Put down the polyester and don’t even think about heading to the high-street. Organic pyjamas are the only nightwear you should consider!
Not only are natural, biodegradable materials like organic cotton and bamboo better for the environment, but they’re also wonderful for letting your skin breathe and feel healthy overnight.
We’ve tried and tested each pj set ourselves, so your next good night’s sleep is on us!
Our hand-picked selection of organic pyjamas is divided into two categories, based on the organic fabric they are made from (cotton or bamboo). Click on the fabric here below to reach the selection, or keep reading to discover our personal recommendations based on what you’re looking for (from summer pyjamas to maternity pyjamas, we’ve got you covered!).
Let’s jump right in:
- Best long sleeves pyjamas for winter
- Best short sleeves pyjamas for summer
- Simple one-piece pyjamas
- Best plus-size pyjamas
- Best maternity pyjamas (with nursing function)
- Most elegant pyjamas (kimonos)
- Most versatile pyjamas (loungewear)
- Best pyjamas to offer
The best organic cotton pyjamas
Best Organic Cotton Pyjamas for Winter in the UK, by Sister Organics
About the brand: Natalie, owner of Sister Organics in Dartmouth, creates beautiful pyjama sets for women. She chose the name Sister Organics to represent the importance of female relationships. In general, she uses 100% organic cotton and sometimes jersey cotton for the pyjama tops. All her cotton nightwear has free UK shipping too!
What makes them the best winter pjs: Made of 100% organic cotton, it’s comfortable and good looking. The soft knitted jersey and brushed organic cotton trousers will keep you warm on cold winter nights (and lazy mornings).
We love it because: The design of these handmade pyjamas is so thoughtful. Some have pockets (hurrah!) and don’t have seams at the sides. If you are a side sleeper, like some of us, you’ll know how uncomfortable large seams can be. So, we recommend this product especially for side sleepers needing a little extra comfort. We had a really hard time selecting just one set of pyjamas to review for you, because there are just so many to select from. Sister Organics has a wide range of styles. Kimonos and robes, pj shorts and tank tops, to short sleeves and full length bottoms. It’s all going on here!
Best Organic Cotton Pyjamas for Summer, by People Tree
About the brand: People Tree are one of our favourite ethical pyjamas companies. They make modern, 100% cotton pyjamas using certified organic cotton! People Tree pyjamas partner with Fusion, a Fairtrade company that helps to turn their carefully selected natural cotton (Soil Association Certified) into funky pyjama designs. (And they would look stunning on your brand new bamboo towel rail).
What makes them great for summer: The soft, premium organic cotton they use is great for sweaty summer nights, as it’s such a good breathable fabric. But we particularly like their various matching tops and bottoms made of the same material. For example, you can get the same top with short sleeves, long sleeves or without sleeves at all, which is perfect for summer as night temperatures can change a lot in summer.
We love it because: We don’t know about you, but as far as we are concerned, a summer body is not a constant during barbecue season. But that wasn’t a problem when we tested People Tree pyjamas as most of their pj’s come with an adjustable, elasticated, and tie waistline, which means they will last you a long time, even if you put on a bit of weight!
Best Maternity Organic Pyjamas, by ESPRIT
About the brand: Made from 95% organic cotton, these maternity pyjamas are sooo comfy. FYI, the other 5% of fabric used for these pyjamas is elastane. And no, elastane isn’t eco-friendly, but it’s a necessary evil to add stretchability. We aren’t faulting ESPRIT too much for that. Their sustainability goals are still impressive (scroll up to read about ESPRIT pjs under Best Organic Pjs for Winter).
What makes them great for maternity: With short sleeves and a generous v-shaped neckline, these pjs won’t restrict movement or make you too hot. The top has a nursing function thanks to the integrated front bodice section, which we thought was useful. We didn’t get a chance to actually nurse while wearing these pjs, but we tested out the motions and we are confident that it would be easy and comfortable to do so.
We love it because: It isn’t always easy to find eco-friendly products, nor pregnancy clothes. So when a product matches both conditions, we can only love it. We also want to mention the design – it’s surprisingly flattering when you’re wearing it too. You’ll be one hot mama!
Simple, One-Piece Pyjamas, by Noctu
About the brand: Noctu named this nightdress Aysu, which is a combination of ay (moon) and su (water), together meaning “clear and lucid as moon water” which is so poetic and just like this Etsy store’s eco practices – transparent and clean! All these products from Noctu are handmade from GOTS certified organic cotton in Bath, England.
What makes them great one-piece pyjama sets: The Aysu 100% cotton nightdress is a super soft, comfy and relaxed way to spend your beauty sleep. Plus, it’s machine washable at 30°C so there’s none of that water-wasting ‘hand wash only’ nonsense. We found the midweight cotton jersey material to be breathable in the summer, but surprisingly cosy in colder weather.
We love it because: There’s a real serenity in simplicity. Noctu manage to incorporate a sense of “hygge” in all their clothing which, for us, translated into a great night’s sleep. The only thing we found a little difficult to stomach was the price (simple designs aren’t always cheap) but after trying out the nightie ourselves, we thought it was worth the money.
Versatile Loungewear Pants, by Noctu
About the brand: Noctu work with Fairtrade suppliers to make these super ethical pyjamas in the UK for sleeping, lounging and a spot of meditation. They’re made entirely from GOTS certified organic cotton with a drawstring waist that you can slouch low on the hips.
What makes them so versatile: Perfect for lounging in or sleeping in (or picking up the kids), these harems from the Noctu Organic Etsy store are so comfortable. We even practiced some Yoga with Adriene while wearing these – it was awesome! That’s why they’re so versatile. You’ll definitely get your moneys worth from these organic pyjamas.
We love it because: Noctu are a UK-based company (that always makes us happy) and their designs are so comfortable. They also use a select colour palette, so you can find t-shirts, nighties, and robes all in the exact same shade (or a complementary shade). Mix and match any of their pyjamas – they will always look great together.
Best Plus Size Organic Pyjamas, by Mate the Label
About the brand: Mate the Label offers a great selection of pyjamas available in plus sizes (up to 3X). These pyjamas are only made from 30% organic cotton, but the remaining 70% is Tencel, one of our favourite eco-friendly fabric. What is really impressive, however, is the Mate and Label annual impact report, which clearly outlines their environmental impact. In 2020, Mate and Label achieved 31.7% lower carbon emissions and 85.3% less water use by using organic cotton jersey rather than conventional cotton. Wow!
What makes them great for plus-size wearers: We’ve selected a tee dress to test out, but they also have two pieces options. We found the tee dress in particular to be one of the most flattering and comfortable nightwear options from all the pjs we tested. The Tencel it is made from is strong when mixed with organic cotton, resulting in stable, breathable, and soft fabric (even after many washes).
We love it because: Pockets!!! No, seriously, there’s nothing more annoying than buying pjs with fake pockets. With this nightie, however, we found the front pocket just the right size for our smartphones. We also liked that we can mix and match this product – add leggings from another brand to turn this light summer nightie into a cosy winter pj set.
Best Pyjamas as a Gift, by Hatley
About the brand: Hatley firmly believes in quality over quantity. Each pyjama bottom and top is designed to last as long as possible, so that you might pass even these pjs down as family heirlooms! We like that Hatley are clear about where and how their pyjamas are made. A large section of the “About Us” part of their website is dedicated to explaining how their cosy pjs are made in India, and how they partner with Sevalaya charity to combat poverty around the textile industry.
What makes them great as a gift: Made from super soft, 100% organic cotton jersey, these womens pyjamas are on the whimsical side! Hatley always has the most fun prints. With a drawstring waist and pretty bow detail, they are just the right balance between eco, stylish and comfortable. After testing these pjs, we even bought a few extra pairs to wrap up with our other Christmas eco-friendly gifts.
We love it because: These pjs are just so darn comfortable. The cotton jersey is breathable and they “fixed” the only problem we had with these pyjamas: when first testing these pjs, the legs used to ride up during the night, as there was no elastic at the bottom. But that minor fuss is gone thanks to the ribbed ends.
Best Handmade Kimonos, by Susannah Cotton
About the brand: Susannah Cotton hand make each kimono with organic cotton, which is very light and breathable. They have a simple design that’s really one-size-fits-all and they use techniques to print and sew the fabric that have been handed down from generation to generation. You’re really supporting a family business here.
What makes them great kimonos: Unlike mass-made dressing gowns in pollution-rife factories, these kimonos are printed by hand, using block-print and screen-print techniques. They just look amazing! This is a really lightweight product, we were actually surprised by how lightweight it is. It’s perfect for the summer but maybe you’ll need a thicker dressing gown for the winter months.
We love it because: We adore this kimono style dressing gown; it goes perfectly with everything on our womens pyjamas UK list! When we tried them out, we found the simple wrap design to be very forgiving – they fit all sizes and never feel too tight. As a bonus: some kimonos are available in men’s sizes if you’re looking for matching pyjamas 😉
Organic Cotton Pyjamas for Winter, by ESPRIT
About the brand: ESPRIT certainly needs no introduction, but what you might not know about the brand is that they are dedicated to using 100% sustainable cotton by the end of 2023 (So far, in January 2022, 91% of their cotton is sustainable). And as they use cotton in about 55% of their products, it’s quite a big deal! There is still work to do, as they are still using synthetic fabrics in many products, but their sustainability goals are refreshing.
What makes them great for winter: The most welcomed wintery feature of these pyjamas are the ribbed ends in both the jersey and the pants. At first, we thought it would be uncomfortable, but at the end we really like how it keeps cold air from sneaking inside the pyjamas!
We love it because: You know that feeling when you don’t want to get out of your warm pyjamas? Well, when compared to other pyjamas from this list, these are the ones we could go grocery shopping with, without any ounce of shame, thanks to the jersey and the pants’ ribbed ends. Half pyjamas, half loungewear, 100% comfy…
If you like comfy organic cotton clothes, check out beeco’s organic cotton leggings guide.
Coming from the US? Have a look at our selection of organic cotton pajamas in the US
The best organic bamboo pyjamas
One important note before with start. Keep a careful eye on bamboo pyjamas labelled ‘viscose’ or ‘rayon’. Even though they use natural fibres, the manufacturing process involves chemicals.
Casual Organic Bamboo Pyjamas, by Boody
About the brand: Boody have all the right certifications, including PETA approval, SGS, and WRAP. We know, we know… these bamboo pjs are technically viscose. But it’s manufactured using EcoCert certified bamboo (grown without fertilisers and pesticides), in a zero waste closed-loop system that recycles the water and ensures no chemicals are left in the fabric after the process. So it’s not all bad news.
What makes them the best casual organic pjs: Feeling hot? This organic bamboo cami top is ideal for hot weather. Wear it as casual pyjamas, loungewear or just to layer up under your clothes during the day. We found it to be ultra comfortable and easy to wear with anything – except it tends to ride up, so you’ll find yourself tugging it back down a lot.
We love it because: This pyjamas’ top is very versatile. You’ll get so much more use out of it as a regular top, vest and pyjama top. Keeping your wardrobe small is another step towards a zero-waste lifestyle! We are considering buying 3 or 4 of these tops, as they’re just so easy to wear and long-lasting.
Most Elegant Pyjamas on the List, by Verry Kerry
About the brand: Kerry Mounsey creates these beautiful screen-printed kimonos for her wonderful Etsy store, Verry Kerry. Most of her pieces are made of organic bamboo, but she uses different materials depending on the result she wants to achieve. So, have a look at each product description. We also really like that Verry Kerry has a strict ethical policy that they adhere to.
What makes these pjs so elegant: Personally, we believe that there’s elegance in knowing that these kimono robes are handmade, not just the beautiful designs and patterns. These elegant kimonos are super popular with eco-conscious bridesmaids and brides for getting ready on the big day.
We love it because: These kimonos are a great addition to your wardrobe for a day at the pool, sipping cocktails, or for a Sunday brunch at home with your friends. We really felt beautiful when wearing and testing them out – so maybe save these kimonos for a special occasion, or holidays only. As they’re so lightweight, they’ll travel really well.
Extra Comfortable Yoga Pants, by BAM
About the brand: You can’t help but love BAM for their transparency. They are a very responsible brand who clearly outline their sustainability and environmental impact – the good and the bad. For example, you can see where all their factories are located around the world, and have a goal of becoming “impact positive” by 2030. That means no negative impact on the environment whatsoever. It’s ambitious, but we stand behind them all the way!
What makes them extra comfortable: Their blend of organic bamboo (68%) and organic cotton (28%) will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. We also found that they were really soothing on our sensitive skin. We’ve tried leggings style yoga pants in the past, but they tend to irritate and itch. That won’t happen with these. No reason not to wear them as pyjamas then!
We love it because: OK, technically those are yoga pants, but they are so comfortable thanks to their loose cut that we just want to wear them all the time. The blend of organic bamboo and organic cotton brings out the best of both worlds, making these pants ultra-soft, comfortable, breathable and of high quality.
Guide to Choosing Organic Womens Pyjamas
After testing out all of these pyjamas, we know a thing or two about how to select the perfect sleepwear.
Organic Bamboo vs Organic Cotton
This is your first big choice – it will instantly narrow down your options when you search for new womens pyjamas.
| Feature | Organic Bamboo | Organic Cotton |
| Sustainability | Very sustainable, as bamboo is incredibly fast-growing. It requires less water to process and dye. | Moderately sustainable. See organic certifications below. |
| Comfort | Comfy but rarely cosy. Creates a nice silky texture. | Soft, versatile for winter and summer, feels nice on your skin. |
| Breathability | Very breathable, often has a cooling sensation, and is hypoallergenic. | Also very breathable, but cotton can be cosy warm too (cotton jersey). |
| Price | Usually more expensive than cotton. | Typically cheaper , but not always for organic, handmade pieces. |
| Durability | Highly durable, as the fibres are thicker and stronger. | Less durable, but still long-lasting. |
| Care | Machine-washable at 30 or 40 degrees. Very susceptible to shrinking. | Can also be machine-washed, and can shrink at high temperatures (but not as much as bamboo). |
Once you’ve picked a fabric, there are some pyjama-specific features to think about:
- Size – it’s safe to go a size up, if you like loose pjs. Don’t forget, bamboo shrinks as well.
- Fit – are they designed to be loose?
- Versatility – would you feel comfortable wearing them around the house too?
- Comfort vs style – for example, buttons look nice but they tend to dig-in when you roll over in bed.
- Extra features – pockets are useful, and elasticated cuffs stop things moving during the night.
What to Look for with Organic Fabrics
When you are shopping for organic pyjamas, you’ll come across a lot of statements. But the problem is, without a certification to back those claims up, they are meaningless. So, here’s what you need to keep an eye out for.
Organic grown – This means the material is grown with organic practices. No pesticides or chemicals, no fertiliser, etc. What counts as organic depends on the certification. All of these are good organic certifications you can trust.
- GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard.
- USDA – usually certifies produce (fruit and veg) but also some fabric materials.
- Soil Association – a British certifying company with very strict requirements for organic fabrics.
- Ecocert – independent third-party certifier that operates globally.
- BCI – the Better Cotton initiative mixes organic cotton with other cotton, so the final product is not completely organic.
Non-toxic – This is not always covered by an organic label. Typically, the ‘organic’ part refers to how the fibres were grown, not treated and processed. The Soil Association does cover toxins in the dying and manufacturing stages, but many other certifications don’t. This is something you need to look for in the brand’s About page.
Eco-friendly manufacturing – Find out about the factories that process the fibres into a pliable material. BSCI approval is a good one to look out for – does the factory have an ISO certificate? Ecocert also sometimes does on-site inspections as well.
Fair labour policies – This often ties in with the eco-friendly manufacturing. You can also look out for certifications like Fairtrade. A really good example of a womens pyjamas brand that has clear policies and transparency, is BAM. Check out their page about the factories they work with. This is the level of transparency that brands should aim for.
The Problem with Bamboo Viscose
Bamboo pyjamas are commonly made from bamboo viscose. Viscose is a type of fabric that can be made of various types of fibres. So, you can find viscose made of potentially eco materials like bamboo.
The problem, however, is that you can’t always tell how bamboo nightwear has been produced. The traditional way of creating viscose is to mulch down wood pulp (in this case from bamboo) using water and chemicals to ensure that your womens pyjamas are then durable and long-lasting through the washing machine.
These chemicals and wastewater are highly polluting and dangerous to communities nearby the fabric factory.
So, even if your bamboo viscose is labelled as organic or even has OEKO-TEX certification, that doesn’t mean that the process to turn your eco material into fabric is good for the environment.
(Have a look at our clothing fabrics guide if you want to know how sustainable your wardrobe is).
It is possible for bamboo to be made into an eco-friendly material without polluting the planet. In fact, all of our bamboo pyjamas on our list were created with earth-friendly production processes without the need for harsh chemicals. (just like all the bamboo toilet papers in this amazing list)
All of the carefully selected organic pyjamas that made our list will ship to the UK, many of them for free! And don’t forget to look at some of our handmade-in-the-UK options too.
How many nights should you wear pyjamas?
You should only wear your pyjamas for a few nights before you wash them. This keeps your body fresh and clean at night.
To ensure you always have clean pjs, we recommend:
- 3 pairs of light, bamboo summer pjs.
- 2 pairs of cosy cotton winter pyjamas.
- 1 or 2 loungewear sets.
- A few spare items that can double up as day clothes.
All of these pyjamas ship to any UK address. Oh, and don’t forget, we’ve personally verified that many of these simple, moisture-wicking pyjama bottoms are perfect for getting your sweat on in yoga class.
Check out our guides to the Top Eco Yoga Mats or bamboo wood sunglasses next.
