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Treat yourself or someone you love to terrific PJs—a comfy, well-made pair can be downright restorative. Since 2018, we’ve spent countless hours lounging and sleeping in nearly three dozen sets of pajamas and snooze-worthy sweatpants in as many inclusive women’s, men’s, and unisex sizes as we could find.
Our seven favorites will improve your next pajama day with their superior comfort and quality. Our picks include a sophisticated women’s jersey set with contrast piping, a pair of all-season unisex sweatpants, an ultra-warm women’s flannel set, a pair of men’s flannel plaid pants, a luxe women’s silk PJ set, a stylish women’s romper, and some fun, printed unisex long johns.
These elegant pajamas made from an ultra-smooth and comfortable jersey material feel just as good as they look. Plus, they’re available in more colors than any other set we tried.
If you’re shopping for classy jams, look no further than the Eberjey Gisele PJ Set. The timeless, menswear-inspired styling will make you look as put together as you do in your everyday clothes, while the smooth, stretchy material will have you feeling comfy.
They’re stylish and versatile. The chic Gisele PJs have a notched collar, a button front, and crisp contrast piping throughout. They come in about 23 colors on Amazon (sizes and stock vary) and dozens of solids and prints on the Eberjey site. We tested the set with long sleeves and pants, but there are other variations available—like a shorts set, short sleeves with long pants, or long sleeves and shorts—or you can mix and match.
Their jersey is the softest we tried. Eberjey’s fabric, a blend of Tencel modal and spandex, was lighter, softer, and smoother than any other we tested. (It also doesn’t have that telltale sheen of some cheaper jerseys.) A Wirecutter senior editor has been wearing this set since 2019 and reports that it still looks fresh and feels soft after many washes, though the material is starting to show some wear.
They fit beautifully. The Gisele PJ’s flattering, easy cut skims the body like a second skin, and the fabric drapes just as it should, unlike some overly heavy jersey materials that feel as if they’re in a constant battle with gravity. We found the sizing of the Eberjey Gisele pajamas to be true.
Sizes: XS (0–2) to XXL (18), although most colors are available only up to an XL (16)Material: Tencel modal and spandexColors: dozens of colors and prints available
These comfortable sweatpants last for years and look great for sleeping or lounging. They’re inexpensive and come in lots of sizes, too—but they sell out often.
Not everybody is a traditional PJ person, and that’s okay. Pair these midweight unisex Uniqlo Sweatpants with a soft T-shirt, and you can happily tuck in for the night. But they’re equally well suited for lounging or running errands. Plus, unlike many pajamas, they’ve got pockets.
They’re for all seasons. Made from a cotton/poly blend, the inside of these sweats is lined with soft loops of French terry rather than warmer fleece, so they don’t get too hot. But the sturdy material is substantial enough to keep you cozy in the cooler months.
They’re stylish. The Uniqlo sweats have a slim but easy fit, with a tapered leg, a flattering single back pocket, and a drawstring waistband that’s cool and comfy. The ankles are ribbed and cuffed—versus the classic gathered-ankle “sweatpant” silhouette—which worked well for people of different heights. On shorter testers the shape looked clean, modern and streamlined; on our long-legged 5-foot-9 tester, a size S was chic and cropped.
The inseam on these sweatpants ranges from 27.5 inches for a size XS to 30 inches for sizes L through 3X—so if you’re tall, these sweats may be too short for your liking or to wear in cold weather.
They’re a bargain. Despite their modest price, the Uniqlo Sweatpants last for years—they’ve been one of our picks since 2018—and remain soft through many washes. They’re a favorite among Wirecutter staffers, who vouch for their longevity.
Sizes: unisex XS to 3XL (Uniqlo’s unisex sizes correspond with its men’s sizing; if you normally wear women’s, we suggest sizing down.)Material: cotton/polyester blendColors: five solids
This classic flannel PJ set is incredibly warm—but not heavy or stiff—and comes in lots of sizes. The cozy material gets even softer with wear, though it does pill over time.
We’ve owned many flannel PJs over the years, and L.L.Bean’s Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas are our favorites. This is the warmest set we recommend, but it’s still lightweight, so it never feels stiff or stifling. And the classic plaid prints give us all the rustic-winter-cabin vibes: It’s our go-to set for curling up by the fire (or space heater).
The flannel is the softest we’ve found. These PJs feel fluffy and familiar, like a perfectly worn-in flannel shirt. Made from the same ultra-warm, high-quality cotton flannel as our L.L. Bean flannel-robe pick (and L.L.Bean men’s flannel PJ pants), this set gets even softer after repeated washings.
They have a classic, relaxed fit. The L.L.Bean pajamas have a roomy silhouette and drape naturally over the body, and they’re available in an unusually inclusive range of women’s sizes (XS to 3X, plus tall and petite sizes). The pants are cut more generously than the tops, which is fairly common with PJ sets. If you’re between sizes, or if you have a bigger bust and are worried about the buttons gaping, size up.
They’ve got pockets. This feature was surprisingly rare among the women’s sets that we tested. Pockets lend the L.L.Bean PJs casual ease—and a place to put your phone and earbuds.
They hold up, with some pilling. After several years of seasonal use, my L.L.Bean PJs have retained their softness, with only minor pilling at the armpits and inner thighs—pretty standard for flannel. With more frequent wear, you can expect more pilling; one Wirecutter senior editor reported that her set pilled all over after a year of heavy use.
Sizes: XS to XL, plus 1X to 3X, petite XS to XL, tall XS to XLMaterial: cotton flannelColors: seven plaid prints
These soft flannel pants are super warm yet feel almost weightless, making for an especially comfy night’s sleep. Plus, they come in four different inseam lengths.
For those who prefer sleepwear separates to matching sets, the classically cozy L.L.Bean Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Sleep Pants are ideal. They’re exceptionally soft and warm, but they feel thin and lightweight.
If you do indeed like a matching set, L.L.Bean also makes a Scotch Plaid men’s set in the same sizes and colors.
They’re incredibly soft and light. The L.L.Bean pants are made from the same indulgently soft and fluffy cotton-flannel fabric as the women’s L.L.Bean flannel pajama set we recommend. (One tester noted how these qualities make the pants feel gift-worthy and special.)
While these pants are warm, they’re also airy—not stiff—which testers appreciated when slipping under heavy winter bedding. But if you’d prefer a more substantial (and even warmer) pair of flannel pants, consider the Eddie Bauer Men’s Flannel Sleep Pants in our Other good pajamas section.
They come in lots of different lengths. It can be hard to find PJ pants in that just-right length, but the L.L.Beans are available in four inseam options: 28 inches, 30 inches, 32 inches, and 34 inches.
They’re high quality. The L.L.Bean men’s sleep pants are well constructed and durable. They stood up to a winter of regular use and remained very soft, with just a bit of pilling (though more pilling can be expected over time).
They’re timeless. Available in 10 vibrant plaid patterns, the L.L.Bean sleep pants are playful yet traditional and will never go out of style. They have a straight-leg cut that’s intentionally roomy; some testers thought there was too much material, but others liked the easy fit.
Sizes: regular S to XXXL, with four different inseam options (Fit is true to size.)Material: cotton flannelColors: 10 plaid prints
This glamorous set made from thick, lustrous silk is a worthwhile indulgence, and it can be washed (by hand) at home. But it runs one size small.
Silk pajamas are the power suit of sleepwear: elevated, luxurious, and confidence boosting. To find the most splurge-worthy set, we researched 24 different options and tested seven, ultimately landing on the Julianna Rae Natalya Silk Pajamas as our hands-down favorite. These PJs are refined, comfortable, exquisitely made, and hand-washable. They’ll have you channeling your inner Katherine Hepburn in no time.
They look and feel luxe. Made from thick, smooth, 100% mulberry silk (a high-quality, long-fiber silk), the classic piped Natalya pajamas have a glam, old-Hollywood vibe. Compared with other silk sets that we tested, they felt (and indeed are) more expensive, with better buttons and finer detailing, like elegant notched cuffs and a shirttail hem.
They have a classic, easy fit—but the sizing runs small. The Natalya pajamas have a relaxed, timeless cut that’s comfortable and easy to wear. The top didn’t gape or strain at the buttons, and the elastic at the back of the pants kept them comfortable.
These PJs run small, so we recommend ordering one size up from your usual. They also run fairly long; the sleeves and pant legs, which have a 32-inch inseam, were far too long for our tester’s 5-foot-2 frame. There are petite sizes available—the petite pants have a 29-inch inseam, and the overall proportions are smaller—but they’re available only up to size XL, which, given the need to size up, is limiting.
They can be washed at home. No “dry clean only” label staring you down here: The Natalya set is meant to be hand-washed in lukewarm water with mild detergent, then laid flat to dry. If you’re too nervous to use an iron on silk, get wrinkles out with a clothing steamer—or just hang the set in the bathroom and run a hot shower to release creases.
Sizes: XS (0–2) to XXL (20–22), petite XS to XL (They run one size small.)Material: mulberry silkColors: 10 solids and prints
This comfy women’s cotton romper is so stylish, it would be a shame to wear it only around the house. The cropped length looks great whether you’re short or tall, but the sizing goes up to only XL.
The Lunya Organic Pima Romper is as comfortable as your favorite set of soft cotton pajamas but cute enough to wear around town. (This was by far the most stylish of the three onesies we tested.) The Lunya romper was made for weekends—put it on Saturday night, and you won’t want to take it off until Monday morning.
It’s cool and comfy. Wearing the Lunya romper is like wrapping your entire body in a favorite tee. Made from 100% organic pima cotton (a high-quality, extra-long-staple cotton), the stretchy knit romper feels superbly soft. Plus, the cut—sleeveless, with a slightly dropped crotch and relaxed gaucho-cut leg—is breezy and cool, ideal for warmer weather.
It doesn’t scream “PJs.” The Lunya romper is fashionable in ways that most pajamas (and, indeed, onesies) don’t bother with; if you wore it to brunch, nobody would suspect it was your sleepwear. The fit is flatteringly close on top but easy through the leg, and the back is cut low, with a plunging V. (A bra will probably show; if you opt to go braless, the double-layered fabric will provide some extra coverage around the chest.)
It has an awesome kangaroo pocket. There’s a large, central kangaroo pocket that spans the front of the romper. It’s bigger and more useful than the pockets on our other picks, ideal for stashing a cell phone and other odds and ends.
The length looks great on people of different heights. The romper’s wide, cropped leg, which hits at about midcalf (give or take), is surprisingly versatile. It was flattering on both of our testers, who—at 5-foot-2 and 5-foot-9—don’t usually wear the same inseam length.
Sizes: XS to XLMaterial: 100% organic pima cottonColors: three solids
This unisex PJ top is thick, soft, and durable, and it comes in prints to match with the whole family. If you normally buy women’s sizes, size down for a body-hugging fit.
The cuffed ankles on these coordinating pants work well for people of varying heights.
This women’s PJ top is thick, soft, and durable, and it comes in prints to match with the whole family. Compared to the unisex version, the fit is more body-skimming, and the neckline has a deeper scoop.
The cuffed ankles on these coordinating pants work well for people of varying heights. Unlike the unisex version, they have a drawstring and a shorter inseam.
Think that Hanna Andersson PJs are just for little ones? Not so. True, we first fell in love with these super-soft, brightly printed, practically indestructible organic-cotton long johns for our kids. But we’ve since discovered that they come in adult sizes, which are just as delightful.
They’re fun for the whole family. Whatever your age, life is too short not to wear pajamas emblazoned with vibrant fruits, vivid horizontal stripes, or Star Wars characters. And when you get the chance to match pajamas with your kids—certain Hanna prints are made starting in infant sizes—we say take it.
They have a body-hugging fit—and a confusing sizing system. Hanna Andersson long johns are intended to hug the body without being overly tight. So if loose, button-down pajamas don’t feel sufficiently cozy on you, these could be the answer.
But for first-timers, figuring out what adult size to order can be daunting. The tops and bottoms are sold separately in unisex and women’s sizes. The unisex pajamas adhere to standard men’s sizing—they are cut roomier than the women’s, with longer sleeves and inseams. The unisex pants have no drawstring while the women’s pants do, and the women’s tops have a more deeply scooped neckline than the unisex tops.
If you typically wear women’s sizes, we recommend going a size down in unisex.
They really last. These are made from a more-substantial cotton than any other printed PJs we’ve tested, which helps them retain their shape and vibrant colors. After a year of regular wear and tear, our set still looked like new.
Hanna Andersson backs up its PJs with a quality commitment: After the first 60 days, they’ll issue a credit or replacement for defects. You can also buy and sell pre-owned PJs (and other garments) through the company’s Hanna-Me-Downs program.
Sizes: women’s XS to XXL (0–20), adult unisex XS to XXL (fits like men’s)Materials: organic cottonColors: dozens of non-seasonal and holiday prints
As a senior staff writer on Wirecutter’s home team, I’ve written our guides to flannel sheets and duvet covers, among many others. And with decades of sewing experience, including published quilt patterns, I know a lot about textiles.
I’m also a plus-size woman, so inclusive sizing and flattering fits are essential to me, and they were central to this guide.
To research pajamas, we read reviews, spoke with experts, and talked with Wirecutter staffers and friends. Even though many women said they wanted full pajama sets, most men told us they preferred pajama and lounge pants only, paired with tees.
With this in mind, we compiled an initial list of 105 pajama sets and lounge pants. We determined that great PJs should have:
Based on that criteria, we tested 31. We’ve examined every pair of pants and pajamas for stitching and construction, compared fabrics, and measured, washed, and remeasured them to assess shrinkage.
I wore the women’s and unisex styles pretty much every day for an entire month—and, of course, I slept in them too. For the men’s pajamas, we enlisted the help of a male tester who wore them often and offered detailed feedback.
As a gut check, two more testers—one female, one male—tried all of our picks, helping us to gauge fit on different body types.
If you want a less-expensive alternative to our favorite silk pajama set: The silk material of LilySilk’s 22 Momme Full Length Silk Pajamas Set is slightly thicker than that of our Julianna Rae Natalya pick, yet it’s still delightfully light. But the styling isn’t quite as crisp and modern as the Natalya’s—for example, we didn’t care for the fabric-covered buttons. The LilySilk set is available in sizes from XS (0–2) through XXL (18); if you have a bigger bust or are worried about the buttons gaping, we recommend sizing up.
If you’re looking for a well-priced jersey set: Nordstrom’s Moonlight Eco Pajamas cost about half as much as the Eberjey set we love; though they’re a great deal, we did notice a slight sheen to the fabric, which is a common issue with cheaper jerseys. The Nordstrom set is available in five solids and three prints, in sizes XS (00) to XXL (18–20).
If you prefer women’s sweatpants with a more relaxed fit: The Uniqlo Women’s Sweatpants are less fitted than our unisex Uniqlo sweatpants pick, and they’re available in women’s sizes XXS (000) to XXL (16). Since they’re not cuffed like the unisex version, our 5-foot-2 tester found them a bit too long. But if you prefer a baggier style, they’re cozy and comfortable.
If you want a lightweight women’s lounge pant with truly inclusive sizing: The Universal Standard Mola Lounge Pants are heavenly, especially if you have curves. On our size-16 tester, their flattering fit was a revelation. They’re available in a wide range of sizes to fit US 00–40. Keep in mind that they have a 30-inch inseam, though, so they will pool around the ankles if you’re short. They’re also expensive, and stock issues are common.
If you want ultra-warm flannel pants: Eddie Bauer’s Men’s Flannel Sleep Pants are thicker and cozier than the L.L.Bean flannel men’s pants we recommend but not as soft, and the fit wasn’t as flattering. Still, if you like a more-rugged-feeling flannel, or if you want a print that isn’t plaid, these are a solid choice. They’re available in regular and tall sizes from S to XXL.
If you’re looking for cheap matching family flannels: Old Navy’s Matching Printed Flannel Pajama Set, in men’s and women’s sizes, was the best under-$50 flannel set we tried. They’re comfortable and come in seasonal prints for the whole family. They’re also the most inclusively sized set we tried, with men’s sizes up to XXXXL and women’s up to 4X, plus tall and petite options—and maternity pants, too.
This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.
Cora Harrington, founder and editor of The Lingerie Addict and author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie, email interview, October 16, 2018
Lori Keong, What Are the Best Pajamas for Women?, The Strategist, January 10, 2018
Nisha Chittal, The Best Pajamas, According to Racked Readers, Racked, January 29, 2018
Indya Brown, The Best Pajama Sets for Dreamy Nights, The Cut, May 18, 2018
Reginald Christian II, The Loungewear Essentials to Help You Relax at Home, GQ, August 3, 2015
Jackie Reeve
Jackie Reeve is a senior staff writer covering bedding, organization, and home goods at Wirecutter since 2015. Previously she was a school librarian, and she’s been a quilter for about 15 years. Her quilt patterns and her other written work have appeared in various publications. She moderates Wirecutter’s staff book club and makes her bed every morning.
Zoe Vanderweide
Zoe Vanderweide is a staff writer reporting on style and accessories at Wirecutter. She has been wearing things for over three decades, and she has spent years covering streetwear, luxury, art, and design. Off the clock, you can find her painting the town rainbow with her (devastatingly stylish) daughter.
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They’re stylish and versatile. Their jersey is the softest we tried. They fit beautifully. Sizes:Material:Colors:They’re for all seasons. They’re stylish. They’re a bargain. Sizes:Material:Colors:The flannel is the softest we’ve found. They have a classic, relaxed fit. They’ve got pockets. They hold up, with some pilling. Sizes:Material:Colors:They’re incredibly soft and light. They come in lots of different lengths. They’re high quality. They’re timeless. Sizes:Material:Colors:They look and feel luxe. They have a classic, easy fit—but the sizing runs small. They can be washed at home. Sizes:Material:Colors:It’s cool and comfy. It doesn’t scream “PJs.” It has an awesome kangaroo pocket. The length looks great on people of different heights. Sizes:Material:Colors:They’re fun for the whole family. They have a body-hugging fit—and a confusing sizing system. They really last. Sizes:Materials:Colors:If you want a less-expensive alternative to our favorite silk pajama set: If you’re looking for a well-priced jersey set: If you prefer women’s sweatpants with a more relaxed fit: If you want a lightweight women’s lounge pant with truly inclusive sizing: If you want ultra-warm flannel pants: If you’re looking for cheap matching family flannels: