The temperature has dropped and the nights are drawing in, so it’s time to think about winter nightwear. The right pair of pyjamas can stop you from reaching for the thermostat dial and keep you toasty as you let the dog out first thing.
As a bit of a PJ obsessive, I’ve done the hard work to narrow down the best sets. There’s those for days on the sofa binging your favourite Netflix shows and smarter styles for breakfast with house guests at the weekend. Some are so good, it will be hard to get out of bed.
Best long pyjamas
Organic cotton check pyjama bottoms, £42, and rib scoop neck top, £35
thewhitecompany.com
thewhitecompany.com
My mum used to buy me White Company pyjama bottoms every Christmas throughout my 20s. Fifteen years later, my favourite pair for cooler weather (a grey cotton long trouser with white stars) is still going strong. They’ve remained supersoft, haven’t shrunk and are only just starting to fray slightly around the waistband (sob). If you’re looking for pyjama longevity then these are a frontrunner.
Waffle long sleeve pyjamas, £34
This cosy set from Next is ideal for winter, doubling up as chic loungewear as well as pyjamas. My experience is that Next clothing washes well and keeps its shape, plus the cuffed ankles on the trousers will keep out any chills and should stay put all night rather than riding up your legs.
Best short pyjamas
Brushed woven pyjama shorts, £45, and lace cami, £30
stripeandstare.com
stripeandstare.com
Stripe & Stare offers value for money and claims to be kind to the environment. Its pyjama shorts are made from a semi-synthetic fabric derived from renewable wood pulp and its vests from a 95% biodegradable fabric that’s also from wood. The brand has a selection of fun colours and styles, which you can mix and match, and I’m a sucker for the boxer-style waistband on these pyjama shorts.
Shortie short PJ set, £155
Eberjey pyjamas may be pricey, but this is the pair for you if you want to splash out on a soft, light and airy luxe material. They’re made from the same fabric as the Stripe & Stare vests but with a touch of spandex, and coloured with safe and non-toxic dyes. These PJs are incredibly comfortable and temperature regulating, plus they wash well and keep their shape – you can even pop them in the tumble dryer.
Best traditional pyjamas
Cotton seersucker pyjama set, £48
Seersucker says classy yet wholesome to me. It’s a “coffee in the garden before pruning your roses” vibe, and this blue John Lewis set is really smart. The quality is wonderful and the covered buttons are a lovely detail. This set would be ideal for when guests are visiting.
Organic cotton leopard print pyjamas, £55
These fun, printed Chelsea Peers pyjamas are an affordable style statement. They’re made from breathable organic cotton, yet are warm and cosy. The brand’s separates come in so many colours and prints that you’re guaranteed to find something way more interesting than your average grey and navy. They’re also available in sizes up to a UK 28.
Best cami top pyjama sets
Lace pyjama vest, £25, and trousers, £49
jigsaw-online.com
jigsaw-online.com
I’m such a fan of a cropped pyjama trouser. They’re often cut a bit wider than straight-leg styles and, for someone with thicker than average thighs, that is much more comfortable when I’m curling up on the sofa. This set from Jigsaw has the perfect balance of cosiness (made from super-soft wood-pulp fabric), cuteness and wearability.
Leopard cami and wide leg set, £95
Desmond & Dempsey is a London-based company that has been filling a niche for luxe, patterned cotton, voile pyjamas for the past decade. It has now expanded its range to silk sets and nighties and robes, but its cotton cami sets are my favourite. They wash well, and the ones I have are as vibrant as the day I bought them. I’ve even worn the cami top from my pyjama set out in the summer with jeans, which helps to justify the slightly spenny price tag.
Best silky sets
Pink lobster camisole set, £220
Those in the market for a quality pair of silk pyjamas must check out Olivia Von Halle. Be warned: they aren’t cheap, but this is a buy that will hopefully last a lifetime. I would opt for a summer set like this fun lobster pair, and would absolutely take them on holiday with me to wear in the evening with a pair of flat sandals. Two outfits for the price of one.
Short sleeved men’s style silk shirt, £89, and shorts, £52
intimissimi.com
intimissimi.com
A slightly more affordable silk satin pyjama set can be found at Intimissimi. The material has a slight stretch to it but is 90% silk so still feels luxurious, and the set is machine-washable, which is a real plus. The sizing is quite generous, although I sized up to a large from a medium in a similar set for a slouchy, oversized, super-comfy fit.
Best cotton pyjamas
Brushed cotton pyjamas, £79
I love gingham pyjamas, and this cotton set from Hush is perfect for winter. The oversized shape and generous pockets make them ideal for lounging at the weekend. They also have longer legs than a lot of styles on the high street and were ideal for me at 5ft 8in tall.
Poplin shirt, £62, and shorts, £53
uk.organicbasics.com
uk.organicbasics.com
This Matcha green striped set from Organic Basics is smart, stylish and crisp enough to wear at the weekend with jeans. They’re made with pesticide-free, Global Organic Textile Standard-certified cotton, and you can even check the carbon footprint of every piece you pop in your online basket (the brand offsets all emissions).
Melanie Wilkinson is the Guardian’s styling editor
