What to expect from bamboo pyjamas
Short answer: Bamboo pyjamas are light, soft and feel cool against the skin, which many people appreciate at night. Over time they usually become even softer and a little more relaxed in shape, while the elastic and buttons are the parts that show use first.
Comfort at night
Pyjamas made from bamboo viscose are often knitted in jersey or woven from a light fabric. Viscose can absorb moisture and feels smooth, so many people find they sleep more comfortably in it than in heavier materials. How warm or cool you feel also depends on your duvet, the room temperature and your own body. If you have problems with sleep or night sweats, talk to your doctor. See bamboo pajamas for men.
Fit after washing
Pyjamas need room to move, and most are cut with a loose fit. After the first few washes the fabric may settle a little. Viscose can shrink with hot washes and tumble drying. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and let the pyjamas dry on a rack. The trousers can also stretch lengthways if they hang wet from the waistband. Drape them over a rail instead, so the weight is spread evenly while they dry.
Elastic in waistband and cuffs
The trouser waistband is the first part to show its age. The elastic becomes a little looser over time, especially with hot washes. If the trousers have a drawstring, you can tighten it as the elastic relaxes. Rib cuffs at the wrists and ankles can also loosen. That is normal for any garment with elastic and not a fault in the fabric, and it usually happens slowly over many months.
Pilling and wear
Pyjamas rub against the sheet all night, which causes wear at places such as elbows, knees and seat. Viscose jersey generally pills less than many other materials, but a slightly dull surface can appear. Wash the pyjamas inside out and with light textiles. Avoid washing them with towels, which can shed fibres and cause friction that roughens the surface over time.
Buttons and seams
If the pyjamas have buttons, fasten them before washing. That reduces strain on the buttonholes and stops the fabric being pulled out of shape. Check now and then that the buttons are secure, and sew them back on if they loosen. Small repairs extend their use considerably. Many people use the sale for men to keep a spare set for changing.
When to replace them
Pyjamas are worn out when the fabric thins at the knees and elbows, when the waistband no longer holds the trousers up, or when seams come apart. How quickly that happens depends on how often you wear and wash them. With two or more sets in rotation, each pair lasts longer. See also the sale.
Frequently asked questions
Do bamboo pyjamas shrink
They can shrink slightly with hot washes and tumble drying. Wash at a low temperature and air dry them.
Are bamboo pyjamas warm enough in winter
It depends on the thickness of the fabric and your duvet. Many people wear them all year and adjust warmth with the bedding.
How do I keep the waistband snug
Avoid hot washes and the tumble dryer. If the trousers have a drawstring, tighten it as the elastic relaxes.
See our range of bamboo pyjamas for women.
