The Best Pyjamas For Lounging About In Style

Is there a single word in the English language even half as uncool or sexless as ‘pyjamas’? Probably not. For a man to admit he wears specially made clothes for bedtime is to paint a picture in any prospective partner’s imagination of him being tucked in by his mum with a teddy, a mug of Horlicks and a kiss on the forehead. And with that seared into their mind’s eye, they won’t be a prospective partner for much longer.

We jest, of course. In reality, pyjamas have come a long way since the days of night caps and gowns. So much so, in fact, that certain aspects have even been absorbed into fashion. The athleisure trend would never have taken off if loungewear didn’t exist. And loungewear is nothing if not an extension of nightwear.

That’s why we thought it was about time we gave you the lowdown on all things PJ, including what to buy, where to get it and why it’ll make your life a little bit more comfortable.

Why Wear Pyjamas?

Sleeping in your boxers (or nothing at all) is all well and good during the warmer, more forgiving half of the year. But when temperatures begin to turn, pyjamas offer an often-overlooked helping hand.

“Temperature regulation is key as your body temperature fluctuates a lot at night,” explains Olivia Francis, founder of luxury nightwear brand Hamilton & Hare. “You should look for a loose enough fit for total comfort and freedom of movement but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish.”

In terms of fabrics, cotton, silk and satin are go-to options for warmer nights because they’re light and breathable. Switch to flannel or jersey when the temperatures drop or your partner hogs the duvet.

If you’re smart, a good pair of pyjamas can look good enough to be worn through the night and all the way to the breakfast table. “They should be versatile enough that they don’t need to be confined to the bedroom,” says Francis. “Opt for more traditional woven cotton or a jersey stretch fabric for a more unstructured fit.”