Pyjama bottoms for men and what makes them comfortable to lie in
Short answer: The waistband decides everything. A wide, soft waistband without a drawstring does not press when you lie on your stomach, and that is where most pyjama bottoms go wrong. After that come length, leg cut and how you wash them.
You feel the waistband lying down
Standing up, you do not notice a drawstring. Lying on your stomach, it presses into your skin all night, and the knot at the front can leave a mark until morning. Choose a style with a wide waistband and no hard knot. See pyjama bottoms for men.
Why wide beats narrow
A narrow elastic concentrates pressure on a thin line and digs in when you lie on your side or stomach. A wide waistband spreads the pressure over a larger area, so you barely feel it. It also rolls less easily and stays in place when you turn over at night.
Length to the ankle
Bottoms that reach the floor get stepped on when you get up at night, and they get pulled crooked when you turn over. Ankle length is right. If you are between two sizes, look at the length first, because that is what you notice every single night.
Legs that do not twist
A slightly tapered leg moves with you when you turn. A very wide leg wraps around the calf and bunches up, while a narrow leg binds above the knee. It is the same trade-off as in the rest of bamboo nightwear for men: enough room to move, but no more.
The fabric against your skin
Most people sweat more at night than they think. Bamboo viscose moves moisture away from the skin and releases it into the air, so you do not wake up clammy. The fabric is smooth, so the bottoms do not turn with you, and it feels cool at first touch.
Seams that do not press
The seams on the inside of the leg and at the back are the ones you lie on. Flat seams are barely noticeable, while thick seams can leave marks after a night. Turn the bottoms inside out and look at the seams before you decide.
Washing and elastic
The elastic in the waistband is the first thing to give up, and heat is its biggest enemy. Wash at 40 degrees, skip the softener and dry on low heat, or hang them to dry. That way the waistband keeps its shape longer. See washing and care.
The top to match
Pyjama bottoms go with a loose T-shirt in winter and a thinner top when it gets warmer. Choose a top that is long enough not to roll up around your stomach when you turn over. That way you avoid cold gaps between bottoms and top during the night.
In short
Comfortable pyjama bottoms have a wide, soft waistband without a hard knot, an ankle length and a slightly tapered leg. The fabric should move moisture and be smooth, and the seams should lie flat. Wash gently, and the elastic lasts while the bottoms stay good to lie in.
Frequently asked questions
Should pyjama bottoms have a drawstring?
Preferably not. The cord and the knot at the front are what press when you lie on your stomach. A wide, soft waistband without a cord is usually more comfortable to sleep in.
How long should pyjama bottoms be?
To the ankle. Any longer and you step on them when you get up at night, and they get pulled crooked when you turn over in your sleep.
Why does the waistband go slack?
Because heat wears out the elastic. Dry the bottoms on low heat or hang them up, and skip the fabric softener, so the waistband keeps its shape for longer.
See our range of bamboo pyjama bottoms for men.
