Warm winter loungewear and sleepwear

Bing Shopping | French terry

The essential difference between the sleeping and lounging sides of life is all in the styling. Loungewear fabrics and silhouettes should be more refined than those of your typical pajamas. The test: Would you wear it if company dropped by? A top pick is French terry, a cozy yet classy fabric found in slightly higher-end loungewear.

Bing Shopping | Velour

Loungewear shouldn’t differ from sleepwear where comfort is concerned -- both should envelope you in softness, with no rough edges that scratch, zippers that chafe or buttons that poke. Velour loungewear separates or sets offer a rich velvety softness with the ease of wash-and-wear care.

Bing Shopping | Cotton jersey

Lighter in weight than some other winter loungewear fabrics, cotton jersey drapes beautifully and is perfect for layering, or for wearing alone if you’re prone to overheating when the heater is cranked up. Choose double-knit jersey to up the toasty factor if you chill easily.

Bing Shopping | Flannel

The coziest option in bedwear is a set of soft pajamas -- and when you want the cold-weather classic, nab a pair in flannel. They’re fluffy from the get-go, and get even softer the more they’re laundered. Found usually in bright and whimsical designs, we especially love the charming, retro look of plaid flannel.

Bing Shopping | Fleece

Wearing fleece PJ’s to bed is like getting a soft, warm hug each night before falling asleep. Super-fuzzy fleece is a mid-weight material that retains heat really well. Microfleece is a just-as-comfy alternative that provides almost the same warmth without the weight. And if you adore footed pajamas, there are tons of fleece versions on offer.

Bing Shopping | Thermal

The thinnest and most body-hugging choice in our roundup, thermal knit weaves are famous for conserving body heat, and they’re frequently used in long underwear worn with winter outfits. Sleepshirt and sleep pant separates are frequently offered in toasty thermal knits and buying PJ’s this way is a good bet if you’re different sizes on top and bottom.

Bing Shopping | Nightgowns

More flowing and feminine than pajamas, don’t discount the nightgown as a perfect piece for those long winter nights. As for fabric choice, all the usual snuggly suspects are on offer -- flannel, substantial cotton, microfleece, brushed knits or double-faced material that’s as cushy on the inside as it is on the outside.

Bing Shopping | Nightshirts

A style of sleepwear that’s almost as long as a gown but designed more “boyfriend”-style, with a button-front or T-shirt bodice, nightshirts offer less leg coverage if longer gowns tend to tangle and bug you in bed. The long-sleeved versions are great if you’re prone to cold limbs.

Bing Shopping | Long silk nightgowns

Don’t assume the sleek luxury of silk is suited for sleeping in only the warmer months. This fantastically comfortable fabric may seem cool to the touch when first draping it on, but it quickly warms to your body temperature and offers superior breathability and a truly sensual sleep experience.

Bing Shopping | Chenille

While a robe isn't technically something you sleep in, they go hand in hand with sleepwear and loungewear, so we can't leave them out of the roundup. Let's start with those fat, fluffy models made to envelop you in softness. Chenille pretty much defines the word “cushy,” yet it’s actually quite a lightweight fabric.