What Should I Wear to Bed?

If getting a good night’s sleep is a recipe, then your outfit is an underrated ingredient. More important sleep components — your bedroom environment, the temperature, your pre-sleep habits, your diet, etc. — all deserve your attention. But it’s also important to settle on sleepwear that encourages your body toward rest.

Let’s explore some of the top sleepwear options below.

What should I look for in effective sleepwear?

Your choice of sleepwear can significantly impact the quality of your sleep — and not all sleepwear is created equal. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when selecting the sleepwear you want to wear to bed:

Comfort: Comfort is the first priority many people have when it comes to sleepwear. Look for sleepwear made from soft, breathable materials, with natural fibers that are gentle on your skin and hold up well over time.
Fit: Sleepwear should fit comfortably. While pajamas are often well-fitted, nightgowns and sleep t-shirts feature a looser fit. Choose the sleepwear, and the fit, that help you maintain your healthiest sleep pattern.
Season: In warmer months, opt for lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or linen. For colder nights, choose sleepwear with long sleeves and pants made from materials like flannel or fleece to keep you cozy.
Style: Your personal preferences in style matter a lot when you choose sleepwear. Whether you prefer pajamas, nightgowns, or a simple t-shirt and shorts combination, choose sleepwear that keeps you feeling comfortable and confident. It’s all about finding what makes you relax.
Allergies and sensitivities: Pay close attention to the materials used in your sleepwear, particularly if you have allergies or skin sensitivities. Look for hypoallergenic sleepwear options that are less likely to trigger a reaction. Avoid sleepwear with dyes or chemicals that could irritate your skin.
Breathability: Sleepwear that allows your skin to breathe is crucial for comfort. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester, which can trap heat and moisture. Natural fabrics like cotton and silk are much better for breathability and air flow.
Durability: Invest in sleepwear that is well-made and durable, built to last. While high-quality sleepwear might be more expensive, it will last longer — saving you more in the long run. For durability, check for reinforced seams and sturdy stitching to ensure the sleepwear you choose will stand the test of time.
Ease of care: Consider how easy it might be to take care of your sleepwear before buying it. Look for options that are machine washable and don’t require any special care instructions. Over time, convenience of care can help make your entire evening sleep routine more manageable.

Choosing the right sleepwear isn’t simply a matter of personal preference. It’s also something that can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Prioritize comfort, fit, and materials that suit the season, and take into account any allergies or sensitivities you might have. The right sleepwear should enhance the entire sleep experience in all the right ways.

Let’s dive into a few of the most common sleepwear options below.

1. Pajamas

Pajamas are a classic choice for sleepwear. They come in various different styles — including shorts and shirts, long pants and button-up blouses, and everything in between. Some of the most comfortable pajama options are onesie or one-piece outfits designed only with comfort in mind. Pajamas are typically made from breathable materials like cotton or bamboo, helping to regulate your body’s temperature and keep you comfortable throughout the night.

If you sleep in a colder climate, pajamas might be an ideal sleepwear choice. They often feature an extra plush or padding that keeps you warm at night. However, sleepers who live in warmer climates might choose to opt for a lighter sleepwear solution light a t-shirt and shorts.

2. T-shirt and shorts

Wearing a t-shirt and shorts to bed is a simple but effective approach to sleepwear. Pairing a comfortable shirt with soft shorts is also an excellent choice when the weather might be a bit warmer where you live.

If you’re going to wear a shirt and shorts to bed, it’s important to make sure that the fabric is breathable. It should be loose-fitting and not too tight to allow for free movement during the evening.

Sleep shirts are deliberately long t-shirts made specifically for sleeping in. They often come in a variety of different designs, but all prioritize comfort and flexibility at bedtime.

3. Nightgowns

Nightgowns offer a loose, comfortable fit that many women enjoy when settling into bed. They make movement easy during the night, particularly if you’re more of an active sleeper. If you do opt for a nightgown, make sure it’s made from soft, light fabric.

Wearing a nightgown is a great choice if you’re looking for a modest sleepwear option that’s convenient to put on at nighttime and take off when the day begins. However, there are options that provide additional coverage if you live in a colder climate. For example, pajamas will cover more of your legs if you’re worried about limb exposure.

4. Nothing

Sleeping without any sleepwear is a common choice in some parts of the world. Some people find that sleeping in the buff is the most comfortable option, though it can sometimes lead to different sleep health and sleep hygiene concerns. Naked sleeping can help with air flow and breathability, but it may not be suitable for everyone — particularly those who sleep alongside a partner. In other cases, colder temperatures will necessitate some form of sleepwear.

The right sleepwear also deserves the right sleep accessories. This means choosing pillows, blankets, and other sleep items that make you look forward to winding down at the end of the day.

It also means choosing the right mattress. At Mattress Warehouse, that’s a process we can help with. Our bedMATCH sleep diagnostic program analyzes your sleep profile, from your height and weight to your preferred sleeping position, to identify mattress options that suit sleepers like you.

No price haggling, no complicated sales process — just mattresses built for you at every price point.

Visit your local Mattress Warehouse, or fill out the five-minute online version of our bedMATCH sleep diagnostic quiz, to get started today.