I like to think I sleep better in sustainable pyjamas and nightwear. In reality, I tend to sleep better knowing that all the clothes I wear are made fairly and from sustainable materials. How about you? If so, you’re in the right place, as it’s time for another sustainable shopping guide, and this time it’s sleepwear!
Sustainable and second-hand fashion has become the only type of fashion that I’ll shop, and the same goes for my pj’s. When I first started looking, there weren’t many sleepwear brands out there proclaiming ethical and sustainable principles, but I’m happy to say that has changed over time, and so I wanted to share a guide to what to look for in sustainably pyjamas, and the best brands in the UK!
What To Look For In Sustainable Pyjamas & Sleepwear
When it comes to garments you sleep in, you really want to look for materials that let your skin breathe. After all, we’re sleeping for almost 1/3 of our lives, so we’re wearing these items for 1/3 of our lives too!
When it comes to sustainable materials, the ones I would recommend for nightwear are:
- Organic cotton (look for closed-loop water systems around cotton too, to reduce the amount of water needed to produce the material)
- Linen (this will often be blended with cotton to create a lighter fabric – check out Bocan Couture’s nightgowns* for beautiful, luxurious linen options)
- Hemp (go for lightweight hemp-cotton blends for a better sleep)
- Modal (which is a tree-based fabric, akin to bamboo viscose)
- Peace silk (silk worms are not killed in the process of producing peace silk, unlike regular silk)
- Cashmere (if sourced ethically – note this is not a vegan material)
It’s also worth noting that satin is not a material – it’s a type of weave. Many pyjama sets are labelled as ‘satin’ to give an air of luxury, but the material will most likely be polyester, which is a man-made fabric derived from oil. It also emits plastic microfibres when you wear or wash it, which isn’t good for you or for the planet.
My Sustainable Nightwear Collection
Super Soft Night Set from Gretes
When it comes to my own nightwear, I like to have a mix of pieces that are suitable for summer and winter. For in-between weather, I’ll add or remove layers, and also change up my bedding.
One of my favourite sets to sleep in is this bralette and pair of trousers from (now defunct) Gretes. They pioneered the use of Naia, a cellulosic fibre that feels similar to silk. It’s so soft on my skin and so nice to slip under the covers in.
Pink Bow Nightie by Petrizzi
This sweet organic cotton nightie with lace trim was kindly gifted by Petrizzi a few years ago, and it’s my go-to nightie for the warmer months. Made from organic cotton, it’s light, soft, and keeps my body cool while sleeping. Did you know, it’s easier to drift off to sleep when your body is cool?
Organic Cotton Nightie from Thought
Going into the winter months, I like to switch into this organic cotton nightie from Thought. It was a beautiful Christmas present from my boyfriend, and has lasted a good few years of sleep!
When it’s particularly cold, I can pair with leggings or even slip a t-shirt underneath.
(I’m also not afraid of wearing the odd t-shirt or loungewear set to bed! Forget Marie Kondo’s advice – if you can repurpose something as sleepwear, more power to you!)
Peper Harow Bed Socks
I have to add my favourite sleepwear accessory into the mix! If you haven’t tried sleeping in bed socks, you’re missing out. My favourite bed socks* are from Peper Harow, made in their little factory here in Sussex. Read my full review →
Bed socks are made for lounging about and sleeping in, and these socks are soft and comfy, yet cool enough to wear all night long. Our little cottage gets a bit chilly at this time of year so these have become an essential alongside my PJs!
14 Of The Best Sustainable Pyjamas & Nightwear Brands in UK
So, onto the best places to shop for sustainable sleepwear! Just like your pillow and mattress, consider how you like to sleep when buying pyjamas – silk ones may look nice, but if you like to be sleep warm, you’ll never wear them! Practicality is best, and helps reduce overconsumption too.
Bocan Couture*: Luxury nightgowns for weddings and special occasions. I love their linen collection!
Charlotte Dunn Design: Pyjama sets with the cutest prints, made from organic cotton in the UK.
Desmond & Dempsey: B-Corp making luxury pjs and nightgowns in beautiful fabrics and prints.
Lavender Hill*: PJs and loungewear in super soft materials, with great ethical and sustainable credentials.
Leticia Credidio: Luxuriously soft, slinky sleepwear made to softly hug the body in unisex styles.
Linen Tales*: High quality linen sleepwear made in Europe. Read my full review →
Noctu: Slouchy organic cotton sleepwear for men, women, and children, plus home accessories.
Organic Basics*: Danish brand making eco loungewear and basics from organic cotton and Tencel.
Peachaus*: Traditional cotton pyjama shirts and trousers, made ethically.
Peper Harow*: My favourite sock brand, making my favourite bed socks, here in the UK!
Pretty You London: Slow fashion pyjama sets and nightwear made using bamboo.
Sauths: Classic pyjama sets made from two staple materials; organic cotton and linen.
The Sleep Shirt: Luxury sleepwear made ethically in Canada, with shipping to the UK.
Yawn: Beautiful slow fashion sleepwear in classic cuts with hand drawn prints.
I hope this guide helps! Let me know if you have any other recommendations too!
