I tested 30+ pajamas over 6 months to find the most comfortable nightgowns and matching sets

I used to think the best pajamas were mostly about finding a cute matching set. But after testing dozens of pairs, I'm convinced that fabric matters more than anything else. The wrong pajamas can make you feel hot, clingy, or weirdly stuffy by the middle of the night, while the right pair can genuinely make bedtime feel better.

For this guide, I tested lots of pajamas from brands that tout their comfort and quality. But the more I tested, the more I discovered that the sets and nightgowns I loved had one thing in common: they were all made from 100% natural textiles. Anything synthetic I tested ended up trapping stuffy heat while I slept or pilling in the wash.

I tested crisp cotton nightgowns, lightweight summer pajama sets, washable silk pajamas, and long sets that still feel cool enough to sleep in. I also paid attention to details that make a pair more practical, like whether the fabric washes well, if the waistband digs in, and whether the cut feels comfortable enough for actual sleep — not just lounging around before bed. I also washed each of these sets at least twice before

In the end, I found great options for hot sleepers, silk lovers, nightgown people, and anyone who wants pajamas that look polished but still feel easy and comfortable.

The best fabrics for pajamas

• Cotton: The king of all pajama fibers. I believe that everyone should have at least one crisp, 100% cotton pajama set (or nightgown) for the summer. Though there are many types of cotton weaves, the ones I recommend most for summer pajamas are poplin (crisp and cool), lawn (airy and light), and jersey (smooth and stretchy). I also highly recommend opting for Pima cotton, which is made with long-staple cotton fibers so it feels smoother, softer, and stronger than regular cotton.
• Linen: The breeziest fabric, but also one that is a bit divisive, since lower-grade linen can be rough against the skin. Look for keywords like European flax linen or Belgian linen. Also, keep in mind that you might need to wash it a few times before it softens.
• Silk: The most luxurious pajama fabric, best for anyone who wants something smooth, lightweight, and temperature-regulating. Look for 100% mulberry silk with a 15 to 22 momme weight — lighter silk feels airier, while higher momme silk is more durable and opaque. For a full guide on how to buy silk sleepwear, see my article on the best silk pajamas.

Why you should avoid pajamas made from synthetic materials

If there's one overwhelming thing I learned when researching and testing pajamas, it's that synthetic fibers have no place in sleepwear. As a rule, synthetic fabrics tend to trap heat, which is my biggest gripe with them as a pajama material. But they don't keep you warm like a great flannel in winter; instead, they tend to create a stuffy heat because they block airflow.

Synthetics also tend to hold onto odors more readily, irritate sensitive skin, and shed microplastics. As a rule, I try to avoid polyester unless it makes sense (workout clothes, swimsuits, and outerwear are almost always made of synthetic materials), but sleepwear should be breathable and plastic-free. Still, I see too many pajamas even in the $200+ range that lean on "blend" language and prioritize trendy looks over quality garments.

Best overall: Soft Surroundings Savannah PJs

Very few pajamas check all the boxes that these do. For one, they're made from 100% cotton. They also come in petite sizing, which was a huge game changer for me, since you'd be hard-pressed to find many sets that are made for petite proportions. Plus, they wash well, are available in plus sizes, are easy to maintain, and cost under $100.

Material: 100% cotton.

How they look: The Savannah PJ set has a feminine, vintage-inspired look, with a button-front cami, pintucks, and eyelet ruffle trim on both the top and cropped pants. It's not the most opaque set, but the thinner cotton weave keeps them cool.

How they feel: I've been wearing these on warm nights. You can still feel the breeze of a fan through the cotton, and the material is airy and light. It might seem counterintuitive to wear pants to sleep in the summer, but these feel even cooler than shorts because the loose, cropped silhouette lets air circulate without any fabric clinging to your legs. They have that fresh, barely-there feel I want in summer pajamas.

Skip these if: You want a set of pajamas that are completely opaque. Though these aren't overly see-through, the single layer of breathable cotton might be too thin for people who prioritize modesty.

Best luxury: Clementine Silk Short Pajama Set

Clementine's Silk Short Pajama Set is the best luxury pajama set I've tried. Not every pair of pajamas on this list is silk, but this one makes a pretty convincing case for splurging on the fabric. Silk is naturally cool, smooth, and fluid, and Clementine's version feels especially rich.

The Organic Silk Pajama Set is made from 22 momme, grade 6A silk (some of the highest I've ever encountered), which means the fabric is thick, tightly woven, and made from the highest-quality silk fibers. In real life, that translates to pajamas that feel weighty, glossy, and expensive the second you take them out of the box.

Material: 100% silk.

How it looks: This is a classic short pajama set, with a short-sleeve button-up top, matching shorts, and mother-of-pearl buttons that make it feel more polished than your average sleepwear. The silk has a high-shine finish that catches the light beautifully, and the fabric drapes instead of clinging. It also arrives in a sturdy orange box with a dustbag, so the whole thing feels giftable before you even put it on. I recommend keeping the packaging, since it gives you a safe place to store the set between wears.

How it feels: The silk is what sets this pair apart. Momme refers to how thick and tightly woven silk is, and Clementine's 22 momme fabric feels noticeably more substantial than thinner silk pajamas. It still has that cool, smooth, almost liquid feel you want from silk, but it doesn't feel flimsy or overly delicate. The 6A grade gives it that mirror-like sheen and fluid movement that lower-grade silk doesn't always have. After washing it at least five times, the set kept bouncing back to its original shape and feel, and the fabric still looked just as shiny and luxe as it did on day one.

Skip this if: You want an affordable pajama set, something stretchy, or a waistband with lots of give. This is a true splurge at $350, and I do wish the waistband were slightly looser. But if you're shopping for the most luxurious pajamas on this list — the kind that feel special from the packaging to the fabric to the finishing details — Clementine is the set to beat.

For a full explanation on silk and how to pick the right set for you, see my article on the best silk pajamas.

Best cooling: LAKE Alice Nightgown

The Alice Nightgown from Lake is made from cotton seersucker, a puckered fabric that feels crisp, cool, and breathable in hot weather. It's the kind of piece that feels made for peak summer humidity, which is why it made our list of the best cooling pajamas.

Material: 100% Pima cotton seersucker.

How it looks: The white color has a classic, feminine nightdress look, with thin straps and an easy, body-skimming shape. It feels sweet and relaxed, but not sloppy. The seersucker also gives it more substance than a gauzy cotton dress: Even in white, it isn't overly sheer or translucent in direct sunlight.

How it feels: I can already tell the Alice Nightgown will spend a lot of time in the laundry, because it works just as well on hot nights as on hot days. In front of a fan, the thin straps and lightweight seersucker make it feel far cooler than sleeping in an old T-shirt, especially one made with synthetic fibers that trap heat. This is the kind of nightgown that proves how much fabric matters when you're trying not to overheat. It feels cool to the touch, airy, and crisp without being stiff.

Skip this if: You want pajamas that feel stretchy, slouchy, or ultra-soft. This has the crispness of woven cotton rather than the cozy give of jersey, so it's best for people who prefer airy, structured sleepwear.

Best long set: Petite Plume Olivia Wide Leg Pima Pajama Set

Petite Plume's Olivia Wide Leg Lightweight Pima Pajama Set is the pair I'd reach for if I wanted long pajamas for the summer that are still breathable and cool to the touch. It's made from 100% Peruvian Pima cotton, which feels noticeably softer and smoother than regular cotton. Unlike silk, it's easygoing and low-maintenance, making it the kind of set you can happily wear night after night.

Material: 100% Pima cotton.

How it looks: This feels like a relaxed update on a classic pajama set. The three-quarter sleeve top gives it a polished look, while the wide-leg pants make the whole outfit feel a bit more modern and effortless. I especially like that it has the tailored details of traditional pajamas without feeling overly structured. It's the kind of set that looks put-together enough for a slow morning around the house but still feels like proper sleepwear.

How it feels: The Pima cotton is really what makes this set stand out. It has that soft, broken-in feel right away, but it's also smooth and breathable. The wide-leg pants also make a difference — they feel airy, comfortable, and easy to move around in, whether you're sleeping or lounging.

Skip this if: You're specifically looking for the cool, silky feel of silk pajamas, or if you prefer a more fitted silhouette. This set is all about soft cotton comfort, with a relaxed fit that prioritizes ease over structure.

Best silk: Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Short PJ Set

Eberjey's Inez Washable Silk Set is the silk pajama set I reach for constantly. It's made from 16 momme, grade 6A silk, so it still has that smooth, glossy feel that makes silk special, but it's not heavy or stiff.

Material: 100% silk.

How it looks: The short Inez set has a soft, relaxed shape that feels pretty without trying too hard. I tried the blue-and-white Wedgewood print, and as someone who loves antiques, that pattern made the set feel even more special to me. Eberjey also makes a long-sleeve and long-pant version of the Inez set, and I love that the line comes in so many prints. The more silk pajamas I test, the more I appreciate a pattern, because it helps disguise the tiny signs of wear that come with pajamas you actually live in.

How it feels: This is one of those sets I put on and immediately wonder why I own any other pajamas. The silk is soft, smooth, and billowy, almost like it's hovering over my skin instead of resting heavily on it. The waistband is also a major reason I love it: It sits comfortably on my hips without digging in, and I can roll it down without creating an awkward lump, which is especially helpful since I'm petite. Both the short set and the long set are among the most comfortable pajamas I own.

Skip this if: You want pajamas you can throw in the wash with zero thought. The silk is washable, which helps, but it still needs a little more care than cotton or jersey, especially if you want it to stay smooth and wrinkle-free. For me, though, the fit, the prints, and the floaty silk fabric make the extra effort worth it.

See our full Eberjey review for our thoughts on the Inez silk sets and more pieces from the beloved pajama brand.

Best nightgown: Eileen West The "Madison" Cotton Dobby Stripe Ballet Nightgown

If you haven't tried sleeping in a nightgown, you're missing out. The breezy cotton and cool fabric are summertime godsends — and the lack of a waistband is a pleasure that transcends sweatpants. For anyone who is ready to join their foremothers in the cult of the sleep dress: join me, it's beyond comfortable over here.

Material: 100% cotton.

How it looks: A billowy cotton nightgown falls somewhere between grandmacore and old Hollywood glamour, and all Eileen West picks charmingly toe the line. This one is relatively sheer, but not translucent (you can see the outline of your legs, but nothing else), and the lace adds a fun, feminine touch.

How it feels: The 100% cotton dobby stripe fabric feels light, crisp, and cooling — exactly what I want in a warm-weather nightgown. It has enough texture to feel a little more substantial than plain cotton lawn, but it's still airy and breathable against the skin. The ballet length gives you coverage without feeling heavy, and the machine-washable cotton makes it easy to wear on repeat.

Skip this if: You want something completely opaque. Also, since this nightgown is a midi length, it can bunch up a little in bed — if this is a big concern for you, opt for the short version of the Madison.

Best short set: Piyama Nicolette Sleep Set

The Nicolette Sleep Set from Piyama is the one I'd pick if you want pajamas that are cute enough to wear as a real outfit, but still comfortable enough to sleep in. It's made from pre-washed 100% cotton, so it already has that soft, lived-in feel when you put it on.

Material: 100% cotton.

How it looks: This set is so cute that I've worn it as a regular outfit more than I've worn it to bed. It looks like a great matching set, with ruffled sleeves and hem. The top has a relaxed shape with an elastic panel at the back, offering some give while still looking pulled together. And it's available in so many colors and patterns that you're bound to find a style you like.

How it feels: The cotton is soft, light, and breathable, with a more natural woven feel than a stretchy T-shirt feel. Since it's pre-washed, it doesn't feel stiff or overly crisp right out of the package. I like that the top and shorts both have some ease to them without feeling baggy. The elastic back on the top and drawstring waist on the shorts help the set move with you, so it feels comfortable for sleeping, lounging, or slow mornings around the house.

Skip this if: You want pockets, a super oversized fit, or pajamas with a lot of stretch. The sleeves also run a little tight around the underarm.

Best slip: Petite Plume Cosette

Petite Plume's Silk Cosette Nightgown is the silk nightgown I'd choose if you want something that feels elegant but still easy to sleep in. It's made from 100% mulberry silk, so it has that smooth, cool-to-the-touch feel that makes silk such a treat, especially if you tend to overheat at night. The brand says the fabric is 22 momme, which means it's thicker and more substantial than a lot of lightweight silk sleepwear, but the cut still feels airy and simple.

Material: 100% silk.

How it looks: This nightgown is romantic without feeling overdone. It has delicate spaghetti straps, a sweetheart neckline, and a tea-length shape that skims the body instead of clinging to it. It looks more polished than an old T-shirt or cotton nightgown, but it still feels like something you can actually sleep in. It also arrives in a gift box, which makes it feel a little more special from the start.

How it feels: This is where the silk really makes the case for itself. Silk is naturally breathable and temperature-regulating, so it feels cool when you're warm but not synthetic or slippery in an unpleasant way. The 22 momme fabric gives this nightgown a smoother, weightier feel than thin silk that can sometimes seem flimsy. It moves fluidly, feels soft against bare skin, and the open straps make it a good choice for hot sleepers who still want something that feels refined.

Skip this if: You prefer pajamas with more coverage, stretch, or structure. This is a slinky silk nightgown, not a cozy cotton set, so it won't give you that bundled-up feeling. It's also best for people who are willing to treat silk with a little extra care, since the brand recommends washing it by hand or in a laundry bag on cold and drying it flat.

FAQs

What is the best fabric for pajamas?

The best fabric for pajamas depends on how you like to sleep, but I generally prefer natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk. Cotton is the most versatile and easy to care for, linen is great for hot sleepers who want something extra breezy, and silk feels smooth, lightweight, and temperature-regulating. I try to avoid synthetic pajama fabrics because they can trap heat and feel stuffy overnight.

Are cotton pajamas good for summer?

Yes, cotton pajamas are one of the best choices for summer, especially if you choose the right weave. Crisp cotton poplin, lightweight cotton lawn, and soft cotton jersey all feel breathable in warm weather. I especially like loose cotton pajama sets and nightgowns because they let air circulate instead of clinging to the body.

Are silk pajamas worth it?

Silk pajamas can be worth it if you want sleepwear that feels cool, smooth, and luxurious. The best silk pajamas are usually made from 100% mulberry silk, ideally around 19 to 25 momme. Lighter silk can feel airier, while a higher momme silk tends to feel more substantial and durable. They do require more careful washing than cotton pajamas, but they can make bedtime feel much more special.

What pajamas are best for hot sleepers?

The best pajamas for hot sleepers are lightweight, loose, and made from breathable fabrics. Cotton nightgowns, cotton seersucker pajamas, linen pajamas, and lightweight silk pajamas are all good options. I would avoid polyester, microfiber, satin made from synthetic fibers, and other plastic-based blends, since they tend to trap heat rather than let your skin breathe.

Should pajamas be loose or fitted?

For sleeping, I usually prefer pajamas with a relaxed fit. Loose pajamas allow more airflow and are less likely to twist, cling, or dig in while you sleep. That does not mean they have to look oversized or sloppy — many of the best pajama sets have a polished shape while still leaving enough room to move comfortably.

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