The ultimate guide to Christmas pyjamas

Christmas pyjamas have become a much-loved festive tradition in the UK, transforming chilly winter nights into cosy, joyful moments.

Whether you’re unwrapping presents on Christmas morning, sipping hot chocolate by the fire, or snapping a family photo in matching outfits, Christmas pyjamas bring warmth and festivity to the season.

This comprehensive Christmas.co.uk guide explores what Christmas pyjamas are, their types, why they’re popular gifts – we’ll also offer some predicted popular styles to help you stay ahead of the trend!

What are Christmas pyjamas?

Christmas pyjamas are specially designed sleepwear that embody the spirit of Christmas.

Featuring festive patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, Christmas trees or Santa Claus, they’re crafted to add a touch of magic to the festive season.

Available for adults, children, babies and even pets, these pyjamas often come in matching sets for families, making them a fun way to unite loved ones.

Made from materials like cotton, flannel, fleece or satin, they prioritise comfort while offering festive flair. Many are personalised with names or slogans, enhancing their appeal as thoughtful gifts.

Types of Christmas pyjamas

Christmas pyjamas come in a variety of styles, catering to different tastes, budgets, and needs. Here are the main types available in the UK:

Family matching pyjamas

These sets are incredibly popular and designed for the whole family, including adults, children, babies and pets. Popular designs include classic tartan, snowflakes or character-themed prints like Disney or The Grinch. Retailers like Primark and Matalan offer affordable matching sets.

Personalised pyjamas

Customised with names, initials or festive slogans, personalised pyjamas add a special touch. Etsy UK is a hotspot for these, offering options like embroidered reindeer or glittery candy cane designs.

Luxury pyjamas

For those seeking indulgence, luxury pyjamas in silk, satin or high-quality cotton are popular. Brands like The White Company and Boux Avenue offer elegant sets with festive touches, such as piped satin or velvet trims. These are often chosen as premium gifts.

Novelty and humorous pyjamas

Quirky designs featuring slogans like ‘Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal’ or prints with elves, gingerbread men or dinosaurs in Santa hats appeal to those who love fun. These are popular among younger adults and teens, available on sites like eBay and Amazon UK.

Flannel and fleece pyjamas

Perfect for cold UK winters, flannel and fleece pyjamas offer warmth and cosiness. Primark’s fluffy Christmas pyjamas and Next’s flannel sets are top choices.

Character-themed pyjamas

Featuring popular characters like Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Lilo & Stitch or Harry Potter, these pyjamas appeal to fans of all ages. Primark and ASDA George excel in this category, with Disney-themed pyjamas proving very popular.

Onesies

For ultimate cosiness, Christmas onesies are a fantastic option. These all-in-one garments often come with hoods, sometimes featuring ears or antlers, adding an extra element of fun. They are incredibly warm and perfect for lounging around on a cold winter’s day.

Short sets and nightdresses

While long-sleeved pyjamas are most common for winter, you can also find festive short sets and nightdresses for those who prefer a lighter feel or live in warmer homes. These often feature the same Christmas patterns and prints as their longer counterparts.

Eco-friendly pyjamas

Sustainably made pyjamas, often in organic cotton or bamboo, are gaining traction. John Lewis and Marks & Spencer offer eco-conscious options, aligning with growing consumer interest in ethical fashion.

Why do people give Christmas pyjamas as presents?

Christmas pyjamas have become a go-to gift for many in the UK, and for good reason. They offer a unique blend of practicality, comfort and festive spirit. Here’s why we think they make such wonderful Christmas presents:

Festive bonding: Matching pyjamas create a sense of togetherness, perfect for family traditions like Christmas Eve movie nights or opening presents

• Thoughtful and practical: Pyjamas are a useful gift that combines comfort with festive cheer, making them ideal for all ages
• Personalisation: Custom options allow gift-givers to add a personal touch, increasing emotional value
• Affordability: With options ranging from budget-friendly Primark sets to luxury silk pyjamas, there’s something for every budget
• Tradition: Many families gift pyjamas on Christmas Eve, creating a ritual that enhances anticipation for Christmas Day
• Cosiness: At a time when the weather is often cold and everyone is spending more time indoors, the gift of warm and comfortable pyjamas is always appreciated. They provide a sense of snugness and relaxation, perfect for those leisurely Christmas days
• Christmas morning: Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and everyone is wearing their festive pyjamas. It makes for wonderful family photos around the Christmas tree as presents are opened. it’s a visual representation of togetherness and Christmas spirit. And if you’re keen on joining the Insta tend of sending followers images of you and your family clad in Christmas pyjamas then shopping for eye-catching designs is the name of the game.

Essentially, festive PJs are a gift for all ages – from babies to grandparents.

The wide variety of styles and sizes ensures that you can find a perfect pair for each family member.

They tend to be a bonding experience and for families who opt for matching sets, it creates a fun undertaking.

Customer reviews on Etsy highlight the appeal of buying festive pyjamas as presents, with comments like, “Ordered pyjamas for the whole family… super soft and great quality!” showing their value as great gifts.

The history of giving Christmas pyjamas as gifts

The tradition of gifting Christmas pyjamas has roots in both European and American customs, evolving into a distinctly British practice.

In the early 20th century, nightwear was a practical gift during the colder months, often handmade or tailored.

By the 1950s, mass-produced pyjamas became more accessible, and festive designs began appearing, influenced by the growing commercialisation of Christmas.

In the UK, the tradition gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, as retailers like Marks & Spencer introduced festive nightwear ranges.

The American concept of matching family pyjamas, popularised through media and catalogues, crossed the Atlantic in the 2000s, boosted by shows like Friends and Gilmore Girls, where families wore coordinated outfits during festive scenes.

The rise of social media, particularly Instagram, further propelled the trend, with families sharing photos in matching pyjamas, driving demand.

The Christmas Eve pyjama gift, often paired with a book or hot chocolate, became a ritual in many UK households, symbolising warmth and togetherness.

Today, retailers like The Christmas Pyjamas and Next capitalise on this tradition, offering gift-wrapped sets for Christmas Eve boxes.

What do people buy?

UK consumers prioritise comfort, quality and festive designs when buying Christmas pyjamas. Based on recent trends and customer feedback, here are some styles that are likely to be popular in the UK this year:

Matching family sets: These dominate sales, with retailers like Matalan and Sainsbury’s Tu reporting high demand. Red and green tartan, snowflake, and reindeer prints are perennial favourites

Personalised options: Etsy UK sellers report strong sales of customised pyjamas, especially for children and couples

Warm materials: Flannel and fleece are top choices for winter, with Primark’s fleece pyjamas praised for cosiness

• Character-themed pyjamas: Disney and The Grinch designs are popular among kids and young adults
• Budget-friendly options: Retailers like ASDA George and Tesco F&F Clothing cater to cost-conscious shoppers, with sets starting at £10.

If you fancy getting ahead of the crowd, we predict these PJs will be popular this year:

• Sustainable fabrics: There’s a growing demand for pyjamas made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and bamboo
• Classic comfort with a twist: Oversized, cosy fits in traditional check and fair isle patterns remain popular, but with modern colour palettes and subtle festive details. think deeper reds, forest greens, and icy blues
• Novelty nostalgia: Retro and vintage-inspired Christmas characters and designs are making a comeback, appealing to those who appreciate a nostalgic touch
• Character collaborations: Collaborations with popular children’s tv shows and movie franchises continue to be a hit, especially for younger family members
• Luxurious textures: Velvet and soft flannel remain popular choices for those seeking extra warmth and a touch of luxury during the Christmas season
• Humorous and quirky prints: Pyjamas with funny Christmas slogans or quirky illustrations continue to appeal to those with a playful sense of humour
• Animal motifs: beyond the traditional reindeer, expect to see other winter animals like penguins, polar bears, and even festive dogs and cats adorning pyjamas
• Bold colours: Beyond traditional red and green, jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and amethyst will feature, as seen in Boux Avenue’s 2024 satin sets
• Pop culture tie-ins: Pyjamas featuring characters from popular films releases, like Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, will be big, with Primark likely leading
• Pet-inclusive sets: Matching pet pyjamas will remain a hit, with retailers like My Christmas Pyjamas offering dog and cat options.

Suppliers of quality or unusual Christmas pyjamas

Finding high-quality or unique Christmas pyjamas can elevate your festive experience. Below are top UK suppliers, categorised by their offerings, based on reputation, customer reviews and product range:

Quality family matching pyjamas

The Christmas Pyjamas: Based in Bedfordshire, this family-run business offers exclusive, in-house designed cotton pyjamas with next-day delivery options. Their Signature Range includes tartan and reindeer prints, with free shipping on orders over £99. Customers praise their softness and durability.

• Next: Known for festive designs, Next offers matching pyjamas for men, women, kids, and babies, with flannel and cotton options. Their 4.5-star rated sets include slippers and onesies, with free returns.
• Marks & Spencer: Another popular choice for families, M&S offers a variety of Christmas pyjamas, from traditional sets to fun novelty prints, with a focus on quality and comfort.

Personalised and handmade pyjamas

• Etsy UK: With over 1,000 unique Christmas pyjama listings, Etsy is ideal for customised options. Sellers offer embroidered sets, glittery designs, and couple-specific pyjamas, with many providing free shipping on orders over £35. Reviews highlight quick delivery and excellent quality.
• Notonthehighstreet.com: Similar to Etsy, Notonthehighstreet features a curated selection of products from small businesses, often including unique and personalised Christmas pyjama sets.

Luxury and premium pyjamas

• Boux Avenue: Renowned for satin and velvet pyjamas, Boux Avenue’s festive sets feature elegant designs like snowflake embroidery. Free delivery over £40 makes them a gifting favourite.
• The White Company: Offering tartan and tree-printed cotton sets, this retailer is praised for timeless luxury. Their pyjamas are ideal for family matching, with sizes from S to 3XL.

Unusual and quirky pyjamas

• Amazon UK: With a vast range, Amazon offers novelty pyjamas like “Elf on the Shelf” sets or dinosaur-themed PJs. OEKO-TEX certified options ensure safety and quality.
• John Lewis & Partners: Their range includes unique prints like Nordic animals and blue bauble designs, with 4.7-star rated sets for kids and adults. Free delivery over £50 adds value.

Budget-friendly and character-themed pyjamas

• Primark: A go-to for Disney, The Grinch, and woodland-themed pyjamas, Primark’s 2025 range will include fleece, and flannel sets at low prices. Available in-store only, with click-and-collect in some areas.
• ASDA George: Offering affordable matching sets and character prints, ASDA’s pyjamas start at £10, with high demand for their Lilo & Stitch designs.

How to buy Christmas pyjamas

Christmas pyjamas are more than just sleepwear – they’re a festive tradition that brings families together, adds joy to gift-giving and creates lasting memories.

From cosy flannel sets to luxurious satin pyjamas, the UK market offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re after matching family outfits, personalised gifts or quirky designs, retailers have you covered.

We predict this year will feature bold colours, sustainable materials and pop culture-inspired designs to dominate.

Embrace the magic of Christmas with pyjamas that make every moment special.