Best Loungewear for Soft as a Unicorn Belly: Solid Pajama Roundup
We spend half our lives horizontal—and yet our bedtime wardrobe is treated like an optional extra. That ends now. After surviving another hot-mess-of-a-day, what could be more glorious than a steaming shower, pajamas that crown you queen, and burying your nose in a good book? Your Tiny-but-Mighty Challenge: Pry open that sorry pajama drawer, splurge on a single new pair (yes, just one!), slide them on, and watch your world click back into place. This post is focused only on solids pajamas which will resonate with some of you on a gut level. Others will need more “fun” and/or patterns (next post). And then some of you will just settle for nothing but the freedom of legs being able to kick around in bed because of the freedom of a nightgown (yes, another post – can you tell I like to focus on one thing at a time? It comes from 20 years of being asked for a specific styling request and having a very clear purpose for some outfit/garment.). My one requirement for fresh pajamas isn’t cuteness or aesthetics – it’s unicorn-underbelly–soft on your skin and I’ve got some hot takes. When winter comes you won’t believe my favorite pick for flannel pajamas (only double brushed, proper flannel here. You’d be surprised how the most popular styles ARE NOT THIS. You are missing out. Did you know there are types of flannel? There are, and they ARE NOT EQUAL. Double brushing is a mechanical process that makes both sides feel like unicorn underbelly softness. Double brushed flannel isn’t the same as double brushed cotton, either. I’m waiting with bated breath for Hill House Home to make DOUBLE BRUSHED FLANNEL in something that fits Nellie Diamond’s aesthetic and I’m buying multiples.) Lake Pajamas and Petite Plume have precious prints and styling but can’t complete on softness for the various styles I’ve tried for my kids and I. I despise low rise pajamas like Heidi Carey, Julia Amory have (but their styles are beautiful if you can overlook this flaw, you should. I just can’t. I only have 2 or 3 things in my drawer at any time because I like a tight edit so I need things to be a 10/10. Also, I need pants to have full elastic, not drawstring, so that eliminates those brands as well as Sleepy Jones. I need elastic for the 2 AM bathroom dash. I tried to find something at every price point. I think of Eberjey as the O.G. (the gold standard), but Quince and J.Crew’s Dreamy Cotton are fantastic solid options as well. Kickee Pants is worth a try (they are in the baby business – their footie pajamas are some of the softest around!). I’m sorry I don’t address Amazon options here, simply because I’ve never tried any Amazon options. I’m speaking from experience on this one because I take softness and comfort seriously. I think they’re probably worth a try though if Quince prices are too high and J.Crew isn’t on sale! “In 1996, the lingerie market was dominated by designs that focused more on capturing the male gaze than on the women wearing them. Eberjey introduced comfortable styles women could feel confident in, and soon after created the iconic PJ’s that launched the brand to the next level.” That revolution still matters. Think of yourself and yourself only on the hunt for pajamas that make you feel put together after a hot-mess of a day. Perhaps you’re apalled that I’d only mention midrange options and are unapologetically looking for luxury. Look no further than Olivia Von Halle. I love this from her website: “As the dreamy doyenne of luxury loungewear, Olivia von Halle conceives statement-making pieces with a no-expense sparing devotion to refinery and detail. Its visionary spirit and brazen style envision a unique kind of luxury loungewear; statement-making pieces for at-home dressing and beyond.” I love when there’s a female founder behind the clothes, because who understands what we want and need better than she? No one. But I also understand budget is real… as real as the need for a good night’s sleep. Now go forth—upgrade one pair of PJs, and let the cozy takeover begin. 📌 Pin This Pick one palette + fabric type and buy a few pieces in that color so you can mix and match and have optionality, because some nights you want long sleeves + shorts. Other nights you want more of a jogger (so you can throw on a jacket and go straight into the coffee shop for your Breve Latte without your pajama pants giving you away)? No problem: Spring/Summer: Pastel mint, blush pink, sky blue Fall/Winter: Forest green, burgundy, classic navy, black, red 📌 Pin This Blue eyes? Pick some blue pajamas to make your eyes pop and be done shopping for lounge/jammies for awhile. Green eyes? Pick some greens and be done. Have a favorite color that makes you feel wow? Look for PJs in that color. You spend half your life in bed, might as well look good. 📌 Pin This I dare you to find a more luxe Christmas season option than these. 📌 Pin This Look $148 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $128 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $138 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $148 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $148 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $148 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $128 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $138 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $148 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $128 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $60 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $60 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $45 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $40 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $90 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $50 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $50 Take me there 📌 Pin This Look $70 Take