With tips from Hall and other experts in mind, we researched a wide range of pajamas, looking at fabric type and quality, fit, sizing options, comfort, and price. Our winner, the Hanna Andersson Adult Unisex Long Johns, comes in attractive colors with lots of matching family options, and has proven to be extremely durable even after many runs through the washer and dryer. Read on for the best pajamas currently on the market. Both top and bottom are made from extra-soft organic cotton, and the seams and waistband are expertly stitched so they lie flat and aren’t prone to rubbing or puckering. Fans rave about the pajamas’ resilience in the washing machine and dryer, as the colors stay vibrant even after many years of use. (The kids’ pajamas are often passed down through multiple siblings.) The price is high, but the company does have some seasonal sales, so it makes sense to sign up for their newsletter and watch for deals. One downside: If you’re prone to sleeping warm, the cotton can feel a bit thick, and the styles tend to be on the fitted side (though you can consider sizing up). But for the high level of craftsmanship, quality fabric, and attractive prints, these pajamas are worthy of top honors. Price at time of publish: $46 Price at time of publish: $29 The v-neck top has stylish sleeves that hit elbow length, but some reviewers found it a bit too cropped. The pants have slits up the sides to add more airflow, along with a flattering high waist. Lunya uses dyes with the Bluesign designation, which means that they’re free of certain chemicals known to be harmful to factory workers, the wearer, and the environment. Price at time of publish: $258 Besides this classic set, you can find tank tops, nightgowns in various styles, shorter pants, and robes. The company donates a large portion of its profits to charities such as domestic violence prevention, cancer research, and advocating for kids in foster care. Cool-jams also sells pajamas for men and items for the bedroom like blankets, sheets, pillows, and mattress pads. Price at time of publish: $79 The fabric is yarn-dyed, which helps it retain its color better over time. Some customers had complaints about the Portuguese cotton flannel, which tends to pill and shed lint at first. (We’d recommend washing the pajamas before wearing them to help remove it.) The set is sold in several different sizes, ranging from extra-small to extra-large, along with regular, petite, plus, or tall collections. Just note that the fit tends to be boxy, and even the petite sizes run long. If you’re on the shorter side, you may need to hem them. Price at time of publish: $79 Some customers had issues with fit, remarking that either the tops ran small through the shoulders or that the pants ran long. But many found them comparable to, and even better than, sleepwear from more expensive brands. One major downside is the lack of color choices: There are just two tones for women, and one for men. Price at time of publish: $68 Besides styles like this one, which has a simple holiday vibe, PajamaGram offers more classic-looking family sets that you could wear all year. It’s worth noting that the polyester and cotton-poly blend fabrics are not especially breathable, and may not be great for those who tend to get warm at night, but they’re ideal for lounging around during the holidays and, of course, staging lots of photo ops. Although the manufacturer doesn’t specifically mention instructions for drying, customers felt it’s best to either line dry or use the low setting to avoid pilling. Price at time of publish: $40 to $63 If you’re hoping to match with your people, it’s nice to know you won’t be limited, as styles include two-piece sets like this one, as well as printed t-shirts, thermal knits, one-piece options, shorts, leggings, and joggers. They can easily be tossed in the washing machine and dried on low, and the quality tends to be consistent overall. One downside is that popular prints tend to sell out quickly, probably also due to the affordable prices. Price at time of publish: $40 One thing to note: These haven’t been treated with flame retardants, so the fit is snug due to safety concerns. If your child is on the larger side, you may want to size up. The company, which was founded by two former parenting brand execs, is also deeply committed to philanthropy; during the COVID-19 crisis, they have pledged one million dollars to help Baby2Baby, a non-profit focused on children living in poverty. Although the company says you can tumble dry the set on low, some customers recommended air-drying it to protect the delicate fabric. One downside is that there are only three color choices: black, mauve, and oatmeal. Venus is a direct-to-consumer company based in Jacksonville, Florida, and it offers a large selection of swimwear, clothing, and lingerie, with a comprehensive plus-size section as well. Price at time of publish: $79
Design
The style you choose is largely a personal preference. Some people like the more formal, dressy feel of a matched button-down set in silk or cotton poplin, while others prefer flowing nightgowns or simple combinations with joggers and knit tops. “If you like less fabric or are a hot sleeper, I’d recommend looking for shorts, short sleeves, or even a shorter nightgown,” says Amelia Jerden, staff writer at Sleepopolis. One-piece suits are cozy and fun for photos around the holidays but can make going to the restroom tricky. “I recommend thinking about what you don’t like about your current pajamas. Does having long pants or sleeves cause you to overheat? Or maybe the excess fabric makes you feel uncomfortable? Or maybe your current pajamas have a scratchy feel that leaves you uncomfortable throughout the night,” says Jerden.
Fit
Your fit should be fairly loose and not constricting, but not so baggy that the material will bunch up underneath you during the night. “Look for loose fabrics that don’t restrict your movement when you change sleeping positions throughout the night. They should also be easy to untie or drop if you have to use the restroom in the middle of the night. Wearing tight clothes can increase your body temperature and make it difficult to sleep deeply while restricting circulation and blood flow,” says Ufimtsev.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Lexi Dwyer, who has been writing for The Spruce since 2019 and has covered topics such as clothes drying racks, candle holders, and woven baskets. To make this list, she researched pajamas and evaluated them based on fabric, comfort, fit, and style, while aiming to include a range of prices. To learn more about the relationship between pajamas and sleep, she consulted Katherine Hall, PhD, a sleep psychologist at Somnus Therapy, a personalized sleep improvement program; Pavel Ufimtsev, co-founder and certified sleep coach at SleepMattress.co; Danielle Kelvas MD, chief medical advisor at Sleepline; and Amelia Jerden, staff writer at Sleepopolis. “Pajamas can have a significant impact on the quality of sleep you get every night. And if you are prone to sleeping hot, selecting pajamas made of lightweight fabrics such as bamboo or silk can help keep your body temperature cool and comfortable throughout the night,” adds Hall. “Ultimately, finding the right pajamas for a good night’s sleep is essential to improving your overall health and well-being.”
