How to Choose Christmas Pyjamas She'll Actually Wear All Year

by Cally RussellNovember 3, 2026

By Cally Russell, co-founder of Unfolded. Updated November 2026.

The short answer: the best Christmas pyjamas for women are ones that still feel right in March. Choose breathable cotton over polyester fleece, a classic print over a slogan, and an elasticated waist with room to relax. Unfolded's Rosie and Annie cotton pyjama sets (£54–£56, UK sizes 6 to 24) are made only after you order, so they're festive without being wasteful.

Every December, novelty pyjama sets are bought by the basketful, worn for a photo on Christmas morning, and pushed to the back of a drawer. Here's how to pick a pair that earns its place.

1. Start with the fabric

Fabric	Feels like	Best for	Watch out for
Cotton poplin	Crisp, cool, smooth	Hot sleepers, year-round wear	Can crease. Iron on low if you like it sharp
Cotton crinkle gauze	Soft, airy, lightly textured	Warm sleepers and travel. No ironing needed	Less warm in a cold house
Brushed cotton / flannel	Soft and warm	Cold bedrooms in deep winter	Heavier, slower to dry
Viscose (e.g. Ecoliva, Tencel)	Silky and fluid	Robes and loungewear	Wash gently, no tumble drying
Polyester fleece	Fluffy and very warm	Very cold houses	Traps heat, sheds microplastics, wears out quickly

If she runs hot or lives in a well-heated home, cotton poplin or gauze will get worn far more than fleece. Our Rosie set is cotton poplin, and our Annie set is cotton crinkle gauze.

2. Choose a print that isn't only for Christmas

A reindeer print has a three-week season. A star, a tiger or a soft floral feels festive in December and still looks good in spring. Our Rosie prints (tiger, blue star and pink star) and Annie colours (navy and pink) were chosen by votes from our community of 18,000+ women, which is a good sign people want to wear them beyond one day.

3. Get the fit right

Waist: an elasticated waist is the most forgiving if you're buying for someone else.
Pockets: surprisingly important. Every Unfolded pyjama set has side pockets.
Size: buy her usual size. Unfolded pyjamas are true to size in UK 6 to 24. Size up if she's between sizes or likes a looser fit.
Shirt or tee? A button-down shirt looks smarter in Christmas morning photos and is easy to get on and off.

4. Think about who made them

The cheapest Christmas pyjamas are cheap for a reason. Look for brands that tell you where their clothes are made and how workers are paid. At Unfolded, we only make what's ordered, and the money that saves pays for higher wages for 600 garment workers near Delhi and education for children nearby through our partner Pratham.

5. Order early (or give a gift card)

Because our pyjamas are made for you, they take a few weeks. Each product page shows the estimated ship date before you buy, so check it against Christmas. If you're cutting it fine, our Quicker Delivery range ships faster, and our digital gift card arrives instantly.

Our Christmas pyjama picks

For the classic look: Rosie Cotton Poplin Pyjama Set in blue star, £54.
For something softer: Annie Crinkle Scallop Pyjama Set in pink, £56.
For a full Christmas morning outfit: Rosie pyjamas plus the Peggy robe, £55.
For a ready-wrapped feel: the PJ & Washbag Bundle, £72.

FAQs

What are the best Christmas pyjamas for women?
Cotton pyjamas in a classic print she'll wear all year. Unfolded's Rosie and Annie sets are cotton, come in UK sizes 6 to 24 and are made only after you order, so there's no waste.

Are cotton or flannel pyjamas better for winter?
Flannel is warmer for cold bedrooms. Cotton poplin or gauze is better for most centrally heated homes, and you'll wear it for more months of the year.

How do I choose pyjama size as a gift?
Buy her normal dress size. Unfolded pyjamas are true to size with elasticated waists, and you can swap sizes for free through Swaps by Unfolded.

Do Unfolded pyjamas come in plus sizes?
Yes, UK sizes 6 to 24.