What Are the Pros and Cons of Cotton Pajamas?

Cotton pajamas have several advantages and disadvantages, and consumers need to weigh these issues when choosing what type of pajamas they want to wear. For many people, cotton pajamas are extremely comfortable, as they are often lightweight, do not irritate skin, and allow for good air circulation. On the other hand, cotton pajamas are not good at insulating in cold weather and can be more flammable than other types of pajamas. Families and individuals may choose to simply include pajamas made from cotton among several different pairs and may select the pajamas that best suit their mood and the temperature in their sleeping environment.

There are many different styles of pajamas that can be made from cotton, including traditional two-piece pajama sets that consist of pajama pants and a top as well as nightgowns. Infants and small children may also wear onesies, or one-piece pajamas, made out of cotton. Cotton is typically an inexpensive fabric that can be prepared in different textures, thicknesses, and colors. While many people appreciate the look of plain undyed cotton, many manufacturers make their pajamas from colorful printed and patterned fabrics.

When buying pajamas, many people are primarily concerned about whether these pajamas will allow them to have a comfortable sleep. Some people find that synthetic fabrics can be irritating and may compromise their ability to sleep through the night. These folks may choose cotton pajamas, as cotton is generally a nonirritating fabric. They may also appreciate the fact that cotton is a breathable fabric that allows for air circulation around the skin and body.

The breathability of these pajamas can also be a problem for some people, however. Cotton fabric is not a good insulator, and in some cases may actually contribute to the rapid lowering of body temperature if it gets wet and the individual wearing it is in a cold environment. This is why many camping experts advise against wearing cotton pajamas when camping in cold weather or in cold environments, as doing so could contribute to hypothermia.

One concern about cotton pajamas is that they may easily catch fire, which could maim or even kill a wearer. in the United States, manufacturers can sell non-fire resistant pajamas for children provided that they are designed to fit the child snugly and are thus less likely to catch fire. Other alternatives include pajamas made from cotton that are treated with a special flame-retardant chemical that is generally considered to be safe and does not harm the integrity of the cotton fabric.