11 Best Pajamas for Women, Slept and Lounged in by Our Editors
Updated: Jun. 27, 2024
To ensure the best pajamas for women are as dreamy as they appear, we tested the lounge-worthy sets during many slumbers. Don't sleep on these styles (unless it's literally).
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Sweet dreams are practically guaranteed once you slip on a pair of these best pajamas for women. Considering we spend almost one-third of our lives sleeping, this is a big deal. In fact, your sleepwear is as important as your sheets (flannel ones for the colder months and cooling sheets for summer), pillows and mattresses.
Whether you prefer long or short, cotton or bamboo, tailored or loose, we’ve found some of the best PJs on the market. They feel as comfortable as that oversized T-shirt you’ve been wearing to bed forever, but they take your sleep style—and sleep quality—up a few notches. To find the sets that are truly enjoyable to wear to bed or lounging around the house, we had our editors sleep in top-rated options for at least one month. From this testing process, we narrowed the picks down to the best pajamas for women on the market.
Best overall pajamas for women
Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set
Pros:
- Super-soft and comfy material
- Fabric made of viscose from bamboo keeps you cooler than cotton
- Flattering silhouette with plenty of stretch
- Customizable top/bottom and color combinations
Cons:
- High price, but worth it for the quality
Allow us to start by addressing the elephant in the room. Yes, these bamboo Cozy Earth pajamas are definitely an investment. Considering that several of our editors tested Cozy Earth pajamas themselves, however, we can confidently say they’re the best pajamas for women out there. Plus, they have a near-perfect five-star rating that proves they’re worth every penny. Available in 10 dreamy colors, these pajamas are one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, and as soon as you slip into them, they’ll become one of yours, too.
Deputy shopping editor, Reina Galhea, who typically skips dedicated pajama sets in favor of oversized T-shirts and shorts, was an instant fan. Not only did she love the relaxed fit, but she appreciated the fact that they kept her from overheating while she slept. “The sleep test was what truly won me over,” says Galhea. “Because these PJs are breathable and light, even sleeping in full pants and long sleeves didn’t cause me to overheat.”
Generously sized and ultra soft, they’re made of a stretch-knit, bamboo-based fabric that’s flattering to just about every body type. These bamboo pajamas also help regulate body temperature for cooler nights. Still not sure? Cozy Earth lets you try anything for free (with free returns on the off chance you don’t want to keep it). This is truly the stuff of dreams.
bBst value pajamas for women
Target Stars Above Tank Top and Pants Pajama Set
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Soft, cozy fabric
- Lightweight material
- Tank top stays in place during the night
Cons:
- Pants are a bit shorter than expected
A great pair of pajamas doesn’t have to break the bank, and Target’s Stars Above tank and pant pajama set is proof. Made of a soft and cozy polyester spandex blend, these lightweight pajamas will go from your bed to the couch and back again. “If you want a lightweight PJ set that keeps you cozy but not too warm, look no further,” says Galhea.
Galhea spent hours sleeping and lounging in these pajamas and was impressed by the quality. She found that in addition to being incredibly durable and cozy, they stayed in place while she slept. “Not everyone loves a tank top for PJs because they can shift while you sleep, leaving you, ahem, exposed. I’m happy to report this tank top stayed pretty well in place while I slept, even after a few wearings when it was slightly more stretched out,” she says. Moreover, this pajama set washed well and had no signs of shrinkage. “The fabric actually feels like it got softer after a wash, which was a nice surprise,” Galhea adds.
The only hitch came in the pant sizing. “The top fits as expected, but the pants are a bit short, more like ankle pants than full-length,” Galhea explains. “And I have short legs, so that’s saying something.” She also found the waistband doesn’t stretch as much as she expected it to, given the stretch of the rest of the fabric. But these aren’t dealbreakers for Galhea, who calls this pajama set a steal.
Best cooling pajamas for women
Eberjey Gisele Shortie Short PJ Set
Pros:
- Fabric regulates body temperature while you sleep
- Soft, cozy material
- Available in a variety of colors
- Washes well
- Super-cute style
Cons:
- Shorts are really short if you're taller
- Size range could be more inclusive
If you’re a hot sleeper, then a pair of cooling pajamas is life-changing. Eberjay’s Gisele pajama set will keep you looking and feeling cool all night long, according to senior shopping editor, Caroline Lubinksy. “I was so excited when I unwrapped them—the Tencel modal fibers make these just as cozy as they are sustainable,” she says.
These stylish pajamas are available in nine different colors, all of which feature the classic contrasting piping, and come in sizes extra-small to extra-large. “I like that there are a variety of color options to choose from and that the material itself helps regulate body temperature while you sleep (no more sweaty PJs!),” Lubinsky adds. However, she did find that these shorts, which feature a cheekier cut than their relaxed short PJ set, were a bit too short. “As a 5’10” person, I was a little frustrated with how short the shorts were (and mind you, I like short shorts). These are potentially a better bet for you if you’re on the short side, as the short shorts combined with the mid-rise is not my favorite.”
If you’re not a fan of short shorts, the Gisele pajamas are available in a wide range of styles, including relaxed shorts, pants and even a sleep shirt that you can shop on Eberjay’s website.
Best plus-size pajamas for women
Adore Me Audra Plus Pajamas
Pros:
- Offered in sizes extra-small to 4X
- Affordable
- Comes in several fun prints
- Cute scalloped hem details
Cons:
- Form-fitting design not for everyone
If you’re looking for the best plus-size pajamas for women, then you’ve come to the right place. These fun pajamas from Adore Me are the ideal mix of comfy and cute. Made of polyester, recycled polyester and a spandex blend, these pajamas feel breathable and light against the skin. They come as a set and feature a square neckline, lettuce edge detail and capri-style leggings, which makes them suitable for sleeping or daytime lounging, according to our tester, Olivia Hanson.
These pajamas, which are offered in sizes extra-small through 4X, come in four eye-catching prints. “Pajamas are so much more exciting to wear in a color or print that speaks to you,” says Hanson. “I got the navy and white stars and stripes print, but they also come in pink and red hearts prints.”
While Hanson appreciated the set’s breathability and stretchiness, she would have preferred a more relaxed fit. “My only gripe is that the pajamas were form-fitting, which is not my personal favorite fit for plus-size pajamas,” she writes. “I tend to gravitate toward looser-fitting sleepwear, however, these would be great for those who love a tighter fit.”
Best year-round pajamas for women
Skims Soft Lounge Sleep Set
Pros:
- Warm enough for winter but breathable enough for summer
- Washes well
- Soft, comfortable material
- Fits true to size
Cons:
- Colors sell out quickly
If you don’t want to worry about swapping out your summer PJs for your winter set—and vice versa—then opt for a pair you can wear all year long. The Skims Soft Lounge Sleep Set is made of super-soft modal ribbed fabric that’s warm enough in the winter but also breathable for the summer, according to Sydney Manning, editorial coordinator.
Best silk pajamas for women
Quince Silk Pajamas
Pros:
- Made of 100% mulberry silk
- Machine washable
- Cooling fabric regulates body temperature
- Multiple silhouettes to choose from
- Pieces start at just $50
Cons:
- Wrinkles easily
There are fewer things that feel more luxurious than silk pajamas. And while it’s true that silk can also come with a lofty price tag, there are quality pieces that are actually affordable. Enter the button-up top and bottoms from Quince. Made of 100% mulberry silk, these pajamas are offered in multiple silhouettes that you can mix and match to build your ideal pajama set. The best part? Pieces start at just $50.
Aside from its luxurious feel, one of the things we love about silk is its cooling abilities. According to our tester Andrea Carrillo, these pajamas definitely kept her cool. As a matter of fact, they almost kept her too cool. “It may sound silly, but the first time I wore the pajamas, they were almost too cooling. They created a fresh airiness as I walked that made me wonder if I should throw on a cardigan for lounging,” she writes in her detailed review. “At night, however, they were incredibly comfortable and soft.”
After sleeping in these pajamas for a few weeks, Carrillo swears that they’re one of the best pajama sets she’s ever owned. Her only complaint is that the fabric wrinkles easily, a problem that’s easily rectified with a garment steamer. Yes, that means not only can you toss these PJs in the wash, but you can also steam them if wrinkles aren’t your thing.
Best pajamas for women on Amazon
Ekouaer Short-Sleeve Pajamas
Pros:
- Free Prime shipping and free returns
- Affordable
- Soft, lightweight material
- Classic style makes the set look more expensive than it is
Cons:
- Sizes start at small rather than extra-small
This adorable matching PJ set from Amazon offers lots of comfort and style at an affordable price (but don’t let the low price fool you). These high-quality PJs made our list of the best pajamas for women because they’re soft, stretchy and not constricting, which means they’re a dream for those who move around in their sleep. Shopping editor, Emily Way, says, “I wish it were socially acceptable to wear these out and about—they’re truly that cozy.”
In fact, Way prefers this set to some of the more luxe options in her closet, citing their roomy fit and slightly weighted fabric, which allows them to fall in a more flattering way. Plus, you can’t beat their buttery soft feel, and Way insists that they fit like a dream. “As a curvier girl, it’s so hard to find PJs that feel flattering and don’t cling or pinch. The stretchy-yet-snug waistband makes these PJs feel like they’ll still fit as my weight fluctuates, which is something I love,” she raves.
The Ekouaer pajamas are available in over two dozen bold colors, patterns and even holiday themes for a fun take on family Christmas pajamas. Pro tip: These PJs frequently go on sale, and Way suggests waiting for a sale and then stocking up for yourself and all of the women in your family. “Gift these to everyone. One for mom! One for grandma! Seriously, I’m ordering a set for my mom’s upcoming birthday,” says Way.
Best cotton pajamas for women
Lake Pajamas Pima Bundle
Pros:
- Made from 100% Pima cotton
- Fits true to size
- Doesn't shrink in the wash
- Gets softer with wear and washing
Cons:
- Fabric takes some time to loosen up for the perfect fit
Six of our shopping editors put these Lake pajamas to the test and the verdict was unanimous: They are the best cotton pajamas for women. Not only are they made with super-soft, 100% pima cotton, but they fit comfortably, wash well and simply look great according, to our editors.
Galhea is a tough critic when it comes to the best pajamas for women. “An oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts are my typical pajamas of choice. So, if I’m going to wear a PJ set, it has to be equally as comfortable. I look for fabric that mimics well-worn cotton and a loose fit that doesn’t constrict. But I still need it fitted to avoid bunching while I sleep,” she writes in her Lake pajamas review.
When Galhea first put them on, she wasn’t immediately sold. “I have to admit, I was skeptical about the Pima pajama set from Lake when I first put it on,” she writes. “My broad shoulders felt a bit too snug against the seams of the top, and I had significantly less room in the sleeves than I typically like. Thankfully, I tried the set on a few hours before bed. By the time I went to sleep, the fabric had loosened up enough for me to snooze peacefully.” And while the fabric loosened up with wear, it didn’t shrink back down after Galhea washed and dried the pieces. The only difference she noticed, besides the fact that a grease stain lifted right out of them, was that they seemed to get even softer after washing. If you ask us, it doesn’t get much better than that!
Best lounging pajamas for women
Soma Intimates Most Loved Cotton Pajamas
Pros:
- Ideal for sleep or all-day lounging
- Soft, lightweight material
- Fits true to size
- Mix-and-match separates
Cons:
- Not actually made of 100% cotton
Loungewear lovers will never want to take off these comfy pajamas from Soma’s Most Loved Cotton collection. The entire collection, which features mix and match pieces—like the short-sleeve T-shirt and pants—for a customized look, is reminiscent of your favorite broken-in T-shirt. You can rock these pajamas around the house or even when you’re running a few quick errands.
Our tester, Caroline Stanko, was an instant fan of the T-shirt and pant set. “This set is perfect for a lazy weekend weekend morning when you just want to go from your bed to the couch and back. The soft tee and drawstring pants are loose-fitting, so you have plenty of room to snuggle up or stretch out. Plus, there are four pockets between the top and pants, so there are plenty of spots to store your phone, the remote and a snack or two (we won’t judge!),” she raves.
Stanko especially appreciated how well each piece fit, although she did find the top to be a bit boxy. What she did notice, however, was that although these pajamas are dubbed “Most Loved Cotton,” they’re not actually cotton. Instead, they’re a cotton, Tencel and spandex blend. “I don’t mind semi-syntheic fibers (the fabric feels great!), but it does seem weird that their “Most Loved Cotton” PJs aren’t 100% cotton,” she says. Overall, this certainly isn’t a dealbreaker for Stanko. In fact, she says that these super-cozy pajamas would make an excellent gift for moms, hot sleepers, loungewear lovers and anyone who likes getting cozy both in and out of bed.
Best sleep dress for women
Cozy Earth Boyfriend Sleep Dress
Pros:
- Relaxed silhouette
- Super-soft and stretchy material
- Temperature regulating
- Could double as a regular dress in a pinch
- Washes well
Cons:
- Expensive
If you thought Cozy Earth pajamas were great, then you’re in for a real treat because there are so many things to love about Cozy Earth’s rib-knit boyfriend sleep dress. Made from an ultra-soft and stretchy bamboo viscose, this sleep dress is temperature regulating, wildly comfortable and cute enough where it could even double as a regular dress if you were in a pinch.
Though she initially likened this dress to a mumu, Lubinsky was impressed by how good this sleep dress felt once it was on. “If you’re looking for a mumu (that isn’t like the mumus of yesteryear), the Cozy Earth bamboo sleep dress is a must-buy,” she says. “I love the fit; it’s loose enough for optimal breathability but doesn’t look like a shapeless bag. It’s cute, comfy and practical for sleep. What more could you ask for?”
This sleep dress is available in eight colors and comes in sizes extra-small through XXXL. There’s no need to size up, as it has a relaxed silhouette complete with side slits and is already quite roomy. It only comes in one length, but Lubinsky, who’s 5’10”, found it to be the perfect length—not too short, not too long, but just right.
It’s fair to say that this sleep dress is more expensive than some of our other picks, but the quality is unmatched. You can wash and wear the heck out of this thing and it’ll hold up for years. But if you’re not one to spend big on pajamas, then keep an eye out for one of Cozy Earth’s frequent sales.
Best printed pajamas for women
Printfresh Long Sleep Set
Pros:
- Available in 25 different patterns
- Inclusive sizing
- Made from organic cotton poplin
- Light and breathable
- Features deep pockets
Cons:
- May run small for some
Whether your wardrobe already consists of bright colors or you have a tendency to cloak yourself in neutrals, these organic cotton pajamas from Printfresh are an easy way to add some fun to your wardrobe, according to senior shopping editor, Katie Bandurski. “Most of my wardrobe is a uniform of dark colors, so pajamas are where I like to let loose and show off a little personality. I love these Printfresh PJs for their wide array of whimsical and animal-inspired prints,” she says.
These pajamas, which come in 25 different patterns, are light, breathable and easy to care for. Bandurski also points out that they have smart details, like piping and deep pockets. Another thing we love about this pajama set is that it’s made for every body. They’re available in sizes XXS to 6X in standard, petite and tall lengths. According to Bandurski, they run true to size with both the top and bottom pieces offering a relaxed fit. However, she doesn’t recommend sizing down. “Mine are a tinge tight in the thighs, but I find they stretch a little with time,” she explains.
And while these pajamas don’t come cheap, Bandurski argues that they’re a worthy investment. “Like luxury bedding, these high-end PJs make an ordinary night more luxurious. While on the pricey side, they’re beautifully constructed and will last many nights of wear,” she says.
What to look for when buying pajamas
When shopping for the best pajamas for women, remember that comfort is key. You want them to be soft so they feel good against your skin throughout the night. They need to be roomy enough not to bunch up or goose you while you’re twisting and turning and trying to sleep. And they should keep you at an optimal temperature—not too hot, not too cold. Consider the price and longevity, too.
Why you should trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we know that pajamas aren’t just something you wear to bed that no one will ever see. Sometimes things happen. A delivery driver shows up at your door or your neighbor pops over unexpectedly. Or maybe you just shrug your shoulders and meander down to grab your mail regardless of the fact that you’ve yet to get dressed. Whatever the situation may be, we understand wanting to look put together while also being as comfortable as possible. That’s why our shopping team has personally tested dozens of pajama sets, including bamboo pajamas, flannel pajamas and even loungewear sets, that you can wear to bed and beyond. Our editors and testers spent many nights (and days) wearing these pajamas to see if they truly are the best of the best.
How we chose the best pajamas for women
Scrolling through a seemingly endless selection of pajamas for women probably can’t fit into your schedule, but it did in ours! We combed through the most popular brands on the market and examined their materials, size ranges, prices and color and pattern varieties. To ensure they’re beloved for a reason, we looked at real-life shopper reviews to see how they performed among consumers. Then, we ordered the pajamas so the editors and testers at Reader’s Digest could get a true feel of the products. From there, we slept and lounged in each set for at least a month. We even washed and dried them to see how they held up through cleaning. Through this thorough process, we landed on the 11 best pajamas for women we recommend to you here.
FAQ
What is the most comfortable fabric for pajamas?
What you wear to sleep is such a personal preference that it’s hard to pick a universal fabric that’s best for everyone. Cotton is always a favorite either by itself or blended with modal. Silk, flannel and bamboo are also popular.
What’s the best pajama fabric for hot sleepers?
If you’re a hot sleeper and experience night sweats or hot flashes, the right pajama fabric makes a big difference in keeping you cool and helping you sleep better. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen and viscose from bamboo, and avoid heavy materials like flannel and fleece. Also, consider adding cooling bed sheets and cooling pillows to your set up, or investing in a cooling mattress to banish sweaty nights.
Originally Published: January 23, 2023
