touch, and it can be tossed in the washer and dryer for easy cleaning. Price at time of publish: $56 Product Details:
Material: Luxe satinSize Range: XS-3XCare: Machine wash
The best part about this particular cotton is that it gets softer with every wash, so you’ll fall deeper in love with this pajama set each time you throw it on. Just be sure to launder with a delicate cycle in a like-color load and tumble dry on low heat so that they last forever. Price at time of publish: $148 Product Details:
Material: CottonSize Range: XXS-6XCare: Machine wash on delicate, tumble dry on low heat
Made of a moisture-absorbent rayon blend fabric with a subtle rib texture, it features a built-in shelf bra and adjustable criss-cross shoulder straps. The sleep pants are also exactly what you want to wear all night long: straight leg, flowy, and cropped. They even have pockets for when you’re hanging out on the couch delaying getting dressed because your PJs are just too comfy. Price at time of publish: $116 Product Details:
Material: 90% rayon, 10% spandex Size Range: XS-XLCare: Machine wash cold, hang dry or tumble dry low
The high quality of this linen set is identifiable in the details, like tone-on-tone piping and mother-of-pearl buttons. While the color options are relatively limited (you can choose from white or three varying shades of blue), the shades are a beautiful complement to the coziness of the linen. Price at time of publish: $148 Product Details:
Material: European linenSize Range: XS-LCare: Machine wash cold, tumble dry
With decorative piping, a rounded notch collar, and a curved hem, this nightshirt is simultaneously classic and contemporary. The details are clearly inspired by a traditional menswear style, yet updated to feel feminine and of-the-moment. If you like the down-below freedom of a nightgown, you can’t go wrong with this sleepshirt, but you can also pair it with a crop and shorts for a little more coverage while you lounge around the house. Price at time of publish: $45 Product Details:
Material: 90% modal, 10% elastaneSize Range: XS-XXLCare: Machine wash
Material
Your material choice should also depend on your sleep style and environment. According to Nelson, flannel is the best fabric for cold sleepers and settings. “Similar to flannel, knit and waffle pajamas are soft and warm, too,” she says. “You can always layer a lightweight cotton pajama set under a soft robe for added warmth.” On the other hand, hot sleepers and climates call for cotton, linen, or modal.
Size Range
Another factor to think about when shopping for pajamas is the size range. Most brands produce sizes from XS to XL, but companies like L.L.Bean, Knix, and J.Crew also offer plus sizes up to 3X. Girlfriend Collective and Printfresh are the most size-inclusive brands on this list, with a wide range of XXS to 6X.
Care
When you’re choosing which pajamas to order, it’s important to take the care instructions into consideration. If you’re not willing to lay flat and air dry your pajamas to maintain their quality and ensure their lifespan, perhaps a modal or 100 percent cotton set is not for you. Instead, go for a lower-maintenance flannel pair of pajamas that can be tumbled dry on low heat or a synthetic blend satin for a luxe feel without the extra work.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Morgan Goldberg, a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of editorial experience in the interior design, food, and travel spaces. She spent hours searching the internet for the best pajamas for women and compiled this list based on type, material, size range, and more. She also consulted Stitch Fix Expert Stylist Lauren Nelson, who offered insights on what to look for when shopping for pajamas.
