When it comes to sleep, comfort is key. The best pajamas for women are soft, breathable, warm but not too warm, stylish and well fitting. I tested many pairs—analyzing everything from fabric weight to pocket placement to post-wash shrinkage—to find the ones that scored the highest. My top pick is Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Jogger Pant and Pullover Crew, a uniquely soft-yet-stretchy set with a brushed texture, and Tommy John’s Downtime Jogger and Henley came in a very close second and offered excellent breathability if you run hot.

At Forbes Vetted, we go in-depth with our product testing to determine our top selections, which are rated according to specific criteria—in this case, fabric quality, fit, value for the price and comfort since “it’s an essential component of getting a good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Shelby Harris, a clinical associate professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine who specializes in sleep behavior. Our fashion team is also experts in sleepwear, having tested robes, slippers, leggings and more items. Here you’ll find all my recommendations for the best pajamas for women, as well as individual reviews on each pair and additional pointers from experts at the end.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we are experts at product recommendations and we focus on first-person testing to determine our selections. Forbes Vetted contributor Molly Calhoun spoke to a variety of experts for a previous version of this story; this advice is still included in this latest guide (see “How To Pick The Best Women’s Pajamas” below), which was last updated in November 2023. Calhoun spoke to Dr. Shelby Harris, who is board certified in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (BSM) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and treats a wide variety of sleep disorders; Preeti Gopinath, Director of MFA Textiles and Associate Professor at Parsons School of Fashion; and New York-based luxury personal shopper Joan Kaufman. They dissected everything from what is trending to how pajamas can help you sleep better to the nuanced benefits of certain fabrics.

How I Chose The Best Pajamas For Women

To determine the best pajamas for women, I first relied on first-hand testing and researched the women’s pajama market to find the best options available right now, considering a variety of styles, fabrics, price points and sizes. I ultimately chose pairs that scored highest for fabric softness, warmth, cooling potential and breathability; I then evaluated if those pajamas had wide size availability and would fit a variety of body types; and finally, I assessed if the pairs washed well and held up over time.

How to Pick The Best Women’s Pajamas

Comfort

Prioritize how the pajamas feel when you put them on, most importantly. According to Dr. Harris, “Everything from your mattress to the pajamas you wear can have an impact on your physical health and sleep quality.” When you’re comfortable in bed, she says, you’ll ultimately be able to fall asleep more easily and be less likely to wake up frequently throughout the night.

Style

Along with investing in a good night’s sleep, you can also elevate your bedtime ritual and relaxation. “The current trend in pajamas is nightwear that’s both stylish and comfortable—meaning, women are buying sleepwear that’s flattering and feels good to the touch,” says Kaufman. “In recent years, pajama options have increased exponentially. Current popular styles include classic and tailored pajamas and nightgowns, chemise gowns with matching robes, sexy negligees, and cute camisole tops and matching shorts.” In the end, though, the pajama style you choose is all about personal preference. Menswear-inspired pajamas tend to be popular as they’re roomy, somewhat structured, and often come in a variety of prints and fabrics—from classic cotton to silk to bamboo. If you like extra airiness, you may opt for a set with shorts, or a nightgown or sleep shirt.

Fabric

Fabric choice is key, and you should consider factors such as softness, stretch, breathability, warmth, ease of care, and how fabrics wear over time. Pajamas come in a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, bamboo, flannel, silk, linen, wool, fleece, or potentially even some sort of sleep performance blend. Bamboo, linen and light cottons to be popular in warm climates, while warmer fabrics like silk, fleece, thicker brushed cotton flannels or cashmere are mainstays in cooler areas or where sleepers may prefer going to bed with a window cracked open in winter.

Preeti Gopinath, Director of MFA Textiles and Associate Professor at Parsons School of Fashion, broke down some typical pajama fabrics for us:

• Cotton and Linen: “For summer, cotton and linen are typically the lightest and softest materials you can wear to sleep,” she says. “In the winter, you’ll likely see heavier variations, but with different characteristics. For example, flannel is usually made from cotton that’s brushed on the surface so it becomes napped and fluffy. That fabric treatment traps warm air and results in extra insulation.”
• Silk: “Silk is a luxurious fabric that feels fantastic to touch, has luster, and gives one a sense of leading an elevated lifestyle when worn. It tends to keep you warmer than cotton especially in the winter, but it all depends on the density of the yarns and weave. In addition, silk has good drape, is durable and wicks away moisture from the skin.”
• Bamboo, Beech And Eucalyptus Fabrics: “Bamboo comes from a fast-growing reed and has wonderful anti-microbial and absorbent properties. Bamboo fabrics are often made from regenerated bamboo fibers as a rayon. Modal—also sold under the trademark of Tencel—is from wood chips of beech trees made into a rayon. Tencel fabrics are biodegradable and their manufacturing processes take into consideration issues of sustainable raw materials sourcing and manufacturing. Lyocell is made specifically from wood chips (regenerated cellulosic fibers) of Eucalyptus trees and has excellent wicking properties that allow for a cooling effect. These fabrics feel luxurious, soft, silky and smooth to touch, have good moisture management and are breathable, drape beautifully, and are often softer than cotton. However, it’s not entirely natural and is referred to as a manufactured fiber.”

Length

Some people are hot sleepers and prefer short pajamas or sleep shirts. Others are cold sleepers and opt for full-length pajamas in heavier fabrics. Cotton separates are a good option if you like to alternate pajama length depending on the season or temperature. If you’re tall, bear in mind that popular sleepwear fabrics, such as Pima cotton, will shrink after they’re washed so you may want to size up for length.

How Do I Choose The Right Pajamas?

Picking out the best pair of pajamas is a matter of personal preference, but there’s still some things to consider. Do you run hot or cold during sleep? How many hours do you spend in your pajamas? What’s your budget?

If you’re cold at night, long sleeves will keep you warm and cozy since your arms are sometimes exposed during sleep. Likewise, if you’re a hot sleeper, short sleeve or sleeveless styles will allow for more air flow, keeping you cool. Breathable fabrics like bamboo or tencel are popular choices that wick away moisture.

Also consider how long you wear your pajamas. Do you lounge for a few hours after waking up in morning or do you put on your comfy set early in the evening? If you’re spending many hours in your pajamas, you might want to invest in higher-quality fabrics with moisture-wicking properties and comfortable fits that allow for free movement.

How Do I Know My Pajama Size?

Most pajama brands have an online guide that can help determine your size for the most comfortable fit. It’s helpful to know your numerical size equivalent, inseam, waist and hip measurements. Pajama sizing is usually somewhat approximate since they’re not super fitted or tailored, so don’t overthink it. It’s also worth reading customer reviews; people typically comment on if the piece is true to size.

Should I Buy Pajamas A Size Bigger?

Pajamas are designed with a slightly roomier fit to allow for movement during sleep, so it’s usually not necessary to size up. However, if you prefer an oversized fit or are in between sizes, opt for the larger size.

Should Pajamas Be Tight Or Loose?

Pajamas should have a relaxed fit that’s not too tight, not too loose. Comfort is key. It’s ideal to be able to move freely and not feel restricted. If they’re too loose, the extra fabric could actually twist around your body as you move in your sleep and get in the way. Tight-fitting or too-small pajamas could make you sweat, irritate your skin or even impact your sleep quality. Aim for that “just right” pajama fit so you can move, feel comfortable and get a quality night’s sleep.

Other Top Picks To Consider

Sleepwear is a personal choice, and while there are many best pajamas for women, everyone has different needs. In addition to the picks we recommend above, we also rounded up other highly-rated pairs that might also be a good match for you.

Comparison Guide: How To Pick Your Pajamas

Pajamas comes in all shapes, sizes and fabrics. While everyone has an opinion on the best pajamas for women, the choice really depends on your personal preferences, including material type, comfort features (such as temperature regulation or softness) and budget considerations. To help you narrow down the options, we compared the differences between the picks on our list.

The Cozy Earth Bamboo Jogger Pant and Pullover Crew stand out for their versatility and comfort. They’re made from a mid-weight blend of bamboo viscose, acrylic and spandex. The inside of the crew and joggers has a soft fleece-like feel while the outside is smoother and silkier. I loved this set for its breathability, temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties, which makes the separates excellent for lounging, running errands and, of course, sleeping. However, this set is on the pricier side, at $295, but Cozy Earth frequently runs sales.

Other options on our list appeal to specific needs. The Tommy John Downtime Jogger and Henley is made from the softest, lightweight fabric I’ve tested yet, making these pajamas a good choice for airy, second-skin-like comfort. The Boll & Branch Soft Knit Long Sleeve & Pants Pajamas are similarly cozy with a slightly heavier weight to the fabric, making them most comfortable pajamas for women that I tested. If you prefer a top-quality cotton set, the Lake Pajamas Pima Bundle is a great Pima cotton option for those who like natural fibers or have sensitive skin. Just keep in mind, the Lake pajamas don’t have pockets in the pants or shorts, which means they lay flat against the skin but are less convenient for lounging, in my opinion.

If you run hot at night or live in a warm climate, the Eberjey Gisele Long PJ Set is your best bet for its cooling properties, since the fabric naturally helps regulate body temperature. By contrast, if you live in a cold area or get chilly at night, I’d go with L.L.Bean’s Flannel Pajamas, which are an extremely well-made classic that will last you years. (Everyone needs at least one pair of L.L.Bean’s pajamas in their life!).

If you want luxury without the luxury price tag, Quince 100% Washable Silk Pajama Pants and Long-Sleeve Top offer the posh feel of silk but are considerably less expensive than other options out there. Note that the fabric is not quite as elegantly sophisticated as the most expensive silk pajamas but it’s plenty comfortable and cooling. For pajamas that are beautiful enough to gift or wear out of the house, the Desmond & Dempsey Long Pyjama Set is my top choice for its unique and stylish prints. This set fits on the roomy side, though, so my advice is stick to your usual size or even go one size smaller.

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