Silk PJs Are Fantastic For Sleep: Our 10 Favorite Pairs + How To Care For Them
Creating the ultimate serene sleep space involves more than picking out the right bedding, turning the lights down low, and setting your thermostat to cool. What you wear to bed can also affect your sleep quality one way or another, and we're not just referring to the style of pajamas. There's also a hierarchy of sleepwear fabrics, and silk pajamas reign supreme.
The best silk pajamas of 2023:
The best silk pajamas of 2023:
Why silk pajamas?
While not necessarily the most budget-friendly material on the market, silk anything—be it a sleep mask, a pillowcase, or bedding—is pure luxury.
Silk is made from natural protein fiber, is sultry-smooth to the touch, and emits a kind of luster that comes from the fabric's triangular prism structure. Not to mention, silk is one of the most durable textiles, so even though it's a splurge, you're paying for something that will last you a long, long time. In that sense, silk is also a sustainable pick.
And certified sleep consultant and founder of Live Love Sleep Kaley Medina says that the bedroom is where silk does its best work. "Finding the right sleepwear is one of many components for a good night's sleep and sleep hygiene, as being comfortable will help you fall asleep faster at bedtime and stay asleep for long periods throughout the night without wakings," Medina tells mbg.
She's one of many sleep experts who recommend treating yourself to a pair (or two!) of silk pajamas.
The best silk PJs for sleep.
The best pajamas, Medina explains, are comfortable, nonrestrictive, and loose-fitting. Silk checks all three boxes, and then some. It's also very breathable (a plus for hot sleepers), temperature-regulating, and cool. "As adults, most of us sleep best in a cool room with the temperature between 60 to 67 degrees and pajamas that keep our skin warm," Medina explains. "Silk can help your body get warmer or cooler as needed throughout the night."
So what are the best silk pajamas to promote sleep in 2023? We've gone down a rabbit hole of obsessing over customer reviews on comfort, fit, and look, analyzing sustainability commitments and reading up on material sourcing to bring you this list of the crème de la crème of silk PJ sets that you can feel great about falling asleep in this year and beyond.
How we picked
Price
Because silk is an expensive material to produce (and harder to come by), it can get pretty pricey. We tried to include a range of prices to fit every budget, so everyone can indulge in a little luxury.
Size variety
We focused on brands that offered a wide range of sizes, as well as adjustable waistbands wherever possible—all bodies deserve silky softness!
Ratings & reviews
We scoured the reviews on these jammies to ensure real people found them breathable, comfortable, and worth the price tag.
Maintenance
Silk is known for being relatively high-maintenance. If you’re not up for dry cleaning your PJs, don’t worry—we have plenty of machine washable picks on this list.
Our picks of the best silk pajamas of 2023:
Pros
- 100-night sleep trial
- Treated with aloe vera for softness
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Not many reviews
Size run:
XS-XLThis 100% Mulberry silk set from the sustainable brand Cozy Earth is treated with aloe vera for an extra-soft feel. The Serenity Silk pajamas have an adjustable waistband and extra wide legs for a comfy fit, and are available in 5 different colors. While they're definitely as pricey as most high-quality silk pajamas, this pair also comes with Cozy Earth's 10 year warranty and 100-night sleep trial. That means you'll have a good while to sleep in these jammers before deciding whether or not they're right for you. Just note that this pick is not machine washable, so you'll want to dry clean or hand wash them to protect your investment.
Pros:
- 100% silk
- Washable
- Built in ventilation
Cons:
- Pricey
Size run:
XS-2XLunya prides itself on offering shoppers the "anti-old shirt"—you know, the cropped band-tee or oversize top adorned with the logo of your alma mater you sleep, exercise, and clean the bathroom in. Its products aren't the type of sleepwear you just throw on; each piece is intentionally made to be intentionally worn, resulting in an ultra-luxe lounge-to-sleep (and vice versa) experience.
The brand's Washable Silk Set is its bestseller. It's available in seven colors (two of which are special-edition) and comes in a wide range of sizes, from XS to 2X. It's made from 100% washable silk and made colorful with bluesign-approved dyes (guaranteeing the pieces are safe for dyehouse workers, those wearing them, and the Earth), are thermoregulated to support your slumber, and feature low-back ventilation for extra comfort. Plus, the set has received 2,066 reviews on the Lunya website, adding up to an average of 4.5 out of a possible 5-star rating from wearers who confirm it's comfortable, breathable, and—dare we mention—a "sexy self-care addition" to your pajama drawer.
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Pros:
- Great color selection
- Fun style
Cons:
- Dry clean preferred
Size run:
XS-XXLIt would not be a complete list of the best silk pajamas without a mention of Lily Silk. The brand makes pajamas for both women and men, and both this writer and her husband can attest to their fine quality. As can the 13,000-plus reviewers who've given the set an average 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. Their consensus: Lily Silk is worth the price as its products are high-quality, luxe in feel and aesthetic, and incredibly breathable.
This specific set is made from incredibly soft 22 momme laced silk and comes in sizes XS to XXL, as well as in a whopping 14 beautiful colors, including avocado green, blue haze, and claret. While technically machine-washable, hand-washing or dry-cleaning are the preferred care methods.
Pros
- 100% mulberry silk
- Washable
Cons
- Can't go in the dryer
Size run:
XS-XLFans of a classic tank and shorts pairing, look no further than Quince's 100% Washable Silk Pajama Set. One reviewer raves "they're easy-breezy and feel good to my skin," while another adds, "I get sad when they're in the wash and I have to wear something else."
The brand, which, like Lily Silk, sells styles for both men and women, created this set with 100% Mulberry silk, some of the finest silk in the world. It offers wearers the benefit of thermoregulating technology, which helps keep you cool throughout the night, plus the amino acids in silk fibers are nourishing to the skin so you'll wake up feeling refreshed. The set is also machine washable in a cold or delicate setting with like colors (preferably in a garment bag).However, the garments should not be tossed into the dryer but rather hung to dry.
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Pros:
- Side vents for cooling
- Washable
Cons:
- Silk blend
Size run:
S-LSearching for a sleep-supporting silk pajama that won't break the bank? Enter the Intimissimi Short Sleeve and Modal Top. Paired with a simple boyshort (or this matching, lacy pair from the brand), this Kimono cut top with elbow-length sleeves is sure to keep you feeling cool throughout the warm summer months. Special features include side vents and a rounded boat neckline, plus the silk satin top is loose-fitting for optimal airflow. And the best part? The Italian label makes PJs and intimates for men and women, so if you love their garments, you can recommend them to anyone and everyone to enjoy.
Pros:
- 100% silk
- Sustainably-sourced fabrics
Cons:
- Pricey
- Only two color options
Size run:
XS-XLThere's no denying this NK Imode Silk Set is expensive, but if you have the means (and the desire to spend), we guarantee you won't be disappointed by the investment. With an easy fit, adjustable waistband, and beautiful mother of pearl buttons, either color is a gorgeous addition to any wardrobe. Plus, the set is made from sustainably-sourced and OEKO-Tex Certified 100% silk charmeuse, as well as nontoxic dyes to ensure your safety, as well as the planet's.
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Pros:
- Can go in the dryer
- Comes in patterns
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the fabric is too thin
Size run:
XS-XLOftentimes you'll find silk available in solid colors, but what we especially love about Nordstrom's washable silk pajamas set is it comes available in fun patterns, with names like Purple Bloom Golden Hour and Pink Chalk Blossom Botanical. But beyond its interesting hues, this sleepwear option (available in sizes XS to XL) is menswear-inspired, meaning it's roomy and comfy and everything you could want from a pajama top and bottom duo.
What's more, described as "whisper-light," the fabric is airy and incredibly breathable, plus 100% machine-washable and dryable, on a tumble setting. The top features a button closure, while the pants have an adjustable drawstring so you can wear them as snug or as loose as you'd like. Reviewers are in agreement that the material is cool, smooth, and made with quality construction that is not prone to snag.
Pros
- 100% Mulberry silk
- Plenty of color options
- Washable
Cons
- Buttons aren't for everyone
Size run:
XS-XLThe style of this button-down shirt and short set from Eberjey is timeless. Made from 100% mulberry silk, these machine-washable PJs come in a handful of different colors and have adorable piping for an elevated look. Reviewers say the boxy fit is super comfortable and many people report that they were able to stay comfortable in both hot and cold temperatures. One fan of this set writes, "It comes out of the wash as beautiful as it was the day I bought it."
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Pros
- Made with recycled materials
- Lots of fun patterns
Cons
- Not actually silk
Size run:
XS-2XOk, so these PJs from Summersalt aren't technically silk. As the name implies, they're "silky" and made from 100% recycled, anti-microbial polyester charmeuse. This sustainable material-swap makes this set significantly more affordable than traditional silk pajamas. Plus, they're available in a bunch of fun prints, including some limited partnership designs. As far as reviewers are concerned, the recycled polyester charmeuse feels just as luxurious as silk. One person writes, "I’m obsessed with these, I need every color. So soft and they keep me cool at night—the fabric feels like real silk!"
How to wash silk pajamas.
Like any clothing item, the key to prolonging a garment's shelf life lies in how you care for it. Silk, especially, is such a delicate, luxurious fabric, so how long your silk pajamas stay beautiful and durable will ultimately reflect how you wash and dry it. However, some silk is machine-washable, while others require hands-on treatment. It's important to know which category your set fits under and how to properly launder them.
- Washable silk: According to Bailey Hagen, Eberjey's product development manager, washable silk should be washed in cold water, with a delicate detergent, and with like colors. If you go the machine route, you want to choose a gentle setting, and washing inside out in a mesh washing bag is strongly recommended. Hand-washing, Hagen tells mbg, is also an option. "If you have a spill," Hagen adds, "use gentle stain removers and detergents that are safe for silk fabric."
- Straight silk: Diana Alvarez, concierge for NK Imode advises straight silk should be hand-washed in cold water with mild soap. After the first round, leave the silk in the sink, drain the water, and fill again (with cold water), adding 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to help remove any remaining soap residue. From there, Alvarez instructs to rinse once more under cold running water. To dry, "gently wrap the silk in a dry towel and loosely roll it to remove moisture," Alvarez explains via email. "From there, roll out the silk and softly straighten. Once dried, use an iron at the coolest temperature setting and iron your silk inside out to create a seamless shine."
FAQ:
What is better, silk or satin pajamas?
Modern satin is typically made from rayon and polyester. It has a similar appearance to silk on one side, but the backside is dull. If it’s appearance you’re after, satin pajamas might be fine. But be aware that not only is satin less comfortable than silk (that dull side is likely what’s touching your skin), it’s also less durable and more likely to snag.
Why are silk pajamas so expensive?
Silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms, and the process is incredibly time and labor-intensive. The material itself is very expensive for manufacturers to purchase, even before it’s sewn into a garment.
What is a good brand for silk pajamas?
While we’re believers in all of the brands on our list, Lunya takes the cake for their low-maintenance, high-quality silk pajamas. Plus, they have one of the more inclusive size runs we’ve seen for this category.
The takeaway.
When you've tried every sleep-promoting product in the book, from weighted blankets to noise machines and sleep masks; when you've switched up your bedding from cotton to silk sheets and pillowcases and still can't fall asleep, slipping into a pair of the best silk pajamas might be the solution you've been looking for. These gorgeous sleepwear options are luxurious to the touch and gorgeous on. But, more importantly, they're breathable and great for the skin—a trifecta of benefits that all lead to the good night's rest you deserve.
What we've changed since publishing:
3/30/23: We reviewed the availability of these PJs and made some product swaps (and additions!) to ensure you have the best bet at finding a great set of silk pajamas.
