Most men treat sleepwear as an afterthought – a beaten-up T-shirt and some old boxer shorts come to mind. It might be because wearing a full set of pyjamas seems a little twee, but choose well and a proper two-piece will not only look stylish but feel like a treat, too. If you’re not clued up on PJ brands, though, how do you know where to find your next pair?
That’s where I come in – I’m a menswear writer and stylist, and I’m also a big pyjama stan who has tried a lot of sets over the years – so I know a thing or two about the best men’s sleepwear.
They’re not just for sleeping, either – a great pair of PJs can be worn around the house as much as in bed. So, if you want to upgrade your own loungewear or someone else’s (25 December is on the way, after all), here are the best pyjamas you can buy, as well as a few tips on how to choose the right pair.
***
The best men’s pyjamas
***
Best high-street pyjamas
M&S Autograph striped pyjama shirt
£30 at M&SStriped pyjama bottoms
£30 at M&SMarks & Spencer is known for its impressive selection of men’s PJs, but my No 1 choice is this Autograph striped lyocell – a fibre derived from certified renewable wood sources – shirt-and-trousers combo. As with most of Autograph’s menswear, the quality punches far above the price point, from the smooth satiny fabric to the contrast-stripe pocket and classic curved pyjama collar. For something more reasonably priced, I also like this mosaic print set (£35) from the mainline collection.
Arket flannel pyjama shirt
£65 at ArketFlannel pyjama trousers
£55 at ArketThis Arket pyjama set has lots of subtle design details that lean into the brand’s Scandi roots. The relaxed fit is both laid back and well-tailored, the collar is expertly cut, and the set is made from a slubby flannel – my personal preference for winter PJs because it has the cosiest finish. The neutral check only adds to the vibe.
H&M lyocell pyjama set
£54.99 at H&MThis two-piece by H&M is made using smooth and breathable lyocell. The fit is perfectly relaxed, and the bottoms have a comfy drawstring waist. I also like the stylish, understated brown stripe.
Zara checked pyjama set
£49.99 at ZaraIf you don’t love the formality of a pyjama shirt, a long-sleeved T-shirt is a great alternative. Zara’s midweight stretchy modal-blend top with checked poplin trousers keeps things coordinated with a steely blue colour palette.
***
Best responsibly made pyjamas
Pangaia lightweight pyjama set
£145 at PangaiaResponsible fashion brand Pangaia’s approach to fabrics includes an alternative to goose down made from wildflowers, and a fabric similar to cotton that repurposes food waste.
These PJs are made with an organic cotton that’s been treated with the brand’s plant-based peppermint oil formula, to keep clothes fresher for longer, reducing the need to wash as often. I’ve had mine for years, and they can be worn for at least four nights on the trot before they feel as if they need a wash.
Sustainability aside, these are exactly the kind of pyjamas you’d want to wear in bed. They’re lightweight, soft to the touch and have a little stretch, too – which is exactly why mine are in regular rotation. And they’re finished off with the brand’s signature chest script. At £145, they’re a fairly sizable investment, but I think the quality and the sustainable details make them worth it.
Sirplus cotton-wool pyjamas
£195 at SirplusSirplus makes clothes using (you guessed it) surplus fabrics. What began as a single stall on London’s Portobello Road selling boxer shorts is now five stores across the capital, selling everything from tailoring to denim.
Some items are made with new fabrics, but a third is still crafted from surplus – including these pyjamas, made from a blue checked cotton wool that was otherwise destined for landfill. The fabric is pleasingly soft and slubby, but it’s the little premium details – mother-of-pearl buttons, a curved hemline – that feel really luxurious. As a set, it’s pricey (£195), but these are top-tier quality.
Chelsea Peers chequerboard pyjama set
£42 at Chelsea PeersFor something by a nightwear expert at an accessible price, try Chelsea Peers.
A great option if you want pyjamas with personality – in this case, a chest pocket with contrast piping and a little champagne-holding elephant peeking over the top. The brand is also a B Corp organisation for its commitment to responsibility, from using sustainable materials to creating good working conditions for its employees and improving its overall impact on the environment.
***
Best pyjamas by independent brands
David Gandy Wellwear premium pyjama set
£105 at David Gandy WellwearThis simple navy top and trouser set has subtle details that elevate it, such as the henley neckline and tonal embroidery on the waistband. The silky cotton modal fabric’s even been given an aloe vera anti-inflammatory treatment that apparently nourishes your skin as you sleep. Though I couldn’t tell whether my skin actually felt nourished after waking up, this is one of the softest sets I’ve ever come across, so it’s definitely a safe bet for sensitive skin – even after going through the washing machine a few times.
Joseph Turner brushed cotton pyjamas
£156 at Joseph TurnerThis independent designer from North Yorkshire is known for making good-quality menswear classics. The cosy brushed cotton of these pyjamas is perfect for winter because the fabric’s fuzzier finish traps air pockets next to your body for extra insulation – and it’s Better Cotton Initiative-certified, meaning it’s traceable to farm level. But what really makes them stand out is the happy, colourful stripe. The kind of PJs you could imagine Derek Jacobi’s Alan Buttershaw in Last Tango in Halifax wearing – classic but with a cute, friendly twist.
Seasalt Cornwall flannel pyjama set
£69.95 at Seasalt CornwallSeasalt Cornwall has been around since 1981 – when original owner Don Chadwick opened a shop in Penzance selling workwear to farmers, fishers and artists – but it’s really upped its menswear game in the past few years, from a collab with Community Clothing to its growing range of great knitwear and outerwear.
The collections are full of cosy pieces you’d expect to wear on a wintry trip to the UK coastline. This pair comes in flannel, so it’s a real winter warmer, with checks that come in four colourways to suit your style.
Desmond & Dempsey 402 long pyjama set
£100 at Desmond & DempseyDesmond & Dempsey is ideal if you like prints, whether you prefer a tropical jungle pattern or something even punchier like this Helios graphic. The sun-inspired pattern would work in summer, but the red-and-white colourway is equally good for the festive season. The fabric is a comfy stretch cotton blend.
***
Best luxury pyjamas
Tekla poplin shirt
£190 at TeklaPoplin shorts
£120 at TeklaTekla makes my favourite pyjamas. They look great and feel even better – the Scandi brand only uses high-grade fabrics, and the sets are constructed with French seams, which remove uncomfortable loose threads. The classic silhouettes come in a selection of block colours and stripes, and my top pick is this brown and white set. The entire range is designed to be unisex, and the shorts are great for anyone who tends to overheat.
Derek Rose classic fit pyjamas
£260 at Derek RoseDerek Rose designs lots of menswear staples, but its speciality is sleepwear. Whether it’s the pure silk collection or the brand’s silky Lingfield cotton, every set by the London-based designer looks and feels luxurious. This pair in a lustrous navy tonal stripe are the perfect Christmas PJs.
Paul Smith cotton pyjama set
£290 at Paul SmithFrom the ultra-smooth Italian cotton to the contrast piping, the patch pockets and the brand’s trademark colourful print, this Paul Smith pair hits the perfect sweet spot between luxury, comfort and design. They’d make a great gift, too, if you’re feeling generous.
CDLP pyjama T-shirt
£105 at CDLPPyjama trousers
£130 at CDLPCDLP is a Swedish label known for its menswear staples in luxurious fabrics.
The T-shirt’s blend of lyocell and responsibly sourced pima cotton makes it feel lustrous but still airy. And the soft trousers are made from a certified organic cotton poplin, meaning the fibres are grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides and using methods that promote soil health.
They’re not actually sold as a set, so you could always buy the trousers with a T-shirt two-pack – there are some good options in white and navy.
***
What you need to know
***
Why should I wear pyjamas?
Good pyjamas are designed to regulate your body temperature while also keeping your sheets free from sweat and natural body oils, with a fabric and fit that keeps you comfy in bed.
But like the home equivalent of your favourite shirt for a fancy night out, a solid pair of PJs can also make you feel like the best version of yourself while chilling out.
What type of pyjamas should I buy?
For warmer weather – or if you run hot – you’ll want a lightweight breathable fabric such as modal, tencel or linen, whereas a fuzzy brushed cotton or flannel would be better suited to winter. For me, a cotton poplin is the best all-rounder – it balances the natural breathability of cotton with the crispness of a tight weave for a fabric that’s both soft on your skin and structured enough for a sharp, tailored finish. It’s strong enough to withstand frequent washing, too.
I’d always suggest a relaxed cut because you don’t want your clothes to be clingy when you’re chilling at home. And, as always, menswear looks better when it’s not skin tight.
There are many different options for pyjama tops (shirts, vests, T-shirts), but personally, I think you can’t go wrong with the classic PJ shirt – there’s a reason it’s been a nightwear staple since about 1870. But if you’re buying pyjamas exclusively for sleeping, a comfy T-shirt might be preferable.
For more, read the best electric blankets and heated throws
***
Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear and beauty
