An old, oversized shirt is fine to sleep in, but there’s just something about a pajama set that makes getting cozy and dozing off more enjoyable.
“Pajamas can make you feel polished, play a role in regulating your body temperature while you sleep, offer a higher degree of coziness and comfort and also signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep,” says Ali Mejia, co-founder of Eberjey, a sleepwear and loungewear brand.
Since choosing pajamas for your wind-down routine is arguably as important as choosing the best pillow or sheets, I talked to two sleepwear experts about key factors to consider while shopping, like material and price. I also compiled top-rated options that our NBC Select editors wear and love.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best pajama sets | The best pajama sets | How to shop for pajama sets | How to best care for pajamas | Why trust NBC Select?
How I picked the best pajama sets
To curate a list of the best pajama sets, I consulted two sleepwear experts for shopping guidance: Mejia and Emily Hikade, founder and CEO of Petite Plume, a sleepwear brand. I didn’t, however, ask them for recommendations, so any Eberjey or Petite Plume products on this list are there because they come highly recommended by NBC Select editors. With that being said, the experts I spoke to say you should consider this criteria while shopping:
- Material: The right material will depend on your preferences and the type of sleeper you are. This list includes cotton, silk, spandex and modal bamboo.
- Design: Based on personal preference, you may be more inclined to choose specific designs. Some common pairings include camisoles and shorts, camisoles and pants, t-shirts and shorts, t-shirts and pants, and long sleeves and pants.
- Price: Pajama sets vary in price because some come with bottoms and tops included, while others are sold individually. Our list includes options as low as $22 and as high as $160.
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The best pajama sets in 2024
The following pajama sets are favorites of NBC Select editors and highly rated options that include various design and material options to suit every type of sleeper.
Best budget set: Ekaour Pajama Set
- Durable
- Adjustable drawstring waist
- Lightweight
- Shorts can be baggy
NBC Select senior social media editor Rosalie Sparaco, who is an extremely hot sleeper, says this is the best set she’s ever owned thanks to the cooling fabric that still feels soft after multiple washes. The elevated design is also similar to expensive alternatives she’s previously tried. Since falling in love with this pajama set, she’s purchased two more from the brand and currently rotates between all three.
Material: 95% rayon, 50% spandex | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: Black, White, Army green, Caramel, Clear blue, Deep flower gray, Green and 22 more
Best luxury pajama set: Cotidié Candace Scallop Long Sleeve Sleep Top
- Stretchy
- Very soft
- Pieces sold separately
Although this pajama set was NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson’s “something blue” the night before her wedding, it’s now a staple in her nighttime lineup. “They are more than buttery soft; they are fancy-French-butter soft,” says Swanson. “Combine these with freshly washed sheets and a shower to send dopamine levels through the roof. Truly, just thinking about them makes my brain melt into pure peace.” You can pair this top with its matching scallop sleep shorts or scallop sleep pants.
Material: 92% modal, 8% spandex | Sizes: XXS-4XL | Colors: Blue Heron, Rumba Red, Black
Best T-shirt and short pajama set: Cozy Earth Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set
- Resists bunching
- Easy to care for
- Prevents overheating
- Size down if between sizes
NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider slips into this pajama set whenever she wants to feel cozy and “put together” before bed. “The fabric has a really soft, luxe feel to it,” she says. Plus, the shorts are designed with a drawstring so you can adjust the fit.
Material: 95% viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex | Sizes: XS-XXXL | Colors: Walnut, Blush, Celadon Toile, Rouge Toile, Ivory, Navy, Grey, Black, Powder Blue, Lilac, Mini Dot, Olive, Pomegranate
Best temperature-regulating pajama set: Neiwai Classic Cozy Pajama Tee
- Relaxed fit
- Durable
- Breathable
- Pieces sold separately
This brand makes some of my favorite pajamas, and after trying long-sleeve and pant options, I wanted to diversify my lineup and, luckily, fell in love with this short-sleeve and long pant set. For context, I usually am too hot or too cold while sleeping — but in these pajamas, I can reach that perfect balance. That’s because they’re soft and cozy but extremely lightweight and breathable, so I’m not overheating or layering on 100 blankets. The Classic Cozy line has different variations, so I’m able to wear the same bottoms and alternate between different shirts.
Material: 57% modal, 20% acrylic, 18% viscose, 5% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Purple Dove, White Swan, Pecan
Most versatile pajama set: Eberjey Gisele Tencel Modal Slouchy Set
- Temperature regulating
- Easy to care for
- Can adjust top and bottom
- Higher price point
Eberjey is one of our favorite women- and Latina-owned brands, and makes some of former NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara’s favorite pajamas. This long-sleeve and pant set has a relaxed fit for a roomy and slouchy feel, but you can also customize the fit with its adjustable sash. Reviewers say this set, in particular, is versatile enough to wear as both pajamas and loungewear.
Material: 95% tencel modal, 5% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Agave/Ivory, Ciel/Navy, Haute Red, Navy/Ivory, Black/Ivory
Best for personalization: Crane & Canopy The Layla Pajama Sleep Set
- Easy to care for
- Breathable
- Stretchy
- Only in neutral colors
Despite being a hot sleeper, NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin loves this pajama set from Crane & Canopy, which comes with long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. “This set is literally the softest fabric I’ve ever felt and it makes me sleepy the moment I put it on,” she says.
Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex | Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: Navy, Grey, Black, Pink, Blue
Best camisole pajama set: Petite Plume Women’s Silk Cami Short Set in Azure Stripe
- Cooling
- Mid-rise shorts
- Hypoallergenic
- Needs to air dry
I got this pajama set as a Christmas gift and wear it constantly — the silk material makes me feel luxurious and confident. Is anyone watching me sleep? No, but I love feeling put together, even in bed. I get so excited to put these on, and I gravitate toward them on nights when I need to enhance my self-care and sleep; wearing them is like letting out a sigh.
I also prefer wearing shorts because long pants can sometimes feel restrictive, so this is my dream design and material (though the brand does have a version with pants made of the same mulberry silk and stripe pattern if that’s more your style). It’s a go-to gift of mine, mainly because each pajama comes in a gorgeous gift box.
Material: 100% mulberry silk | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Azure stripe, Pink stripe, Green stripe
Best short-sleeve pajama set: Lulus Pleasant Dreams White Satin Two-Piece Pajama Set
- Stretchy elastic waist
- Suitable for all cup sizes
- Lightweight
- Can be see-through
This shirt and shorts duo is silky, soft and lightweight, and the fabric quality is great, according to NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. “This one is perfect for hot sleepers like me because the satin feels cool on my skin,” she says.
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: White
Best satin set: Old Navy Satin Pajama Pant Set
- Lower price point
- Stretchy elastic waist
- Loose fit
- Only in neutral colors
Old Navy makes some of my favorite pajamas during the holidays, but in between the fun, themed prints, I enjoy wearing the brand’s satin set. Since I get hot, I love a short-sleeve and short combination, but this material is cooling, so I never overheat, even though it’s long sleeves and pants. The silky-soft set is durable, but I recommend treating it like a silk pillowcase and air drying it instead of tossing it in the dryer.
Material: 62% recycled polyester, 34% polyester, 4% spandex | Sizes: XS-4X (and petite and tall sizing available) | Colors: Mocha Taffy, Black, Cherry Bark, Dark Green
Best eco-friendly pajama set: Girlfriend Collective Slumber Short Sleeve
- Cooling
- Most inclusive sizing
- Relaxed fit
- Pieces sold separately
Former NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks swears by this t-shirt and short combo, which is made partly with recycled cotton material. “I feel like I’m wearing nothing but a blanket of clouds when I go to sleep in it,” she says.
Material: 50% recycled cotton, 50% tencel modal | Sizes: XXS-6XL | Colors: Morning Mist, Chamomile, Amethyst, Black, Tea, Bonsai, Papaya, Water Lily
Best flannel pajama set: L.L. Bean Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas
- Relaxed fit
- Available to monogram
- Color remains after washes
- Not for hot sleepers
This flannel option, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 5,400 reviews on Amazon, keeps you warm and cozy thanks to its brushed fabric, which means the cotton material was manipulated to create a softer feel, according to the brand. Reviewers say the material remains soft to the touch even after multiple washes, but recommend sizing up as the bottoms may shrink if not properly dried.
Material: Portuguese flannel | Sizes: XS-XL (and petite, plus and tall sizing available) | Colors: Black Watch, Bean of Freeport Cream, Angus, Dress Gordon, Indigo Tartan, Rob Roy, Vintage Tartan, Washed Bucanan
Best bundle: Lake Pajamas Pime Bundle
- Suitable for all sleepers
- Very soft
- Relaxed fit
- No solid patterns
Lake Pajamas makes some of Schneider’s favorite sleepwear, like this nightgown, and she especially loves the 100% Pima cotton fabric used for various styles across the brand. “This is the absolute softest fabric I’ve ever put on my body,” she says. If you want to try one of their sets, this bundle includes a T-shirt, shorts (for hot nights) and long pants (for colder ones).
Material: 100% pima cotton | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: Dusty Blue Antoinette, Parisian Green, Hydrangea
Most breathable: Draper James Amelia Pajama Set
- Suitable for all proportions
- Easy to care for
- Lightweight
- Style not in other colors
If you don’t love the classic button-down top, consider this set from Draper James. Some buttons can be bothersome, so I love seeing a classic style like this. The buttonless design gives it a more elevated look while still maintaining the soft, lightweight feel of most pajamas.
Material: 93% polyester, 7% spandex | Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: Popcorn Ditsy Floral
Best for matching: Ro’s Garden Pippa Women’s Pajama Set
- Available in kids’ sizing
- Adjustable drawstring waist
- Very soft
- Tighter fit
Another set Malin loves for sleeping and lounging at home is this tapered pant and a pullover long-sleeve shirt. “The set is overall more tailored compared to other options I own that are baggier and more relaxed, but it’s still very comfortable,” she says. “The cotton fabric is breathable and feels lightweight against my skin.” Ro’s Garden has this style in multiple prints, but Malin especially loves it when the brand releases seasonal options, which she says helps her get excited for the holidays.
Material: 100% pima cotton | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Amour Red, Amour Blue, Pumpkins, Oh Deer Holly, Love Bug Pink, Love Bug Blue, Kash Baby Blue, Bizzy Bear Frost, Louie Royal Blue and two more
Best linen pajama set: Quince 100% European Linen Pajama Set
- Hypoallergenic
- Lower price point
- Relaxed fit
- Only in neutral colors
This Quince set is great if you prefer the feel of linen over other popular fabrics like cotton or silk. These pajamas are made from 100% European flax linen, which is breathable and lightweight. It’s ideal for hot sleepers because the fabric’s fibers have a loose natural structure that allows for airflow, according to the brand. The set has a 4.8-star average rating from over 700 reviews at Quince.
Material: 100% linen | Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Sand, Black, Deep Navy, Pale Pink
Most stretchy: Skims Soft Lounge Rib Sleep Set
- Breathable
- Many size options
- Ribbed texture
- Needs to air dry
Reviewers say these cozy pajamas run true to size and have a flowy, stretchy fabric that doesn’t dig into their skin when they wear it. The ribbed pajamas, which have a 4.4-star average rating from over 300 reviews at Nordstrom, have a front chest pocket and locker loops so you can easily hang them up.
Material: 91% modal, 9% elastane | Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: Heather Grey, Onyx, Marble, Stone, Lollipop
Best for bold prints: Roller Rabbit Monkey Paola Polo Pajamas
- Soft
- Available for the whole family
- Breathable
- Needs to air dry
- No solid patterns
This pajama set features one of Roller Rabbit’s signature prints and combines long sleeves and shorts. It has an elastic waistband and front chest pocket. Reviewers say it’s incredibly soft and love that the fun, bright and bold print is also available in men, children and infant options.
Material: 100% long-staple cotton | Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: Blue, Pink
Related
How to shop for pajama sets
While shopping for a pajama set, not only should you find a pattern or print you love, but experts also recommend thinking about the following factors to help decide which option is best for you:
Type of sleeper
Lightweight fabrics like silk and a breathable cotton blend are great if you tend to run hot throughout the night, she says. When it comes to design, consider choosing a short set, nightgown or nightshirt, says Hikade.
Soft, brushed fabrics, like flannel, will keep cold sleepers warm without causing you to overheat, according to Mejia. More covered-up styles, like long-sleeves and pants, provide added warmth as well, she says.
Sizing
When it comes to sleepwear, comfort should be the top priority, according to Hikade. However, comfortability truly depends on personal preference. Some like a loose, generous fit and others prefer a more fitted garment that doesn’t move around during sleep, says Mejia. A looser-fitting option allows for breathability and movement, while a tighter option feels snug yet cozy, the latter of which can be most beneficial for children, says Hikade.
Design features
There are certain design elements you want to pay attention to when shopping for pajama sets, whether they are big or small:
- Soft threads and stitching: While these details may not seem noticeable, they’re important to note because you don’t want anything harsh or abrasive that will poke at you while you sleep, according to Mejia.
- Elastics: This gives you the right amount of stretch which helps to create a more comfortable fit, says Mejia.
- Drawstrings: This element is a great way to maximize comfort, according to Hikade. They also offer more versatility, says Mejia.
- Pockets: This feature is great, especially if you’re busy, on the go, or misplacing your items. It gives you a place to slip in your belongings if you’re wearing pajamas around the house before bedtime, says Hikade.
How to best care for your pajamas
To ensure the longevity of your favorite pajamas, it’s important to know the specific fabric and how best to care for it. You can wash cotton pajamas in your machine, but keep them with like colors to avoid discoloration and machine dry without heat, according to Hikade. You can machine-wash certain silk pajamas as well, but double-check the tags to be sure, experts say.
For any pajamas that you can machine-wash, Hikade generally recommends placing them in a small laundry bag apart from your other clothes and washing on a cold cycle. After that, it may be best to skip the dryer and lay your set flat to air dry instead — this will help to maintain its shape, according to Hikade.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Ali Mejia is the co-founder of Eberjey, a sleepwear and loungewear brand.
- Emily Hikade is the founder and CEO of Petite Plume, a sleepwear brand.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am an associate reporter covering skin care, hair care and gift guides, including recent stories on the best slippers and beauty and wellness gifts. For this story, I interviewed two experts and shared their shopping guidance, as well as gathered NBC Select staff favorites and highly rated pajama sets that align with their recommendations.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
