When you’re shopping for pyjamas, start by considering the fit and feel that you want. Is comfort your top priority? Or do you want a style that you could wear all day – and is stylish enough to answer the door in?
These days, many shoppers are gravitating toward oversized, tailored styles, says Jaimie Harris, the founder of Canadian sleepwear label This Is J. “They don’t want things to be tight and restrictive, but they also don’t want to look sloppy.” Silk designer pyjamas that are stylish enough to wear out to bars and restaurants are another trend, she says.
Next, assess your sleepwear preferences. Do you like long or short sleeves? Are you a long-pant person, or do you prefer cropped bottoms or shorts? “People are very, very passionate about what they feel good in when they sleep,” says Harris, adding that most of her clients don’t want anything that feels restrictive in the waist. “If you find a [set] that you like the way it fits in the waistband, you like the way it fits in the shoulders, that’s such a win.”
Once you have narrowed down the options, the final important consideration is the fabric.
When it comes to choosing sleepwear and your sleep quality, researchers have found that the right fabric can make a difference. For example, a University of Sydney study found that while wool pyjamas can feel “slightly pricklier” than cotton and polyester ones, adults aged 65 years and older and poor sleepers slept better in them overall in warm ambient conditions. (Of note, the study received funding from Australian Wool Innovation).
“Flannel is amazing in the winter; you get that extra insulation,” says Harris, noting that cotton or wool flannel will be more breathable than one made with polyester. “Silk has a beautiful hand feel … [but] is a much more delicate fabric.” Silk pyjamas are luxurious, but you might have to dry clean or hand-wash and then press or steam them before each wear to maintain the look.
This Is J’s signature fabric is a proprietary bamboo viscose, which Harris selected for its “silkiness” and drape, as well as moisture-wicking properties. It is machine-washable and can go into the dryer. “Whether you’re a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper, our fabric actually wicks away that moisture to keep your temperature regulated,” says Harris. In comparison, cotton pyjamas are also breathable and would wear and wash well, but won’t help you regulate your temperature and it is more prone to shrinkage.
Six Buys To Try
Charming sleepwear options from Canadian brands
In the men’s section
Available in men’s and women’s sizing and a variety of colours and patterns, this soft pyjama set is 100-per-cent made in Canada. The proprietary bamboo viscose and spandex blend fabric is also produced by a Canadian mill. Harris long-sleeve button-down pyjama set, $249 through thisisj.com.
This tailored pyjama top (there’s a matching pant) is made in Canada using GOTS-certified organic cotton. It’s sharply tailored and features a patch pocket on one chest. Province of Canada pyjama shirt, $138 through provinceofcanada.com.
Wear these classic, 100-per-cent cotton poplin pyjama pants solo or with a spare T-shirt. They feature a working drawstring, elastic waist and two side-seam pockets. Joe Fresh poplin pyjama pant, $25 through joefresh.com.
In the women’s section
Designed in Vancouver and made overseas, this 100-per-cent silk shirt is polished enough to be worn out with jeans or a pair of cords, too. And there are matching shorts and pants, so it’s easy to build your perfect set. The Group Nightside silk pyjama shirt, $148 through aritzia.com.
Just in time to welcome spring, this tailored sleep set from Montreal-based Petit Lem features a graphic bunny print. It’s made with a recycled polyester poplin fabric, and there are matching pyjamas available for toddlers and kids, too. Petit Lem Hoppy Bunnies PJ set, $88 through petitlem.com.
Made with a plush, heavyweight cotton-spandex blend fabric, these pyjama pants feature an elasticated drawstring waistband and two roomy pockets. Available in two colours and sizes XS to XXXL. Understance cotton plush pyjama pants, $59 through understance.com.
