Which Sleepwear Fabric is Best for My Skin?
When it comes to picking out a set of comfy pajamas, there is a lot that one needs to consider. Shirt and pants or nightgown? Am I trying to stay warm or keep cool? Paw prints or kitty fabric? Something that is often overlooked is how the fabric of your sleepwear can affect your skin while you sleep. If you are going to wear these jammies eight hours a night, you are going to want something that lets both you and your skin sleep soundly and comfortably all night long. So, what fabric should you choose to make sure your skin is living its best life? Well, that depends on you. No two people have the same skin, which means that everyone's skin care journey is different. Read on to learn about the most popular fabrics used in sleepwear and which is best for your skin.
Silk
Silk is a great sleepwear fabric because of its hypoallergenic quality. Its natural protein structure is perfect for people with allergies and is soft on your skin despite its incredible strength. Even better, silk lets your skin breathe and helps your body regulate temperature easily when the seasons start to change. The downside of this luxurious fabric is that it is extremely absorbent. This is good for people who tend to sweat more while they sleep, but it also means that silk pajamas need to be cleaned more often. It is generally recommended that silk clothes be dry cleaned, but the best way to figure out what cleaning method is best for your silk sleepwear is to read the tag. If you don't mind the extra cleaning hassle and have allergies or sensitive skin, silk is a great choice for you.
Cotton
Cotton is a super soft material that has been used for generations, and for good reason! This fabric is great for all skin types because its natural fibers make it both hypoallergenic and extremely breathable. In addition, it is durable and easy to wash, making it a good option for kids as well. Like silk, cotton is very good at absorbing moisture, meaning you will want to wash your cotton nightgown more often than other fabrics in order to keep bacteria from growing on your sleepwear. One downside to this incredibly versatile fabric is that it does not insulate well. If you choose cotton pajamas but tend to get chilly at night, throw an extra blanket or two on the bed before you tuck in for the evening. Flannel pajamas are the exception here and will keep you comfy and warm even during those cold winter nights.
Linen
Similar to silk, linen is considered a luxury fabric when it comes to sleepwear. Linen pajamas are often well worth the extra expense, however, because of its soft feel and breathability. Dishing out a little more on high quality linen sleepwear can be considered an investment though, as the durable fabric can last several years without losing its best qualities. One issue with linen as a pajama fabric is that it wrinkles easily. If you don't mind a more rumpled look when you get out of bed, linen is a great choice for you. Otherwise, get ready to whip out your iron every once in a while to restore your pajamas to their former glory.
Polyester
Polyester is one of the most versatile synthetic materials in the clothing game, sleepwear included. It's a petroleum-derived plastic that can be used to make anything from plastic bottles to pajama bottoms, and because of this it has a lot of great qualities for sleepwear. Fabrics made with polyester tend to be durable, wrinkle-resistant, quick drying, and do not absorb moisture like silk or cotton. Nowadays, polyester is also made to be breathable, making it great for activewear as well as your pajamas. One issue with synthetic fiber is that it is often not very eco-friendly, so be sure to read the tags of your potential pj choices and look for polyester fabrics that are recycled or biodegradable.