The 8 Best Silk Pajamas for a Better Night's Sleep

Sleeping in silk might sound like a luxury, but it can actually go a long way toward helping you score better shut-eye. It's comfortable, for one, which can help you snooze more soundly, but there are many other reasons why silk pajamas are trending right now.

For starters, silk PJs may help to regulate temperature, which may prevent you from waking up as a result of being too hot or too cold through the night.

"Silk pajamas don't necessarily absorb moisture, so if you tend to sweat easily at night, it may not be the best option as compared to cotton, which absorbs sweat. But it may be better when compared to polyester or satin, which are less breathable," says Marisa Garshick, MD, dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York.

Silk is also better for your skin, helping to prevent dryness and even acne, according to Dendy Engelman, MD, cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City.

"Silk helps prevent transepidermal water loss and is resistant to absorbing product, water and other substances, which means it won't draw moisture out of your skin or suck up any topical products you may have applied before bed," Dr. Engelman says. "It also doesn't provide an ideal breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria to flourish (unlike materials like cotton, which collect sweat, oil and bacteria), helping you maintain healthier, clearer skin."

The light, smooth and low-friction texture of silk also makes it a great addition to your anti-aging routine because it causes less friction against the skin and, therefore, wrinkles, Dr. Engelman notes. "You're less likely to wake up with creases in the skin from pressing against your pajamas all night, making sleep deeper and more comfortable," she says.

Of course, silk pajamas can be expensive, so it's important to know what you're looking for when shopping for a pair.

We chatted with sleep specialists and dermatologists to better understand the benefits of silk pajamas and how to find your perfect pair. We chose our top picks based on their recommendation and criteria, including:

• Quality
• Price
• Ease of care
  
• Temperature-regulating ability
• Fit

Find more information on how we choose products here.

The experts we interviewed recommended this brand the most. LilySilk crafts their silk pajamas with 100 percent mulberry raw silk, which is real silk that comes from domesticated silkworms that have fed off of the mulberry tree. This long-sleeve set is ideal for any time of year thanks to its moisture-wicking features and breathability.

It is also a plus that LilySilk partners with recycling company TerraCycle to eliminate waste. "The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world after the oil industry, and is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply, accounting for 10 percent of global carbon emissions and polluting the oceans with microplastics," notes Sunjya Schweig, MD, an expert in complex chronic illnesses and founder and president of the California Center for Functional Medicine.

For silk pajamas made out of 100 percent mulberry silk, this is a great price point. It's still more expensive than pajamas made out of other fabrics, but that is a testament to the fact that this brand uses real silk as opposed to synthetic counterparts.

Quince meets bluesign and OEKO-TEX standards, which means these pajamas are dyed without the use of hazardous chemicals and made in an eco-friendly fashion. They're also produced in a factory that is BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)-certified to ensure safe working conditions.

Made out of real silk, this is the set for a man in search of a comfortable pair of pajamas that will soothe and relax his entire body while he sleeps. It has a nice open neckline, which many men can appreciate, and a relaxed drop shoulder and drop crotch so that it doesn't cling to the body. It also has nice deep pockets for storing items you might need before bed, like sleep buds or nose strips.

It comes in five different colors, including one limited edition option.

Although pricey, this quality pajama set made of 100 percent real silk is machine-washable, which is a huge plus because it helps ensure it will last longer (and that you'll get your money's worth). The PJs are also bluesign-certified, so they're chemical-free, biodegradable and designed with a minimal impact on the environment.

Soft on your skin, they are also temperature-regulating and hypoallergenic, so they don't cause irritation or worsen conditions like eczema or psoriasis. They come in sizes XS all the way to XL and two different colors: mink puff and bone.

If you're looking for a silk nightgown, chances are you'll be impressed with this high-quality brand that specializes in flattering looks for the female form. These pajamas are soft to the touch, have a luxurious feel and don't lose their shape over time when properly cared for.

These pajamas do require hand washing and/or dry cleaning, so it's important to follow the label instructions to make sure they last through the years.

Lunya's high-quality silk pajamas can actually be washed in the washing machine. "Their garments are very well made and structured, and the company as a whole seems to value their impact — setting ambitious goals for their production, distribution and shipping to reduce their impact on the environment and also working to ensure fair wages and reasonable hours for the people who work in their factories," Dr. Schweig says.

This set is hypoallergenic, which makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin, and it offers the temperature control that accompanies real silk to keep you nice and comfortable while you sleep.

This Nap Loungewear set is made from 100 percent mulberry silk, and with its emerald tones and full length, is still relatively affordable in the realm of genuine silk, notes Light. With a relaxed elastic waistband, the pajamas are comfortable and convenient for any time of year, as they offer the temperature regulation of real silk.

The only catch with these silk pajamas is that they are hand-wash or dry-clean only, which can make the cleaning process more time-consuming, not to mention expensive if you go the dry-clean route.

Made from real silk, these pajamas give you a luxurious feel and keep you cool and comfortable all through the night. And the best part is that they're machine-washable, so you don't have to worry about taking them to the cleaners.

Buyers can also appreciate the wide size range — XS to XXL — as well as the elasticized waistband for further comfort.

Here are some features to look for when shopping for silk pajamas.

If you're shopping for silk pajamas, it's important to make sure they're 100 percent silk. Because silk comes from actual silkworm cocoons, it is a natural product, so it doesn't contain many of the chemicals that some other fabrics are produced with, Dr. Schweig says. Satin, for example, is synthetic and made from materials like polyester and nylon.

"Many companies might try to pass off satin for silk, so it's important to look [at the label] to ensure you are getting the real thing," he says.

Indeed: "There are plenty of brands that will use silk and satin blends to achieve a more affordable product, so if you're looking for 100 percent silk, you'll want to take a look at the tag before buying," Light says.

Not all types of silk can be thrown into the washing machine; some have to be hand-washed, so it's important to read the labels carefully to know how best to wash and dry your set.

"Following washing and drying instructions will help ensure your silk pajamas last a while," Dr. Engelman says. "The ones that are safe for the washing machine usually require a wash on a delicate setting with cold water, and should be hung to dry."

Most silk pajamas that are made of real silk are upwards of $100, according to Dr. Schweig, but they are worth it. "Remember that it takes more than 5,000 silkworms to produce just one kilogram of silk," he points out. "The farming, killing and harvesting of thousands of silkworm cocoons are resource-heavy, labor-intensive and costly processes."

Fit is also an important factor when investing in silk pajamas. "To reap the benefits of silk, it's better to choose a pair that fits loosely, because it helps ensure that the natural fibers aren't being consistently tugged and stretched," says Light. "You can increase their durability by sizing up and choosing a loose set."