I'm Obsessed with Sleepwear, and These Three Finds Are Pajama-Drawer Necessities

As with her fine hair and fondness for chocolate-peanut butter-anything, I inherited my love of pajamas from my mom. If nature itself didn't predispose me to a penchant for pjs, then our family's Christmas Eve tradition of wearing matching sets sealed the deal. I've consequently racked up a serious collection of sleepwear over the years, but even with all my options, I find myself reaching for the same three things over and over again. It's my tried, tested, and well-rested trio of pajama-drawer necessities: An old-school nightshirt, a vintage-inspired crisp cotton set, and super-soft loungewear. Stock up on all three, and you'll never have a bad night's sleep (at least on account of your pajamas) again.

An Old-School Nightshirt

If you're Team Ratty-Old T-Shirt-For-Pajamas (which I appreciate and support), consider upgrading to a menswear-inspired nightshirt. Like your tee, it offers maximum comfort, requires minimal effort, and leaves legs free of any restrictions. But the nightshirt does your worn-in tee one better: You can wear it to take out the trash without offending the neighbors. While my personal favorite nightshirt is no longer available (tear, tear), this end-on-end cotton nightshirt from J.Crew has all the hallmarks of a winning one—piped edges, a fanny-hiding hem, and light cotton—plus you can monogram it, if you're into that (BUY IT: $68; jcrew.com).

If you want something that's cozier and less crisp than cotton, this Amorbella bamboo nightshirt from Amazon comes in 15 colors and has more than 250 5-star reviews (BUY IT: $30; amazon.com).

A Vintage-Inspired Cotton Set

There is a place for heavy, flannel pajamas, but the South—at least for 10 months out of the year—is not it. I prefer my pajama pants sets made from cooler fabrics like poplin or pima cottons, and LAKE Pajamas, a women-owned company based in Savannah, makes my very favorites. (Hey Y'all host Ivy Odom loves them too!) While their Pima Shorts Sets are butter-soft, I'm partial to the Poplin Pants Set. They're my favorite pair to pack for trips, as they don't wrinkle much; and they're full-coverage, perfect for curling up on the porch with friends and a cup of coffee. Plus, with its Peter Pan collar, double pockets, and ¾ sleeves, the pajama shirt can actually pass as real clothes. I've even worn it with jeans on a video call for work. If you've been searching for a pajama set to wear whenever your in-laws are in town, this is it (BUY IT: $128; lakepajamas.com).

For a similar look, try GLOBAL's 100% cotton pajamas set, which comes in 11 different patterns and has racked up more than 500 5-star reviews (BUY IT: $28; amazon.com).

Super-Soft Loungewear

When the colder weather finally creeps in, I tuck away my poplin and pull out a Slouchy Modal Set from Miami, Florida-based Eberjey. I received the set as a gift, and every fall, I contemplate buying another pair so that I always have some on hand when mine are in the wash. The modal jersey is still significantly lighter than flannel, but it's incredibly cozy (like, make-your-friends-touch-it-to-feel-how-soft-it-is cozy) and hangs more stylishly than your run-of-the-mill sweatsuit. Sashes on the shirt and pants doubly ensure a comfortable fit (BUY IT: From $111; amazon.com). If you don't want to commit to the full set, you can also buy the tops and bottoms separately: (BUY IT: Heather Slouchy Tee from $31; amazon.com; and Heather Cropped Pants from $59, amazon.com).

For an equally cute and cozy ensemble, order the SIORO Modal Pajama Set. It's garnered more than 500 5-star reviews, plus the two-piece set comes in 20 colors, from lilac to sea-foam green (BUY IT: $36; amazon.com).

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