Pajama trousers or shorts for the night
Short answer: Long pajama trousers keep the warmth in, and shorts let air in, so the choice mostly depends on how warm you sleep and how cold the bedroom is. Many have both and switch with the season. Here is how to choose and what to check.
Start with the room temperature
The first question is how warm the bedroom is. If it is cool, long trousers are the safe choice, and if it is warm, shorts let in more air. Think about your duvet too, because with a thick duvet shorts can be plenty. Take the nights when you sleep worst as your starting point.
Pajama trousers for men or shorts, what suits you
If you want to know whether to choose pajama trousers for men or shorts, count how many nights a year are warm. If it is most of them, give shorts a chance, and if it is only a few, buy long ones and take off a layer. You can always begin with one pair of each model.
Cold feet and cold legs
If your legs get cold, long trousers are the simplest solution. If only your feet get cold, socks help more than longer legs. Try sleeping with bare legs for a week and see whether you wake up cold. Notice whether it is the air, the duvet or the mattress that causes it.
Freedom of movement in your sleep
Some find that long legs wind around their own legs when they turn, and then shorts are a freedom. Others dislike it when shorts ride up. Try both and notice. Look at the waistband and the leg opening, because a soft, flat edge chafes least, whatever the length.
Find them among night pants for men
If you want to see what exists, night pants for men gives an overview of lengths and fabrics. Compare waistband, leg width and length. Choose a model in a soft fabric and read the description to see whether it suits the season. Take two different ones if you like, so you can switch with the weather.
Sets that suit both
If you want a matching top, bamboo sleepwear for men shows how a set can look in both long and short versions. A set saves you from finding two pieces that go together. If you want to mix, look at fabric and colours so they do not clash.
More than sleep
Many wear their pajama trousers or shorts at home in the morning. Then they must also cope with sitting and walking around. A bamboo jogging suit for men can be an alternative if you want loungewear with a bit more shape. Think about what you want to wear when the doorbell rings.
Washing and care
Wash both after three to four nights, or more often if you sweat. Follow the care label and choose a gentle cycle. Viscose can lose its shape at high heat, so let them air dry if the label recommends it. Shorts do not wear more than trousers, but check that the seams hold.
Frequently asked questions
Are shorts better than long pajama trousers
Not in general. Shorts let air in on warm nights, and long trousers keep the warmth in on cold ones. Choose by the temperature of your bedroom and how easily you get cold.
Can I sleep in shorts in winter
Yes, if the bedroom is warm or you have a thick duvet. If you get cold, take long trousers or add a layer on top. Try it for a few nights.
Do pajama trousers and shorts need to fit the same
No, but both should fit loosely enough for you to move freely, with a soft waistband that does not press.
