The Best Pajamas for Women Are Silky Soft, Breathable, and Cute to Boot

Pros

• Soft and cooling
• Durable

Cons

• Pricey

If you’re down to invest in a higher-end pair of pajamas, let SELF’s editor in chief explain why these are the ones to add to your cart: “I finally splurged on these after seeing them recommended online for years, and they absolutely live up to the hype: They are soft, flowy, and make me feel like a Nancy Meyers heroine on days when my chronic illness flares up and makes it hard to leave the house,” she says. “I’m a big believer in putting on nice, comfy ‘day pajamas’ for days when you’re planning to bed rot—you’ll feel less grimy, which can make it easier to truly luxuriate.”

Product specs

Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: Modal, spandex

Pros

• Breathable
• Has pockets

Cons

• Some Gap reviewers say they’re not very soft and can be too long

When one SELF writer wants to wear long pants that won’t contribute to her occasional night sweats during the winter, she pulls out these thin, cotton pajamas. “They’re super lightweight and loose on the legs without drowning me in fabric,” she says. “I own a couple pairs and reach for them first after doing laundry (a true litmus test for whether you really love a piece of clothing).”

Product specs

Sizes: XXS to XXL | Materials: Cotton

Pros

• Soft
• Durable

Cons

• Some J.Crew reviewers say they’re see-through
• Limited colors

These roomy, breathable boxers are the ultimate sleep shorts. J.Crew reviewers say the material is supersoft and holds up well after a bunch of washes. “Initially purchased as a sleep short, I have found myself wearing these all summer long, day or night!” one shopper added. “They are a perfect lightweight, breathable cotton, in addition to a great length, which can be hard to come by for sleep shorts.” Plus, pockets!

Product specs

Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Material: Cotton

Pros

• Cooling
• Machine-washable
• Flowy

Cons

• Wrinkles easily
• Pricey

These sleek, simple pj’s from Lunya have the same luxurious vibe as silk sheets in a comfy set that you can also wear around the house or out for a girl’s night. (The soft sheen of the mulberry silk makes this the kind of cozy loungewear you’ll want to be seen in.) Major convenience factor: They’re machine-washable, which isn’t the case for most other silk sets.

Product specs

Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: Mulberry silk

Pros

• Warm
• Comfortable
• Regular, petite, plus, and tall sizes available

Cons

• Some L.L.Bean reviewers say they shed and have itchy tags and seams

Flannel pj’s are part of the cold climate starter pack—and “nothing compares” to this plaid set in particular, according to one L.L. Bean reviewer. If you like a relaxed fit and a brushed feel, these are the ones for you.

Product specs

Sizes: XS to XL in regular, petitie, plus, and tall | Material: Cotton flannel

Pros

• Breathable
• Stylish
• Tons of pattern and fit options

Cons

• Pricey

Desmond & Dempsey has some truly fun and unique prints, and there are plenty to choose from (this long-sleeve set comes in around 20 options). And they don’t lean grandma-y at all—these are sets you could easily elevate and wear out of the house. You can find each pattern in several different styles, like wide-leg bottoms, short sets, camis, and slip dresses, so if you fall in love with a print, you can get it in whichever style you like the most (or all of them).

Product specs

Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Cotton

Pros

• Soft
• Stretchy
• Lots of color options

Cons

• Pricey

We’re here for not wearing pants unless you absolutely have to, and this elevated version of an oversized T-shirt can help you do just that, either in bed or around the house on chill days. Be warned: This sleep dress might put all of your other pj’s to shame, given that it’s the “softest nightshirt ever,” according to one reviewer.

Product specs

Sizes: XS to 3XL | Material: Viscose, spandex

Pros

• Breathable
• Has pockets

Cons

• Some Quince reviewers say they run large

These chic, relaxed-fit pajamas are another set you’ll want to be seen in—and never take off, thanks to the airy fabric. “I have lots of linen clothes, and this linen is quality—after two washes, they are already getting softer and feel so great,” wrote one reviewer. “These seem like ‘fancy’ pajamas, but in reality, they are just such an upgrade from what I’m used to wearing.”

Product specs

Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Linen

Pros

• Flattering, oversized fit
• Soft
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not very many color options

Made from breathable cotton, this sleep shirt is perfect for hot nights when you need ample airflow. And while it has the cute look of a giant button-down that you stole from a partner, it’s designed to fit you comfortably, with bracelet-length sleeves, ruched shoulders, and double button closures up the front.

Product specs

Sizes: XS to XXL | Material: Cotton

Pros

• Lots of color options
• Lightweight
• Adjustable straps

Cons

• Pricey
• Limited size range

This flowy cami top has a gorgeous sheen and adjustable straps (you can find matching shorts and pants on Intimissimi too). Even better: It’s machine-washable and comes in a gorgeous range of earth tones.

Product specs

Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Silk satin

Pros

• Super soft
• Cozy

Cons

• Not many colors or sizes

If you toss and turn a lot at night, loose pajamas can get twisted up and be a pain, so a set with a snug fit might be more comfortable. This set’s fabric blend combines the breathability and durability of pima cotton and the soft, drapey feel of modal in one. Plus, the ankle cuffs will help seal out chilly drafts.

Product specs

Sizes: S to XL | Materials: Pima cotton, modal

Pros

• Super relaxed fit
• Soft
• Breathable

Cons

• Pricey
• Limited size range

“This is my most beloved piece of sleepwear (and work-from-home and loungewear too, if we’re being honest),” says one SELF writer. “I love the open back and wide-leg fit, and the fact that there’s nothing tight around my stomach. It’s incredibly soft and flowy, keeps me cool at night, and feels chic. I’ve had mine for over five years now, and it’s starting to get threadbare from so much wear, but I will definitely be getting another.”

Product specs

Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Pima cotton

Pros

• Great for hot sleepers
• Lots of color options
• Tagless design

Cons

• Pricey

With over 2,700 five-star reviews, this sleep shirt gets major praise from reviewers for its lightweight, barely-there feel and cooling abilities (thanks to breathable, cool-to-the touch eucalyptus fibers). “I run hot—always. Yet, with this pajama top I am able to actually sleep comfortably at night (even in the summer),” wrote one. “It is so soft, cooling, and great for sensitive skin. I can’t go back!” (Note: If you’re a pj set kind of person, you might want to pick up the matching shorts or pants too.)

Product specs

Sizes: XS to 2XL | Material: Microlyocell from eucalyptus, elastane, Lycra

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