A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Apr. 16, 2024
A T-shirt and sweats aren't quite as comfortable as quality sleepwear, so I tested and reviewed several plus-size pajamas for women to recommend the best ones.
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If your ratty old pajamas, sweatpants or oversized T-shirts have seen better days, it’s time to upgrade your wardrobe with a new, quality pair of pajamas. Hot sleepers will find better breathability in cotton or bamboo pajamas while people with skin sensitivities might see improvements with silk pajamas. Another element to finding your comfiest pair of pajamas is ensuring that they’ll fit your body type just right, which is why I personally tested the best plus-size pajamas for women that are sure to make your nights that much cozier.
No small feat, finding the best in plus-size jammies proves to be a bit more difficult since the industry is still lagging in options for plus-size bodies. I tested several plus-size pajamas on my size 12 body to see how they compared and assessed them based on several criteria. I considered factors like size selection, comfort level, material, price, design and durability. I also checked out real-world reviews to ensure that the pajamas work for all kinds of body types, whether you’re looking for a pair of flannel pajamas or a pajama short set.
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
Out of all the plus-size pajamas for women I’ve tested, Cozy Earth’s bamboo pajamas with the stretch-knit stood out a bit above the rest. Like many others, I cannot sleep wearing anything too hot or heavy and sometimes go without wearing anything if it means a better night’s sleep. These pajamas made that a non-issue. The pajamas, made of premium viscose bamboo and spandex, are lightweight enough and felt barely there, yet still kept my body temperature regulated throughout the night. The enhanced breathability of the fabric also helped prevent night sweats.
The oversized is more comfortable and ideal for plus-size body types. I also loved the fabric’s stretch-knit because of its ability to be stretchy enough to move with my body while not being too stretchy where it bunches up in the wrong places. To top it off, the design of the pajamas is beautiful and classic, perfect for lounge nights on the couch bingeing your favorite show or a wine night with your girlfriends.
Keeping all body shapes in mind, the pajamas come in sizes extra-small to XXX-large, as well as height options in regular and tall. Several colorways are available, whether you prefer classic black or something more fun like a pastel or floral print. The only gripe with these Cozy Earth pajamas is their price, which is high for the average shopper, however, they’re a pair of high-quality investment pajamas that will last for years.
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COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
Kill two birds with one stone with this two-pack pajama set from Real Essentials. If you need to stock up on some cozy pajamas or want to use them as gifts, this set is a must-consider choice. A fantastic deal for the money, you can get a two-pack of plus-size pajamas for women for under $50.
These pajamas are truly made to be multi-use. Their soft and stretchy fabric features a loose-fitting design, making them incredibly comfortable to sleep in. And though they’re great for sleep, I wouldn’t feel embarrassed to lounge in them around the house with friends over. This is thanks to their design that partially looks like a pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeve top.
Plus, this set has options, options and more options. You can choose between over 20 colors or patterns and short and long sleeves. Find them in sizes small to 3X. I got the Heather gray and blue tie-dye set, since I think I’ll get the most use out of those, both wearing them as pajamas and around the house.
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Thin fabric
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
The best flannel award goes to this pajama set from Maurices. In classic black and red, I love the larger squares in this version that are consistent throughout the top and bottom. And though I’m a fan of the classic flannel design, these are the best flannel plus-size pajamas for women because of their comfort and fit. When it comes to bedtime clothes, I prefer things that are a relaxed fit so they’re easy to toss and turn in—and that’s exactly what these provided. The knitted fabric has a rayon and spandex makeup, which is super soft against my skin and flexible to move in. At night I could move around the bed as needed and they were also cozy to lounge in during the day.
Conveniently, these pajamas come in a set, so you don’t have to purchase the top and bottom separately. The top has long sleeves for extra warmth, a short V-neck and an easy button-up closure. The bottoms have a flowy, wide-leg design and a drawstring waist to adjust to my hip size. A plus-size-friendly brand, these Maurices pajamas come in a wide range of sizes from extra-small to 3X. Plus, they’re easily machine washable and will last through many washes.
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May not be as breathable or durable as other styles
COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
Of all the pajamas I tried, I loved that the Audra Plus came in a set. I’ve had times while online shopping where I fall in love with a top and then go to buy the matching pants and they’re sold out, or vice versa, which is such a letdown. You don’t have to worry about that with this all-in-one set. However, I sometimes buy a size bigger for bottoms, as I tend to be a little more bottom-heavy than top-heavy, but everything seemed to fit just right with this set. This is thanks to the pajamas’ stretchier fabric and the brand’s size-inclusive focus and thoughtfulness about designing for plus-size bodies.
The Adore Me fun designs also stood out. Pajamas are so much more exciting to wear in a color or print that speaks to you. I got the navy and white stars and stripes print, but they also come in pink and red hearts prints. With a square neckline, lettuce edge detail and capri-style leggings, their design also makes them feel elevated enough to comfortably wear around the house throughout the day. They come in sizes extra-small to 4X.
My only grip is that the pajamas were form-fitting, which is not my personal favorite fit for plus-size pajamas. I tend to gravitate toward looser-fitting sleepwear, however, these would be great for those who love a tighter fit. The fabric, made of polyester, recycled polyester and a spandex blend, isn’t as soft as other pajamas I’ve tried but still feels breathable and nice against the skin.
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COURTESY OLIVIA HANSON
