Linen Loungewear and Pyjama Sets: What to Look For
Linen pyjamas and loungewear are worth buying if you sleep warm, live somewhere hot, or want loungewear that looks good enough to wear outside the house. They are not worth buying if you want the brushed softness of cotton jersey from the first night. Linen is crisp when new, creases overnight, and softens with every wash.
Here is what linen sleepwear is like to live in, which set shapes exist, and what to check before you order one.
What linen feels like at home and in bed
It runs cool. Linen is spun from flax fibres that are long and hollow. It lets air through, absorbs moisture and dries quickly, so it does not cling when you are warm. That is why it suits hot sleepers and humid nights.
It starts crisp and softens. A new linen set has a little stiffness. After a few washes it relaxes into something softer and more drapey. If you want softness on day one, linen is not the cloth for you.
It creases, and that is fine. You will wake up creased. Nobody sees pyjamas, and loungewear that looks slightly lived in is part of the look. If you need to look crisp, a steamer or an iron on a damp piece fixes it in minutes.
It is not a warm fabric. In a cold bedroom, linen alone will not keep you warm the way flannel or brushed cotton will. For cool nights you add a layer, or choose a different cloth for winter. That is an honest limit, not a flaw.
Five shapes of set
- Shirt and shorts: the pink linen pyjama short set has a loose shell-button shirt of 24 inches (61 cm) with half sleeves, and shorts with an elastic waist and pockets. The shorts have an outseam of 15 inches (38 cm). It is the coolest of the five.
- Shirt and wide trousers: the striped linen pyjama set pairs a loose full sleeve shirt with back-elasticated trousers that have side slits and pockets. The trousers are 37 inches (94 cm) long.
- Short sleeve shirt and high waist pants: the pyjama set with an oversized short sleeve shirt has a spread collar, a hidden placket and two patch pockets, with fully elasticated high waisted pants of 37 inches (94 cm). The page says each piece can be bought individually or as a set.
- Sleeveless top and pants: the two piece loungewear set has a sleeveless round neck top with a side frill, 24 inches (61 cm), and elasticated waist pants of 35 inches (89 cm) with patch pockets.
- Lounge co-ord: the lounge co-ord set has a V-neck shirt with a mandarin collar and full sleeves, with fully elasticated trousers. This one can be bought individually or as a set, and it is smart enough to wear out of the house.
Pyjamas or loungewear?
The names overlap, and the difference is mostly how you plan to wear the set. A sleepwear set is cut loose with an elastic or back-elastic waist and is for the bedroom. A lounge co-ord has a collar and a cleaner line, and you could wear it to the shops or the garden. If you want one set that does both jobs, the lounge co-ord and the short sleeve pyjama set are the better bets, and for outfits that split into separate pieces, see our guide to linen co-ord sets.
What to check before you order
- Shirt length and hip. A loose shirt should fall over the hip without riding up. Compare the listed length with your own.
- The waist. A back-elasticated waist is forgiving. A fully elasticated one is the most comfortable. A pocket in the trousers is useful at home too.
- Separate sizes. The top and the bottom of a set rarely need the same size. Each piece can be cut to its own measurements, so a top and a trouser that would normally need two different sizes can come out right together.
- Colour. The range comes in thirty-six shades. Paler colours show more through in daylight, which matters little for sleepwear and more for loungewear.
The set is cut and stitched after you order it. Choose XS to 3XL from the size guide, or send your measurements through the custom order page and we cut to them at no extra cost. Send them within 24 hours of ordering.
Caring for linen sleepwear
Wash on a gentle cycle in cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. You do not need fabric softener, since linen softens by itself. The garment care page has the full list. The set is medium weight OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified pure linen, which means the cloth has been tested for harmful substances, a fair thing to want in something you sleep in.
The verdict
Choose linen for hot nights and for loungewear you also want to be seen in. Choose cotton or flannel if you run cold or want softness on night one. For heat, our piece on whether linen is good for hot, humid weather explains the fabric side. See the full range in linen co-ord sets.
Frequently asked questions
Is linen good for pyjamas?
Yes, if you sleep warm. Linen is breathable and absorbs moisture, so it stays comfortable in heat. It is crisp when new and softens with washing, and it does not keep you warm in a cold room.
Will linen pyjamas be itchy?
New linen can feel crisp rather than soft. It relaxes over the first few washes. If you have very sensitive skin, wash a piece once before wearing it for the first time.
Can I buy the shirt or the trousers on their own?
On some sets, yes. The product pages for the lounge co-ord set and the oversized short sleeve pyjama set say the pieces can be bought individually or as a set. Check the page for the set you want.
Can the top and bottom be different sizes?
Yes. Each piece can be cut to its own measurements, so you do not have to compromise between a top size and a trouser size.
How long does a pyjama set take to arrive?
Production takes 2 to 5 business days, and your order arrives 15 to 20 days after you place it, dispatch included.