Most Americans spend a third of each day in bed, so it’s a good idea to have sleepwear that helps you slumber in comfort. The best pajamas for men are soft, breathable and stylish for lounging. If you’re still sleeping in old sweats and a faded college tee, we have expert recommendations for you here.
and stylish for lounging at home.ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
A bit about our evaluation process: Forbes Vetted relies on firsthand testing and verified reviews as well as the expertise of our editors and contributors in the field. We know sleepwear inside and out, having rigorously tested everything from pajamas to robes to slippers (not to mention mattresses, sheets and more). Our top pick for the best pajamas for men is Eberjey’s Henry Short PJ Set and our best luxury choice is Petite Plum’s Cotton Pajamas. Whether you run hot or only sleep in shorts, check out all our expert recommendations below.
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Eberjey
Eberjey Henry Modal Short PJ Set
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Charcoal Heather | Materials: 95% Tencel modal, 5% spandex
What’s notable: The soft tencel fabric is shrink-proof, durable and keeps you cool.
What could be better: The largest size is XL, which might not feel roomy enough for larger guys.
Founded in 1996, Eberjey’s iconic pajama sets have achieved cult status because of their soft and breathable fabric, which is made from temperature-regulating, eco-friendly tencel modal. This pair’s stretchy jersey knit is ideal for lounging in comfort, and it’s great for restless sleepers who run hot. Reviewers rave about this style’s softness and second-skin feel.
What the expert says: “It’s really hard to find simple, stylish pajamas and these are it. The modal fabric is really soft and these are well-designed,” says Kyle Albrecht, founder and lead stylist at Social Garb.
Sizes: S to XXXL | Colors: 6 total, including Navy and Charcoal | Materials: 95% viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex
What’s notable: They are made from breathable natural fibers, and they look enough like sweats to wear out for a deli run.
What could be better: If you are used to drawstring pajama pants, the thick waistband might feel a little restrictive.
Cozy Earth’s sleepwear is made from responsibly sourced bamboo viscose, a natural, breathable, temperature-regulating fabric that helps prevent night sweats. It also stays smooth over time and won’t pill. These pants have a thick but comfortable waistband that prevents the pants from twisting during sleep, and side pockets to stash your phone during lazy days on the couch.
What the expert says: Bamboo is a favorite sleepwear fabric of Marta Miller’s, owner of Lefty Production Company, which manufactures clothing for men and women, and she’s also a fan of the styling of these pajama bottoms. “I really like how versatile they are,” she says. “They are the kind of pajama bottoms that you can do the carpool [or errands] in.”
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 2 total, including True Navy and True Black | Materials: 66% micro modal, 21% nylon, 7% Ionic+ nylon, 6% spandex
What’s notable: The cooling, ani-order technology keeps you feeling—and smelling—fresh.
What could be better: Since the fabric is athletic performance-level, this pair is on the pricey side; and it only comes in two colors.
Woven with silver so they’re anti-odor and cool to the touch, Mack Weldon’s pajama shorts keep you comfortable on sweltering nights or while lounging on high-humidity days. This pair has pockets and a covered waistband to prevent any chaffing and can be worn as athletic shorts as an added bonus. Fans say they run true to size and don’t shrink while washing.
What the expert says: Forbes Vetted deputy fashion editor Kari Molvar likes the cut and style of these shorts, noting that “the fit isn’t too loose or snug, and there’s a bit of spandex in the fabric, which means you can move easily in these shorts at night without feeling restricted.”
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Navy | Materials: 90% polyester, 10% spandex
What’s notable: The fabric is smooth and keeps you cool—and these pants probably cost less than whatever you ordered for breakfast.
What could be better: If you are a fan of matching sets, these don’t come with a top.
32 Degrees’ budget-friendly sleep pant is ideal for guys who want bottom coverage but don’t want night sweats interrupting their sleep. These pants have a smooth feel, lightweight fabric with built-in stretch, and they’re moisture wicking and anti-odor. Some reviewers note that they run a bit large.
What the expert says: Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar is a fan of 32 Degrees, having tested their outerwear. “The quality of what I’ve tested was really top-notch for the price,” she says. “These pants are made with a synthetic fabric that creates a smooth feeling and enhances comfort.”
Sizes: S to XXXL (Short, Regular, Tall) | Colors: 4 total, including Navy Heather and Darkest Brown/Oatmeal Heater | Materials: 100% organic cotton
What’s notable: They are made from soft cotton and have a flattering Henley top.
What could be better: The pajamas have been known to shrink after washing, and other than the Navy Heather, the colors are a little drab.
Described by reviewers as “delightfully soft” and “great quality,” L.L. Bean’s organic cotton pajamas have a medium weight that’s great for the shoulder months. This set includes a relaxed fit Henley top and drawstring pants with side pockets.
What the expert says: “I love these,” says Miller. “They are made from simple organic cotton which is the best thing to sleep in.”
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 3 total, including Classic Navy and Pacific Stripe | Materials: 100% Pima cotton
What’s notable: These pajamas are high quality and offer cashmere-like softness.
What could be better: Because they are cotton, they may shrink after washing.
At Forbes Vetted, we’re big fans of Lake’s Pima robes (read our full review here) and the pajamas are equally excellent for their softness, stretchiness and impeccable quality. This set includes a relaxed tee-shirt and shorts with an elastic waistband, drawstring tie and pockets, and they feel like velvet against the skin. Note: The cotton will shrink a small amount after the first wash, and but does not lose its shape over time.
What the expert says: Miller loves the cool, laidback look of these pajamas and the fact that they’re cut from pima cotton. “Pima cotton is made from a thinner weave and is a really beautiful and comfortable material.”
Tuckernuck
Petite Plume Luxe Pima Cotton Pajamas
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: Navy | Materials: 100% cotton
What’s notable: The roomy fit strikes the right balance between fitted and relaxed.
What could be better: Cotton tends to wrinkle so these may need ironing to keep them looking perfectly crisp.
Founded by Emily Hikade in 2015, Petite Plume’s luxurious pajamas come in preppy prints—think tattersall, ticking and gingham—and classic solids punctuated by stark white piping. This jersey set—a dressier PJ alternative to your decades-old pair—has a flattering drape and roomy pockets, and gets softer the more you wash it.
What the expert says: Miller points out that a polished pajama style like this one feels appropriate when staying at a hotel or someone else’s house. “But you can also just throw the bottoms on with a t-shirt on the average Sunday morning. Pima cotton is just so soft and comfortable—and perfect for lounging.”
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 4 total, including Blue End on End Poplin and Ribbon Stripe Poplin | Materials: 100% cotton
What’s notable: The fabric is crisp while still being cozy.
What could be better: Some men might find these a little too prim-looking.
Best known for their luxury sheets, Brooklinen’s cotton pajamas receive top marks for quality and comfort as well. Even though this soft cotton poplin set doesn’t have stretch, it’s breathable and roomy for ease of movement, and the pants have side and back pockets.
What the expert says: Albrecht loves the old-school styling of these pajamas. “They are just a classic,” he says. You can be comfortable and also put-together in this pair.
Tommy John
Tommy John Second Skin Pajama Pocket Tee And Pants
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 5 total, including Medium Heather Grey and Dress Blues | Materials: 90% modal, 10% spandex (for solid colors)
What’s notable: The soft, stretchy fabric allows for a comfortable night’s sleep, and the top and bottoms are sold separately on Amazon, which gives you flexibility if you don’t need one or the other.
What could be better: The 30-inch inseam pants may be too long for shorter men.
Husband and wife team Tom Patterson and Erin Fujimoto founded Tommy John in 2008 to reinvent men’s undergarments and create stylish products with a tailored look and functional fit. This popular tee and pant set—in a comfy cotton modal blend—features an elastic waistband and soft seams, and it has loads of stretch without becoming saggy.
What the expert says: “I think crewneck tops are the most comfortable to sleep in, and I like the pockets in the pants. It’s always good to have a pocket in pajamas in case you need to slip in things like your phone or tissues,” says Miller.
Sizes: S to XXXL (Regular, Short, Tall) | Colors: 8total, including Grey Stewart and Black Watch Tartan| Materials: 100% cotton
What’s notable: The flannel is soft and warm—but won’t make you too hot.
What could be better: Some say the fabric is actually too thin.
If you’re looking for something for cool fall and winter nights, L.L.Bean’s popular long staple cotton flannel set is brushed for softness and keeps you warm without making you overheat. Reviewers love this set for the quality construction, fade-resistant colors and different length options.
What the expert says: Flannel is another one of Miller’s favorite sleepwear fabrics because it’s made of midweight cotton (a natural, breathable material) and is warm and cozy.
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 3 total, including Deep Blue and Meditative Grey | Materials: 100% washable silk
What’s notable: The silk feels luxurious and the styling is clean and modern.
What could be better: One reviewer mentioned that the waistband kept folding over.
Lunya’s trademark is their silk pajamas, which are popular largely because they’re thermoregulating—keeping you at a “just-right” temperature—and they feel luxurious and smooth on skin. This button up set offers some standard features—chest pocket, elastic waistband, side pant pockets—but the mulberry silk fabric is washable, which is great for guys who don’t want to deal with the fuss of dry cleaning their sleepwear.
What the expert says: “These have a nice contemporary style, and are just really simple and easy and not overly pajama-y,” says Albrecht.
Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Heather Grey | Materials: 91% modal, 9% spandex
What’s notable: The fabric feels luxurious and the price is very reasonable.
What could be better: These pants don’t come with a matching top (but see our suggestion below) and the “faux fly” might not appeal to all.
For the affordable price of $35, you get a pair of very high-quality pajama pants that are soft, smooth and silky. These pants are thoughtfully made with eco-friendly dyes and produced in BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) certified factories that aim to improve working conditions. Pair these pants with the Flowknit Breeze Performance Pocket Tee for a cozy pajama set that’s easy on your wallet.
What the expert says: “I love the contemporary look and modal is really silky and comfortable,” says Albrecht.
Why Trust Forbes
At Forbes Vetted, we invest a lot of time in determining the very best fashion and accessory items on the market. We know that fashion has to be practical, personal and confidence-inspiring. Our fashion team collectively has decades of experience covering fashion and lifestyle. We meticulously research, test and evaluate clothing and accessories over time to determine what’s truly worth the money, and what’s not worth the hype. Our goal is to find clothing that creates a foundational wardrobe and never goes out of style. When choosing the best pajamas for men, we carefully considered quality, value and performance so that you can rest easy knowing these options represent money well spent.
How We Chose The Best Pajamas For Men
To determine the best men’s pajamas, we evaluated bestselling options on the market from trusted brands, including both brands who specialize in sleepwear as well as others who focus on loungewear. We included our firsthand experience with these items as well as the opinions of independent customer reviews. We narrowed down pajama selections by looking at those backed by an average rating of at least four stars, and considered size availability, color options and fabric quality. Finally, we interviewed Marta Miller, founder of clothing manufacturing company Lefty Production Company, for her advice on textiles, and we asked Kyle Albrecht, founder and lead stylist at Social Garb, to weigh in on our selections and share additional tips on the best pajamas for men. This article is regularly updated to ensure it contains the latest recommendations; it was last updated in April 2024.
What to Consider When Shopping for Men’s Pajamas
Fabric: Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, bamboo, and modal (a semi-synthetic fabric made from beech tree pulp). These choices allow for circulation, and keep you feeling cool and comfortable throughout the night. “Natural fibers are very important for sleepwear—I always avoid polyester,” says Marta Miller, founder of clothing manufacturing company Lefty Production Company.
Fit: Loose-fitting styles are generally preferred for sleepwear, as they allow for ease of movement and optimal air flow. That being said, some guys do like a more tighter fit, especially during the winter. “Snug pajamas have the added benefit of retaining heat,” says Kyle Albrecht, founder and lead stylist at Social Garb, which makes them a good choice for chilly nights.
Style: There many pajama styles to choose from, and it all boils down to a matter of preference. “I think the key is to just find a pair that’s really simple,” says Albrecht. Some guys like polished, conservative matching sets with a button down top, while other men prefer the shorts and T-shirt look. It’s a good idea to have a few different types in the rotation: A crisp cotton button-down set for when you are staying at your in-laws or have company over, plus some easy-breezy stretchy separates for lazy weekends at home. Pajamas that can double as sweats are also smart to have in case you have to dash out to pick up milk late at night, or walk the dog.
Season: You’ll want different pajamas to wear depending on the season and temperature. Summer months call for airy lightweight fabrics, like 100% breathable cotton, while thicker flannel (a soft, loosely-woven, mid-weight fabric) will feel cozier in the winter. When shopping for flannel, keep in mind that brushed flannel tends to be softer and more comfortable at night than unbrushed types.
Should I Size Up In Pajamas?
If you like your pajamas extra roomy, it can be worth going up a size. It can also be wise to go up a size if you are buying 100 % cotton pajamas, which are prone to shrinkage. (Although Miller says that cotton fabric is sometimes pre-shrunk, so read product descriptions before selecting a size.)
How Should I Care For Pajamas?
Pajamas are made in a variety of fabrics, so be sure to carefully read the care instructions on your pajamas before throwing them in the wash. But as a general guideline, Miller recommends washing pajamas on a cold cycle and tumbling dry on low heat (or hanging up to dry), and then “removing them from the dryer immediately to minimize wrinkles.” She also says to avoid washing pajamas with rough fabrics or towels, as this can lead to pilling. Silk pajamas need to be hand washed, unless they are specifically marketed as being made out of “washable silk.”
How Often Should I Wash My Pajamas?
This is a hotly debated topic. Overwashing can lead to damage and fading over time, but body oils, dead skin cells and bacteria can start to build up if pajamas aren’t washed fairly regularly. And than there’s the fact that pajamas come in very close contact with your skin (in other words, underwear isn’t always worn under pajamas). If you tend to sweat at night, you should throw your pajamas in the washing machine after every wear; otherwise, you can probably get away with washing them after two or three wears.
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I am a freelance writer and editor who has been covering lifestyle for more than 20 years. I have written about women’s and men’s fashion for publications such as Allure, In Style, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and Details—and the highlight of my career so far has been hanging out with Taylor Swift one weekend for a cover story. In addition to my writing career, I also have a small interior design and gardening business, and have done some personal styling. I live in Connecticut with my husband and three sons, who are all obsessed with their sneakers.