As you write your packing checklist (you always have a checklist, right?), don't forget to include travel sleepwear. Getting good sleep can be difficult when you are away from home. Having comfortable clothes to sleep in can help you sleep better.
What to Consider When Choosing Travel Sleepwear
Each trip you take is different in terms of the weather, how much luggage you are carrying, where you’ll sleep and so on. So you need to consider your situation during a particular trip when choosing the best sleepwear to pack. Here are the most important factors to consider.
Your preferences. Some people love cuddling up in full pajamas while others prefer sleeping in the nude or just a tee and underwear. If the weather allows, pack the same sleepwear you are used to. It will provide a familiar feel and help you get better sleep.
The weather. If you are not sure whether you’ll be sleeping in a heated or air conditioned accommodation, then pack for the expected weather. A t-shirt and shorts may be enough for mild summer nights, but colder weather may require thicker pajamas complete with socks. Warm sleepwear is even more important if you are going outdoors.
Luggage space. If you are traveling light with just a backpack or a carry-on, you might not afford to pack a set of PJs. Instead, you can multitask one of your tops and underwear into sleepwear duty. But if you have the luxury of space, then you can pack clothes specifically for sleeping in.
Whatever you choose to sleep in, make sure it is soft on your skin (no jeans please), loose fitting, breathable and moisture-wicking.
The Best Types of Sleepwear for Travel
Your Regular Clothes
Choosing sleepwear from your regular clothes is the easiest option when you are traveling. It saves space since you don't have to pack separate nightwear.
There are plenty of sleepwear options to choose from depending on which clothes you’ve packed. Here’s what most travelers sleep in.
T-shirt and briefs or any kind of underwear is one of the most popular combos. You can then wear the same t-shirt the next day.
A t-shirt and shorts also work great as sleepwear and it’s more suitable if you are concerned about modesty (e.g. you are sleeping in a dorm or sharing a room).
Yoga pants, sweat pants, gym shorts, and tights also make for excellent sleepwear. Just make sure that whatever you wear is not too tight or too heavy.
For women, a shirt dress, slip dress or even a beach coverup can easily be used as a nightgown.
Pajamas or Nightgown
If you only sleep well with your PJs or nightgown, then it’s worth adding it to your packing list. Most nightwear is light anyway, so it shouldn’t add much weight to your suitcase.
One advantage of having dedicated nightwear is that you don't have to worry about whether you have a clean t-shirt or shorts to sleep in. Each evening, you can slip in your PJs then put them away in the morning.
Sleeping Nude
This one’s a bit tricky when you are traveling since you can’t be sure of the level of hygiene in your accommodation. If you have sensitive skin or allergy issues, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it.
But sleeping nude is a great option if that’s how you sleep best or if you are traveling ultra light and don't want to pack any sleepwear. Just make sure you are warm and your clothes are nearby in case of an emergency like a fire alarm.
