Finding a pair of sleep shorts that don’t twist up your legs, trap heat, or feel like sandpaper after three washes is harder than it should be. Most men settle for old gym shorts with a frayed drawstring and call it a night. The right pair changes how quickly you actually fall asleep and stay asleep, especially during warmer months.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve spent years analyzing fabric weaves, waistband construction, and customer durability reports across dozens of sleepwear categories to separate the one-season wonders from the pairs that hold up wash after wash.
This guide breaks down the five best options available right now so you can pick a pair that fits your sleep style, body type, and fabric preference. You’ll find the best pajama shorts for men ranked by real-world comfort, material quality, and long-term value.
How To Choose The Best Pajama Shorts For Men
Not all sleep shorts are built the same. The difference between a pair you reach for every night and one that ends up in the back of the drawer comes down to a few key details that most buyers overlook until it’s too late.
Fabric Type and Weave
The weave determines how the shorts breathe, drape, and feel against your skin. Cotton jersey knit is the most forgiving — it stretches, moves with you, and softens over time. Woven cotton poplin is crisper, more structured, and less likely to cling. Bamboo viscose offers a silky hand feel with natural moisture-wicking properties, making it a strong option for hot sleepers who hate waking up damp.
Waistband and Drawstring Design
A covered elastic waistband prevents the rubber from digging into your skin, which is the number one comfort complaint among men who sleep in shorts. The drawstring should be flat cotton or rounded cord — flat cotton strings have a tendency to knot up after washing, while round cords slide more reliably. Look for a waistband that stays put without needing constant retightening.
Length and Coverage
Inseam length determines whether the shorts ride up during sleep or stay in place. For most men, a 5 to 7-inch inseam offers enough coverage to prevent bunching without looking like a board short. Taller men over six feet should look for pairs specifically noted to have extra length, as standard cuts often land uncomfortably high on the thigh.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GYS Bamboo Viscose | Silk-Like | Hot sleepers needing moisture wicking | Bamboo viscose, baggy cut | Amazon |
| Fruit of the Loom Jersey Knit | Stretch Knit | All-around comfort with deep pockets | 4.5 oz jersey knit, covered waist | Amazon |
| Andrew Scott Cotton Lounge | Cotton Poplin | Lounging and light outdoor wear | Cotton poplin, medium weight | Amazon |
| yuyangdpb Woven Plaid | Woven Cotton | Traditional plaid style with button fly | Woven cotton, button open fly | Amazon |
| Amazon Essentials Cotton Stretch Poplin | Stretch Poplin | Lightweight stretch for warm climates | Cotton stretch poplin, side pockets | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. GYS Men’s Bamboo Viscose Shorts
These shorts feel noticeably different from standard cotton the moment you put them on. The bamboo viscose fabric delivers a silky, almost satin-like hand feel that glides against the skin without clinging, which makes them a strong choice for anyone who tosses and turns during the night. Multiple reviewers note the breathability and how the material stays cool even when room temperatures climb.
The cut runs intentionally baggy — this isn’t a design flaw. The extra room allows air to circulate around the legs and prevents the shorts from riding up or binding across the thighs. Sizing runs larger than expected, so men with a 34-inch waist should consider sizing down to medium unless they prefer a very loose fit. The woven drawstring lets you cinch the waist without the band digging in.
One tradeoff worth noting: these shorts have no front fly or liner, which some users found surprising for lounging. The side pockets are functional but best suited for lightweight carry like a phone or keys. If your top priority is temperature regulation and you value a barely-there feel over traditional pajama structure, these deliver exactly that.
Why it’s great
- Silky viscose fabric stays cool and dry through the night
- Baggy cut allows airflow and prevents thigh binding
- Drawstring waist offers customizable fit without elastic pressure
Good to know
- No front fly or liner, which may feel too casual for some
- Sizing runs large — buy one size down from your usual
2. Fruit of the Loom Men’s 2-Pack Jersey Knit Sleep Pajama Shorts
Fruit of the Loom sticks with what works here — a 2-pack of cotton jersey knit shorts that hit the sweet spot between softness, stretch, and durability. The fabric is lightweight enough for summer sleep but not so thin that it becomes see-through, a complaint that plagues cheaper knit options. Reviewers consistently describe the material as soft and stretchy without feeling flimsy.
The covered elastic waistband eliminates the cutting and irritation that comes from exposed rubber bands, which is a common pain point with budget sleep shorts. Deep side pockets add real utility for lounging around the house, and the cut provides thigh coverage even at 5’6″ without riding up. The drawstring is functional but not essential thanks to a well-calibrated elastic band that holds position naturally.
These feel equally at home as sleepwear and as casual shorts for quick trips to the mailbox or coffee run. The 2-pack gives you a rotation pair without overthinking the choice. If you want one pair that does nearly everything well without demanding a premium, this is the most balanced option in the group.
Why it’s great
- Jersey knit is soft, stretchy, and opaque at the same weight
- Covered waistband prevents elastic digging and irritation
- Deep pockets add real lounging utility beyond sleep
Good to know
- Limited color variety — best for function over style
- May feel too warm for extremely hot climates
3. Andrew Scott Men’s Lounge Shorts
Andrew Scott brings a more tailored aesthetic to the sleep short category with a cotton poplin construction that feels more like a proper short than a pair of boxers. The fabric has a clean, medium-weight hand that holds its shape better than knits, making these a solid choice for men who want something that looks put-together during a lazy Sunday morning without sacrificing sleep comfort.
The elastic waistband with drawstring provides reliable hold without being too tight. Reviewers note that the large size fits a 6-foot, 197-pound man very well, with a mid-thigh length that doesn’t ride up during sleep. The material is breathable but not see-through, and the color options lean toward versatile neutrals that pair easily with any t-shirt or tank top.
These shorts sit at a nice intersection of loungewear and sleepwear. You can wear them to bed, answer the door, or walk to the mailbox without feeling underdressed. The main limitation is the lack of a multi-pack option — you get a single pair per purchase, so building a rotation requires buying multiple units. If you prioritize a clean, structured look in your sleep shorts, this is the best match.
Why it’s great
- Cotton poplin holds shape and looks clean beyond the bedroom
- Good length for taller men — covers mid-thigh without riding
- Elastic and drawstring combo keeps waistband secure
Good to know
- Single pair only — no multi-pack option available
- Fabric weight may feel slightly warm for extreme summer heat
4. yuyangdpb Men’s 3-Pack Woven Pajama Shorts
This 3-pack leans into the classic sleep short aesthetic with woven cotton fabric and traditional plaid patterns that feel straight out of a gentlemen’s sleepwear catalog. The 100% cotton material is lightweight and breathable, making it a natural fit for spring and summer sleeping. The fabric feels crisp and cool against the skin, especially in warmer bedrooms where synthetic blends trap heat.
The button open fly adds a level of traditional detail that sets these apart from the pull-on competition, offering a more authentic pajama experience. The waistband uses an elastic core with a flat cotton drawstring, though some users have reported the drawstring tends to knot up after washing — a minor but real annoyance that can be solved by replacing the string with a round cord. The 3-pack value makes it easy to keep a rotation without thinking about laundry timing.
Taller men benefit here — reviewers at 6’2″ report the length is adequate for full coverage, which is a common pain point with other brands. The shorts work well for both sleeping and lounging, though the woven cotton is less stretchy than knits, so movement feels a bit more structured. If you prefer the look and feel of old-school plaid pajamas and want multiple pairs at once, this pack delivers.
Why it’s great
- Traditional woven cotton breathes well in warm weather
- Button fly adds authentic pajama detailing and function
- 3-pack provides excellent rotation value
Good to know
- Flat cotton drawstring tends to knot during washing
- Less stretch than knit options — movement feels more structured
5. Amazon Essentials Men’s Cotton Stretch Poplin Shorts
Amazon Essentials enters the sleep short space with a cotton stretch poplin construction that balances a crisp woven look with a touch of give. The fabric is lightweight and opaque, avoiding the see-through issue that plagues many thinner options at this level. Multiple reviewers note these shorts work well for both sleeping and leaving the house, with the stretch poplin holding its shape without wrinkling easily.
The waistband uses a functional drawstring, though some users found the elastic band to be slightly rougher than comparable offerings from established sleepwear brands. The side pockets are well-sized for phone and remote storage, and the overall cut runs true to size. Female buyers have also noted that these shorts fit well on women who prefer longer inseam options not typically found in women’s sleep shorts.
These represent a solid entry-level option for someone testing the waters with dedicated sleep shorts rather than repurposing old gym gear. The fabric holds up well to repeated washing based on reports of 10 wash cycles without noticeable degradation, though the initial feel is slightly stiffer than comparable Hanes options. If budget is your primary constraint and you want something that looks presentable beyond the bedroom, this is a reliable starter pair.
Why it’s great
- Stretch poplin offers a structured look with some give
- Opaque fabric avoids see-through problems common at this tier
- Good washing durability reported after multiple cycles
Good to know
- Waistband elastic feels slightly rougher than competitors
- Fabric starts stiffer and requires a few washes to soften
FAQ
What fabric is best for hot sleepers in pajama shorts?
How should men’s pajama shorts fit for sleeping?
What is a button fly on pajama shorts?
Can pajama shorts be worn as loungewear outside the house?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best pajama shorts for men winner is the Fruit of the Loom 2-Pack Jersey Knit Shorts because it combines soft stretch fabric, a comfortable covered waistband, and deep pockets into a pair that works equally well for sleeping and lounging. If you want that silky, temperature-regulating feel that stays cool all night, grab the GYS Bamboo Viscose Shorts. And for a traditional woven look with button fly detailing and a 3-pack for rotation, nothing beats the yuyangdpb Plaid Cotton Shorts.