A good night's rest is the cornerstone of a healthy life. One way to ensure you get yours (besides establishing an early bedtime and staying off your phone) is with a fresh set pajamas — one that promotes a better sleep environment with soft, temperature regulating materials and a non-constricting fit.
For a more traditional set, you can't go wrong with Petite Plume's Flannel Pajamas. This brushed cotton pairing has a classic button-up front and a sophisticated piped trim. To complete your cozy ensemble, see our guide to the best men's bathrobes and best men's slippers. For more fitted sizes, check out the best pajamas for women we tested.
How we tested men's pajamas
We wore pajamas from Lake, Lunya, and other sleepwear brands in varying climates to see how comfortable they felt throughout the night. This includes moving around in bed with them on in order to simulate an active sleep cycle. We examined them before and after laundering in case of any shrinking, pilling, loose threads, or other signs of faulty craftsmanship. Beyond sleep, we tested our pajamas puttering around the house, whether it was lounging, stepping outside to grab the mail, or preparing breakfast.
We focused on sets with sturdy construction, soft, durable materials, and versatile designs. We also consulted customer reviews and considered aspects like sustainability, color variety, and inclusive sizing. Learn more about how the Reviews team tests clothing at BI.
Best overall: Cozy Earth Bamboo Stretch Knit
Our team is already a big fan of Cozy Earth's bamboo sheets, so I was satisfied to find the Bamboo Stretch Knit Pajamas offer the same silky-smooth texture in a comfortable, relaxing design.
The Long-Sleeve Top and Drawstring Pants feel less flimsy than any other bamboo viscose pajamas I've tried (hot sleepers can also find them in a T-Shirt and Short set). The fabric drapes really nicely while still being very breathable, and it's comfortably stretchy for those who tend to toss and turn at night. I'm 6-feet and weigh 175, and the sized medium fits me well — neither too snug nor too loose.
The pajamas come in just four neutral colors, but are available in an inclusive size range up to XXXL. They cost $134 for the full set, though this felt worth it considering their lasting quality. Plus, they come with a lifetime warranty against pilling, "abnormal" tears, and defects.
While not all bamboo viscose production is environmentally friendly, Cozy Earth works with factories that use closed loop systems, per the brand. The pajamas are also OEKO-TEX 100 certified (a third-party guarantee ensuring they're free from harmful chemicals).
Best for hot sleepers: Lake Pima Sleep Shorts Set
The Lake Pima Sleep Shorts Set are not only excellent cotton pajamas, but they're also the best men's pajamas if you run hot and often wake up sweaty.
Lake makes this set with "CloudPima," which is what it calls Peruvian pima cotton. Pima cotton is a long-staple cotton variety that's silky soft, durable, and very breathable, making it great for warmer weather. Peruvian pima cotton is widely considered the S-tier level of cotton, with extra long staples that create a soft, cooling feel.
The top is a crewneck tee that fits true to size, as do the shorts, but I recommend sizing up if you're between sizes or prefer a more relaxed fit. The bottoms feature a drawstring closure with an elastic waistband and two on-seam pockets. Unfortunately, they don't have a real fly.
The set comes in a good range of sizes and in three handsome colorways (the Eclipse Voyager Stripes being my favorite). Beware that because the set is made from 100% cotton, they may shrink the first time you wash them.
Best silk: Lunya Men's Washable Silk Button-Up Set
Once I put these on, I didn't ever want to take them off. These 100% mulberry silk pajamas are soothing in hot weather, but I was able to wear them in temperatures around 40 to 50 degrees , too.
Lunya's Washable Silk Button-Up Set is lightweight, breathable, and has a buttery-soft feel on the skin. The top features small, silk-covered buttons that both elevate the pajamas' look and stay out of the way in case you're a side sleeper or you lay on your belly. The pants have a button fly with similar buttons as the top.
These pajamas fit true to size. The top has a extra room without looking oversized. Meanwhile, the pants have a comfortable waistband, and a slight drop crotch. All this equals greater comfort and ease of movement.
It's important to note the pants are cropped at the ankle. If you prefer full length, you may want to consider sizing up. These pajamas didn't show any shrinking after I washed them on a gentle cycle and laid them flat to dry. Pro tip: You can put silk pajamas in the dryer for no more than five minutes on a low-heat fluff cycle to get rid of wrinkles.
See more of our favorite Lunya sets in our guide to the best silk pajamas.
Best for recovery: Dagsmejan Nattrecover Sleep Tech Pajamas
The Nattrecover pajamas were developed to promote better blood flow and increased oxygen to the muscles in athletes, which in turn help you recover faster the night following a workout.
Andreas Lenzhofer is the CEO and of Dagsmejan, who co-founded the Swedish-Swiss start-up with Catarina Dahlin. "Nattrecover is based on a textile innovation that integrates heat-activated minerals directly into the fabric," Lenzhofer told BI in an email. "During sleep, your body naturally emits heat. These minerals absorb that heat and convert it into far infrared (FIR) energy, which is then reflected back into the body."
I spent a week wearing them as I kept to my five-day running and exercise routine. My muscles felt marginally less sore in the mornings when compared to other pajamas I slept in. It's hard to say whether the Dagsmejan Nattrecover pajamas played a role in this or not, but either way they were very comfortable to sleep in. The stylish, stretchy set is sold separately, but feels incredibly light, breathable, and helps regulate body temperature.
See more of our favorites from Dagsmejan in our guide to the best cooling pajamas.
Best stretch: Mott & Bow Pajama Shirt and Pants
Mott & Bow has earned the Reviews team's approval through its excellent boxer briefs and men's T-shirts. Its long-sleeve button-down Pajama Shirt has a generously roomy fit, while the matching Pajama Pants feature an elastic waistband and drawstring. The pants are sold separately and don't have a real fly, which some people may not love, but ultimately this wasn't a dealbreaker.
The fabric is made of lightweight and super stretchy modal, with 10% Spandex to add flexibility. I've done yoga and stretches in this set without issue. It feels lightweight and breathable enough for hot sleepers, but can also work in colder weather. It's extremely soft, and has remained so after I washed and dried them per the brand's instructions. If you're an active sleeper or just like to feel extra comfortable while lounging, the Mott & Bow Pajama Shirt and Pants are a sure bet.
Best budget: Hanes Notch Collar Pajama Set
Hanes has been keeping people comfortable with its affordable cotton basics for over 120 years. The Notch Collar Pajama Set has a classic look, including a piped collar button-down and functional button-fly pants, all for less than $50.
The soft fabric, made of cotton, modal, and Spandex, feels breathable and has a bit of stretch for active sleepers. They're also tagless for an even more comfortable wearing experience. You can find them in up to a size 5XL.
The only downside I see is that the pajama pants don't have any pockets, but since the top does have a chest pocket, you can use it to store smaller items (I've used it to hold my iPhone).
Best cotton: Harvest & Mill Organic Lounge Pants and T-Shirt
Harvest & Mill is a sustainable sleepwear brand with a traceable supply chain based entirely in the U.S., from its organic cotton milling to the dyeing and sewing process. That, plus its small carbon footprint, stands in stark contrast to the industry's typical production methods.
Its Crew Tee and Lounge Pant combo are sold separately, but are very soft, sturdily constructed, beautifully cut, and highly versatile. The breathable T-shirt is indigo-dyed to a beautiful blue — I've actually worn them out and got several compliments on my outfit. The straight-leg pants have a stretch drawstring waistband with two side pockets and a rear pocket.
The size medium fit me well, with enough room to comfortably sleep in without being too loose. You can rest easier in Harvest & Mill pajamas because not only are they incredibly soft, but sustainably made as well.
Best day-to-night: Mack Weldon Ace Relaxed Sweatpant
I'm a longtime Mack Weldon fan. Every item I've tried, whether clothing or underwear, has reinforced my belief that the brand does something special in nailing style, comfort, and durability at a fair price.
The Ace Relaxed Sweatpants are a great example. They're made from a soft cotton French terry in a weight that drapes well, but is still light enough to wear for workouts or other strenuous activities. You can even get away with wearing them on a casual night out.
Even though they're more structured, the sweatpants really shine for lounging and sleeping. They're cut with a bit of room and made with 5% Spandex for a bit of stretch. Even though they have zippered pockets, the hardware is small enough that I didn't feel them lying down. I'm always a sucker for clothing that does double duty, but the Ace Relaxed Sweatpant actually does triple duty through workouts, lounging, and sleeping.
Read more in our guide to the best sweatpants for men.
Best matching family pajamas: Little Sleepies
It can be a challenge to find the best matching family pajamas that make everyone happy. Enter Little Sleepies, which has a proprietary Lunaluxe bamboo viscose fabric that's buttery soft, temperature regulating, stretchy, and lightweight (but not too thin). It's hypoallergenic and designed for sensitive skin, so everyone will sleep in comfort.
The Long-Sleeved Pajama Shirt has a pullover design that's easy to get in and out of, while the Pajama Pants feature a comfortable drawstring waistband. They're sold separately, but at a 20% discount when you pair them together. The adult men's set runs from XS to 3XL, and the medium pairing fit me true to size.
I chose the Dockside Stripe colorway for its simple light blue horizontal stripes, but the brand also offers bold themes from Western designs to bright Disney prints. The patterns are fun, but cut in a way that you won't feel like you're wearing children's pajamas.
Find more festive family sets in our guide to the best Christmas pajamas.
Best flannel: Petite Plume Flannel Pajama Set
I already love my Petite Plume robe, and now I've added its Flannel Pajama Set to my favorite loungewear. These are great three-season pajamas, and if you like to blast the A/C, you could probably get use out of them in summer as well.
The top features a button-down front, a notch collar, and chest pocket, with stretchy drawstring pants that come with a working button fly and two side pockets. Its brushed cotton fabric is luxuriously soft and cozy without being overly heavy.
The size medium fit me well. The cut of the pajamas is roomy, allowing for ease of movement without feeling like it's too large, and they don't shrink in the wash either.
FAQs on the best pajamas for men
What's the best material for pajamas?
The answer depends on whether you're a hot sleeper or relatively regulated. In heat, breathable materials like bamboo viscose, modal, or silk are ideal, Cotton can work too, as long as it's a long staple variety. For colder climates, flannel cotton and fleece will help keep you insulated.
How should my pajamas fit?
Pajamas should fit somewhat loosely to prevent restricting movement and promoting better blood flow. On the other hand, they shouldn't be too loose — you don't want the fabric to pull or get tangled as you toss and turn. Look for cuffs that end right at the wrist, and pant hems that cut off around the ankle.
Which pajamas should I wear if I toss and turn in my sleep?
Active sleepers should wear loose-fitting pajamas made with stretchy materials. Many sleepwear brands incorporate Spandex or related materials into their fabrics to account for some natural pulling.
If you sleep on your stomach, you may want to avoid pajamas with large buttons or other hardware since they may be uncomfortable against your torso as you sleep.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
