LAKE Pajamas Review: The Softest Pajamas You’ll Ever Sleep In

If you’ve never invested in nice PJs, I’m going to convince you that it’s time (this is not sponsored – I just feel that strongly about it). And if you’re already a fan of luxurious pajamas, then you must try LAKE.

And right now is a GREAT time! Their Summer Sale just started, so shop quickly (sizes go fast).

For years, I kept seeing people talk about LAKE Pajamas on Instagram, and when I finally decided to give them a try, I wanted to kick myself for not giving in earlier and wasting money on other brands (including Cuyana, Eberjay and Cozy Earth). But LAKE PJs are worth the hype.

If you’re anything like I was and not sure what the hype is all about or maybe you’ve decided you want to get a pair of pajamas, but you’re not sure which ones, then I’ve got you covered in this post. I’m going to share my experience, the pros and cons, the sets that are worth buying, how to take care of them, and what size to order (since that does vary by fabric).

LAKE Pajamas Review (NOT Sponsored)

My Experience with LAKE Pajamas

I was introduced to LAKE Pajamas when I was newly postpartum with my first son, Thomas. For years, I never purchased actual pajamas, but instead just slept in workout clothes or ratty old t-shirts. Then, I finally bought true pajamas when I became a mom (I needed something that was easy to nurse in), and while I liked them, I wasn’t in love with them.

I finally tried LAKE Pajamas, and I’m now a pajamas snob. I had no idea what I was missing until my Content Manager bought me a pair as a gift, and she ruined me. They’re now the only PJs I’ll wear (I share photos anytime I get a new set on LTK — read how to use LTK here).

But, there are a few things to know before you buy.

Here are the key takeaways:

Pros:

• Incredible fabrics that are so soft and comfortable to sleep in.
• Cute patterns and styles – Pima cotton is my current favorite but I loved DreamModal when pregnant. I also LOVE the new shorts set I got, which is seersucker.
• Matching sets with kiddos, which is cute.
• Flattering on all body types and heights. I’m 5’1″ and love the same sets as my content manager who is 5’6″.

Cons:

• Most sets need to be hung to dry or else they WILL shrink. Even if you dry once to intentionally shrink, they seem to keep shrinking when you dry again.
• Dream Knit is super soft but stretches out to a weird shape and is really not flattering up top. You don’t want to walk around your kitchen in this style as it sort of clings.
• Some sets shrink and some don’t and unless you have a ton of pairs (like I do), you wouldn’t know that! And because of that, you will need to buy different sizes in different fabrics.
• Kids sets run very small.

If I could recommend one set, it would be the Pima Bundle, so you can try the shorts and the pants. Get your true size, unless you plan to dry them in the dryer or like your PJs a little roomier (I always size up in my Pima sets). Otherwise, stick to your traditional sizing and wash them on a delicate, cold cycle and hang to dry. If you get TWO sets, get the Alice shorts set, and do your true size for those.

How do LAKE Pajamas Fit?

Since you don’t typically wear PJs out of the house (but hey, I’m not judging if you do — okay, actually I am), sizing is more forgiving than with everyday clothes. However, LAKE isn’t cheap, so you’ll want to be sure to get the size that fits you best to get the most out of your pajamas.

In general, LAKE runs true-to-size. When they arrive, they’ll seem a tad large (and maybe a little long), and that’s because LAKE is accounting for a little shrinkage in the wash. So don’t worry if your PJs seem a little big at first; you do still need to use caution! Namely, don’t put them in the dryer.

I get an XS or S in every pair that I buy, and for reference, I’m 5’1″ and about 120-125 pounds.

Pima Cotton Sizing

I recommend sizing up. The Pima cotton sets have shrunk, especially in length for the pants, but tops fit almost perfectly, or perhaps even a little large. The pants are designed to be slightly cropped, so if you want them to be full length, hang dry them. I always get a small in Pima cotton knowing that they’ll shrink a little. I can wear medium in the Pima cotton (they’re very loose in the waist) but a medium in the seersucker set was far too big.

DreamKnit/Dreammodal Sizing

I recommend your true size. This doesn’t shrink as much (and even tends to stretch out), and I get an XS in these. If you’re a LAKE junkie like me, be mindful that their DreamKnit fabric is now called DreamModal, so you’ll see that throughout the post.

Seersucker Sizing

Get your true size or maybe size up for a looser fit. This material didn’t seem to shrink in the wash at all (which the Pima does), and I’ve never put it in the dryer.

Cotton Gauze

Sizing depends on the style. In this gauzy Hamptons set, the top seemed to run small but the pants seemed large to me. I got a small in this and it was pretty tight up top (however, I am breastfeeding!), while the bottoms were huge. I purposely put the pants in the dryer one time and now they’re perfect but the top is still tight. The square-neck has no stretch, so keep that in mind.

The Best LAKE Pajamas Products

Okay, now let’s talk about the pajamas themselves.

Pima Bundle

The Pima Bundle was my very first set of LAKE Pajamas. The bundle comes with a short sleeve top, pair of shorts, and a pair of pants, so you can have the best of both worlds. These are truly some of the softest cotton pajamas I’ve ever felt. They have an almost silky-like cotton feel. You know when something feels so soft that it almost feels cool to the touch? That’s the feeling you get when you put these on.

This bundle comes in four colors.

Pima Short Long Weekend Set

This set of Pajamas is VERY similar to the first Pima set I linked, but the shape of the Short Long Weekend Set is a little boxier. Instead of a wider boatneck, this set features a true crewneck. I love both and they’re equally comfortable. It’s all about your style preference.

Pima Ruffle Tank Short Set

This ruffled tank set is the same material as the set above, but in a slightly more feminine cut that I LOVE for summer. I wear a size small in this style. There are a few colorways available right now.

Pima Maternity Shorts Set

The Pima Maternity Shorts Set is finally new and improved! I actually wasn’t a fan of their previous maternity styles because the fit just wasn’t right. Everything was too big on top and too tight below the bump. Thankfully they redesigned them, and now I can confidently say they’re worth buying (and gifting) for expecting moms!

The top has snap buttons for easy nursing access and lots of room for a growing bump, and the shorts have a super stretchy elastic waistband with a drawstring for a better fit. I was so passionate about re-reviewing these pajamas when they improved the fit that I tried them on sans bump (with my Pilates ball, ha!). I wear a size small in this style.

See a short video try-on in this maternity set here.

Pima Ruffle Nightgown

I’m not traditionally a nightgown person, but the Pima Ruffle Nightgown changed my mind. It’s loose and breathable, feminine and flattering, and most of all, the softest cotton ever. I wear an XS in this style, since I’m not concerned with the length getting a tad shorter in the dryer (again, I’m 5’1″).

This is a great option for maternity since it has plenty of room for a bump but you can also find maternity specific pajamas online at LAKE. And this nightgown was one of my postpartum essentials since it’s so easy to nurse in and didn’t irritate my C-section incision.

DreamModal Ribbon Tank-Long Set

This DreamModal Pants set is incredibly lightweight and especially great for postpartum since it’s so stretchy. Right now it comes in the most beautiful green floral pattern.

DreamModal Nightgown

I love this nightgown from LAKE’s spring collection – the DreamModal Emma Nightgown in Meadow Bouquet. The colorway is gorgeous, and the midi length is great for wearing around the house when we have guests.

DreamModal Kimono Pajama Set

I got this DreamModal Kimono Set a couple of years ago and it’s definitely my cutest set. The top wraps up and has an interior tie to keep it secure, so you can either wear it on it’s own or wear it with a tank. I got this set in an XS and it has not shrunk like the Pima cotton sets.

DreamModal is a super soft material that has a more drapey feeling than the Pima cotton. The pants have a wide leg and elastic waistband (just like all LAKE Pajamas). I do wish it came with a regular tank and not only the kimono top, since it’s not comfortable to sleep in.

Alice Seersucker Shorts Set

This blue and white stripe Alice set is the newest addition to my LAKE collection. It’s breathable and airy, lightweight, and super cute. I like that it doesn’t lay tightly on top, so you can wear it throughout the kitchen in mornings without feeling underdressed. I have a size medium, but I should have gotten a small.

Relax Shorts Set

I love the darker blue color of this Relax Short set. It’s part of their “lounge” collection. I don’t sleep in it since it’s a bit heavier fabric but it’s perfect for lazy days. I have this set in an XS.

Relax Pants Set

The Relax Pants set is the coziest lounge set ever, and I wore it a lot when newly postpartum. I have this in a small because I ordered it while pregnant, but an XS would fit better now.

Cozy Robe in French Blue

The LAKE Cozy Robe is named rather perfectly. It’s incredibly cozy and very warm, so it’s great in the winter months. But I don’t wear it in the summer or while I’m getting ready since it gets too hot (I have a terry robe from Weezie that I wear when I’m getting ready). Since it’s so luxurious, it’s a perfect gift to give for birthdays, Mother’s Day or Christmas.

I love the traditional turndown collar, a sewn-in belt (THANK YOU!) and the large pockets on the side of the robe.

Pima Scalloped Robe

I love the Pima scalloped robe for a lightweight option. It’s perfect for warm days and breastfeeding, and the scalloped version is a little longer than some of their other Pima robes, which I prefer. I get my true size in this robe since it’s more forgiving.

Collaboration Sets

I love that LAKE has limited edition sets every so often where they collaborate with other designers and creatives for super unique patterns and prints. While the sets that we have from past collaborations are now sold out, I’ll share a few photos to give you a sense for the fun patterns they have every so often!

Men’s LAKE Pajamas

While Tommy wouldn’t likely wear a full PJ set, I did get him these Pajama pants last year (and got my brother in law a pair this year!), and he LOVES them. They’re SO much softer than guys are used to!

About LAKE Pajamas

The company was started by two friends: Cassandra Cannon and Anne Read Lattimore, while they were looking for PJs that met their dream requirements. They wanted a set that was stylish AND comfortable. They weren’t looking for sexy sleepwear, and they wanted something better than their old T-shirts. So they founded LAKE to create classic pajamas that were softer than anything on the market.

Since their start, they’ve garnered coverage on large media platforms like Forbes, Town & Country, Vogue, and the WSJ.

Where to Buy LAKE Pajamas

LAKE is based in Savannah, Georgia and is primarily e-commerce. However, there are two brick and mortar stores in Atlanta and Charleston. I got to stop in the Charleston location on a “mini vacation” weekend last winter and it’s even better than I’d imagined. I could have bought everything and it’s just such a beautiful space.

The Annual LAKE Pajamas Sale

The LAKE Pajamas Annual Sale happens each year around President’s Day weekend. The discounts are usually up 50% off, and sizes always go VERY fast. If you’re a member of my newsletter, I email as soon as the sale starts.

LAKE Pajamas Care Instructions

The best way to care for your pajamas is to wash them with similar colors on a delicate cycle. Definitely hang dry unless you want to intentionally shrink, as noted above in the sizing section.

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