Best Pajama Shorts for Men, According to Style Editors

I’ve lounged around the house in plenty of pajama shorts, but none feel quite as cozy and homey as Skims’ offering. The cotton-rayon blend has a soft, smooth feel that I crave in all of my summer shorts. They’re cut into a relaxed, flexible fit that allows me to stretch my legs across my bed or couch without feeling restricted or tight, even when I’m moving around or settling into a lazy position. Speaking of tightness, I usually just let these sit on my waist, but if you want them extra secure, you can use the drawstring to cinch them down as much as you need. These have some heft to them, so they might get a little toasty under a heavy duvet, but they’re still pretty breathable.

As one of the most premium styles I’ve tested, I’ve definitely gotten my money’s worth outside the house, too. I’ve worn them to run grocery errands and pick up my daily matcha fix. They have a clean, put-together look that gives more of a sweat-shorts vibe than straight-up pajama shorts. When it comes to laundry, I’ve found these can handle multiple washes and still come out looking fresh. If you absolutely must use the dryer, keep it on low. Personally, I prefer to let them air dry. Skims doesn’t offer a huge color selection, but I went with the Ash, and it goes with just about every tee and tank I own.

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Amazon Essentials offers an affordable pair of pajama shorts that are anything but cheaply made. When I first tried them on, I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable and soft the cotton fabric felt, especially for a pair that costs just under $20. The cut is relaxed through the thigh, hip, and leg, with a waistband that sits comfortably below the waist without feeling too loose. As one of the lightest pairs on the list, they’re especially ideal for hot sleepers. I’ve never had a problem wearing them through the night when my place starts heating up.

They also have the longest inseam of the bunch, stopping above the knee, so you get a little more coverage without venturing into dad-short territory. Style-wise, they look more like regular drawstring shorts than traditional pajama bottoms, which means I’ve worn them to pick up my dry cleaning or run a quick errand. I’d draw the line at a lunch date, though. At the end of the day, these are a hell of a lot of short for less than $20.

You don’t even need boxers or any underwear because Tommy John’s pajama shorts feel like a second skin. I feel like I’m practically not wearing anything. The modal-elastane fabric is ridiculously soft and smooth against my skin. Since it’s lightweight, I can make it through a warm night and not feel like I need to turn on the AC. They have enough stretch to move with me when I’m tossing and turning without the shorts riding up or feeling restrictive. The waistband is another bonus. It stays put without digging in, so I can wear these for hours without any readjustments. The drop-crotch also gives me freedom down below.

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I’m not exaggerating when I say these are the most comfortable pajama shorts I’ve worn. Cozy Earth uses a buttery-soft viscose derived from bamboo that feels equivalent to your favorite broken-in T-shirt that you love to throw on for bed. These shorts have a relaxed fit that drapes neatly, so there’s plenty of room to move without them feeling baggy. This pair has more stretch than other shorts I’ve tested. It flexes like a rubber band, so I can squat down to pick up something or sprawl out across the sofa.

The pockets have enough give, too, which allows me to slip a bulky remote into one without it pulling the shorts down. I especially love wearing these on a slow weekend at home when I’m tidying up the place or doing absolutely nothing. They’re breathable during warm nights, and that says a lot because my studio apartment gets hot quickly.

If you want pajama shorts with a little more style than the typical sweat-short vibe, Tekla is the pair to get. They come in solid colors and striped patterns, made from organic cotton poplin, that look sharp, so much so that I’ve worn mine on a beach walk during my Costa Rica trip. The stripes especially give them more of a vacation-short feel than something you’d normally reserve for the bedroom. The fabric is mid-weight and completely non-stretch, so these don’t have the give of some of the other shorts on this list. Instead, they make up for it with a roomy, relaxed cut and a low-crotch construction that offers extra breathing space for my crown jewels. I can confirm nothing feels cramped wearing them.

Also, they’re the most expensive pair on this list, but the price makes more sense once you get your hands on them. The organic cotton poplin feels substantial and the construction is more refined. Plus, if you’re packing for a warm-weather trip and want to bring fewer clothes, these can cover both sleepwear and vacation shorts. As for the best care, the brand recommends washing with low cold temperatures like 30 degrees.