The 8 Best Men’s Pajamas, Tested by Style Editors

Over the past five years, Men’s Health editors have tested every pajama set worth sleeping in, but very few deliver dreamy comfort and high quality like Tommy John. That’s because the brand’s Second Skin Set, a pocket tee and plaid pant combo, earns its name with a silky modal-spandex blend that feels buttery smooth, stretches just right, and breathes all night.

I’ve worn this all year and it’s still my go-to for bed time. The fabric drapes cleanly off the body with a relaxed fit that flatters without clinging. It never overheats like flannel pajamas, never itches or pulls, even after dozens of washes. Plus, the stretch makes it convenient for spreading out across the couch, reaching for the remote, or heading downstairs for coffee. What also sold me on this pair was the waistband on the pants. It’s built with a non-restrictive band that stays put without digging into my waist or folding over.

I usually air dry mine so it lasts longer, but even on a low tumble, it’s resistant to fading and shrinking. The set runs a bit warm for guys who sleep hot in peak summer. It’s not heavy, but it’s not as light as a linen or jersey knit. But for that second-skin softness, Tommy John’s set makes every other pair feel like a backup.

Read More: Best Underwear for Men

If you sleep hot, our editors recommend Cozy Earth’s set because it will keep you cool from the very first night. The t-shirt and short combo uses silky bamboo fabric that’s not just soft; it regulates your temperature. Our Grooming Editor, Sean Zucker said their bedroom “feels like a sauna most nights”, yet it kept him dry and comfortable until morning. It feels just as cozy as cotton, but it breathes better, lasts longer, and doesn’t trap heat like flannel.

The relaxed fit is another win. The tee hangs loosely through the chest and shoulders, while the shorts drape neatly and never ride up when you shift in bed. When Zucker bent down to grab slippers or kicked the covers off, the fabric didn’t tug or twist. Unlike cheaper bamboo blends that pill after a few washes, this set uses longer, stronger fibers for lasting softness. After more than eight washes, the fabric still looks fresh from the day he opened the pack.

We tested it across every season and found it stays cool in the summer, cozy in spring and fall. While this T-shirt and shorts set looks more like cozy underwear than traditional PJs, we happily take that trade for how ridiculously soft and cool it feels.

This Hanes PJ set punches above its price point, delivering comfort you’d expect from options twice the cost. The fabric feels light, but neither flimsy nor scratchy. Similar to the brand’s special X-temp underwear, it’s produced with a cotton blend that feels soft, breathable, and withstand multiple washes without shrinking or piling. While it’s available in solid colored styles, our favorite is the grey textured pattern with contrast piping, which lends to a festive holiday vibe without feeling like a costume.

Fit-wise, it runs roomier than J.Crew’s version, but doesn’t leave you swimming in fabric. Our Tech and Gear Editor, Ryan Brower lounged on the couch, took a post-dinner nap, and curled up with a book, and the set stayed comfortable throughout. The fabric isn’t thick enough to keep you toasty if the AC is blasting, but it won’t make you sweat either.

I love this pajama pant because it has flexibility that lets me move freely. Since the cotton-rayon fabric is blended with elastane, I’ve been to meditate, stretch in the morning, and even fold laundry, without it losing shape. Even though the pant has some give, it still has structure. The material has a buttery Skims feel, with a flowy drape and just enough weight so it hangs neatly without clinging.

While it almost resembles your favorite sweatpant, it’s not bulky or heavy. I wouldn’t necessarily run errands around town in it, though, I would throw it on with a hoodie to grab my matcha latte at a nearby coffee shop.

The striped design of this Brooks Brothers PJ gives it a classic, put-together look that feels a step above your usual sleepwear. Subtle piping adds just enough visual interest. It’s made from a breathable cotton that keeps its shape and feels great. The fit is relaxed through the thigh but still neat, so you won’t look sloppy if you step out the house to chat with a neighbor or water the plants.

Our Deputy Editor, Christian Gollayan noted the fabric feels substantial without being heavy. He wore it on a warmer night and didn’t overheat, and the set stayed cozy when the temperatures dropped. While it’s not as flexible as Eberjey, the material still moves comfortably when you bend down to feed your dog or grab the newspaper.

We’ve tried a ton of expensive PJs, but Alex Mill’s set is one of the few that justifies its pricepoint. Its cotton fabric feels like my favorite five-star hotel sheets, so I feel like I’m on vacation when catching ZZZs at home. The green-and-white pinstripe, finished with blue trimming has a sharp, stylish look that makes lounging feel a little more luxe. The slim cut stays relaxed, so it looks tailored without feeling tight, while the adjustable elastic waistband lets you breathe, especially after you’ve just finished a big dinner.

Both the top and bottom have three roomy pockets where you can stash your phone, remote control, or a snack. We’ve packed these PJs in a weekender bag, and they came out looking surprisingly crisp with no wrinkle in sight. This is the pair you’re not embarrassed to wear outside to grab your mail or walk your dog.

J.Crew makes a pajama set with a timeless style that always looks sharp. Its OG-looking button closure, rounded collars, and white piping give Home Alone vibes for grownups. I tested it and can confirm: it’s perfect for colder days when all you want to do is snuggle up and stay warm. The fabric blend of organic cotton, modal, and elastane feels way softer and stretchier than standard cotton. It has a smooth, broken-in texture that moves with you instead of bunching or clinging.

The top has just enough structure to look neat without feeling stiff, and—huge plus—you can lift your arms without the hem creeping up. The pants have a streamlined fit with ideal length and never catch under our feet. After a few washes, we saw slight shrinkage, but the overall shape and softness remained strong. This set looks polished enough that you won’t hesitate to step outside to take out the trash or go grab the newspaper.

I love a Henley because its flattering neckline lets you control your airflow, and Eberjey makes the best one for sleeping. It’s made of a velvety soft modal fabric, which is lightweight and breathable. My apartment runs hot at night, but the set kept me from waking up in sweat puddles. Although the material clings to my chest, the neckline allows for extra breathability.

Despite the leg fit being slightly tapered, this option still feels great even on beefy thighs. The top is more relaxed, so it’s forgiving in the stomach if you’ve had a late-night burger. Thanks to the spandex blend, I found the material to be stretchier than Brooks Brothers’ cotton fabric, so I could lean back in the recliner chair and not feel restricted. Also: the pockets are pretty deep, so you can carry around your phone, if you need to make a run to the kitchen for a late-night snack.