Some of the things that may come to mind when thinking of a peaceful night’s sleep are a comfortable bed, a cool room, a warm comforter, and a mug of chamomile tea. But what about what you wear to bed? Is it possible to think too much about what you wear to bed?
It turns out that choosing the right sleepwear has a much greater impact on your sleep than you may have thought. Your pajamas play an important role in how comfortable you feel–whether you feel too hot or cold and whether your body can relax or you feel constricted.
It’s easier than ever to find the right pajamas if you know what to look for. Keep reading for multiple instantly applicable tips on how to find the best pajamas.
Moisture-Wicking Pajamas
Sleeping is the time of day where maximum comfort is always top of mind. You don’t want to feel stuffy, restricted, or strained. You want to feel light, relaxed, and able to doze off at any moment.
The best way to accomplish that is with moisture-wicking pajamas. This is a type of sleepwear that pulls excess moisture away from your body while still allowing for air flow.
To understand why this is so valuable, it helps to know how moisture-wicking fabrics work. A moisture-wicking fabric is actually multiple individual layers combined into a single fabric.
The layer closest to your skin pulls excess sweat and moisture away from your body and into the next layer. The next layer either pushes it towards the next layer, or if it’s the final layer, to the outside of the fabric. This gives your skin a near-constant feeling of comfort without overheating or feeling sweaty.
Now that you’re familiar with how moisture-wicking fabrics work, let’s look at some examples of moisture-wicking sleepwear for men and women.
Examples of Moisture-Wicking Pajamas for Women and Men
Getting that perfect night’s sleep can’t be achieved until you have the best pajamas. Here are our recommended moisture-wicking pajamas for both men and women:
For Women:
- Cotton top and shorts. If it’s summer or you’re simply looking for something lighter to wear, this pairing is perfect. Cotton is naturally moisture-wicking and will have you feeling comfortable through the night.
- Nightgown. If you prefer a more traditional look or simply need extra coziness, go with a cotton nightgown. This type of sleepwear offers enough breathability without sacrificing lower body warmth.
- Short sleeve t-shirt and shorts. This is another good summer weather style of pajamas. It’s just like outdoor-style t-shirts and shorts but for bedtime.
- Long-sleeve shirt and pants. Facing the coldest months of the year? Consider the combination of pajama pants with a long-sleeve shirt. You’re virtually guaranteed to stay warmer from dusk to dawn.
For Men:
- T-shirt and shorts. The tried-and-true t-shirt and shorts as pajamas can never do you wrong. It’s the perfect combination for getting quality rest without restricting your body.
- Tank top and shorts or pants. Need something with a little more upper body flexibility? A tank top with shorts or pants has you covered. This combination is ideal if you tend to sleep hot.
- T-shirt and pants. If you haven’t found the right pajama combo yet, try pajama pants with a t-shirt. This can be perfect for colder seasons or when you simply need extra lower body warmth.
Best Fabric for Pajamas
Going to bed is a time everyone wants to feel relaxed and comfortable. The materials you wear make a big difference regarding whether or not you get an amazing night’s sleep.
Thankfully, the pajama industry has evolved to offer consumers the best of the best. You no longer need to compromise breathable fabrics for affordability or aesthetic appeal. That said, there are still several fabric types that the best pajamas use.
Here are the best fabrics for pajamas:
- Bamboo. Believe it or not, bamboo is one of the best fabrics to consider in your pajama purchases. The woody part of the plant is crushed into a pulp, which leaves natural bamboo fibers. These fibers are then mechanically spun into a linen-like yarn that’s used for all kinds of wearable products. Pretty remarkable, right? Bamboo is also naturally antimicrobial, antifungal, soft, and breathable.
- Cotton. Cotton is still one of the best pajama fabrics out there. It has a high degree of breathability, offering plenty of airflow between your body and your pajamas. Cotton has a high fiber quality and strength, so it’s durable yet remains cool against your body.
- Flannel. Flannel is a type of woven fabric usually made from cotton, wool, or synthetic fiber. It’s one of the most comfortable pajama types and is perfect for winter sleeping. Choose flannel pajamas if you’re looking for sleepwear that keeps you warm without trapping in moisture or excess heat.
- Lyocell. Lyocell is the term for a silk-like substance that’s made from eucalyptus, birch, bamboo, and oak tree pulp. It’s often combined with other fibers like cotton, wool, and polyester to produce a more sustainable alternative to silk.
- Silk. Silk is made from the silkworm and is a popular choice for pajamas. Given its noticeably soft and smooth texture, many people choose it as a luxury option. As long as you wear semi-loose fitting silk pajamas, you’ll still have the breathability you need for optimal sleep.
- Fleece. Fleece is imitation wool made from polyester and it offers the same amount of warmth and comfort as real wool. If you’re looking for high-quality vegan sleepwear that still keeps you warm, this is it. Fleece works great either as a pajama material or loungewear on cozy, relaxed weekends.
Stay Warm With Your Pajamas but Keep Your Room Cool
It’s smart to keep yourself warm with pajamas but keep your room at a cool—but not too cold—temperature. A cool room temp allows even warmer sleepers the ability to cozy up in bed under comforting bedding, without overheating.
In fact, the best temperature to sleep in is about 60 to 67°F. This is slightly cooler than everyday room temperature and helps your body attain the lower core temperature it strives for.
Don’t Forget Your Feet
Remember to keep sleep footwear in mind too, especially during cold months. You may even find that it’s easier to fall asleep after you’ve put on a fuzzy pair of socks before bed and there’s science behind that.
When you heat cold feet, this is referred to as vasodilation. This means that your blood vessels are being dilated, telling the brain that, hey, time to go to bed. Having a healthy sleep keeps you running during the day. Wearing the right pajamas may just make your sleep even cozier, and sleeping on the proper healthy mattress can maximize your good sleep.
The best pajamas are great, but you need the full nine yards to get amazing rest. Looking for a non-toxic, organic mattress to match your quality pajamas? Shop our mattresses now!
