The Best Pajamas to Snuggle In for a Better Night’s Sleep

If you have to have the thermostat set at a specific number to get a good night’s sleep, you’re not alone. Being too cold or too warm at night can prevent you from drifting off—you want to find your Goldilocks temperature, Shelby Harris, PsyD, a sleep psychologist in private practice in NYC and the author of The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia, tells SELF.

When the wind chill dips below freezing, wearing the best pajamas can make settling into a deep slumber a lot easier. And you have to admit that throwing on a pair of fuzzy pj’s and snuggling up on a snowy night sounds dreamy. To help you find your perfect set, the SELF team has been testing a bunch of toasty tops and bottoms—and we have thoughts. There’s no way you won’t find your new favorite pair of cozies on this list.

1. Best Overall: Eberjey Gisele Printed TENCEL Modal Long PJ Set
2. Runner-Up: Cozy Earth Bamboo Stretch-Knit Short Sleeve & Pant Pajama Set
3. Best Fleece: Aerie Cozy New Heights Trouser and Aerie New Heights Turtleneck
4. Best Cotton: LAKE Pima Crew Long-Long Set in Wildflower Maze
5. Best Lounge Set: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Rib Blocked Pant and CozyChic Lite Rib Blocked Pullover
6. Best for Gifting: Gelato Pique Loungewear Set
7. Best Silky: By Anthropologie Silky Pajama Pants and By Anthropologie Oversized Button-Front Pajama Shirt
8. Most Lightweight: Gap Poplin PJ Pant
9. Best with Stretch: P.J. Salvage Day Dreams Modal PJ Set

We turned to the pros for advice, so you can shop smarter.

I asked SELF staffers to recommend their favorite pajamas—the ones they pack on a trip and reach for first after doing laundry. On top of their recs, the team also tested popular pairs from top-tier loungewear brands. We wore the sets below to sleep, bed rot, and relax around our homes. Only the dreamiest pj’s earned a spot on our list of winners.

Warning: All of our picks are guaranteed to make it harder to get dressed in the morning.

• Comes in a bunch of colors
• Sleek design
• True to size

• A little thin for winter
• Pricier than some other sets on this list

It’s hard to imagine someone not loving these viral comfies. “They have a silky texture that makes them feel luxurious,” one SELF tester says. Don’t pay attention to the look-alikes out there—these are the real deal: “They’re noticeably softer than other similar pj sets I’ve tried in the past,” she adds.

Another tester agrees, adding that Eberjey’s pajamas are worth saving up for. “I finally splurged on these after seeing them recommended online for years, and they absolutely live up to the hype,” she says. “They’re 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.”

• Sweat-wicking
• Very soft and stretchy
• Wide range of sizes

• Runs a little small
• Pricey

I’ve had this Cozy Earth set for over a year—and even though I’ve worn it dozens of times, the fabric still feels as sleek as the day I got it. I love the T-shirt top and long pants combo because I don’t have to roll my sleeves up when I wash my face or cook breakfast in the morning, but I won’t freeze either.

The cool, silky fabric is easy to wear year-round, but I’d especially recommend them to hot sleepers who want something a little cozier for colder months. Another bonus: The subtle piping makes me feel put together when I’m just hanging around my apartment on the weekends.

• Great quality
• Super soft
• Lightweight and breathable

• Some Lake reviewers say shorts may be too short for tall people

This breezy long-sleeve and shorts set from Lake is made from lightweight cotton, to keep you covered (but not constricted)—it strikes the perfect balance.

“If I could snap my fingers and turn my whole pj drawer to Lake Pajamas, I would,” one tester says. “They’re buttery soft, the quality holds up beautifully in the wash—no pilling or fading—and the patterns are so classic and cute.” Another tester confirms that these are perfect for people who often wake up sweating (and not just because of a bad dream).

• Loose fit
• Pants have pockets
• Pants come in three inseam lengths

• Some Aerie reviewers say the pants run large

“I have spent whole days at home wearing these pajamas since they arrived, to the point that my boyfriend even remarked on it,” one tester admits. They feel like throwing on your favorite worn-in sweats—“cozy without being suffocating,” as she puts it. “They’re extremely comfortable, but also lightweight, and loose enough that they don’t cause me to overheat under my blankets in bed.”

Looking for pj’s that pull their weight? These are also cute enough to wear during the day, according to our tester. “I’ve found it easy to mix and match the top and bottom with other clothes to run errands or hang out with friends,” she says.

• Super soft
• Very warm
• Slim fit

• Expensive
• Might be too warm for some

I’m in the habit of shutting off my radiator in my bedroom at night, so it won’t wake me up with loud clanging and hissing—but that also means my room gets frigid. These Barefoot Dreams pajamas feel like they were made for my exact scenario: They’re warm, fuzzy, and blissfully soft.

The pullover and joggers are fitted, but still have enough stretch that they don’t feel confining. They’re perfect for a movie marathon, puzzle palooza, or any day that involves staying warm inside.

• Very warm
• Pants have an adjustable drawstring
• Adorable designs

• Frequently sells out
• One size fits most

Spotted: One SELF tester wearing this pj top to the office as a sweater because it’s just that cute and comfy. This set has a similar look and feel to the last one, but every long sleeve has a character or animal on it that’ll make your inner child happy.

“I’ve had these for a few months, and I wear them every night. They’ve withstood many washes—they’re still super fuzzy and cozy,” our tester says. “These are my go-tos for the winter, when I’m sick with a cold and need to be warmed up.” Pro tip: Get a pair with your friend’s favorite animal on them for a sweet personalized gift (just move quickly, since they tend to sell out).

• Loose fit
• Come in fun prints
• Both pieces are available in petite and plus sizes

• Not real silk

This colorful set joined my weekly pj rotation as soon as I got it. Everything about it feels luxurious, including the wide-leg and button-down silhouette, the silky fabric, and the funky pattern. After I step out of the shower and put these on, I lounge around my apartment like I’m at a resort hotel (hey, a girl can pretend). And if real silk isn’t in your budget at the moment, these are a worthy consolation prize.

• Both pieces come in a bunch of prints
• Available in tall and petite sizes
• Budget-friendly

• Not stretchy

These featherweight cotton pants saved me when I was dealing with frequent night sweats, and I still wear both of my pairs on a weekly basis. They keep me from feeling chilly, but are still thin enough that my legs stay cool, even under my plush comforter. I put them at the top of my packing list any time I travel (and they barely take up any room!).

Scoop up the brand's Poplin PJ Shirt for a chic matching set that’s straight out of a catalogue.

• Lightweight
• Very soft
• Cute for a special occasion

• Expensive
• Wrinkles easily, according to our tester

One SELF tester is currently on the hunt for getting-ready pajamas for her bridal party and says this pair is a “solid contender.” They’re lightweight, undeniably cute, and softer than similar styles she’s tried. Plus, they’re made of stretchy modal, so they’ll move with you (even if you toss and turn at night).

If this print isn’t quite your jam, NBD—PJ Salvage also makes a short-sleeve top and long pants set in basic black and gray.

Related:

• 15 Pairs of Cute, Comfy House Shoes That Were Made for Puttering
• The Best Cooling Pajamas for Hot Sleepers
• 38 Loungewear Basics You’ll Never Want to Take Off

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