The 10 Best Pajamas of 2023

A set of Hanna Andersson Adult Unisex Long Johns is our top choice

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

10 Best Pajamas of 2022

Hanna Andersson / Nordstrom

By keeping you comfy and preventing you from getting too hot or cold, the right pajamas can help you get a solid stretch of restful shut-eye. "Comfortable, loose-fitting pajamas made of breathable, natural fabrics such as cotton or linen are best for keeping your body temperature regulated during sleep,” says Katherine Hall, Ph.D., a sleep psychologist at Somnus Therapy, a personalized sleep-improvement program. “Avoid itchy fabrics, as well as synthetic fabrics that can trap heat. Wearing pajamas that are too tight or made of materials that don't allow your skin to breathe can interfere with sleep and make you toss and turn all night long.”

With tips from Hall and other experts in mind, we researched a wide range of pajamas, looking at fabric type and quality, fit, sizing options, comfort, and price.

Read on for the best pajamas currently on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Hanna Andersson Adult Unisex Long John Pajama Top

Hanna Andersson Adult Unisex Long John Pajama Top

Hanna Andersson

What We Like
  • Extremely resilient

  • Fun colors and prints

  • Matching family options

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Less breathable than more technical fabrics

While primarily known for its high-quality children's clothing, the Scandinavian-inspired Hanna Andersson also offers pajamas for adults. The company's matching jammies are an especially popular holiday tradition for many families, but there's no reason to limit yourself during the rest of the year, as this simple top (which can be paired with the Adult Unisex Long John Pant) is pretty much the only thing you need in your pajama collection. We love that the pieces are sold separately, so you can select your ideal size and fit in both a top and bottom. The colors and prints vary throughout the year but typically include basic solids and stripes, along with seasonal prints like candy apples or snowflakes.

Both top and bottom are made from extra-soft organic cotton, and the seams and waistband are expertly stitched so they lie flat and aren't prone to rubbing or puckering. Fans rave about the pajamas' resilience in the washing machine and dryer, as the colors stay vibrant even after many years of use. (The kids' pajamas are often passed down through multiple siblings.) The price is high, but the company does have some seasonal sales, so it makes sense to sign up for their newsletter and watch for deals. 

One downside: If you're prone to sleeping warm, the cotton can feel a bit thick, and the styles tend to be on the fitted side (though you can consider sizing up). But for the high level of craftsmanship, quality fabric, and attractive prints, these pajamas are worthy of top honors.

Price at time of publish: $46

Sizes: XS to XXL | Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best Budget

Amazon Essentials Women's Cotton Modal Long-Sleeve Shirt and Full-Length Bottom Pajama Set

Amazon Essentials Women's Cotton Modal Long-Sleeve Shirt and Full-Length Bottom Pajama Set

Amazon

What We Like
  • Many colors

  • Inclusive sizing

  • Cozy feel

What We Don't Like
  • No pockets

  • Lighter colors are see-through

This lightweight jersey knit pajama set from Amazon is not only affordable, but it also gets overwhelmingly positive feedback. Shoppers described it as being comfortable and soft but not overly warm, with a thick drawstring that's easy to adjust. The sizing is a bit inconsistent: Some people found them true to size, while others found the sleeves short or the pants long, so read reviews carefully before choosing. And thanks to Amazon's easy return policy, you can also order two options and send one back.

Amazon recommends machine-washing the set but doesn't give specifics about drying. A few people mentioned pilling after multiple rounds in the dryer, so you might opt to either line dry or dry on low heat. Another complaint was that the lighter hues were a bit see-through. But most reviewers found these to be a worthy option given the price, comfort factor, and multiple color options.

Price at time of publish: $29

Sizes: XS to 6X | Material: 56 percent cotton, 37 percent Modal, 7 percent Elastane | Care: Machine wash

Best Splurge

Lunya High-Waist Washable Silk Pajamas

Washable Silk Button Down Pant Set

Lunya

What We Like
  • Machine-washable

  • Fashion-forward elbow length

  • Leg slits for breathability

What We Don't Like
  • Cropped top not for everyone

  • Pants run long

Live out your "rich aunt fantasies," as one shopper said, while wearing this gorgeous silk set. The fact that it's machine-washable is a game-changer, as there's no more needing to wait around to wear it until you have time to do hand laundry. Silk is a great option if you're experiencing night sweats, as it's breathable and helps wick moisture away from the body, though it can also provide warmth when needed.

The v-neck top has stylish sleeves that hit elbow length, but some reviewers found it a bit too cropped. The pants have slits up the sides to add more airflow, along with a flattering high waist. Lunya uses dyes with the Bluesign designation, which means that they're free of certain chemicals known to be harmful to factory workers, the wearer, and the environment.

Price at time of publish: $258

Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 100 percent mulberry silk | Care: Machine wash cold in a mesh laundry bag; line dry

Best Lightweight

Cool-jams Moisture-Wicking Scoop Neck Pajama Set

Cool-jams Women's Moisture Wicking Scoop Neck Pajama Set

Cool-jams

What We Like
  • Quick-drying

  • Packable for travel

  • Very breathable

What We Don't Like
  • Limited colors

  • Less stylish than other options

Anita Mahaffey, the CEO of Cool-jams and a serial entrepreneur, started the company in 2007 when she realized she was having a hard time finding sleepwear that kept her cool and comfortable. If you're someone who runs hot but doesn't want to spend upwards of $100 for a pricey silk set, it's worth looking into these. The cotton-like fabric is a lightweight poly microfiber that dries quickly, doesn't wrinkle, and is free of tags and inside seams. Reviewers love that they're comfortable (especially at the elastic waist), don't scrunch up during the night, and can be easily machine-washed and dried.

Besides this classic set, you can find tank tops, nightgowns in various styles, shorter pants, and robes. The company donates a large portion of its profits to charities such as domestic violence prevention, cancer research, and advocating for kids in foster care. Cool-jams also sells pajamas for men and items for the bedroom like blankets, sheets, pillows, and mattress pads. 

Price at time of publish: $79

Sizes: S to XXL | Material: 100 percent moisture-wicking poly microfiber | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry (less than five minutes, no fabric softener or dryer sheets) or line dry

Best Flannel

L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas

ll-bean-scotch-plaid-flannel-pajamas

LL Bean

What We Like
  • High quality

  • Attractive prints

  • Soft feel

What We Don't Like
  • Boxy cut runs large

  • Prone to pilling at first

These flannel pajamas have a classically cabin-friendly look and come in a mix of good-looking plaid prints, including a few tartans. The fabric is soft and warm, with a thick, opaque look that’s ideal for lounging around during breakfast with houseguests. L.L. Bean also sells these for men, and additional options include a nightgown, multiple types of robes, sleep joggers, and a hooded sleep top.

The fabric is yarn-dyed, which helps it retain its color better over time. Some customers had complaints about the Portuguese cotton flannel, which tends to pill and shed lint at first. (We’d recommend washing the pajamas before wearing them to help remove it.) The set is sold in several different sizes, ranging from extra-small to extra-large, along with regular, petite, plus, or tall collections. Just note that the fit tends to be boxy, and even the petite sizes run long. If you're on the shorter side, you may need to hem them. 

Price at time of publish: $79

Sizes: XS to XL; choice of regular, petite, plus, or tall | Material: 100 percent cotton flannel | Care: Machine wash and tumble dry

Best Cotton

Italic Men's Cotton Poplin Pajama Set

Italic Men's Cotton Poplin Pajama Set

Italic

What We Like
  • Has pockets

  • Crisp, tailored look

  • Holds up well after washing

What We Don't Like
  • Runs large

  • Very limited color selection

  • Waistband feels narrow

Italic is a direct-to-consumer company selling clothing, home decor items, jewelry, and beauty products. These poplin pajamas come from a manufacturer who also creates items for Stella McCartney and Vilebrequin. Sold in both women's and men's versions, the set is made from a crisp cotton poplin that's cool and comfortable for sleeping.

Some customers had issues with fit, remarking that either the tops ran small through the shoulders or that the pants ran long. But many found them comparable to, and even better than, sleepwear from more expensive brands. One major downside is the lack of color choices: There are just two tones for women, and one for men.

Price at time of publish: $68

Sizes: S to XL | Material: 100 percent cotton poplin | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best for Families

PajamaGram Plaid Flannel Matching Family Christmas Pajamas

christmas pajamas

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy ordering process

  • Huge range of sizes, including ones for dogs

  • Simple look will appeal to many

What We Don't Like
  • Fabric might feel too warm for some

  • Runs large

  • A little pricey for bulk buying

PajamaGram sets, which are available on Amazon, are quite popular with families who are looking to match. It's easy to quickly see which sizes are available, and there's a huge range, from a one-piece infant sleeper in size 0 to 3 months all the way up to men's 4X tall. There are also six different options for dogs, from one size for a Chihuahua all the way up to a German Shepherd. With prices starting at $25 (for the dog outfit) and going up to $63 (for the adult set), these are definitely not the least expensive family options if you're buying several at once, but shoppers were generally happy with the comfort and quality.

Besides styles like this one, which has a simple holiday vibe, PajamaGram offers more classic-looking family sets that you could wear all year. It's worth noting that the polyester and cotton-poly blend fabrics are not especially breathable, and may not be great for those who tend to get warm at night, but they're ideal for lounging around during the holidays and, of course, staging lots of photo ops. Although the manufacturer doesn't specifically mention instructions for drying, customers felt it's best to either line dry or use the low setting to avoid pilling. 

Price at time of publish: $40 to $63

Sizes: Kids, 0-3 months to 14; women's, XS petite to 3X; men's, S to 4X; pets, XS-XXL | Material: Adult tops and pets, 60 percent cotton, 40 percent polyester; adult pants, 100 percent polyester; kids, 100 percent polyester | Care: Machine wash

Best Holiday

Old Navy Printed Flannel Pajama Set

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Inclusive sizing

  • Lots of patterns

What We Don't Like
  • Sells out quickly

  • Not pre-shrunk

Old Navy has established itself as a go-to shopping option for holiday pajamas. There are dozens of choices for pets, babies, kids, and adults (including maternity). Sizes are inclusive and go up to 4X, and most styles are gender-neutral.

If you're hoping to match with your people, it's nice to know you won't be limited, as styles include two-piece sets like this one, as well as printed t-shirts, thermal knits, one-piece options, shorts, leggings, and joggers. They can easily be tossed in the washing machine and dried on low, and the quality tends to be consistent overall. One downside is that popular prints tend to sell out quickly, probably also due to the affordable prices.

Price at time of publish: $40

Sizes: XS to 4X | Material: 100 cotton flannel | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best for Kids

Primary The Organic Long Sleeve PJ Top

Primary The Organic Long Sleeve PJ Top

Primary

What We Like
  • Many color options

  • Gender neutral

  • Durable

What We Don't Like
  • On the thinner side

  • Styles are a bit basic (no characters)

  • Snug fit might be too constricting for some

Primary has become popular with parents for its organic cotton, tons of bright color options, and gender-neutral styles. There are no labels like "boys" and "girls," and you can also mix and match sizes (here's the matching bottom that goes with this shirt) which is helpful when you're trying to get the ideal fit. These pajamas are soft and stretchy, ideal for active kiddos. What’s more, Primary's cotton meets Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), which means that it's been created in an environmentally and socially responsible way. 

One thing to note: These haven't been treated with flame retardants, so the fit is snug due to safety concerns. If your child is on the larger side, you may want to size up. The company, which was founded by two former parenting brand execs, is also deeply committed to philanthropy; during the COVID-19 crisis, they have pledged one million dollars to help Baby2Baby, a non-profit focused on children living in poverty.

Sizes: 2 to 14 | Material: Organic cotton rib knit | Care: Machine wash in cold, tumble dry low

Best with Robe

Venus Cozy Waffle 3-Piece Set

What We Like
  • Stylish look

  • Good value

What We Don't Like
  • Thin material

  • Runs large

This three-piece waffle-weave set comes with a robe (in this case, called a "duster"), a tank top, and a pair of joggers with a drawstring waist. It gives you a look that will feel put together enough to wear while running errands or taking a flight, while also being perfect for lounging at home. Just note that it does run large—reviewers described the top as being especially boxy, so consider sizing down. The material may also be thinner in real life than it appears in pictures.

Although the company says you can tumble dry the set on low, some customers recommended air-drying it to protect the delicate fabric. One downside is that there are only three color choices: black, mauve, and oatmeal. Venus is a direct-to-consumer company based in Jacksonville, Florida, and it offers a large selection of swimwear, clothing, and lingerie, with a comprehensive plus-size section as well. 

Price at time of publish: $79

Sizes: XS to 3X | Material: Polyester, rayon, and spandex | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Final Verdict

Hanna Andersson's Adult Unisex Long John Pajama Top and the coordinating Adult Unisex Long John Pant received top honors for being attractive, comfortable, and durable, even after many rounds of being machine-washed and dried. For something more affordable, consider the Amazon Essentials Cotton Modal Pajama Set, which has a relaxed look that feels lightweight and comes in many different colors.

What to Look for in a Set of Pajamas

Material

Common materials for pajamas include various types of cotton (like knit, flannel, and poplin), silk, linen, bamboo, and technical fabrics like poly microfiber blends. "As a general test, I advise people to hold the fabric up and observe how much light passes through. The more light that passes, the more breathable it tends to be," says Danielle Kelvas MD, chief medical advisor at Sleepline, a website that provides resources for improving sleep. Those who tend to get hot overnight may prefer crisp, lightweight cotton, silk, or microfibers that are designed for wicking moisture away from the body. If your room tends to be cold, flannel is a nice option. "Flannel is another option for sleepers in cold climates where added warmth is needed during the night. They're comfortable enough to wear all day indoors when it's snowing outside or when there are freezing temperatures," says Pavel Ufimtsev, co-founder and certified sleep coach at SleepMattress.co. 

Design

The style you choose is largely a personal preference. Some people like the more formal, dressy feel of a matched button-down set in silk or cotton poplin, while others prefer flowing nightgowns or simple combinations with joggers and knit tops. "If you like less fabric or are a hot sleeper, I'd recommend looking for shorts, short sleeves, or even a shorter nightgown," says Amelia Jerden, staff writer at Sleepopolis. One-piece suits are cozy and fun for photos around the holidays but can make going to the restroom tricky. "I recommend thinking about what you don't like about your current pajamas. Does having long pants or sleeves cause you to overheat? Or maybe the excess fabric makes you feel uncomfortable? Or maybe your current pajamas have a scratchy feel that leaves you uncomfortable throughout the night," says Jerden.

Fit

Your fit should be fairly loose and not constricting, but not so baggy that the material will bunch up underneath you during the night. "Look for loose fabrics that don't restrict your movement when you change sleeping positions throughout the night. They should also be easy to untie or drop if you have to use the restroom in the middle of the night. Wearing tight clothes can increase your body temperature and make it difficult to sleep deeply while restricting circulation and blood flow," says Ufimtsev.

FAQ
  • Can the right pajamas improve your quality of sleep?

    Absolutely. This is why it's so important to do research and experiment to find ones that work for you, while also paying attention to your bedroom's sleep hygiene. Your body's core temperature drops naturally as you're winding down in the evening. Many experts suggest wearing fabrics to help you stay cool, as this temperature drop signals to the body that it’s time for bed, and in response, it increases production of the hormone melatonin, which helps you feel drowsy. 

     "Pajamas can have a significant impact on the quality of sleep you get every night. And if you are prone to sleeping hot, selecting pajamas made of lightweight fabrics such as bamboo or silk can help keep your body temperature cool and comfortable throughout the night,” adds Katherine Hall, PhD, a sleep psychologist at Somnus Therapy. “Ultimately, finding the right pajamas for a good night's sleep is essential to improving your overall health and well-being.”

  • What are the best materials to look for in a pair of pajamas?

    The fabric you choose really depends on your personal preferences and sleep environment. "Bamboo and modal pajamas are a great option both for cooling and for a soft, non-scratchy material, and all-cotton pajamas are also great for comfort and breathability. Flannel or fleece are best for sleepers who tend to be very cold at night," says Jerden. Women also may have special considerations to keep in mind. "Wearing synthetic satin material, like in lingerie, doesn't breathe well, and can increase a woman's risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection," says Kelvas, adding, "Silk can be very comfortable and breathes well, which may be a good option for those prone to night sweats."

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Lexi Dwyer, who has been writing for The Spruce since 2019 and has covered topics such as clothes drying racks, candle holders, and woven baskets. To make this list, she researched pajamas and evaluated them based on fabric, comfort, fit, and style, while aiming to include a range of prices. To learn more about the relationship between pajamas and sleep, she consulted Katherine Hall, PhD, a sleep psychologist at Somnus Therapy, a personalized sleep improvement program; Pavel Ufimtsev, co-founder and certified sleep coach at SleepMattress.co; Danielle Kelvas MD, chief medical advisor at Sleepline; and Amelia Jerden, staff writer at Sleepopolis.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.