Nightwear in your own size or one up
Short answer: Short answer: Choose your normal size in styles with stretch, and one size up in styles without. Freedom of movement comes from the cut, not from extra fabric.
Why many people buy too big
Sleepwear should feel free, so many people automatically reach for a size up on the shelf. The idea is that more room means more freedom of movement at night, but in practice it just means more fabric that can wrap around the body when you turn over in your sleep. The result is often worse sleep instead of better.
Cut matters more than fabric amount
A cut with enough room at the shoulder and hip, combined with a fabric that has a bit of stretch, gives freedom of movement without extra fabric that can bunch up. An elastic hem at the leg keeps the trousers in place through the whole night, no matter how much you move around. See bamboo sleepwear for women .
When a size up is the right choice
If the fabric is woven rather than knitted, or has no stretch at all, then a size up is actually the right choice. This applies especially to pajamas in shirting fabric, where the fabric does not move with the body. Your normal size will feel tight at the shoulders and thighs here. See bamboo pajamas for men .
The body changes size overnight
The body expands slightly while you sleep, and the stomach fills more after a late dinner than it does in the morning. A soft waistband without tight elastic solves that problem better than a whole size up, because it moves with you instead of pressing in. See bamboo sleepwear for men .
Sleeves and leg length
Long sleeves and legs should reach the wrist and ankle without pressing, but should not flap loosely either. Sleeves that are too long roll up during sleep and press on the upper arm. Sleeves that are too short leave the wrist bare and can feel cold, especially in winter in an unheated bedroom.
How the material affects the fit
Bamboo viscose naturally drapes a little and can therefore feel larger than the size on the label suggests. Keep that in mind if you are between two sizes. A fabric with stretch compensates for this, while a woven fabric without stretch can feel tight even in your usual size.
Season and thickness
Thin summer sleepwear can sit a little closer to the body, because it needs to cool down at night on its own. Thicker winter sleepwear can handle a bit more room, so air can circulate between fabric and skin without feeling cold. Choose according to the season, not just out of habit.
Washing and shrinkage over time
Most bamboo fabrics shrink slightly during the first few washes, usually a couple of percent in length. Do not buy the smallest size if it already fits exactly right from the start. Always follow the washing instructions and avoid high heat in the dryer, the main cause of shrinkage.
Try it lying down, not standing up
Sleepwear should be tested lying down, not standing in front of a mirror. Lie down and bend your knees the way you normally sleep, and feel whether the waistband cuts in or the sleeves press. A fit that looks fine standing up can still feel tight in the positions you actually sleep in.
Frequently asked questions
Is a size up warmer
No, often cooler, because air can circulate more freely between fabric and skin. On the other hand, the loose fabric wraps around the body more easily during the night.
What about nightgowns
They wrap around the body the most of all sleepwear, because there are no leg openings to hold the fabric in place. Choose a close fitting style or choose trousers instead.
Does sleepwear shrink more than other clothing
No, but it is often washed at a higher temperature than regular clothing, so the shrinkage becomes more noticeable over time. Follow the washing instructions closely.
See our range of bamboo sleepwear.
