I have trouble sleeping (thanks, anxiety!), so I try to make my sleep environment as calming and comfortable as possible. But all of the lavender and memory foam pillows are for naught if I crawl into bed in an uncomfortable sleep shirt. Sleep shirts are my pajamasof the moment for the obvious reason—no pants—but they need to be soft, not only for comfort but also because my brain thinks any scratchiness on my skin is a spider. However, finding an affordable sleep tee that’s also super soft is a challenge. After many trials (and spider scares), these are the best soft tees under $50 that I’ve deemed worthy.

Best Sleep Shirts

Good American Essential Boyfriend Crew Tee — $39.00

Snuggling up in this soothingly-hued shirt is like a hot towel for my brain, letting me pretend for a moment that I’m in a relaxing setting and not a small apartment littered with cardboard boxes I keep forgetting to take out to the recycle bin even though I stare at them every day from my couch.

Softwear T-Shirt — $27.00

This shirt very much lives up to the brand name—it feels like if all-purpose flour somehow didn’t get everywhere and came in shirt form. (Seriously. Name something softer than putting your hands in a bag of all-purpose flour.) It has a draped fit that’s perfect when you don’t want to give off melancholy lampshade vibes in an oversized tee, but you also don’t want something fitted.

Free People Best Of Me Baby Tee — $30.00

This tee plus a cute pair of underwear is my “Sigourney Weaver in Alien” look, except instead of programming a spaceship so I can go into cryosleep I’m trying to figure out how to turn my oven light off before laying in bed and tending to the existential crises I’ve been avoiding all day.

Hanes Wear Around Nightshirt — $15.00

I’m at the “learning how to embroider because I want to open an Etsy shop” stage of this pandemic, and these affordable sleep shirts give me something to practice on in addition to being ultra comfy for sleeping.

Intimissimi Ultrafresh Supima Cotton Nightdress — $39.00

This Supima cotton tee basically lets you take your bed with you wherever you wear it, because it feels like it’s made out of really fancy sheets.

Soma Cool Nights Short Sleeve Sleep Shirt — $44.00

If you’re a hot sleeper, try this drape-y sleep shirt made out a fabric that helps keep you cool and won’t get all staticky and stick to your legs.

Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew — $30.00

Technically this is from the men’s section; for sleeping, I prefer the fit and the length over the women’s cotton tees. There are also 12 colors to choose from; I’m partial to hues like heather oat and black, but there’s also a smattering of less-neutral shades in blue and green.

Ekouaer Women's Nightgown — $13.00

If the word “nightgown” gives you Ebenezer Scrooge vibes, this option might change your mind. This long, oversized shirt is soft and comfy, available in tons of colors, and can be worn around the house without stirring the ghost of Christmas Past.

Nordstrom Moonlight Dolman Sleeve Nightshirt — $16.00

With dolman sleeves and a flowy fit, this tee is ideal for sleeping, napping, or lounging around at home. No pants required.

Amazon Essentials Women's Piped Nightshirt — $13.00

This nightshirt has the style of a button-up but the softness of your favorite jersey tee. It has fun contrasting piping, a front chest pocket, and long sleeves if your arms tend to get a little chilly at night.

Fruit of the Loom Sleep Shirt — $15.00

You’ll be tempted to keep your pajamas on when leaving this house with this sleep shirt, which looks like a classic t-shirt dress. It’s lightweight, has a wide crew neck, and a relaxed fit for all day comfort.

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