A couple years ago, I reorganized my closet and drawers after binging Marie Kondo on Netflix. When I reached my pajamas, I discovered my standard night and lounge wear consisted of oversized tees from male relatives, sweat pants (also from male relatives), and Sunday shorts, i.e., they were “holey.” As a sophisticated thirty-something, my comfortable albeit decrepit collection of clothes was at odds with the image I cultivated for myself. I embarked on a quest to find a quality pajama set and wrote a series of reviews. So today is: The Great Pajama Set Review Redo!

The Freya Sweet Dreams Pajama Set

Being a fan of Freya products and Eveden, their parent company, I was most excited by these gray and white modal pajamas. In addition to the androgynous, casual vibe, the Freya pajama set boasted a built-in support top, alleviating the necessity to wear a sleep or wireless bra.

Folks, I’m not going to mince words with you. This was the worst pajama set I have ever purchased bar none. This also includes a hideous, purposefully annoying pink onesie with footies my brother bought me to wear as a Christmas pajamas. Initially, the set was the bees knees because of the soft material and almost sensual draping. I felt like an adult with taste who maybe, just maybe, had her shit together. They were also the most expensive at $136 retail.

For that price point, I expected, nay demanded, the pair to last several years, but within eight months of intermittent wear, the support top stretched so much the neckline gaped immodestly. Random holes popped up on odd parts of the pants, and I became a now older thirty-something wearing ratty pajamas again.

My mama always told me “You never sit like a lady.” She’s right. I often sit with my legs open and ankles crossed, especially when I play video games. As I type, I have one leg tucked under the other. I know I stress the seams connecting the legs. Usually, tears and holes pop up there first and need repairs.

With the Freya pants, they started on a pocket, then on the back of my thigh, then another on my hip, and so on. By the time I threw them away last year, they were not only Sunday worthy but also had a slew of stitched up random sections which almost seemed intentional. This set along with those made from similar fabric pop up on Ebay periodically. Caveat Emptor.

The Tia Lyn Pajama Set

Another modal set, the Tia Lyn pajamas were just this side of translucent, meaning I often dashed to put on undergarments and dim the lights if someone knocked on the door. I don’t care how you slice it. It’s weird for the UPS guy to open the door to mood lighting and me carefully concealing my backside in shadows.

Despite the thinner fabric, the Tia Lyn pajama set did weather better than the Freya ones, and I still have them. I did have to patch a random hole or two in the pants, but the top maintained its shape. This style never purported to feature bust support either, thus requiring a sleep bra for comfortable wear. These were also cheaper at $76, but I was a bit disappointed in fabric quality. Here are the original reviews for both the Sweet Dreams and the Bliss.

The Playful Promises Smoking Pyjamas

The cheapest set I purchased at around $50 turned out to be my absolute favorite, and the best part? It still looks brand new! I can’t wear this set year round because the polyester fabric is not as breathable in the heat, but I live in it when I can. Not to mention, I have never had to repair it and feel super swanky and cool like I am a bad ass femme fatale with a bold red lip about to do someone wrong.

In fact, the Playful Promises Smoking Pyjamas are my perennial Christmas pajama set. Part of the reason these may have survived longer is the material. Polyester can be a stronger fiber to destroy than more delicate ones. I still find it strange that all the modal pieces seemed to disintegrate, especially considering I hang dry almost everything.

What pajama set am I wearing?

I gave up on expensive pajamas after these two epic fails. My uncle had a few never worn men’s pajama pants given as Christmas gifts which he passed to me (hilarious, right?). They are 100% cotton and plaid, so they aren’t the sexiest things. One is about two sizes too big and a stupendously ugly brown and blue. I feel less femme fatale and more rugged mountain man . . . but, you know what? I haven’t had to patch them once.

Last fall, I also snapped up some cotton leggings and shorts from Walmart from the clearance rack for $5 each, all of which continue to hold up better than my $136 pajama set. What shocked me is how drastically the situation violated my “You get what you pay for” rule. The cheaper and mid-priced options ended up being more sustainable over time.

Since I am steadily losing weight, I am on buying hiatus, but I was perusing Playful Promise’s website while writing this. They have some new options at affordable prices, including eco-friendly ones. I’m particularly partial to this set myself, but this brand definitely earned my longevity seal of approval.

What pajama sets have you found not only feel great but hold up long term?