There’s something about a cute pajama set that makes us feel so put together. Although style is an important factor, choosing a pair of pajamas is also about function, fit, and feel. After all, you want a sleep set that can help support sleep hygiene, not hinder it.
Experts Say
“A good night’s sleep makes your whole day better, and what you wear to bed can impact how well you rest. We put a lot of time and care into what we choose to wear during the day but, at night, if we’re just throwing on whatever, it can lead to restlessness while we’re trying to sleep.” — Cassandra Cannon, chief creative officer and co-founder of Lake Pajamas
That means choosing the best pajamas is as important as the most comfortable mattress or the softest sheets. With that in mind, we researched dozens of pajamas across a variety of styles, materials, and purposes to find the best pajamas for women.
From the best T-shirt set to the softest cashmere PJs, see our top picks for the best pajamas for women, ahead.
Target is one of the best places to buy pajamas at affordable price points, and this Stars Above pajama set is one of our favorites. It features a classic button-down T-shirt and shorts style constructed from a buttery soft blend of modal with spandex for some added stretch. Available in a variety of solid colors, including classics like black and navy blue, and patterns, the Target pajama set also has one of the most inclusive size ranges, with sizes ranging from XS through 4XL.
Material: Modal, spandex | Sizes Available: XS-4XL | Colors/Prints: 7
Lake Pajamas is known for its super soft pajamas that are as stylish and elevated as they are comfortable, and the DreamKnit Ribbon Long-Long Set is no exception. These pajamas are constructed from a blend of modal and spandex for a soft, lightweight, breathable, and stretchy fit. Available in sizes 2XS through 2XL, these modal pajamas have a slightly relaxed fit and feel buttery soft and lightweight against the skin.
Material: Modal, spandex | Sizes Available: 2XS-2XL | Colors/Prints: Dusty blue
Amazon is one of the best places to buy pajamas, especially when it comes to affordable T-shirts and shorts sets. The Ekouaer Tie Dye Pajama Set is one of our favorites from the Amazon marketplace because it’s constructed from quality materials, comes in over 50 different colors and prints, and features a comfortable and relaxed fit.
Cut from a cotton and spandex blend, this pajama set feels soft, lightweight, and breathable against the skin. Plus, it has enough stretch to move with you if you toss and turn. Although the pajamas are highlighted for their collection of tie-dye patterns, this set also comes in some festive holiday prints, plus leopard print, celestial print, and some solid colors if that’s more your style.
Material: Cotton, spandex | Sizes Available: S-2XL | Colors/Prints: 54
With their supreme warmth and classic plaid look, the L.L.Bean Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas combine function with style for the coziest winter pajamas. Made from the brand’s exclusive cotton flannel material, this plaid pajama set features a timeless button-down long sleeve with matching straight-leg pants for relaxing comfort.
Since they’re constructed from cotton material, these pajamas are breathable enough to keep you cool and prevent overheating, though they’re still super warm and can withstand the chilliest nights. On top of that, you can customize these pajamas with monogrammed initials for a more elevated (or giftable) set.
Material: Cotton flannel | Sizes Available: XS-XL in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes | Colors/Prints: 6
For a pair of classic pajamas, consider the Brooklinen Marina Pajama Set, which is so stylish that you can wear them to bed or out of the house. These pajamas are constructed from a high-quality cotton material that provides plenty of comfort while keeping the body cool and refreshed at night.
The set features classic drawstring pants and a long-sleeved button-down shirt in several patterns, including gingham, stripe, and plaid, plus one solid blue color with chic piping to outline the garment.
Material: Cotton | Sizes Available: XS-2XL | Colors/Prints: 6
Kim Kardashian’s Skims is one of our go-to brands for the best basics, including loungewear options such as sweatpants. If you prefer to sleep in jogger sweats, you can find an elevated and timeless option in the Skims Classic Jogger. Constructed from ultra-soft cotton fleece and available in an inclusive size range of 2XS through 4XL, these sweatpants are the ultimate loungewear style.
We love that the narrow drawstring waistband elevates these sweatpants with a more put-together look, yet the slightly slouchy fit gives them that classic, relaxed feel that you want in a sweatpant. Wear these sweats with your favorite oversized tee or make it a set with a matching Skims hoodie.
Material: Cotton fleece | Sizes Available: 2XS-4XL | Colors/Prints: 7
The Aamikast Women’s Pajama Set from Amazon is our top pick for the best jersey pajamas. Constructed from a blend of modal and spandex, this pajama set boasts a classic design with an ultra-soft and cozy feel.
Available in 22 different colors and patterns and sizes small through 2XL, this pajama set boasts a luxe feel (without the steep price tag) and is the perfect crossover between loungewear and PJs. Plus, the broad collection of colors makes it a great choice for bridesmaids’ pajamas.
Material: Modal, spandex | Sizes Available: S-2XL | Colors/Prints: 22
Editor’s Note: While we — and thousands of Amazon customers — love this set, it’s important to note that it’s not a great match for the washer and dryer and, therefore, needs to be hand-washed in order to maintain its integrity.
If you’re shopping for matching pajamas for the whole family — including your pets — you can find some excellent options at Amazon. The PajamaGram Christmas Pajamas for Family set is our top pick because the pajamas come in women’s, men’s, kids’, babies’, and pet sizes in three fun and festive holiday prints. The pajamas are also cut from a super soft polyester fleece material, providing a layer of warmth during the chilly holiday season.
Material: Polyester fleece | Sizes: XS-3X | Colors/Prints: 3
Silk is the most luxurious pajama material, but it’s not always the easiest to clean — which is why we prefer a washable silk set. Constructed from 100 percent mulberry silk, the Cozy Earth Classic Pajama Pant is our top pick for the best washable silk pajamas. These pants are available in sizes XS through XL, feature a relaxed wide-leg fit, and are treated with aloe vera to add a soothing touch to the skin.
Since the pants are sold separately, you can customize your pajama set and pair them either with the brand’s matching Classic Long-Sleeve Pajama Top or Classic Short-Sleeve Pajama Top.
Material: Mulberry silk | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors/Prints: 5
The Pointelle Cotton Pajama Pants Set from Summersalt is our top pick for the best cotton pajamas, thanks to the luxe material and timeless style. Constructed from a cotton pointelle knit, these pajamas are designed to feel lightweight against the body, breathable, and sweat-wicking to keep you cool in warmer temps while remaining cozy and comfortable. This set features cropped pants with a scoop neck tank for a casual everyday look, but subtle details — such as the henley buttons and faux boxer fly — give it a more elevated feel.
Material: Cotton pointelle knit | Sizes Available: XS-2XL | Colors/Prints: White dream blossom
The More You Know
“There’s science behind the benefits of sleeping in cotton and silk pajamas,” says wardrobe stylist Allie McKenna. Both of these materials are lightweight and breathable against the skin, allowing you to remain cool while you sleep. Additionally, silk is gentle on the skin and can help reduce irritations as well as prevent moisture loss.
After researching several pajama sets, we found that the Eberjey Gisele Relaxed Short PJ Set is the top pick for the best sweat-wicking pajamas. Constructed from a sweat-wicking blend of Tencel, modal, and spandex, this PJ set features a relaxed fit with a slightly oversized button-down T-shirt and a slouchy pair of matching shorts. In addition to lightweight and breathable material, the pajamas come in a fantastic range of colors with contrasting piping for an added touch of style.
Material: Tencel, modal, spandex | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors/Prints: 13
Up the ante on your pajama game with some customization. The Mark & Graham Knit Bamboo Lounge Pajamas are a top pick thanks to their lightweight, breathable, and slightly stretchy bamboo material and relaxed fit. In addition to the customization factor, these PJs are Standard 100 Oeko-Tex Certified, making them both eco-friendly and hypoallergenic. Plus, they’re moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, so they’re great for sweaty sleepers (or hot summer nights).
Material: Viscose, elastane | Sizes Available: S-L | Colors/Prints: 2
The MeUndies Women’s Longsleeve Modal PJ Set is one of the best holiday pajamas we’ve ever worn — we love them so much that we wear our Christmas pajamas year-round. These holiday pajamas come in a mix of seasonal prints and colors, plus some classics that the brand carries throughout the year, including black, navy, and charcoal.
In addition to the style, the MeUndies pajamas are constructed from the brand’s MicroModal material, which is sustainably sourced, colored with ethical dyes, and has a lightweight and buttery soft texture that feels comfortable against the skin.
Material: MicroModal | Sizes Available: XS-4XL | Colors/Prints: 13
Linen is one of the best breathable pajama materials, and this pajama set from Magic Linen is constructed from a high-quality and medium-weight linen that gets softer and softer with more wear.
The set consists of a relaxed and slightly oversized three-quarter length button-down top with a pair of ankle-length pajama pants, making it a good choice for those in-between months when the weather can’t quite make up its mind. Available in sizes XS through XL, the set is designed to provide ample comfort with its overall style, fit, and material.
Material: Linen | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors/Prints: Tan gingham
The More You Know
If you’re a hot sleeper, Cannon says to look for moisture-wicking fabrics that allow your body to breathe and keep you comfortable throughout the night. Additionally, it might also be worth considering the overall style of pajamas as this can help the cause. “I recommend a tank nightgown or a shorts set to keep your body comfortable and not overly covered,” Cannon notes.
Give the gift of washable silk with the Lunya Rest Your Best Gift Set. This gift set features Lunya’s best-selling Washable Silk Tulip Back Set with a matching Washable Silk Scrunchie. Made from the brand’s luxurious-feeling washable mulberry silk material with flowy shorts and a tank-style top, this set is designed to move with your body while you sleep. Since it’s constructed from silk, the material can keep skin moisturized and supple and is a great option for those who love the look and feel of luxurious silk with the option to toss it in the wash between wears.
Material: Washable mulberry silk | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Colors/Prints: Deep blue
Made of 100 percent pure cashmere with a 14-gauge knit, the Naked Cashmere Sienna Pajama Set is our top pick for this category. While it is a more luxurious purchase, the softest, most divine-feeling cashmere material in a classic pajama style makes the set worth the investment.
These cashmere pajamas also come in a variety of neutral hues, including a gorgeous tan oat, a dusty blue lake, and a warm terracotta color. While they are technically pajamas, the button-down top could totally work as a fall or winter sweater blouse if you want to give the pajama shirt trend a try.
Material: Pure cashmere | Sizes Available: XS-L | Colors/Prints: 6
The best nightgown goes to the Eileen West Rose and Berry Floral Rayon Cotton Flannel Long Nightgown. If you love the Hill House Home aesthetic but want something a little cozier (and less expensive), this nightgown boasts a classic long-sleeved look with a soft flannel texture that feels oh-so-cozy. The sleep dress is specifically designed for cold weather, making it a good alternative to flannel pajama pants sets in the winter.
Material: Cotton rayon flannel | Sizes Available: 2XS-XL | Colors/Prints: Rose and berry floral
If you love the look of boxer shorts and want a pajama set inspired by the undergarment, consider this pick from Bedhead. This pajama set features boxer shorts with an elastic and drawstring waist for the best fit, plus a matching button-down T-shirt in a classic pajama style. The pajamas are constructed from organic cotton sateen, so they’re lightweight, breathable, and eco-friendly, too.
Material: Organic cotton sateen | Sizes Available: XS-3XL | Colors/Prints: 3
What to Know About Pajamas for Women
Material and Breathability
When shopping for the best pajamas, material is one of the most important things to consider, as this not only tells you about the quality of the construction but also plays a key role in the overall feel of the pajamas. “The feel of the fabric is hugely important, but I would suggest looking at fabric composition, too,” says Cannon.
She explains that more natural materials such as cotton, modal, silk, and bamboo are more breathable than some cheaper materials such as acrylic satin. While breathability matters from a comfort standpoint, it can also play a key role in hygiene and helps not only cool you down but also wick away sweat and odors, too.
Style
Pajama style is also worth keeping in mind while shopping — especially if you have a specific preference in mind. From nightgowns to sleep sets, there are a variety of style options to browse through. In addition to the overall style, Cannon says to also consider specific details like sleeve lengths, pants vs. shorts, and waistband.
Style preferences can often shift based on season and occasion, so Cannon recommends building out a sleep wardrobe so that you’re prepared with all of the best pajamas for your needs. This can include the pajama set you lounge around in when you’re home alone, the matching family set you feel more comfortable wearing on holiday mornings, and a style that makes you feel sexy and confident around your partner.
Sets vs. Separates
Pajama sets typically boast the most value and are often how sleepwear brands prefer to sell their sleepwear. However, if you are someone who likes to mix and match styles, it’s worth shopping for pajama bottoms and tops individually so that you can play around with your sleep wardrobe and achieve a nighttime look you feel most comfortable in. This can look like purchasing separates or mixing and matching between sets so that you have a long-sleeved top with a pair of shorts or a short-sleeved top with a pair of pants.
Take Our Word For It
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. To find the best pajamas for women, Jessie scoured the internet for dozens of top styles, carefully taking materials, styles, and fits into consideration. Additionally, Jessie reached out to top experts Allie McKenna and Cassandra Cannon to learn more about what to look for in the best pajamas for year-round wear.