Seasonal Sleepwear Guide: The Best Pajamas for Every Season
When searching for the best pajamas for every season, there are a few factors to consider to ensure comfort no matter the weather outside. From important qualities to consider to the best material for winter, summer, spring, and fall pajamas, our guide covers everything you need to know to find seasonal sleepwear for every time of year.
How to Choose the Most Comfortable Pajamas
Whether you are shopping for breezy summer sleepwear or cozy PJs for the holidays, there are four key factors that influence overall comfort. Pay attention to these features to help you choose:
- Breathability: Breathable fabrics allow air and moisture to escape from beneath the fabric, preventing you from overheating or getting too sweaty—which is equally important whether you’re snuggled up beneath several bedding layers or trying to stay cooler on extra-hot summer nights.
- Temperature Control: Fabrics with temperature-regulating properties include linen, TENCEL™ Modal, and viscose made from bamboo. These materials help keep you warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm, helping you stay comfortable no matter the weather.
- Feel: No one wants stiff, scratchy sleepwear. Pajamas made of natural fibers or blends, including cotton, linen, TENCEL™ Modal, and viscose made from bamboo, will be softer—and last longer—than synthetic or polyester options. Natural fibers also support breathability and temperature regulation, so it’s a win/win/win.
- Fit: Snug-fitting silhouettes, which trap air close to your body, are warmer than loose-fitting or relaxed pajama styles that provide plenty of room to breathe. Save snug pajamas for winter and reach for the breezy styles for hot summer months.
Best Pajama Fabrics by Season
Keeping factors like breathability, temperature control, fit, and feel in mind, these are our recommendations for the best seasonal sleepwear. Our favorite options include everything from loose, lightweight summer styles to the coziest options for cold winter nights—and styles to keep you comfortable during the in-between shoulder seasons or in climates with little seasonal temperature variation.
Spring and Fall: TENCEL™ Modal or Viscose Made from Bamboo
Bridge the gap between the year’s seasonal extremes with pajamas in versatile TENCEL™ Modal or viscose from bamboo, each favored for their temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking properties. Pima cotton interlock is also perfect for spring and fall; this soft, stretchy knit material is slightly thicker than your everyday T-shirt or jersey knit pants.
For these in-between seasons, we recommend purchasing pajamas in multiple styles to mix and match as temperatures fluctuate. Pair cropped or full-length pants from one set with a short-sleeve top from another, or a solid-color loungewear top with shorts in a matching design.
Summer: Cotton Voile and Poplin
Breezy, breathable cotton fibers in loosely woven fabrics are summer sleepwear superstars. We love women’s pajamas in lightweight cotton voile and crisp, cool cotton poplin, both classic options for summer pajamas. TENCEL™ Modal and viscose made from bamboo are also popular fabrics for warm nights, thanks to their moisture-wicking and cooling abilities. While voile and poplin are somewhat crisp, TENCEL™ Modal and bamboo viscose are super-smooth and stretchy—but all are ultra-comfortable in hot weather.
Winter: Cotton Flannel
Cozy cotton flannel pajamas are the quintessential winter sleepwear for a reason: The soft, fuzzy surface feels amazing against your skin but also traps warm air close to your body, keeping you cozy when nights are cold. Snug-fit cotton sleepwear and waffle weave fabrics are also ideal options for winter months, thanks to their ability to keep warmth in, rather than letting it escape. The secret to staying warm—but not sweaty—in winter pajamas is to choose breathable materials and comfortable styles and make the bed using high-quality bedding layers you can adjust as needed.
Tips for Hot and Cold Sleepers
Considering both your favorite fabrics and preferred styles will help you choose comfortable sleepwear for any season, whether you sleep hot or cold. We offer a variety of pajama styles in many materials to work all year round, no matter your preferred temperature or comfort level. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Sleep hot but want to embrace the irresistible comfort of snuggly winter sleepwear? Enjoy minimal cover and maximum coziness when you wear a pajama set that includes festive brushed flannel shorts and a breathable cotton top.
- Long-sleeved and long-pant poplin sets are lightweight and breezy, making them the perfect summer pajamas for those who prefer a little extra coverage and a great winter option for those who sleep hot.
- Sleep shirts and nightgowns make popular women’s pajama choices year-round: They offer a loose silhouette that doesn’t limit movement and a range of fabric options to keep you comfortable any time of year.
Whether you’re slipping on a robe or beneath a pile of blankets, layers are the key to staying comfortable in fluctuating temperatures. Pair pajamas in varying styles and fabrics fit for the season with bedding and sleep accessories designed for all-night comfort, all year long. For more on making your home and wardrobe as comfortable as possible, explore our other Guides.