A Basic Guide to the Different Styles of Sleepwear

apr 8, 2025

There are so many factors that go into getting a good night's sleep, with comfort being at the very top of the list. Of course, this includes your mattress, pillows and sheets, but pajamas are an often overlooked aspect to feeling as comfy as possible at bedtime.

The wrong pajamas can really mess with your rest, whether they're itchy or constrictive, too warm or not warm enough or you simply don't feel confident or like yourself in them. Your style of sleepwear can make or break your sleep, so check out the different types below to learn more about what might suit you best.

Sleepshirts

Sleepshirts or nightshirts are flowy, comfy and oversized shirts worn to bed. They're typically long enough to extend to just above the knee, making them suitable for wearing with or without bottoms. Most often, they're made with soft, lightweight and breathable materials that are ideal for warmer nights or layering with lots of blankets. They also come in different styles, so whether you prefer a more giant T-shirt look or a more put-together button-down style, they've got you covered.

Shutterstock: Woman sleeping in bed at home. Deep restful sleep. Lady with long brown hair wearing a nightgown. High Angle View girl lying in a nightie on clean white bed linen with cozy blanket.

(via Shutterstock)

Nightgowns

Nightgowns are simply dresses for sleeping in, and they can be just as versatile as the dresses you might wear during the day. They can be more modest with sleeves and a longer length or more sassy and attention-grabbing, with spaghetti straps and a short cut—and everything in between. They also come in all kinds of materials, from thick, warm cotton to shiny silk and satin fabrics. Some styles may be more fashionable than comfortable, but if you happen to prioritize aesthetics, we won't judge.

Unsplash: Woman in nightgown with dog by Kateryna Hliznitsova

(via Unsplash)

Also read about: The 7 Kinds of Rest Your Brain and Body Need (and How to Get Them)

Two-Piece Sets

Matching two-piece pajama sets are becoming more and more popular because they can be equally cute and comfortable. They typically come in two styles, consisting of either a button-down top with matching pants or more stretchy and soft matching tops and bottoms. They're available in both solid colors and patterns, with both pieces in the same material, allowing you to look polished from head to toe without feeling too constrained.

Unspash: Woman in matching pajama tops and bottoms by Raspopova Marina

(via Unsplash)

Onesies

Onesies are like jumpsuits or coveralls for bed, consisting of one connected piece acting as the pants and shirt, and often closing with buttons or a zipper. Because they're associated with kids, they often create a more whimsical and playful look, especially with features like hoods and closed feet, or color patterns making them reminiscent of popular characters. They're not our favorite because they can make it hard to regulate heat and also make visits to the bathroom more of a hassle, but some people swear by the comfy, swaddle-like cover they provide.

Shutterstock: Portrait of a caucasian woman wearing a red onesie pajamas for adults. She is sitting and leaning back and smiling. She is wearing the hood.

(via Shutterstock)

Also read about: 8 Sneaky Things That Might Be Hurting Your Sleep

Sweats

As sweats and athleisure pieces have become more and more accepted as everyday attire, we've seen them grow in popularity as pajamas as well. Because they're built for workouts, they soft while accommodating movement and providing plenty of warmth, which also happens to make them excellent for bed—especially for chillier nights. Both sweatpants and sweatshirts have only gotten more stylish with time, coming in all kinds of styles, and on lazy days, we really love loungey pieces that are appropriate to wear into the day once we wake up.

Shutterstock: Woman is sitting on a bed and taking a picture of herself with a cell phone. She is wearing a pink sweatshirt and pants

(via Shutterstock)

Dressing Gowns

A dressing gown is basically a robe worn as pajamas, and wearing one makes us instantly feel like we're either rich and famous or on some kind of spa vacation. They can be made with different materials depending on the type of vibe you're trying to curate, between soft satins and silks and more lush cotton and fleece, and you can either layer a dressing gown on top of your typical pajamas or instead of them. If you're going to do the latter, just make sure it provides full coverage and ties securely when you need it to.

Shutterstock: Wide shot portrait of happy early bird young woman wearing sleeping mask lying in comfy bed in luxury hotel bedroom. Pretty brunette female in pajama waking up enjoy good morning at home.

(via Shutterstock)

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