With buttons or without buttons in pyjamas
Short answer: Buttons give a classic pyjama that is easy to put on and take off and can be opened when it is warm. Without buttons the clothes lie flatter in bed. Choose by how you sleep and what you need in the morning.
Advantages of buttons
A pyjama with buttons can be opened and closed to suit the temperature. If it is warm at night, you can undo a few buttons and get some air. It is also practical if you have a sore shoulder or otherwise find it hard to pull clothes over your head. Buttons give a classic look that many associate with a proper pyjama. See bamboo nightgowns for women if you prefer a loose gown without buttons.
Drawbacks of buttons
Buttons can press against the skin when you lie on your stomach or side, and they can sit crooked or come loose after many washes. Low, flat buttons with soft buttonholes leave the fewest marks. Buttons also need a little more care, because the thread can loosen. Check the buttons before washing and sew them on again if they are loose. In thin fabric a tight button can pull at the cloth.
Advantages of clothes without buttons
Without buttons the surface is smooth, and you avoid marks on the skin. The clothes lie flat, and nothing can get pinched or catch on the sheet. They are also quick to put on when you are tired. A T-shirt cut without buttons suits everyday use and is easy to wash. Many prefer it because it feels like an extra layer of skin. The drawback is that you cannot open it if you get warm.
If you use pyjamas for more than sleep
If you want to go straight from bed to something active, such as a morning run or yoga, a soft top without buttons can be taken on and off with no fuss. See bamboo sports bra, which can be worn under a pyjama top if you want support early in the morning. That is practical if you do not want to change everything but only add a layer. Buttons, on the other hand, can be annoying under a sports bra.
Fit and care
Whatever you choose, pyjamas should sit calmly and not pinch. Wash viscose from bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees and let it dry flat. Fasten all the buttons before you put the clothes in the machine, so the buttonholes are not pulled out of shape. See bamboo panties as a soft base under nightwear if you prefer something close to the body. Avoid fabric softener, which can make the fabric less soft.
Our recommendation by situation
Choose buttons if you sleep warm, want to be able to open the clothes, or need to take them off without pulling them over your head. Choose no buttons if you lie on your stomach, are sensitive to pressure or want something quick to put on. Many have both: a pyjama with buttons for good days and a soft T-shirt for everyday. What matters most is that you do not feel the clothes when you lie down.
Frequently asked questions
Can buttons hurt when sleeping
Yes, if they are large or sit on the back. Choose small, flat buttons, or clothes without buttons.
Is a pyjama with buttons warmer
Not in itself. But you can unbutton it to get air, so it can be adjusted better.
How do I wash clothes with buttons
Fasten them, turn the clothes inside out and use a gentle programme, so the buttons do not knock and the buttonholes are not pulled out of shape.
