Men's pyjamas for every season: flannel, cotton and satin

The right men's pyjamas in January are rarely the right ones in July. In winter, a pair of warm flannel pyjamas in brushed cotton is hard to beat; when the nights turn light and warm, a lighter set in cotton satin or poplin feels far more comfortable. What can stay the same all year is the cut: the classic pyjama collar, chest pocket and contrast piping.

This guide is about matching your nightwear to the seasons. If you would like a closer look at fabrics and fit in general, read our guide on how to choose pyjamas by fabric, length and fit.

Build a pyjama wardrobe, not a single set

Plenty of men own one pair of pyjamas and wear it until it gives up. It is simple, but it ignores the fact that a bedroom in February feels nothing like a summer night in August. With two qualities to rotate between, one warm and one light, you can dress for the weather rather than compromise for twelve months.

There is a practical benefit too. When one set is in the wash, the other is ready, and because the wear is shared, each set gets a little more rest between washes.

Winter: men's flannel pyjamas

When it is cold and dark outside, flannel is the obvious choice. Flannel is cotton with a brushed surface, which gives a soft, warm feel against the skin, quite different from the smooth, cool fabric of summer pyjamas.

Oslo pyjamas are made from 100% organic cotton that is twill-woven and brushed on the surface. The fabric is warm and a good alternative to lighter pyjamas when you prefer a little extra warmth. The top has a classic pyjama collar, chest pocket and buttons, while plain satin piping adds a subtle contrast.

Bergen is another pair of flannel pyjamas in 100% organic cotton with a brushed surface. Like Oslo, it has a pyjama collar and chest pocket, and the trousers have an elasticated waistband with a drawstring.

A sensible tip: think about your duvet and the temperature of your bedroom as well. If you sleep warm, flannel pyjamas under a lighter duvet can be more comfortable than keeping the winter duvet and wearing something thin.

Spring and autumn: fabrics for the in-between months

In the shoulder seasons it is often too warm for flannel at night, yet still cool in the morning. This is where fabrics that sit between warm and very light come into their own.

Bern pyjamas are woven in a fine twill of 100% organic cotton. Twill is a diagonal weave, and the fabric is light and soft. Pisa pyjamas combine two weaves in one cloth: fine satin stripes with poplin between them, giving a soft fabric with a light crispness. Salzburg is a classic set in 100% organic cotton with plain contrast piping.

If you tend to feel the chill first thing, it is often more flexible to put a dressing gown over your pyjamas than to choose a warmer set than the night really needs.

Summer: men's cotton pyjamas in satin and poplin

In summer most of us want as little fabric clinging to us as possible. Two weaves are particularly worth knowing.

Rome pyjamas are made from light satin in 100% organic cotton. The soft, light fabric is designed for anyone who prefers a lighter set to brushed flannel, and the woven stripes with contrast piping give it the classic pyjama look. If you have been searching for men's silk pyjamas, it helps to know that satin is a weave, not a fibre: Rome is a cotton pyjama with the smooth surface of satin.

Innsbruck pyjamas are made from 100% organic cotton poplin. Poplin has a slightly crisp texture and a smoother surface than flannel. The light blue version has navy piping that clearly frames the cut.

Long or short pyjamas?

Long pyjamas are the classic starting point, and you can wear them all year simply by changing the fabric. They are also practical if your nightwear leaves the bedroom, for the first coffee of the day or a quiet evening on the sofa.

If you prefer less fabric around your arms and legs in summer, Rome and Salzburg also come as men's short pyjamas. The short Rome is made from the same light, striped cotton satin as the long version. You will find more advice in our guide to short pyjamas for lighter evenings.

And if you already have a top you love, a separate pair of pyjama bottoms may be all you need. See our guide to men's pyjama trousers.

The classic piped pyjama and why it lasts

When men look for traditional pyjamas, it is usually the familiar details they have in mind: a pyjama collar, a chest pocket, buttons and contrast piping along the edges. That is the cut you will find throughout the Ambassador1867 range, from the flannel of Oslo to the satin of Rome.

There are good reasons why it has outlived changing fashions:

• It works in every fabric. The same silhouette can be made in warm flannel or light satin, so your pyjamas look familiar whatever the season.
• Piping gives structure. The contrast edge outlines the collar, pocket and sleeves and ties the top and trousers together visually.
• The waist is adjustable. The trousers combine an elasticated waistband with a drawstring, so you can fine-tune the fit.
• It is presentable. With a collar and buttons, the pyjamas still look tidy when you answer the door in the morning.

A cut that does not depend on trends is one you can keep returning to. And with Ambassador1867's 10-year quality guarantee, your pyjamas are made to be worn for many seasons.

Questions about men's pyjamas

Which pyjamas are warmest in winter?

Choose flannel. Both Oslo and Bergen are made from brushed cotton flannel, which feels softer and warmer than poplin or satin.

Are satin pyjamas made of silk?

Not necessarily. Satin describes a weave rather than a fibre. Rome and Megeve are woven in satin of 100% organic cotton.

Which size should I choose?

Our products run large, so always check the size guide on the product page and consider a size down if you are between two. You have 14 days to return an item from the day you receive it.

Start with the season you sleep worst in and choose the fabric from there. You will find every model in our collection of men's pyjamas.