The best pyjamas for women are there to help you drift off into a good night's sleep. Whether you're after breathable cotton, sumptuous silk or a pair of pjs that doubles up as loungewear, the market is bursting with choice and selecting the right pair, boils down to more than just aesthetics.
While the best pyjamas for women might never make it past your front door, they're undoubtedly one of the most important items in your in your wardrobe, particularly as we'll spend around one third of our lives in the land of nod. While pyjamas aren't generally considered a style statement, there is no reason that your nighttime attire can't look good as well as feel good, but its likely you'll have some important criteria for your pyjamas.
Whether you opt for pyjama specialists or high street brand, consider your sleep environment when selecting your pjs. If you find you're waking up hot and clammy, then the best pyjamas for night sweats are worth looking into. Need something temperature regulating that feels glam too, the best silk pyjamas are super luxurious all year round, while a pair of flannel pyjamas might be more suitable if you feel particularly cold at night.
Best pyjamas for women - what to consider
When to selecting pyjamas, there are a few things to consider.
- Fabric: "When it comes to the best pyjamas, fabric is key in keeping you cool and comfortable," deputy fashion editor for woman&home, Charlie Bell explains. "I would always choose a pair in a breathable material such as 100% cotton. Eberjey do some great sets in classic designs made from TENCEL Modal which helps to regulate temperature and is delightfully soft. I tend to size up too as the last thing you want is nightwear which is too tight!"
- Use: now obviously their primary use is sleep, but are you someone who then wants to laze around the house in your PJs too. If so, you may want something that feels a little closer to the best loungewear, that you can answer the door in etc. so you feel a little more dressed.
- Aesthetics: from the uber-glam, retro, feathered trims to pretty and printed, or something closer to the best joggers, deciphering your pyjama style is also a key consideration. Fashion editor and stylist Antonia Kraskowski is pretty particular when it comes to pyjamas: "I prefer to look for mix and match styles, where you can choose different sizes and types of separates to create the perfect pyjama set to cater to sleepwear foibles. One key feature that it's good to look for is pockets on your pyjama bottoms."
The best pyjamas for women, chosen by our fashion team
RRP: £12.50 | Cotton rich pyjamas are ideal if you find you can get a little warm at night. The 90% cotton fabric is breathable, helping to regulate your temperature, while the stretch waistband will ensure comfort throughout. With a loungewear feel, you can easily wear these for chilling on the sofa too.
RRP: £198 | Add a little luxe to your nighttime attire with these 100% silk pyjamas. The rich champagne hue makes them extra decadent, while the piping adds that final thoughtful detail. Cut to a traditional pyjama silhouette, thanks to the fabrication you could even wear the shirt with jeans. Better still, they're machine washable.
RRP: £75 | For a little whimsy these cotton sateen pyjamas by Elizabeth Scarlett are perfect. They pair with mini sets, so that you can match little ones in an effortlessly soft, breathable style. They're a team favourite.
RRP: £68 | Crafted from machine washable modal, these pyjamas are excellent for those that find they can get overheated at night. Modal is ideal for wicking away moisture and keeps the wearer cool and dry. Easy to wash and super stylish, the two piece could be worn separately too out of the house.
RRP: £34.90 | In a wrinkle resistant, glossy fabrication, these pyjamas are crafted using partially recycled polyester for a more sustainable buy. The pretty print elevates the coordinated set, with the trousers cut with 2 chic front tucks, for a more polished finish. Pair the trousers with heels and a white shirt for the office.
RRP: £27.99 | Much closer to a loungewear aesthetic, these slouchy, wide leg trousers and top combination are ideal if you want the best pyjamas for women that can double up out of the house, slipped under your best puffer jacket and paired with some simple trainers or stompy boots. It's time to relax.
RRP: £79 | Taking a traditional pyjama silhouette and fusing it with the comfort of jersey, this pair of teal pyjamas really are a winner. The wide leg trouser, paired with the button fronted top still feels elegant, but everything about the fabric is reminding us to grab that hot drink and book and kick back.
RRP: £38 | While a wide leg is great for those that like that slouchy feel, a pair of leggings can offer just as much comfort and movability throughout the night. One of our favourite pink pyjama sets, this sweet two piece has a ruffled neckline and button placket at the front and is great for lazy weekends.
RRP: Top £25, Trousers £34.50 | Offering a little more colour, this multi colour, Zebra inspired print plays into the t-shirt and joggers vibe. We love the large ribbon tie at the waist for fit and added detail, while you could also easily pair these trousers with a simple white tee or pick out any of the other block colours in the trousers.
RRP: £210 | Another excellent buy for those struggling with night sweats, or simply for packing for warmer climes, a pair of linen pyjamas look chic and feel great all night long. This cerise pink pair, are made up of wide leg trousers and a shirt and can easily be worn out of the house as a cord or as separates for extra versatility.
RRP: $390 | Definitely the most glam pyjamas in this piece. Having a late night? Go out in this amazing pyjama set, remove your heels and get straight into bed. This really does give a new meaning to one-stop dressing. Dry clean only, the feathers are detachable, making this set wearable and easier to look after.
RRP: £18 | If the more formal pyjama cut is not for you, this jersey pair with white star print is certainly crafted for comfort. The print is guaranteed to never date, while the colourway is an easy to wear design. With an elasticated waist and good stretch throughout you'll struggle to want to take these off in the morning.
What are the most comfortable women's pajamas
The best pyjamas for women does in part boil down to the time of year. In the winter you will want cosy fabrics such as brushed cotton, fleece and cashmere blends, which will ensure you have some of the warmest pyjamas. In the summer, however, look for less warm-to-the-touch fabrics such as lightweight cotton, linen, and silk fabrications - although silk can work all year through due to its unique temperature regulating properties.
The one thing all of these pyjamas do have in common though is breathability. The best pyjamas to choose will always be natural fabrics or at the very least, blends with a high percentage of natural fabrics. That is because these fabrics - cotton, silk, linen, modal and cashmere, all have the ability to help regulate your body temperature and that in turn will help you get a good night's sleep.
When it comes to stretch, there are two divided camps here. While a stretchy waistband is a must for maximum comfort at bedtime, not everyone will subscribe to pyjamas with stretch woven throughout the fabric, or jersey pyjamas and this will come down to personal preference, as some prefer a more starched, cotton style with a traditional cut.
As deputy fashion editor at Future plc, Charlie works across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own, ensuring she has her finger on the pulse. Beginning her career in the magazine industry in 2009, Charlie has written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.
With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.
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