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Picture this: You’re settling in for some self-care—a marathon of your favorite show, a face mask, some takeout—and the finishing touch is wrapping yourself up in your favorite pajamas. Yet, despite your cozy setup, your skin is crawling. You just can’t relax.
Experts in This Article
board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology
director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
Feeling a little itchy? Take a look at the tags on your PJs because your discomfort could be coming from what you’re wearing. Sure, a particularly coarse wool sweater may be an obvious offender, but a broad range of materials can irritate the complexions of those with sensitive skin or eczema. Even the softest pajama sets or lounge pants can be deceiving, so keep reading to learn what materials are sensitive-skin friendly and the best sets to shop.
Which fabrics are good for sensitive skin?
“Many artificial fabrics, like nylon and spandex, hold heat and moisture against the skin, which can be irritating and even lead to rashes and breakouts,” explains Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, Canada. She recommends seeking out soft, natural fabrics like linen, cotton, silk, bamboo, and even cashmere, as long as they are woven with a fine fiber and don’t feature toxic dyes. “These fabrics are gentle on the skin because they help regulate the body’s heat and moisture levels, keeping skin balanced,” she says.
If you are going with a synthetic, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, previously told us to opt for viscose, which is a cellulose derived from wood pulp and fast-growing plants, like bamboo and sugarcane. Or, layer a natural fiber, like a cotton tank or leggings, underneath your synthetic PJs so those fibers don’t come in contact directly with your skin.
Once you start scanning the tags on your clothing, you might be surprised by how many of your garments are actually made with synthetic blends. But take this as an opportunity as an excuse to shop for a whole new loungewear wardrobe. Below, check out some of our favorite loungewear and pajamas for sensitive skin, guaranteed to ditch the itch for a relaxing night in.
8 pajamas for sensitive skin you'll *actually* relax in
Brooklinen, Adelphi Jumpsuit — $61.00
It makes sense that a brand recognized for its cozy sheets would also make equally comfy loungewear. This jumpsuit uses jersey, a blend of cotton and modal (a breathable fabric made of material derived from beech trees), for a soft and multifunctional piece you’ll want to wear whether you’re finishing errands or that last season of Succession for the third time. Choose from black, olive green, or limited-edition shades like dusty rose and deep alpine.
Available sizes: XS-XL
Lake, Pocket Pants Set — $136.00
For fans of the vintage, ’50s-inspired PJ set, add this one from Lake to your cart. The brand makes airy, skin-friendly sets made from feel-good fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, and modal. This stripey set happens to be made from lightweight cotton poplin that allows your skin to breathe easy, whether you’re padding around the living room or snuggled under the covers. We’re a sucker for the stripes, though, which come in yellow, blue, and green.
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Hillhouse Home, The Ellie Nap Dress — $125.00
Everyone loves the nap dresses from Hillhouse Home for their versatility (we’ve even seen them worn to weddings!), but this is the one we find ourselves reaching for time and time again on lazy Sundays. We feel like we’re floating in the lightweight cotton fabric, while the sheer material and delicate ruffles add a subtle hint of Victorian era-esque sex appeal. Slip it on for all-day comfort, no Victorian fainting couch needed.
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Splits59, Flore French Terry 7/8 Sweatpants — $158.00
This classic style from must-try athleisure brand Splits59 is made from French terry, a form of cotton that features super-soft tiny loops on the inside to help wick sweat away from your body, keeping it dry and cool. They’re the perfect pair of sweatpants to throw on for your post-spin cool-down or catch-up over coffee.
Lululemon, Classic-Fit Cotton-Blend T-Shirt — $58.00
Have a synthetic sweater you just can’t part with on rainy days? Slip this T-shirt underneath as a barrier between the sweater and your skin. It gets its softness courtesy of a blend of cotton, linen, and lyocell, a fabric often made of eucalyptus trees, and it comes in a variety of colors and size options. And it’s not just for lounging—it’s a wear anywhere T-shirt perfect for any occasion.
Available sizes: 0-20
Lunya, Airy Cotton Sleep Shirt Dress — $159.00
Metaphorically, don’t sleep on this shirt dress from Lunya—but literally do, because it’s shockingly comfortable. Made from 100 percent cotton, you can cozy up in it worry-free whether the tips are soaring or plummeting. Its menswear-inspired style looks just as effortlessly cool when worn buttoned halfway over jeans as it does worn as pajamas. Bonus: The brand also offers a broad spectrum of washable silk pajama option you’ll love to lounge in.
Available sizes: XS-XL
Alo, Jet Set Cashmere Crew — $275.00
Anyone with sensitive skin knows that wool is often a no-go due to its coarseness. But cashmere—a yarn that is woven from softer goat hair—is often a better, much silkier and indulgent option. This snuggly top can be dressed up or down, making it a must-have piece—add a bold lip when you need to look professional on Zoom calls, then wash your face and apply a sheet mask post-meeting to de-compress. For maximum coziness, snag the matching sweatpants. Available in gray, black, and a limited-edition navy.
Available sizes: XXS-L
Eberjey, Inez Washable Silk Short PJ Set — $258.00
“Smooth as silk” is an expression for a reason—the fabric glides over the skin to leave it cool and comfortable, not rashy or red. You may have heard that silk clothing is challenging to care for, but not these luxe PJs from Eberjey. They’re made from washable silk that can be tossed in with the rest of your laundry, negating the need for time-consuming hand washing. Choose from four luxurious colors that bring new meaning to the phrase “beauty sleep”: Navy, powder blue, rose gold, and champagne.
Available sizes: XS-XL
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