I tested nearly every silk pajama brand to find the sets that are actually worth the splurge

Silk pajamas are the epitome of luxurious loungewear. Waking up in them makes me feel like Grace Kelly, stretching her arms and sipping tea as she prepares for a day of being generally elegant. The vibes are: an evening martini from a crystal coupe, a late-night soak in a claw-footed tub, and breakfast in a bed that has a view of the Eiffel Tower.

However, silk pajamas are expensive and require special care. While I initially thought they weren't worth the effort, the experience of wearing such beautiful material has completely changed my mind.

I also learned lots of tips — like how to get rid of wrinkles by putting silk in the dryer for a few minutes or how to remove small oil stains with talcum powder — that helped make the process of caring for silk less daunting.

Here's why I named Eberjey's washable silk pajamas my favorite overall, and Clementine's luxury sets the highest-quality silk on the market.

A quick look at our favorite silk pajamas

How I tested silk pajamas

I tested these by wearing them in everyday life: after the bath, while doing my skincare routine, in bed, during breakfast, etc. I also laundered them according to the instructions, which mostly involved washing my silks on a super delicate cycle and then air drying them.

Because I wore them in everyday life, I got to see how easy it was to get a moisturizer stain out of the fabric or how difficult it was to walk in some of the longer-hemmed pants. Plus, I washed each of these at least twice so that I could get a good feel for quality and long-term durability.

What kind of silk is best?

Silk is classified according to two units of measurement: momme and grade. While some brands don't publicize the grade of their silk, others — like Eberjey or Clementine— tout the superior momme and grade of their fabrics.

Momme: Pronounced "mommy," momme has to do with how thick and tightly woven the silk is. They get this number by calculating the weight in pounds of a standard roll of silk, which is 45-inches by 100 yards. If this roll weighs 15-pounds, then the silk is classified as as 15 momme. Quality tends to go up with momme.

Grade: This fiber measurement has to do with how pure the fabric is. Most of the silk pajamas on this list are grades 4A, 5A, or 6A. 6A is the highest, with long strands, very few impurities, and a shine that lower grades don't have.

Which company makes the best silk?

Here's a quick overview of silk from popular retailers before I discuss my favorite specific pieces in detail.

Quince makes sets that are a little over $100, which may sound expensive for regular pajamas, but is incredibly budget-friendly for silk. These make for a great starter set, but the material doesn't compare to specialized silk retailers. The silk is 19 momme, but both our testers and I have issues with the thinness, the fact that the silk is matte rather than shiny, and how the pieces can sometimes warp in the wash. The company does not disclose the grade of silk.

Eberjey sets are made from 16 momme, grade 6A silk. Though it's technically a lower momme than Quince, the fabric feels much better and looks much shinier (perhaps because of the 6A fiber grade). Last winter, I practically lived in the Inez set and washed it over a dozen times. Even after all those washes, the fabric still feels and looks luxurious. Plus, they have lots of cute prints and colors.

Clementine is the brand to choose if you want true luxury. They make rich, high-shine silk with a beautifully fluid feel. The company uses material with a whopping 22 momme weight. The mirror-like sheen comes from the 6A grade fibers, which make the pieces move like water. Expect to spend over $300 for a set, but you can also expect to get exactly what you pay for.

Best overall: Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Sets

The author modeling two sets of silk pajamas from Eberjey — on the left, a short-sleeve, shorts pajama set in a light blue wavy print; on the right, a long-sleeve, full-length pajama set in a deep red pattern. These stylish and comfortable sets are among the best silk pajamas for women, perfect for lounging or sleeping in luxury.

Eberjey's silk is beautifully billowy and cool to the touch. It's made of 16 momme, grade 6A silk, which is some of the highest quality around. It may seem expensive, but I've found that it's actually a great value for the price.

I absolutely live in the Inez Washable Silk Short Set. It is so light and soft that it feels like silk is floating on my body. I got the printed version in the blue and white Wedgewood pattern (as an antique enthusiast, this little detail made it even more special).

There are two versions of the Inez set. For winter, I love the long sleeve and long pant version, The fabric is still the same luxurious silk, but it comes in tons of fun prints. As I've tested more silk, I've found that the patterned styles tend to be my favorite because they hide the tiny imperfections that come with loving and living in a set.

Both the long-sleeve and the short sleeve versions are the most comfortable pajamas I own. The waistband on these is perfect — loose enough to sit on my hips without digging and perfect for rolling up comfortably (if you, like me, are petite).

I almost have to force myself to wear anything other than these Eberjey sets. The fit is perfect on me, and the fabric is pure luxury. But like all silk, it takes a little bit of effort to launder and de-wrinkle. However, this set makes it all worth it.

See our full Eberjey pajama review to hear more about our non-silk favorites from the brand.

Best budget: Quince Washable Silk Sets

freelance writer in navy pajama set next to close-up shot of the fabric

"The top and bottom from Quince cost about $150 together, which makes it one of the most affordable options on this list. But you do sacrifice some quality for a better price. The silk is 19 momme, which isn't bad, but the brand doesn't report the grade of the fabric.

This was my first set, so I remember being floored by the cooling material and the supreme comfort. But over time, I've found that the material warps very slightly in the wash. It's also a more matte silk when I prefer a shinier material. But I've only noticed these flaws as I've gone further on my silk journey — as a starter set, it was a dream.

I love the breezy wide-leg pants with the side slit and oversized tee—it's the kind of set that works year-round. I also like that the pieces are sold separately, so you can mix sizes, colors, or swap in a button-up shirt, tank, and shorts." — Talia Ergas, freelance writer, Insider Reviews

Highest quality silk: Clementine Organic Silk Pajama Sets

Two side-by-side images of the author modeling Clementine silk pajamas. On the left, she wears a pale blue short-sleeve and shorts pajama set while standing barefoot in front of a window. On the right, she wears a long-sleeve, deep burgundy silk pajama set with white piping, standing near a Christmas tree.

Clementine's fabric is the highest quality on this list. Their Silk Short Pajama Set is made of 22 momme, grade 6A silk. You can feel the weight of the silk and how thick and shiny it is right off the bat. On a blind feel test, I'm sure I could pick out that this is the most expensive choice on this list.

In addition to the fluid silk, this set has lots of other touches of luxury — most notably the mother-of-pearl buttons. It also comes beautifully packaged in a hefty orange box with a dustbag; I highly recommend keeping the box so that you have a protective place to store the set.

But the true creme de la creme is the brand's Organic Silk Long Pajama Set. At $790, it's the most expensive set on this list. But that price is directly reflected in the quality of the material. The silk is thick and shimmering, and the fit of the pajamas is quite literally a cut above the rest.

The set includes the Organic Silk Long Pajama Shirt, which is oversized enough to wear alone as a sleep shirt in warmer months. And the matching pajama pants have a wide leg cut, cute contrast piping down the sides, and slits at the hem. Both of these pieces are made to be worn outside the house as well as in bed. I could easily see myself styling the pants with a pointed-toe heel and oversized sweater. They are a little long for me because I'm five-foot-two, but I can roll them at the waist.

After washing both sets at least five times each, every piece keeps bouncing back to its original shape and feel. The material looks the same as it did the day I got it, which I can't say about the less expensive picks on this list.

The only thing that could make this Clementine set better is a slightly looser waistband, sine I prefer more give in a pajama set.

Best designs: Not Just Pajama Silk Off-Shoulder Dress

Two mirror selfies show a person wearing a cream off-the-shoulder maxi dress; in the second photo the dress features a large abstract line-art figure print.

If you're looking for prints that are anything but basic, you should check out Not Just Pajama. This elegant silk brand has unique garments that go beyond the typical solid colors, pinstripes, and long sleep sets. Some of my favorite whimsical yet elegant designs include a cream set with a green piped Peter Pan collar and another set with an embroidered dachshund on the chest pocket.

My favorite collection is the Museum of Crush, which features patterns and embroidery inspired by Greco-Roman statues. The nightgown I'm wearing above features an artistic depiction of Venus de Milo. Though it's meant to be worn with the design on the back, I've enjoyed wearing it reversed.

The silk itself is 22 momme and wonderfully shiny. It feels gentle against the skin and billows beautifully. As a real nightgown, the fabric feels amazing to sleep in, but the elastic cuffs are a touch tight. By far my favorite thing to do is to wear the dress as an off-the-shoulder gown and pair it with heels to make it a real outfit.

Best for gifting: Petite Plume Silk Sets

Side-by-side image of the author modeling two sets of Petite Plume silk pajamas — on the left, she wears a pink and white striped camisole set with matching shorts, and on the right, she wears a full-length gold pajama set with a black polka dot print. Both sets are luxurious examples of the best silk pajamas.

The pajamas from Petite Plume are made of 22 momme silk, which is heavy and high quality — but the brand does not disclose the grade.

Above all, these sets are just cute. The exact pink-striped set I'm wearing above isn't available anymore, but you can still get the same set with a bit of lace. Or if you're in love with the stripes, it's still available in a short-sleeved button-down set.

And the long-sleeved set is just as great. I love it in the polka dots, but it also comes in a chic panther print, solid colors, and seasonal limited-edition patterns. This set slightly more tailored than the other picks on this list, with closer-fitting pants and a shirt that is less billowy than others.

I also love how shiny the Petite Plume silk is. The pieces have a glossy finish

The only issue I have with this set, as with the Clementine set above, is the waistband's tightness. I'm of the opinion that sleep shorts should have loose, thin bands with plenty of give. This one is fitted a little more like a non-pajama bottom.

One of my favorite things about this set is how versatile it is. In the summer, I've worn the top with linen pants and a pearl necklace. The shorts are perfect for pairing with a white bikini after the beach.

Best for sleeping: Lunya Washable Silk Cami Pant Set

image of author in orange-printed pajamas next to close up of the pajamas

I first saw Lunya all over Instagram and knew that I had to try their gorgeous silks. But though the pajamas are stunning, my favorite part about testing this brand was discovering smart details about how the garments are designed for comfortable sleeping.

The top in the Washable Silk Cami Pant Set has a T-shaped back, which I originally didn't love because it caused a bit of an unflattering droop in the neckline. But once I actually wore the pajamas to bed, I realized how brilliant the T-back is. My arms could flail all they wanted with no restricted shoulder movement.

In the same vein, the pants have a slits on the sides that go up to your knees. This gives your legs a bit of breathing room and also frees up their movement. You can kick and toss all you want when you're under the covers. It is so freeing.

But the slits on the side are not without fail. I ripped some of the stitches at the top of the slit because the pants were a little too long for me, and I tripped. Again, I'm five-foot-one, so this may not be an issue for you, but I do feel like the pajamas were made for someone taller.

Lunya does not report the grades of their silk, but it feels on par with other high-quality picks.

Best budget nightgown: Etam Silk Slip Dress

image of author in red silk pajamas next to close up of the fabric

Etam's silk nightgown is under $100, making it the most affordable choice on this list. The fabric is classified as 16 momme, which is on par with other picks. However, the company does not report the grade of the silk.

I love the easy-breeziness of this Etam slip-on dress. It's lightweight, has adjustable straps, and is cute enough to wear as a real dress if you accessorize enough. I found myself reaching for this dress all the time on warmer nights since the fabric and thin straps make it a summer sleeping dream.

Also, this dress has the most color choices of any pick on this list. You can choose from 10 colorways, including more vibrant hues like bright red.

It doesn't feel as luxurious as some of the higher-priced sets, but that's to be expected. Also, I felt that this piece held onto wrinkles more than other choices, which might have something to do with the grade of the silk.

Best long-sleeved set: LilySilk Silk Pajamas

image of author in red silk pajamas next to close up shot of the fabric

Some silks with a more matte finish are super delicate and get spots on them from the moisturizer and soap that I use in my skincare routine — but that's never happened to me with this set from LilySilk.

Plus, I love the way the sleek fabric feels when I climb into bed at night. The pants' thin waistband is much more comfortable to sleep in than some of the sets with thicker, more restrictive waists. This thin waistband also makes it easier to roll up slightly, which I needed to do with the pants.

If you're looking for a great gift, this is a perfect set that's ultra-comfortable and luxurious while still being relatively affordable for the quality of silk.

Best fitting: Ravella Amore Silk Set

Most of the picks on this list are looser-fitting and great for sleeping, but Ravella's Amore Silk Set is meant to be seen.

These pajamas look like a regular button-down and shorts set, but they're much more tailored than the Eberjey pair we named best overall. This results in a fit that's a little slinkier and slimmer.

If you like your pajamas looser, I suggest sizing up. But the beauty of this set is the fit. These are the perfect pajamas for events like getting ready in a bridal suite or taking on your honeymoon.

Tips on caring for silk

I've learned a lot about how to care for silk while doing research for this article. Here are my best tips:

If you can control how much your washer spins, launder your silk on the lowest setting possible. Better yet, use a no-spin setting so that the fabric doesn't get warped.
Invest in a lay-flat drying rack and never leave your silk outside to dry (the UV rays could discolor it).
Using a steamer is always best, but you can put your silk in the dryer for no more than five minutes on a low-heat fluff cycle if you want to reduce wrinkles quickly and easily.
Or you can leave your silk in the bathroom while you're in the shower to help remove wrinkles.
If you get any oil-based substance on the silk, first treat the spot with talcum powder to draw out the oil.

FAQs

Why choose silk pajamas over cotton or flannel?

Silk pajamas feel exceptionally smooth against the skin, which many find more comfortable and luxurious than cotton or flannel. Because silk naturally helps regulate temperature, it can keep you cooler in warm weather and still feel cozy on cooler nights.

What should I look for when buying silk pajamas?

Check the silk quality — mulberry silk is often considered the best for softness and durability. Consider the momme weight (a measure of silk fabric density): a range of around 18 to 22 momme is usually ideal for pajamas. Also, pay attention to stitching and construction — well-made seams and hems tend to last longer and prevent snagging.

What should I avoid when buying silk sleepwear?

Avoid pajamas labeled simply "silk-blend" if you want true silk quality. Be cautious of very thin, low-momme silk — it may feel nice initially but often wears out quickly.

How do I pick the right size and fit?

Silk pajamas should feel relaxed, not tight. Since silk drapes differently than cotton, you might want to size up if you prefer looser, more flowy sleepwear. Take note of the sleeve and pant lengths to ensure they're comfortable for bedtime lounging or sleeping.

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