You’ve probably invested more than you realize in your quest to get a good night of sleep. A decent mattress and box spring can cost upward of a thousand dollars. Then there are sheet sets, blankets, comforters, sleeping masks, and the perfect pillow. You adjust the lighting in your room, and the temperature too.
That’s a lot of effort and money, but it’s all for a good cause. It’s important that you get a restful sleep. When was the last time you put much thought into what you wear to bed? It can make a bigger difference than you realize.
Substance Over Style
Take a look at the sleepwear section of any store. You’ll see a lot of variety. There are nightgowns, negligees, footed sleepers, traditional two piece sets, sleeping jackets, lounge pants, and so much more. There’s also no shortage of options when it comes to colors, fabrics, and characters. If you’re a fan of a cartoon character, movie, or even an emoji, you can probably find pajamas of it. You can even get coordinated PJs for the entire family.
All of this is really fun, but there’s a problem. Most pajamas are lousy for sleeping. They twist, bunch, and ride up. They don’t keep you warm enough, or you wake up sweaty and overheated. When you wash them, they fade and pill. To find better pajamas, you have to look beyond style and focus on substance.
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The Best Fabric Options For Your Sleepwear
The first thing to consider is feel. If your sleepwear doesn’t feel good, you aren’t going to get a good night of sleep. If you think flannel is itchy, or silk just feels weird to you, then don’t buy pajamas made from those materials.
Of course, feel isn’t the only thing to consider. Something could be very comfortable for lounging around the house and watching TV, but make you absolutely miserable in bed. You want something that will help you maintain a comfortable body temperature, and that fits comfortably all night long. Here are some of your options:
- Silk – This fabric is great for helping you maintain a consistent body temperature. You’ll be warm when it gets cold, and cool when it gets hot. The problem is that silk is very pricy. It’s also difficult to care for.
- Cotton – This is probably the most popular choice for pajamas. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and comfortable. People with sensitive skin do well with cotton. Unfortunately, it isn’t very warming so you’ll need extra blankets if you get cold. Cotton doesn’t wick either. So, sweaty sleepers won’t like this option very much.
- Moisture Wicking Fabrics – There are some man made fabrics that are specially engineered to pull moisture away from the body. This is a good choice for people who get night sweats. Just know that these options can be a bit pricey. Some people also dislike the idea of wearing a man made fabric.
- Flannel – Flannel is warm, comfortable, and breathable. Many people prefer this option for the cold weather months.
- Wool – Wool can seem like a very cozy option. Unfortunately, it doesn’t usually work out that way. It can be itchy and hot. Wool also doesn’t breathe very well. Better save this fabric for socks and sweaters.
- Bamboo – This may seem like an odd choice for sleepwear, but it’s becoming quite popular. Bamboo is made from the fibers of the bamboo plant. It’s soft and luxurious feeling. Bamboo is perfect for regulating your temperature, it breathes, and it is environmentally friendly.
Small Details Can Make a Big Difference
Once you find a fabric that works for you, it’s time to consider other details. Think about the ‘extras’ that may be on a pair of pajamas or nightgown. Buttons, snaps, sequins, and other embellishments may look nice, but can be quite uncomfortable when you lie down. A two piece lounge set might be comfortable, but not if it twists and bunches while you sleep. If you tend to move around a lot while you sleep, you may be better off in simple, loose sleepwear such as a night shirt. Finally, don’t forget your feet. A lightweight pair of socks can make a world of difference if you get cold in the evenings.
Your Comfort May Vary
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to sleepwear. Some people prefer traditional pajamas. Others prefer a t-shirt and boxers. There are even people who prefer nothing at all. Find the option that works for you, and stick with it.
