The different types of Pajamas

On the hunt for new sleepwear and wondering what types of pajamas to get for yourself? Here's a quick guide to the types of pajamas by fabric and style. 

Pajama Fabrics

• Cotton: Cotton is soft, breathable, affordable and all natural. Because of these properties, it is a common choice for pajamas and other garments as well. If you're not sure what pajama fabric you want, you can't go wrong with pure cotton sleepwear. However, it's not the warmest so it may not be the best choice for the dead of winter. Consider fleece or flannel during cooler months.

• Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fabric that can have many properties depending on how the fabric is made. It is usually less breathable than cotton but is more durable and offers more moisture-wicking properties.
• Silk: This light, breathable, luxurious fabric is made from silkworm cocoons. It is often used to make women's pajamas, especially lingerie. While on the expensive side, many people find it worthwhile to invest in silk pajamas.
• Satin: Satin is a synthetic version of silk, usually made from polyester or rayon. While not as breathable as actual silk, it is more affordable and more widely available - as well as vegan. If you want the feeling of silk without the price tag, go with satin.
• Flannel: Flannel is made by brushing cotton fabric to create more warmth and softness. It is available in a variety of weights, from lightweight to heavyweight, with the heavyweight ones providing more warmth. It is an excellent choice for colder months (there's a reason flannel pajamas are a classic Christmas gift!).
• Fleece: Fleece is made in a similar way to flannel - i.e., by brushing the surface of the fabric. While you can find cotton fleece if you hunt for it, most fleece is made from polyester fabric, which is synthetic.
• Linen: Linen is another all-natural fabric, made of very fine fibers that are taken from the flax plant. It's very breathable, but not as soft as some of the other fabrics on this list, which is why it's often blended with cotton. Linen pajamas are a good choice for hotter months due to their breathability.

Types of Pajamas

• Sleep sets: These quintessential pajamas consist of a matching top and bottom, usually made out of the same fabric. Sleep sets come in many styles, including shorts and long sleeves, as well as pants and shorts. They are also available in many different fabrics, from luxurious silk to breathable cotton to cozy flannel and everything in between. No matter your style and color preferences, you will be able to find a sleep set that fits your wants and needs.
• Nightgowns, nighties and sleep dresses: These are the same names for what is essentially the same garment, basically an extra long sleep shirt. Nightdresses come in different lengths, anything from a shorter cut that hits at the upper thigh to a longer one that falls at the mid-calf or even the ankles. If you don't like having fabric bunch up between your legs while you sleep, then forgo pants and shorts and choose nightgowns instead.
• Pajama pants and shorts: Some people like to sleep in a regular cotton t-shirt, but pair it with specific pajamas pants and shorts. Like the other items on this list, pajama pants and shorts are available in many different lengths, styles and fabrics to suit all preferences and weather. If you prefer t-shirts but don't like to sleep in just your underwear, then pajama bottoms are a must!
• Sweats: If you like to be really cozy in the wintertime, then you cannot go wrong with a good pair of pajama sweats. You can usually purchase the sweater and sweatpants separately so you can mix and match as needed. Look for soft, thinner sweats that will keep you warm without overheating. Pro tip: Sweats also make for great women's loungewear outfits!
• Onesies: As the name suggests, onesies combine your top and bottom garments into one piece of clothing. They are very cozy and are usually only worn during cold weather. Because of the construction, onesies can be a bit hard to get out of if you need to use the restroom or get changed, and that inconvenience is why they're not as popular as some of the other items on this list.