When I was a child, I had dedicated PJs that I wore exclusively at bedtime. But as I became a teenager and then, eventually, a young adult, my definition of pajamas broadened — a lot. Slowly, oversized t-shirts I received from high school pep rallies became acceptable sleepwear. Any clean pair of leggings at the top of the drawer were just fine for snoozing. A comfy pair of sweat pants? That would do any night of the week.
But as I shifted from young adult to busy, working professional, I realized my sleep routine needed a pretty major upgrade. I struggled with insomnia and had a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. Living in a one-room studio apartment for much of my mid-20s, where my bedroom was also my living room, dining room and kitchen, probably didn’t help. But because my living situation was the only factor I couldn’t easily change, I started focusing on other ways to improve my bedtime routine for better sleep. I bought an actually good bed pillow. I stopped using my phone in bed — and left it charging across the room and out of reach. I (nearly) stopped drinking caffeine before 2 p.m.. I tried to wind down with a relaxing hobby like reading or knitting, rather than scrolling on the internet.
But one of the biggest changes I made that helped me improve my sleep? Changing into real, honest-to-God pajamas, that I wore when — and only when — I was actually slipping into bed to drift off to sleep. I’ve come a long way, and I now have two dresser drawers full of pajamas sets and dedicated sleepwear. But the first-ever set I purchased that helped kick off my love affair with PJs still remain my favorite pair to this day, which is why I’m eager to dish on these affordable finds.
I’ll be honest: The reason these Alexander Del Rossa satin PJs caught by eye all those years ago is because they look stylish without costing a fortune. I wanted PJs that I looked and felt good in, and that I wouldn’t be embarrassed to answer the front door wearing, in a pinch.
I, like more than 2,600 Amazon reviewers, have discovered that stylish and comfortable PJs dont have to cost a fortune. These ones are made of durable satin polyester with just a kiss of Spandex for comfort, but they look and feel like pricey silk.
Choose from an overwhelming 27 colors and prints — the Black and Gray Stripes are a personal favorite. They’re available in sizes XS to 3X.
What I like best about these PJs is that they’re super flattering, even on rounder body types like mine. The fitted waist is comfortable without being restricting, and the trousers come with deep pockets that are surprisingly useful in pajama pants — who knew! The piping around the collar and cuffs adds an elevated touch as well.
I’m pleased to report that, even over four years later, these PJs have held up nicely, and are still part of my weekly sleepwear rotation. When I first purchased them, I was afraid that I might feel constricted in the long sleeves and legs. On the contrary, the satin material skims the body and glides across sheets, keeping you comfortable no matter how much you toss and turn in the night.
But, like everything good on the internet, it hasn’t remained my lone secret. I, like over 2,600 other Amazon reviewers, have thrilled in the discovery that good PJs don’t have to come with a high price tag.
«I never really saw the point on wearing actual pajamas when you could wear your sweat pants,» said one five-star reviewer. ‘I was sooooo wrong for so many years.»
Another review points out that the silk material is ideal for those who usually don’t like wearing bottoms to bed.
«I don’t like to wear the bottoms of pajamas to bed because they twist around and are annoying, but because these are satin, they just move with you making them comfy and easy to sleep with,» said another five-star reviewer.
I now own two pairs of these PJs — my personal favorites being the Black and Gray Stripes pattern that gives the vibe of something one would wear under a velvet smoking jacket, cigar in hand. I have my eye on the Champagne color next, which I think would make a great gift for my mom this Mother’s Day.
Other reviewers agree: «I keep buying these for my mother. She loves the feel and comfort.»
Get a pair of the best silk PJs dupes I’ve ever found, for under $40. You can also get them in other styles if long sleeves and pants aren’t your personal vibe.
Alexander Del Rossa Women’s Short Sleeve Satin Pajamas