I don’t think I’d be alone in saying that my relationship to loungewear changed dramatically post-pandemic. With a bit less time out of my house and a bit more time to mindlessly snack on the couch, a bit of elastic at the waistline soon became my best friend. But lately, as I’ve shed the pounds, I find myself less inspired to throw on that reliable pair of sweats or those yoga pants that have gotten stretched out (and much more cozy, I might add). I want to dress up again, I guess you could say. I want a little something extra for those in-between hours bookended by the close of the workday and when I properly turn in for the night.
Enter the pajama set. Yes, the two-piece, collared type that you probably only imagine old Hollywood stars or posh Brits throwing on. I have invested in a few pairs this year and I’m here to tell you, dear reader: It’s been a game-changer.
The reason for this is two-fold. For one, it’s incredibly easy to throw on a set of pajamas and feel like you’re put together. A matching set of anything shows intention, and the collar and buttons of the pajama top only add to the illusion of intentionality—and dare I say, formality?—of my nightly routine. In its own way, it’s a uniform. They say dress for the job you want, so I’m dressing like a comfort-loving 33-year-old every night this winter.
The second reason is that good quality pajamas are simply more comfortable. With a generous cut and breathable fabrics, I’m much happier when I’m just lounging on the couch in a quality pajama set versus just about anything else. Pajamas are designed for comfort while everything else in my closet—sweatpants, yoga pants, ratty basketball shorts I kept from high school gym class—have all served other purposes and the fabric and cuts aren’t made for days you just want to hang out at home on the weekend. For me, I find fleece to be too insulating and yoga pants to be too…ahem, revealing if I’m having people over.
If you’re looking to up your loungewear game and need a few suggestions on what to add to your last-minute Christmas list, keep reading. We got you covered (literally).
What to Look For When Buying Pajamas
Like with most things, there’s an element of personal preference when it comes to shopping for pajamas. But if you’ve never bought a pair of pajamas for yourself (or, worse, only been gifted some flannels from your grandmother on Christmas), then you may need a little guidance. That’s where I come in. When I’m hitting “add to cart,” the two most important criteria to keep in mind are fit and fabric.
Photo by Piglet in Bed
The Importance of Fit
First and foremost, pajamas need to be comfortable. I mean, what are we doing here if they’re not? Luckily, most brands know this (surprisingly, not all) and default to an oversized cut on the top, with a generous arm opening and a sloped shoulder. This way, you’re not feeling all bunched up under the armpits or against the yoke of your shoulders.
Further, the silhouette of the top will not be tailored in at the waist, but instead will fall down in a straight line from the armpits. Because of this, it’ll drape a bit over the hips, allowing for some room at the stomach and hips. While this may appear a bit boxy, you’re not going for classic menswear tailoring here, so don’t get hung up on it.
When sizing for pajamas, go with your natural size (or size up if you want to really slouch around the house). Because of the generous cut, don’t be tempted to compensate by going a size smaller. I promise, you’ll end up regretting it.
The Importance of Fabric
The fabric you choose should be both breathable and have a little give to it. Because of the aforementioned generous cut, it should drape a little without adding extra shape or weight to the overall fit. You’ll find an array of fabrics to choose from when you start looking, but a general rule of thumb is to go with the classics: cotton or linen. If you want to go a little fancy, silk and merino wool are excellent options, but the overall price is commensurate with these being considered more luxury fabrics. Finally, alternative or derivative fabrics—like Tencel—are wonderful options for both their cooling and breathability factors. Just, for the love of God, try to avoid polyester. It might be the economical option, but its lack of breathability will leave you in a pool of sweat by morning.
Treat Yourself to These Pajama Options
Tom Àdam Sunny Yellow Set
A classic striped set in a vibrant yellow to get us through the darkest days of Winter, Tom Àdam has made—to me—a Platonic ideal of a pajama. These are made from Tencel, a breathable fabric derived from eucalyptus trees, so you won’t wake up overheated.
Buy: $309
Piglet in Bed Gingham Pajama Set
Gingham is a fabric I think we need more of in menswear, so I’m happy to see British brand Piglet in Bed adding the checkered print into their rotation. With an oversized cut and made from linen, it’s a pair you can wear all year ’round.
Buy: $199
Alex Mill P’Jimmies
Usually celebrity collaborations are fairly boring, but Alex Mill’s partnership with Jimmy Fallon on a limited-run set of pajamas, aptly called P’Jimmies, is pitch-perfect. A little silly, these pajamas have small details that represent Fallon’s celebrity brand, such as contrasting colored piping. What’s more, 10 percent of proceeds from the sales go to charity – so you can look good and feel good in these bad boys.
Buy: $145
Lunya Silk Button-Up Set
If you want to feel like a ’70s bachelor, might I suggest a pair of black silk pajamas? Lunya is known for their silk loungewear, and while it's more popular in womenswear circles, this men’s set hits the right tone between being casual and a bit risque at the same time.
Buy: $298
Merz b. Schwanen Unisex Pyjama Set
For those who Googled “White tee from The Bear,” you’ll already be familiar with the German brand Merz b. Schwanen. But to the uninitiated, let me tell you: you’re not going to find better basics on the market. With a comfortable fit, made from 100 percent chambray cotton, you’re looking at a set that could easily be worn out for drinks as well as on the weekend—it’s that well-designed. And since it’s unisex, I’d go ahead and recommend buying two sets—your girlfriend is probably going to be “borrowing” this pair of pajamas every time she comes over.
Buy: $
