14 Best Silk Pajamas for Women 2023

18 items in this article 4 items on sale!

18 items in this article 4 items on sale!

When you’re tired of the old T-shirt-and-sweatpants combo, slipping into silk pajamas can be a welcome indulgence. The problem is that the market for silk sleepwear can be intimidating — especially since a higher price tag doesn't always guarantee higher quality. "I’ve definitely seen silk pajamas retail for several hundred dollars that I felt should have cost about half that," says Cora Harrington, author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie. To help you take the plunge into the glamorous world of silk PJs, I assembled a panel of lingerie-store owners, undergarment consultants, and all-around pajama obsessives and asked about their favorites — and put several sets to the test myself.

As best we could, we tried to feature pajamas with inclusive size ranges.

Silk quality is measured by momme weight, which represents the heft and weight of the fabric, explains Lori Kaplan, founder of Bra Tenders. The higher the number, the better the quality. However, most brands won't list this figure. So we turned our focus to finding highly recommended sleepwear that is made mostly, if not completely, from silk, noting the type whenever possible (along with whether it's washable). One thing to note is that a silky feel doesn't always mean that the pajamas are made of silk; some are made from silk-looking polyester or more affordable silk blends.

You want silk to be worth the expense — and the devil's in the details. Features like French seams, piped trim, and one-of-a-kind prints are what Harrington looks for when shopping, and that's especially true with pricier pajamas. We made sure to be meticulous about noting standout features in each pick below.

"If it seems too good to be true — for example, a ‘silk’ pajama set for $100 — then it probably is," Harrington says. Professional undergarment educator Kimmay Caldwell feels the same way, explaining what a production it is to manufacture silk, including the making of the material itself (shoutout to silkworms). We denoted the recommendations below as either $ (under $200), $$ ($200–$250), or $$$ (over $250).

Sizes: XS–2X | Material: 100 percent washable silk | Design: Oversize top, no-twist waistband, pocket | Price: $

The Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set boasts the Strategist seal of approval twice over. Back in 2019, former Strategist writer Hilary Reid put the set to the test while reporting on machine-washable silk. She described the silk as luxurious — somewhere between matte and shiny. "The cut of this set felt particularly conducive to sleeping," she wrote. "If I could replace all of my pajamas with these, I would."

A couple years later, I asked the brand to send me the set, so I could try it for myself, and can say that the review holds up. The set is designed to help regulate your body temperature, and I felt it delivered, as it didn't make me feel too hot or too cold (I usually sweat in my sleep). The oversize tee is enormous — elephantine, really. You’re swathed in silk when it's on. I love that airiness, as the top doesn't cling to my torso, but you might size down if you prefer a closer cut. The length of the tee nearly reaches the hem of the shorts, which are cut at an angle to show a little more leg.

Sarah Flint, founder of the eponymous shoe company, and yoga instructor Kate Posch both count this PJ set as a favorite. Flint likes the convenience — just throw the tee and shorts in the wash and lay flat to dry — and comfort. Posch says, "They feel like you aren't wearing anything." And though the design is minimalist, Lunya often offers the set in limited-edition prints and colors if your taste is more maximalist.

Sizes: XS–XXL | Material: 100 percent washable mulberry silk | Design: Adjustable shoulder straps, double-layer shorts, pleated V-neck | Price: $

Compared to other companies featured on this list, LilySilk is on the more affordable side. Harrington says the price doesn't make the brand's pieces any less lavish, however, because LilySilk uses mulberry silk in much of its sleepwear — including for this camisole set. I requested it from the company. It's a classic lingerie-inspired set, but it's not at all fussy. There's more detailing on it than on Lunya's — with pleating along the V-neck and a curved hem on the shorts that resembles petals. And I should note that while I unintentionally put these in the dryer, the camisole and shorts came out okey — without shrinking or becoming super-wrinkled (the brand recommends a proper hang-drying instead).

Sizes: XS–XL | Material: 100 percent washable mulberry silk | Design: Cropped tee with pocket, collar, side slits on pants | Price: $

If you’re in search of full-length pants, you might try this Quince set, which Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo counts as part of her nighttime routine. Like Lilysilk, Quince uses mulberry silk in its washable offerings. Corsillo compares the texture of the set to "blueberries or grapes early in the morning that have a little frostiness to their skin." This crispness makes the pajamas not as claustrophobic-feeling as other silk she's put on — and it helps that they can hold heat well on cold nights. (The side slits would be especially breathable for a hot sleeper.) Although they’re a "treat to slip into bed in," Corsillo points out that the short-sleeved, cropped, and collared shirt passes for a button-down you can wear out. After hearing her recommendation, I asked the company if they would let me try out the top and matching shorts. Both pieces are definitely on the cropped side (I’m around five-foot-two, and they were even short on me), but each has that comfortable airiness that Corsillo promised. And each is more matte (at least in the black shade I received) than expected — a feature that makes them feel less precious. And for their price tags, the pieces are made very well. I have yet to see a loose thread on them in the months since their arrival.

Sizes: XXS–XXL | Material: 100 percent washable silk | Design: Rib-trim top, patch pocket with piping | Price: $

Karlie Kloss–approved Sleepy Jones makes menswear-inspired machine-washable silk PJs. Its Marina set appeared in an earlier version of our pajama guide, having convinced Casey Larkin Blond, owner of ready-to-wear label Mr. Larkin, to update her habit of sleeping in whatever T-shirts she finds in her husband's drawers. Courtney Somer, founder of fragrance line Lake & Skye, calls hers an "overdue bedtime upgrade." But I was most intrigued by the label's Leanora set and asked the brand to send it to me for review. I like the ease of this style. It's similar to Lunya's — though it's less oversize and more matte — and it has a hint of piping along a patch pocket.

Sizes: XS–5X | Material: 97 percent mulberry silk, 3 percent elastane | Design: Patch pocket, piping, wide-leg | Price: $$$

London-based label Karen Mabon is expensive but well worth it, as several of our experts name-checked the brand. It's known for playful patterns such as this not-too-twee botanical design. Content creator Lucy Litman describes its pajamas as "chic enough to roll out of bed and look like you put in maximum effort." Anello (who was, full disclosure, gifted a pair) seconds this, saying that since the one-of-a-kind prints can be worn outside the house, the price tag is more justifiable. This set is made from mulberry silk and elastane, which gives the pair a little extra stretch. Harrington praises the brand for its size inclusivity, a rarity in the silk-sleepwear market.

Morgan Lane does prints very well too. In my reporting for this piece, I ordered a version of this sleep shirt from the brand to see what it was all about. It feels as fine as silk, though it's made with a blend of the material and mostly viscose. Plus, you can get its pajamas monogrammed, unlike others on this list. (I’m currently testing Roy G.'s psychedelic, tie-dye Silk Flutter Shorts and Silk Camisole — I’ll add my full thoughts to the next update of this guide. )

[Editor's note: Karen Mabon lists all prices in pounds, so the price shown below is an approximate conversion to U.S. dollars.]

Sizes: XS–XL | Material: 100 percent silk | Design: Piping, notched collar, mother-of-pearl buttons | Price: $$$

If you’re going to really invest in silk sleepwear, Olivia von Halle is your best bet. The British brand won our "most mentioned" title — it's a favorite of lingerie-industry expert Ellen Lewis, Catbird chief creative officer Leigh Plessner, and Shopbop fashion director Caroline Maguire. Harrington says the label offers an "unbeatable classic pajama" — this one features all the trimmings, including mother-of-pearl buttons. Plessner still owns a pair from when the label first launched (her daughter will inherit it), comparing the silk to "a kitten's paw" and the piping along the sleeves to "the edge of an elegant pastry." Olivia von Halle's sets often sell out, as trendcasters previously warned us, but as of press time, this version of the Lila — which features a colorful crocodile pattern — is still available in almost every size.

Sizes: XS–L | Material: 100 percent washable silk | Design: Adjustable straps, seamless sides, satin trim | Price: $

A delightful fact I learned in the making of this list: This is the silk version of the spaghetti-strapped sheer Hanro shirt Nicole Kidman wears in Eyes Wide Shut. The Swiss lingerie label is Caldwell-approved for its "extreme dedication to quality fabrics," and this camisole is just one example of that — it's part of what Caldwell calls "surprise silk" from the line, knitted to look like a fine rib. Despite its shapewear feel — it's slightly fitted and semi-see-through — you could wear it out. It's designed to be like thermal underwear for the coldest of days, Caldwell adds.

Sizes: 0–4 (equivalent to XS–XL) | Material: 100 percent silk charmeuse (hand-wash recommended) | Design: V-neck front and back, side slits at hem, bra-friendly | Price: $

Nileta's tank is an even more affordable alternative to Hanro's already-inexpensive (for silk) top. It's another recommendation from our archives: Reid tested out the cami along with its matching tap shorts. The shirt is made from silk charmeuse, which means it features a satin weave that's extra lustrous compared to Lunya's more matte fabric, Reid explains. An important note here: Nileta prewashes its silk (saving you a trip to the dry cleaners) and recommends laundering its products by hand. Reid missed that memo, but surprisingly, these survived the washing machine — and Reid says she’d put them through it again. "The fabric looked as shiny-silky post-machine cycle as it did before," she says.

Sizes: XS–5XL | Material: 97 percent mulberry silk, 3 percent elastane | Design: Adjustable straps, midi-length, scooped neckline | Price: $$

Along with a cotton printed set that I included in our best pajamas guide, Karen Mabon sent me this silk slip to try out recently. I was impressed from the moment I unwrapped it — the slip has that shininess you expect from the fabric without being as showy as some silks can be. I really like that the neckline sits a little high, but it's easy enough to lower if you play around with the adjustable straps. It feels rich, from the detailed horoscope illustrations to the bias cut that's body-skimming. This is a very slinky garment; you could consider it an extravagant piece for a night in or a night out — if you’re so inclined. But it's really nice to sleep in. I didn't feel like my legs were constricted in the slip, which flares out slightly near the bottom of the skirt. Even on the nights I tossed and turned with insomnia, it stayed relatively unrumpled. And If you’re not into astrology, it comes in a pond-themed print (featuring koi fish and flamingoes), along with a "still life" pattern complete with different floral arrangements.

[Editor's note: Karen Mabon lists all prices in pounds, so the price shown below is an approximate conversion to U.S. dollars.]

Sizes: S–XL | Material: 100 percent silk | Design details: Rounded neckline, adjustable straps, racerback | Price: $

Underwear writer Estelle Puleston directed me toward century-old corsetier turned lingerie label Etam. And there's something very "pouting in a boudoir" about its intimates. I liked the elegance of this simple slip. The silk feels fluttery, and it has a pearlescent shine. Part of the lightness comes from the fact that it's unlined. But I think this is a real testament to the silk the brand uses — it's meant to be delicate. Still, the slip has held up against accidentally getting caught in my dresser a number of times (even after I’ve inelegantly tugged it out from the corner of a drawer). And the problem with most slips is the straps, which are usually spaghetti-thin and fall down the shoulders — but the racerback on this one means straps stay in place through the night.

Sizes: S–XL | Material: 100 percent silk charmeuse | Design: Chantilly lace appliques, adjustable straps | Price: $$$

Natori earned a whole host of praise from our panelists (and it's one of our favorite brands for undergarments, full stop). This chemise in particular was recommended by Caldwell as one of the brand's more accessible pieces — especially as it features charming lace appliqués and comes in unexpected shades like "mad" magenta and dragonfruit. Like Nileta's cami, it's made from high-quality silk charmeuse. Kaplan applauds the brand for its beautiful draping. "Honestly, if you’ve never worn silk pajamas, it's a treat to feel something so cool and fluid against the body," she says. Another longtime champion of the label is Plessner. She has a soft spot for Natori, since it was a favorite of her mother's. One of the sets she currently has in rotation are the aptly named Decadence PJs, which she wears with her husband's ratty Radiohead tees and ballet slippers.

Sizes: S–L | Material: 100 percent silk | Design: Lace-trimmed V-front, adjustable straps, low V-back | Price: $$

For a chemise that's a little less pricey, you can't go wrong with Canadian company Christine Lingerie, which comes recommended by Lewis, Harrington and lingerie consultant Holly Jackson. There's something particularly special about this lace-trimmed dress from the brand, with its dramatic scoop back and convenient adjustable straps. Plus it's eerily similar to the Natori chemise but for $125 less. Lewis likes that Christine Lingerie specializes in classic cuts that appear almost vintage, with solids (like this chemise) that are expertly finished and collectible prints that include everything from tropical flowers to tigers. Jackson says that the silks are so well-made that they’ll likely last a lifetime — a fact confirmed by Harrington, who owns a couple of the label's old caftans.

Sizes: S–XL | Material: 100 percent silk | Design: Flowery lace on V-neck, adjustable straps | Price: $

Puleston suggests this Milky Silk number from Etam "for anyone wanting decent-quality silk nightwear on a budget." Compared to the aforementioned Pearly Silk, this one features a lace edge along the top for a more traditional look. (The shine of the silk is similar between the two.) Although Puleston occasionally splurges on silk, she sometimes worries that it will get ruined while sleeping or if worn too often. The lower price of this Etam chemise makes for an excellent cost-per-wear ratio and helps minimize that concern. "It's my most-worn nightdress by far," she estimates. Puleston has worn it so much that it's gotten tiny "gaps" in the fabric, but these are only really visible when the slip is held up to the light. On the plus side, it doubles as a daytime layer that you can wear underneath too-sheer dresses.

Sizes: XS/S–L/XL | Material: 100 percent washable mulberry silk | Design: Interior tie, pleated cuff, side pockets | Price: $$$

Robes exist in that liminal space between loungewear and pajamas — I sometimes sleep in one. So I thought it was fair to include the option here as well. This pick has been plucked out of our best bathrobes guide. It's made from the same mulberry silk seen in the Lunya tee-and-shorts set that topped this list. Immunologist Shruti Naik recommended the robe to us, saying that it was luxurious but functional, as the fabric is machine-washable. I’ve tried it out after receiving it in a PR package in "otium tan," which reads more like a blush in person. I’ll second the fact that it feels very lavish to throw on, especially when I’m wearing a tank top and boxers underneath. And one small feature that makes a difference: The scrunched cuffs let you push up the sleeves easily.

• Chloe Anello, former Strategist writer• Casey Larkin Blond, owner of ready-to-wear label Mr. Larkin• Kimmay Caldwell, professional undergarment educator• Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer• Sarah Flint, founder of the eponymous shoe company• Cora Harrington, author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie• Holly Jackson, lingerie consultant• Lori Kaplan, founder of Bra Tenders• Ellen Lewis, lingerie-industry expert and partner at Lingerie Briefs• Lucy Litman, content creator• Caroline Maguire, Shopbop fashion director• Leigh Plessner, Catbird chief creative officer• Kate Posch, yoga instructor• Estelle Puleston, lingerie writer and founder of Esty Lingerie• Hilary Reid, former Strategist writer• Courtney Somer, founder of fragrance line Lake & Skye

Additional reporting by Lauren Ro, Hilary Reid, and Katherine Gillespie

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