If you’ve been reading MIDDI for a while, you’ve probably noticed I’m pretty passionate about pajamas (see here, here and here). When I entered my 30s, it was time to move on (mostly) from my oversized, ratty school t-shirts and build a wardrobe of sleep sets fit for all seasons. Putting them on at the end of the day helps me relax and there’s nothing better than spending a lazy Sunday in your PJs.

But if there’s one thing I can’t wrap my mind around, it’s expensive pajamas. While I like to choose sets I wouldn’t be embarrassed to answer the door in, I refuse to spend hundreds of dollars for sleepwear. If you need some new nighttime gear, keep these five things in mind when shopping:

1. Think about how you sleep.

Some of us are turbulent sleepers, constantly changing positions, while others remain statuesque in slumber (so unfair). Some are always warm, while the rest can never get warm enough. Consider how you sleep when choosing pajamas so they don’t get in the way and disrupt your precious rest. No one likes to wake up sweating or trapped in twisted fabric in the middle of the night. Read on to learn how to narrow it down.

2. Factor in temperature.

The weather and the temperature you keep your bedroom at will also factor into what you decide to go to sleep in. When building out a wardrobe of pajamas, having multiple cuts and weights of fabric can help you adjust to the seasons, just like you would your bedding.

3. Choose your style.

There are many styles of pajamas to choose from based on how you answered the questions above. A sleep shirt, long pants, shorts, camisole, etc. I prefer a set with shorts and a short-sleeve top that buttons up. This combo I can usually wear all year round based on how cool we keep our bedroom.

4. Select your fabric.

Once you know the style you want, you need to choose a fabric that will keep you most comfortable throughout the night. Silk or satin pajamas can look and feel so luxurious, but they don’t breathe as well as cotton, which is what I usually go for. Cotton is also the easiest to wash and care for, making them low-maintenance and likely more affordable.

5. Think in multiples.

I wear a fresh set of pajamas each night. If I’m traveling, I may wear the same set for an extra night, but with everything my skin is exposed to in my environment and everything I put on it, I like to change them regularly like I do my daytime clothes. Once I find a pair I like, I’ll go back for different colors and patterns so I have plenty on hand for sleeping and lounging.

Want more tips? Learn how to shop for a signature lip color here.

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