Best Pajama Shorts for Men, According to Style Editors

ProsSharp enough to wear outside the houseMade with stretchy, breathable fabricCan handle multiple washes and still come out fresh ConsLimited color selectionI’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.Read More: Best Pajamas for MenFabric46% Cotton, 46% Rayon, 8% ElastaneProsUnder 20 bucksLightweight enough for hot sleepersCan go beyond the houseConsHave the longest inseam, might not be ideal if you want some shorterAmazon 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.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDoubles as a workout shortStill looks fresh after multiple washesAffordable as a two-packHanes is the OG skivvies brand, so I wasn’t surprised I felt as cozy as I did in these pajama shorts. This cotton-polyester blend, which comes in a convenient two-pack, is made with a button-fly and drawstring waist that sits comfortably without digging. I love to slip into this style on a work-from-home day because they have a loose fit and offer that free feeling. My crown jewels can breathe well when I’m sitting at my computer desk or underneath the covers. The stretch is another win. I can move however I want and not have the fabric fighting back. I’ve even put this pair to use for a morning treadmill run to get my day started. After seven loads in the washer, it’s maintained a fresh, soft touch, too.Fabric60% Cotton, 40% PolyesterProsFeels as comfy as sweats in short formAffordableLuxurious fabric touchConsLimited colorways compared to other optionsIf you’re looking for a pair that feels as comfy as your favorite sweatpants, but in short form that you can actually leave the house in, Quince has the perfect option. These look more like a pair of polished sweat shorts than pajamas, so I’ve worn them to grab coffee and run to the grocery store without feeling like I accidentally left the house in my sleepwear. They’re made from a rayon-and-spandex blend that’s incredibly soft against the skin, with plenty of stretch that lets me move freely without the shorts losing their shape. There’s a surprisingly luxurious feel to the fabric, too, even though the shorts have that familiar sweatpant-like comfort.Fabric95% rayon derived from bamboo, 5% SpandexAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFeels like a second skinDrop-crotch gusset allows extra range of movementWaistband stays putConsMore tailored than relaxed 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.Read More: Best Underwear for MenFabric90% Modal, 10% ElastaneProsButtery-soft fabricSuper stretchy like a rubberbandHas a matching top for a complete setConsMay not want to take them offI’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.Fabric95% bamboo viscose, 5% spandexAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsStylish enough to double as a vacation shortComes in solid colors and striped patternsLow-crotch construction offers breathing room for crown jewelsIf 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.Fabric100% cotton (organic)ProsSilky fabric feels incredibly smooth on the skinDrape nicely on the body without clingingComes as a set versus a single pair of shortsAvailable in a bunch of colorsConsNot the best option to wear out the houseEberjey’s pajama shorts set is my favorite style to throw on when I want my sleepwear to feel a little more luxurious. The top and bottom are made from a Tencel-modal and elastane blend that feels incredibly smooth against the skin, with enough stretch to handle whatever position I end up in. I can pull my knees to my chest during yoga or sit cross-legged on the couch. The fabric has that soft, almost silky hand feel that makes them feel noticeably more premium than your average pajama short, but still lightweight and breathable enough for warm nights. Because the fabric is so fluid, it hangs nicely rather than looking stiff or boxy. Unlike some stretchy lounge shorts, they don’t feel like you’re wearing gym clothes. They look and feel like sleepwear, which I get is the point.Fabric95% Modal, 5% ElastaneAs the Style and Reviews Editor for Men's Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.