Cotton and poplin pyjamas for men for summer, flannel or fleece for winter, in long sleeve sets, short pyjamas or bottoms only: straight cuts that won't interfere with sleep.
A men's pyjama is evaluated on three key points: the cut of the shoulders, which should allow for movement without excess, the waistband at the bottom, which should neither be too tight nor fall down, and the fabric, which determines the season. The cuts are straight and unshaped, making it easier to choose the size compared to daytime clothing.
Woven cotton poplin remains the classic fabric for men's pyjamas: it is cool, retains its shape, and can be ironed. Knitted cotton jersey is softer and more comfortable, requiring no ironing. For winter, flannel, a brushed cotton, provides warmth without excessive bulk, while fleece men's pyjamas offer extra warmth for poorly heated interiors, with a longer drying time and a tendency to pill.
The long set with long sleeves covers autumn and winter. The short pyjama, with short sleeves and legs, is for summer and overheated rooms. Many people actually only wear the bottoms: that’s why men's pyjama bottoms are sold separately, either as wide trousers or shorts, and often this is the most sensible purchase. A buttoned men's pyjama top has the advantage of being easy to slip on without going over the head.
Take your usual size in a loose cut and go up a size for poplin without elastane, a fabric that does not give. The point to check first is the length of the legs and sleeves, where discomfort appears first, well before the bust measurement. For larger sizes, prefer models with an adjustable waistband by drawstring rather than a simple elastic band.