The Best Fabrics for Pyjamas: Modal, Cotton, Silk and More
The fabric you sleep in sits against your skin for a third of the day. It affects how warm you feel, how much you notice your pyjamas, and how they look after a year of washing. Here is how the main options compare.
Pyjama fabrics compared
| Fabric | Feel | Warmth | Breathability | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modal and micro modal | Very soft, smooth, fluid drape | Light to medium | High | Machine wash cool; resists pilling well |
| TENCEL™ Lyocell | Smooth, cool to the touch | Light | High | Machine wash cool; avoid high heat |
| Cotton jersey | Soft, familiar | Medium | Good | Easy; can lose shape over time |
| Cotton poplin | Crisp, smooth | Light | Good | Easy; may need ironing |
| Brushed cotton / flannel | Fuzzy, cosy | High | Medium | Easy; can pill |
| Silk | Slippery, light | Light | Good | Delicate; hand wash or gentle cycle |
| Linen | Textured, relaxed | Light | Very high | Easy; creases |
How to choose
If you sleep warm
Look for fibres that let moisture and heat move away from the skin: modal, TENCEL™ Lyocell, linen and cotton poplin. Avoid flannel and heavy jersey, and choose a looser cut so air can move.
If you sleep cold
Brushed cotton is the classic choice, but a medium-weight modal set with long sleeves and long legs, plus a pair of cashmere bed socks, keeps you warm without the bulk.
If softness matters most
Modal and micro modal are hard to beat. They are made from beech wood pulp, feel smoother than most cotton, and tend to stay soft wash after wash. Read Modal vs Micro Modal for the difference between them.
If you want low maintenance
Cotton and modal both go in the washing machine. Silk looks beautiful but needs more care.
Beyond fabric: fit and details
- Room to move. Pyjamas should not pull across the shoulders or hips when you lie on your side.
- Soft seams and waistbands. Flat seams and a covered elastic waist make the difference on a long night.
- A collar or piping makes a set feel special enough to wear around the house in the morning, or to give as a present.
For more on what makes nightwear feel luxurious, read What Makes Nightwear Feel Luxurious.
Our pyjamas
Our Shawl Collared Pyjama Set is made in ultra-soft micromodal, with a shawl collar and contrast piping, made in Portugal. You can see the rest of our sleepwear in Nightwear.
Caring for your pyjamas
- Wash at 30°C with similar colours, inside out.
- Skip fabric softener on modal and lyocell; it can coat the fibre and reduce breathability.
- Dry flat or on a line rather than in a hot tumble dryer.
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