Best Sleepwear for Women Over 50 in 2024

Modern midi nightgowns

Mid-calf gowns are one of the best new niches in sleepwear, and here’s why: They offer just enough coverage below the knees to give those who dislike pajamas and maxi gowns a bare-legged confidence boost. Look for a modern silhouette like the swingy A-line Joyspun Women’s Cotton Blend Pleated Neck Sleeveless Midi Nightgown in Medium Grey Heather or Black Soot Solid ($15, walmart.com). This one even has adjustable straps.

Slip gowns

Believe me, nobody over 50 is slinking around in a retro peignoir and lacy tap pants anymore. Those who want a hint of glamour can opt for a spaghetti-strapped satin or silk slip like the Lunya Washable Silk Bias Slip Dress in Immersed Black ($198, lunya.co). Choose a black, silver-gray or champagne shade for a posh look, jewel tones for a pop of skin tone–enhancing color.

Flannel nightgowns and pj’s

Classic ankle-length gowns and button-front jammies in soft dense cotton flannel are winter perennials. Usually in plaid, they’re still a great choice for cold weather fans who turn down the thermostat at night or anyone who is always cold but shrugs off the covers with every toss and turn. Go traditional or try an updated style like the chic Petite Plume 2-Piece Flannel Pajama Set in Navy ($94, saksfifthavenue.com).

Long-sleeved, full-coverage nightgown

Frilly, ruffled beribboned versions are still around, but they can sometimes look frumpy at 50 … better suited to an American Doll than women who live in jeans and boatneck tees. Pared down gowns with a sportier style take their cues from everyday basics, including the J. Jill Sleep Ultrasoft Long Sleeve Gown in Berry Blush Tonal Paisley ($69, jjill.com) with a Henley neckline and side slits.

Cocoon-like caftans

Back in the ’60s, super roomy caftans (also known as “hostess gowns”) were a big part of at-home entertainment style and were worn by everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Vogue models. They’re back with a modern twist as a lounge-to-bed option, that lets you ignore the scale and feel like a movie star every time you make a cup of tea. Styles like the N by Natori Congo Caftan in Hyacinth ($74, zappos.com) have dolman sleeves and a forgiving shape. Just add lipstick and you’re done.

Tailored knit pajama set

A Netflix binge on old movies may put you in the mood for a set of notch collar pajamas. They’re another overnight revival that’s been tweaked in knit versions such as the Ambrielle Women’s Long Sleeve Pant Pajama Set in Astoria Rose ($45, jcpenney.com) for a wrinkle-free look and a softer feel than the original woven cotton styles that mimic menswear.

Pajama pants

Some women only need bottoms, preferring to repurpose a basic, breathable cotton tank or tee on top. Keep it simple and skip the cutesy prints. Try them in a jersey knit with elastic waist and wide flow-y legs such as the Simply Vera Vera Wang Women’s Basic Solid Luxury Pajama Pants in Navy ($24, kohls.com) which have a “pant” look but a comfy fit.

Lightweight stretch knit robe​

Sometimes you just need something light to pull on fast in the middle of the night or early morning hours when you can’t sleep or the dog is barking. Stretch knit styles like the Sonoma Women’s Goods For Life Wrap Robe in Salt Heather, Medium Cumulus Heather or Mineral Black ($24, kohls.com) give everybody a shapely look (and the robes keep their shape despite repeat washing and drying), are less bulky than terry cloth robes and are light enough for travel.

Waffle texture robe

These cool in summer, warm in winter robes are a staple at A-list spas and feature a kimono-collar wrap design with wider sleeves. Robes like this are a medium weight, they’re typically cotton or a cotton blend and super absorbent (great post-shower or hot tub), never pill and launder easily so you won’t have to worry about stains from topical body creams and oils. One cute example is the Quince Organic Turkish Waffle Robe in Grey, Ivory or White ($50, quince.com).

Fleece robe

If you prefer wearing a light sleep shirt at night and snuggling in a cozy robe for your morning latte, a fleece-y robe does it. Styles like the Soft Surroundings Women’s Arabella Robe in Grey Marle or Ivory Pearl ($99, softsurroundings.com) are extremely soft but lack the weighed down feel of terry cloth.

2. Choose a fabric that’s temperature- and skin-friendly.

We spend around a third of every day counting z’s. Between your body’s individual temperature issues, skin sensitivity and your bedroom’s climate situation choosing the right fabric is essential. Hot flash sleepwear, designed for pre-, post- and mid-menopausal women, is a major trend. The fabric, which is typically a sort of polyester/rayon/spandex/modal blend, wicks away moisture and feels smooth and cool to the touch. Is it worth it? Fans say they wake up feeling dry and fresh rather than sticky. However, don’t ignore cotton. While it doesn’t wick away sweat, cotton aces breathability and allows moisture and heat to escape. Double your fabric’s cooling performance by selecting sleepwear in airy styles like the Fruit of the Loom Women’s and Plus Short Sleeve Breathable Pajama Set in Natural Animal or Ribbon Red ($29, target.com) a polyester/rayon/spandex blend, the Soma Cool Nights Scoop-Neck Short-Sleeve Sleepshirt in Nightfall Navy or Black ($46, soma.com) in rayon/spandex and the Liz Claiborne Women’s Cool and Calm Long Sleeve Nightshirt in Peacoat ($36, jcpenney.com) in rayon/spandex.

3. Count on relaxed, loose fits for health and style.

Sleeping in skintight leggings (including fleece-lined ones), fitted ankle hugging elastic socks, a real bra (though some full-breasted women do like the mild overnight support of a nonrestrictive bralette) or any other snug high spandex garment that makes you feel contained or squeezed (especially gym or yoga clothes) is not a great idea. They’re not only uncomfortable when you’re trying to count sheep, but they restrict circulation and blood flow and can prevent your skin from breathing. On the other hand, looser fits provide the “aah” feeling that  promotes sleep and they drape well on the body. Look for wide-leg pajamas with a wide waistband like the cropped L.L. Bean Women’s Restorative Sleepwear Sleep Pants in Classic Navy ($65, llbean.com), the A-line shaped Aria Women’s Short Sleeve Split Neck Brushed Jersey Nightgown in Tango Red Stewart Plaid ($17, walmart.com) or a roomy tank and cropped pant duo such as the Kate Spade New York Cropped Pajama Set in Black ($78, saksfifthavenue.com). To maximize comfort be sure to turn any potential sleep garment inside out to check for raised seams and tags that may be disruptive before you commit to buying or wearing them.

4. Opt for extra versatility.

Going from bed to brunch to WFH in sleepwear may seem like a stretch but pajamas that look like loungewear (or are tagged as loungewear!) can handle a dash to Starbucks without a hitch and then look fine on Zoom. That is … if you choose a long sleeve duo in a deep neutral color including the Gap Women Waffle PJ Pants in Terra Brown ($43, gap.com) and Gap Women Waffle PJ T-Shirt in Terra Brown ($31, gap.com), which come in regular, tall and petite sizing to delete worries about length. Just add a bra and long cardigan for the streetwear/Zoom part. So, you ask, what is the difference between loungewear and sleepwear? It’s tricky. Sleepwear is private and designed for home, comfort and ease. Nightshirts, nightgowns and anything bare — low in front or back — belong at home. Loungewear has a “dressed” feel and is presentable enough for entertaining or if you’re a houseguest. Pajama trios that include a top, pants and cardigan or duster like the State of Day Women’s 3-Piece Fluid Knit Pajama Set in Organic Green ($45, macys.com) and the Venus Brunch Knit 3 Piece Set in Camel ($85, venus.com) bridge the sleepwear/loungewear gap neatly and are a practical choice.

5. Use color and a monochromatic look for flattery.

Sleepwear means no bra and often no underwear (certainly not shapewear!). And no makeup. Many women never even glance in the mirror when slipping into their sleepwear. They also ignore the useful color and clothing strategies that make dressing during daylight hours to disguise extra pounds, bloat or a less than firm body easy. For an instant body boost opt for a monochromatic look with a pajama set like the Victoria’s Secret Ribbed Modal Cami and Pants Set in Mousse or Casual Olive ($35, victoriassecret.com/us) or the Old Navy Satin Pajama Pant Set in Mocha Taffy, Dark Green or Cherry Bark ($50, oldnavy.gap.com) or a midi-length gown like the Auden Women’s Cloud Knit Tank Dress in Green or Navy Blue ($20, target.com). Tone in any additional pieces you may add like robes or dusters for a pulled-together rather than a haphazard effect.

6. Look sexy not sleazy.

Let’s not ignore the elephant in the bedroom: steamy date nights. Yes, there are see-through mesh bodysuits and racy babydoll/G-string designs with an X-rated evening attitude out there. They’re featured at major department stores in the sleepwear category now. However, women 50-plus often prefer to show their shape strategically rather than bare all. It’s why we prefer one-piece swimsuits to bikinis, off-the-shoulder sweaters to those with plunging necklines and faux leather flares to leather miniskirts. Reframe this as an opportunity to be provocative and body confident by opting for silk and satin in midis like the Cheibear Women’s V-Neck Satin Silky Camisole Midi Nightdress in Black, Champagne, Purple or Red ($23, target.com), nightshirts like the Chollius Women’s Satin Nightshirt Button Down Sleepshirt in Gray, Blue or Black ($11, walmart.com) and robes like the H&M Satin Bathrobe in Light Beige or Black ($35, www2.hm.com/en_us/) and the Linea Donatella Short Satin Wrap Robe in Black ($48, macys.com) that glide over bare skin and curves to give ripples and bulges an alluring shapely look. Silk slips like the Quince Washable Silk Slip Dress in Champagne, Dogwood or Lava Smoke ($80, quince.com) are trending for younger women as “streetwear” but for those over 50 these minimalist dresses have a sensual life after dark as sleepwear. What’s the difference between silk and satin? Silk is pricier, a natural fiber with a subtle sheen that’s temperature-regulating. Satin is polyester or a polyester/nylon/rayon blend and is glossy on the outside, matte on the inside.