Most of us tend to focus on the big ticket items when it comes to our sleep, with these being our pillows, bedding, mattress, and even how dark the room is, but these aren’t all that matter. Although they might be an afterthought at times, your pajamas are also just as important.
After all, they are fabric that sits against your skin for hours and can influence your temperature, how dry you stay, and how comfortable you are throughout the night. Given they are so important, there's often much debate surrounding bamboo vs cotton pajamas. These fabrics are two of the most popular for sleepwear and for good reason, but which is right for you?
Today, This Is J shares our insights to help you decide if bamboo or cotton is the right choice for you. We’ll explore everything from the pros and cons of each type of fabric to a head-to-head comparison, so that you can see which one earns its place in your bedtime routine.
Cotton: The Classic Choice
For centuries, cotton has been a natural fibre used in sleepwear. Cotton itself is derived from the cotton plant. Cotton pajamas were first introduced in the 17th century in England as loungewear, but they fell out of fashion.
It wasn’t until the late 19th century, when the fabric became popular again, and then it was during the Victorian era, that they became a staple in Western culture.
Nowadays, cotton remains one of the most common pajama options because it performs reliably as sleeping attire for most people.
Pros
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Cotton helps with ventilation as its fabric makeup allows air to flow through it.
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It's a fabric that can feel soft against the skin, especially high-thread-count cotton.
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Cotton can absorb light moisture during sleep.
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It's a fabric that withstands frequent washing without showing premature signs of aging.
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Unlike other fabrics like silk, it's easy to care for at home when it's in pajama form.
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It's widely available at different price points.
Cons
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Cotton doesn’t dry quickly; instead, it holds onto moisture.
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It can feel too warm and, for some, slightly heavy for overnight wear.
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The texture of cotton pajamas depends heavily on the quality of the cotton.
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It doesn’t have the smooth or fluid feel of bamboo viscose.
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It can lose its softness over time.
Bamboo Viscose: The Modern Alternative
Bamboo has been used as a pajama fabric since the 19th century alongside cotton, but it originated in ancient Persia and India. On the other hand, bamboo viscose is a relatively new type of bamboo fabric that became popular in the 2010s. This fabric is made by processing bamboo pulp into a fine fibre that can be woven into fabric.
Over the years, its popularity has grown in the sleepwear space due to its positive impact on sleep quality. It's arguably the best fabric for pajamas because it feels smoother against the skin and behaves differently overnight.
Pros
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Bamboo viscose helps heat escape from the fabric easily.
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The fabric pulls moisture away from your body, and it dries faster than cotton.
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Bamboo viscose drapes lightly without clinging to your skin.
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This fabric often feels cool to the touch.
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It's a fabric that helps reduce skin friction.
Cons
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It needs to be washed gently.
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It can be more expensive than other fabric pajamas.
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To maintain its texture, it needs a little more care than other fabrics.
Bamboo Viscose Vs Cotton Pajamas: A Head-to-Head Comparison
So which is the better of the two? If you’re anything like the average person, you struggle to make a decision regarding your nighttime wear, especially when there are two good choices. To help you decide between bamboo and cotton pajamas, we share what you need to know below. We promise it will be worth your time having a quick squiz:
Softness
Cotton is a soft fabric, especially when it's high-quality, but bamboo viscose is usually better in this arena. This is because bamboo viscose is smoother, feels more fluid, and acts more fluidly against the skin. It has a silk finish that many people find they like for nighttime attire.
Breathability and Temperature
Both cotton and bamboo viscose do a good job at circulating air and keeping you cool. However, bamboo viscose tends to release heat better. That’s why it's the better choice for warm sleepers who want superior temperature regulation.
Moisture Handling
When debating between bamboo and cotton sleepwear, you also need to consider moisture-wicking. Usually, cotton is a top choice because it absorbs moisture well, but it tends to remain damp for longer. It's not the best at moisture wicking.
On the other hand, bamboo viscose actively wicks moisture away and helps sweat evaporate so your skin feels dry throughout the evening.
Durability
Between cotton and bamboo, cotton has a slight advantage when it comes to how long it's going to last (but not always). Cotton can tolerate frequent washing and high heat better than other fabrics. However, bamboo viscose can also be incredibly durable if you’re gentle with it, and your pajamas can last you a long time.
Price
So, what about price? If you’re looking at bamboo or cotton sleepwear, price is likely among your top considerations. With this in mind, you should know that cotton is usually more affordable and widely available, but bamboo viscose is a luxury premium fabric that reflects a higher investment in performance and comfort.
Environmental Considerations
Both cotton and bamboo are biodegradable and plant-based. However, bamboo viscose tends to be the more environmentally-friendly fabric. This is because bamboo requires fewer natural resources to cultivate, and it grows quickly.
The only part of the process that might not be as sustainable is the processing into viscose. On the other hand, cotton's environmental impact largely depends on the water use and farming practices associated with the crop.
Who Should Choose Cotton?
Cotton is usually the better choice if you:
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Want a pajama fabric that is familiar and more traditional, in the sense that it's been used for centuries.
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Sleep in cooler environments where you want to feel somewhat warmer.
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Value long-term durability and want pajamas that require minimal and easy maintenance.
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Are looking for a budget-friendly option (though it's not always the cheapest).
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Aren’t you someone who is prone to hot flushes, night sweats, or overheating when you sleep.
Who Should Choose Bamboo Viscose?
Bamboo viscose pajamas might be the better pick for your wardrobe if you:
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Experience night sweats or run hotter than most people when you sleep.
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Are going through menopause or have medical conditions that make you sweat more.
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Want a fabric that feels softer and smoother against your skin.
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Have sensitive or easily irritated skin.
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Want to wear moisture-wicking pajamas.
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Enjoy a luxurious set of pajamas that offer an uber comfortable night's rest.
Making the Switch: Choose This Is J for Your Sleepwear Needs
If you’ve gotten used to pajamas that don't feel comfortable, cause slight irritation, or have you wishing you could go without them, it's time to make the switch to cotton or bamboo viscose. Of the two, bamboo is the better choice for sleep comfort.
With a luxurious set of bamboo viscose pajamas like those sold by us at This Is J, you can expect to sleep better. Our pajamas offer better temperature regulation, a softer feel against the skin, reduced skin irritation, and longer wear. Once your body adjusts to our pajamas, you’ll likely never go back to the somewhat heavier, less luxurious feel of cotton for your sleepwear.
Every item we produce is made in Canada and features a unique 93% bamboo viscose blend and 7% spandex. Our pajamas are also free of harsh chemicals and flame retardants. So if you’re in the market for better sleep, have a look at our bamboo collection here.
