There are few things that feel more Christmassy than matching pajamas. There’s just something about wearing the exact same thing as the people I love that makes me want to break into a loud rendition of Destiny’s Child’s “8 Days of Christmas.” Five years ago, I started matching with my partner to stay connected when we spent Christmas apart. On Christmas morning, we wore the same polar-bear bottoms and sent each other snaps of our spoils laid out on identical legs. In the years since, I’ve matched with friends, too (we’re partial to silky sets). And last year my entire family took the plunge: 25 of us donned the same red buffalo plaid pajamas. It all felt special and fun — very much like the beginning of a tradition. This year Christmas will inevitably be different. The pandemic is keeping many of us apart, but wearing matching pajamas is one way to feel close and keep the holiday spirit alive. Below, the sets I’ve worn, the pairs I’m eyeing, and the Skims dupes I ended up buying for me and my closest cousins.
Target is one of my favorite places to buy matching pj’s because it carries a bunch of sets that are nice-looking, affordable, and come in lots of sizes. I wore these last year with a small group of friends, and even though we’re a range of shapes, we all looked incredible. They even come with a little satin sleep mask that ups the cozy vibe.
Flannel feels really festive and keeps your group toasty. Similar to the satin set, the top is a button-down with a notch collar, which looks polished (and dare I say photographable).
These thermals feel more casual but also cozier. They can easily be worked into your work-from-home wardrobe.
Old Navy consistently stocks affordable, festive flannel pj’s in sizes and cuts for the entire family. These gray buffalo plaid pajamas are made from performance fleece and have rib knit cuffs, so they feel comfy but sturdy. The pattern also comes in pant and hoodie separates, so you can choose a customized combo.
A quick poll of Strategist writers surfaced these pajamas from Primary, which writer Lauren Ro has tried. Their pajamas are made from a combed cotton rib and are prewashed to minimize shrinkage. The designs vary from classic to very playful. A few of their styles are sold out, but their red-and-white striped sets are still up for grabs and may arrive by Christmas with express shipping, depending on the destination.
Hanna Andersson is another popular family-pajama-maker. The brand’s designs — including holly branches, repeating candy canes, and plaid — are available on organic cotton long johns. The brand promises its sets maintain color through regular wear and 50 washes.
This year, I’m opting for the unconventional route because it’s just my cousins and me wearing matching fits. We’ve decided on these Fashion Nova winter white Skims dupes (the OG is sold out and much more expensive). The set comes with a robe, knit pants, and a matching crop top. Availability is limited, so we’ve mixed in the short set. They’re currently “buy one, get one free” when you use the code BOGOGIFT, so you can match without breaking the bank.
Another unorthodox pajama look I’ve considered: Matching tie-dye sweat suits like these in a seasonal red. I really like these from NaClo apparel, a Black-owned business that exclusively makes tie-dye sets that look incredible worn in groups. I should note that these won’t ship until well after Christmas, but they could be a fun option any time of the year.
Solid sweat suits are a classic take, but they also feel very 2020. Plus your sweat suit can be worn throughout the upcoming months (years?) that’ll be spent working from home.
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