Is there a single word in the English language even half as uncool or sexless as ‘pyjamas’? It’s unlikely. For a man to admit he wears specially made clothes for bedtime is to paint a picture in any prospective partner’s imagination of him being tucked in by his mum with a teddy, a mug of Horlicks and a kiss on the forehead. And with that seared into their mind’s eye, they won’t be a prospective partner for much longer.
Of course, we’re joking. Since the days of nightcaps and gowns, pyjamas are a far cry from what they used to be. In fact, certain aspects of pyjamas have been incorporated into fashion. The athleisure trend would never have taken off if loungewear didn’t exist. Loungewear is a natural extension of nightwear.
That’s why we thought it was about time we gave you the lowdown on all things PJ, including what to buy, where to get it and why it’ll make your life a little bit more comfortable.
Why Wear Pyjamas?
During the warmer and more forgiving part of the year, sleeping in boxers or nothing at all is a great idea. When the temperatures start to drop, pyjamas are a great option.
“Temperature regulation is key as your body temperature fluctuates a lot at night,” explains Olivia Francis, founder of luxury nightwear brand Hamilton & Hare. “You should look for a loose enough fit for total comfort and freedom of movement but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish.”
In terms of fabrics, cotton, silk and satin are go-to options for warmer nights because they’re light and breathable. When the temperature drops or your partner is hogging the duvet, switch to flannel and jersey.
If you’re smart, a good pair of pyjamas can look good enough to be worn through the night and all the way to the breakfast table. “They should be versatile enough that they don’t need to be confined to the bedroom,” says Francis. “Opt for more traditional woven cotton or a jersey stretch fabric for a more unstructured fit.”
Loungewear Vs Sleepwear
You’ve no doubt heard these two terms thrown about, but what do they really mean? It’s a bit of a sartorial grey area.
“There is some blurring of lines between loungewear and sleepwear for sure,” Francis agrees. “Loungewear is better suited to evenings in on the sofa or general weekend downtime – slightly heavier weight fabrics that aren’t quite as revealing as some lightweight sleepwear options. It should look more like outerwear so it’s versatile and passes the ‘doorbell test’ – so you can open the door to anyone and not feel embarrassed.”
Francis also advises that investing in a smart, well cut pair of sweat joggers or drawstring trousers made from a premium natural fabric will look and feel so much better than a budget basic and in terms of cost per wear, you’ll get your money’s worth with daily use.
The Best Men’s Pyjama Styles
In case you hadn’t noticed as you beam this article into your eyes from a handheld device that allows you to instantly access the entire sum of all human knowledge, we are very much living in the future. As such, it’s not just our phones that have evolved, our nightwear options haven’t been asleep on the job either. These are the styles it’s worth getting cosy with.
The Traditional Method
The classic. Long sleeves, piping detail, pure cotton (or satin if you’re feeling decadent), collared button-up top. These are probably the first pyjamas that come to mind when you think about pyjamas. The perfect combination of comfort and style. You can wear them to bed, but also to brunch. Pyjama shirts are popular this season and for one simple reason: They look good.
Modern
The pyjamas themselves have changed with time. Traditional styles are still popular, but there’s a more modern alternative for those looking to get even more from their sleepwear. We’re talking less collars, more crew necks; an absence of buttons, in favour of overhead designs; and more stretch for increased comfort. Don’t get us wrong, traditional pyjamas are great, but if you’d prefer something that looks a little less like your work shirt and a little more like your favourite sweater then this is the style for you.
Athleisure
In recent years, men’s clothing has become more relaxed. This has led to the fusion of loungewear with casualwear. Meaning it’s now perfectly acceptable to get out of bed, throw a wool overcoat over the hoodie and joggers you slept in and step out to face the world. What’s not to love about that?
Luxury
To many people, the thought of spending upwards of £200 on something to sleep in might seems utterly ludicrous. But you’ll spend a third of your life unconscious, so why not invest? You’ll be getting next-level quality, some jazzy patterns and luxurious materials. How can you know what a truly good night’s sleep is until you’ve crashed out in cashmere?
Dressing gowns
If you’ve never owned a dressing gown before, now is the time. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend the winter months than wrapping yourself up in a fluffy towel that you just got out of the bath and watching Netflix for four hours. Consider it an overcoat to wear with your pyjamas. Something to keep you warm while you’re grabbing breakfast or unwinding in the evening before bed.
The Best Brands For Men’s Pyjamas
Marks & Spencer
High-street staple and all-round British retail legend Marks & Spencer is well known for having your wardrobe basics covered to high standards and low price points. And this extends to the brand’s selection of sleepwear too. The brand offers everything from fluffy, thick dressing gowns to soft crewneck pyjamas. There may even be a matching pair of slippers.
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Derek Rose
Derek Rose has been a family run business for nearly a century, producing the best in loungewear, nightwear and underwear. The brand is not only known for its quality, but also its jazzy designs that are designed in-house since 1926 in London.
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Hamilton and Hare
It’s London-based Hamilton and Hare’s firm belief that as the first thing on and last thing off, underwear should be anything but an afterthought. That’s why the brand’s boxers, loungewear and PJs are some of the finest around. Crafted with an attention to detail that would put some tailors to shame, its nightwear is so well fitting, comfortable and great to look at that you won’t want to take them off in the morning.
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Hanro
If it came out of Switzerland, you can pretty much guarantee it’s going to be meticulously made. Hanro is no exception. In the late 1800s, Hanro began as a manufacturer of knitwear. It soon discovered its niche making luxury undergarments. This expanded over the years to include nightwear as well as loungewear. Hanro, today, is one of most respected and best-known names in the industry.
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Polo Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren, a preppy brand that has been around for 50 years, has worked hard to establish itself as a leader in the fashion industry. And that doesn’t stop at the bedroom door. New York’s label offers a wide range of loungewear and nightwear. This includes everything from pyjama suits to long-sleeved hooded tees.
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Zimmerli
Zimmerli, another Swiss heritage brand, is known for its high-quality underwear. The label has produced underwear since 1871. It is widely considered to be the best. It stands to reason then that it’d make some pretty spectacular pyjamas too. We’re talking luxurious fabrics, form-flattering cuts and all pieced together by hand in Switzerland.
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Uniqlo
Uniqlo’s wardrobe essentials are built to last and come at a fair price. It is one of the best brands for sleeping with. Supima cotton is the brand’s best-selling and softest fabric. It means you can grab the comfiest pyjamas for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.
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