Is it time to upgrade your pyjama drawer? (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)
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Welcome back to Bargain vs Bougie, Metro.co.uk’s series pitting products at varying price points against each other.
As we enter post-Christmas human hibernation months (you know, when it’s freezing outside and we’re staying in to save cash before spring eventually rolls around), it’s likely we’ll be having lots of downtime at home.
While loungewear has its time and place, there’s nothing quite like a matching set of PJs. In fact, if you ask me, nothing screams adulthood like a drawer filled with matching pyjamas.
But, it begs the question, does supreme comfort really need to come with a hefty price tag?
So on a personal mission to discover if that ‘put-together feeling’ really needs to come from more expensive pyjamas, I decided to road-test three pairs: one bargain, one mid-ranged and one bougie.
Also, in the interest of fairness – and as vibrant and jazzy designs might subconsciously influence my investigations – I opted to try out a classic navy or black and white piped style for each.
At full price, there was a whopping £57 difference in cost, though readers will be pleased to hear the bougie £75 set has just hit the January sales.
Let’s get into it…
Bargain – Asda
Black Long Sleeve Shirt Pyjamas, £18
They were better than I expected (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)
I have a confession… supermarket pyjamas aren’t something I’d usually consider. Don’t get me wrong I love a bargain but, as I’ve always found purse-friendly options elsewhere in high street stores, I’ve never felt the need to look in UK supermarkets.
Perhaps that’s where I’ve been going wrong.
Asda’s pyjamas surpassed my expectations. For the price, these are incredibly comfortable.
Of the three pairs, which I tested over several weeks, these were the ones I reached for the least. They’re also ever-so-slightly less soft following a wash (perhaps as they are 96% viscose, rather than cotton or jersey) – so are the lowest in my rankings, but still get a very respectable 6.5 score from me.
You can get them with an embroidered initial – or without (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)
These black long-sleeved PJs with white piping detail are available with personalised lettering on the pocket or without – and if you ask me, they feel more expensive than they are.
To be able to snap up pyjamas this cosy for just £18 (the price of perhaps two glasses of wine) is a bargain buy that will see you through the remaining winter months and beyond very nicely indeed.
6.5/10
Bougie -The White Company
Jersey Stitch Detail Classic Pyjama Set, £75 (now down to £37.50)
Excuse the de-humiddy (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)
For a company that’s established a reputation for its luxury and comfort, The White Company seems like the perfect place to turn to for pyjamas.
And let me be the first to tell you that PJs don’t get much softer than the lifestyle brand’s offering – even after they’ve been washed.
The quality more than anything is what stands out from this brand. While you’re paying a little more, you’re getting back cloud-like softness, a non-clingy jersey fit that’s the perfect thickness, and attention to detail with design (I particularly loved the chic darker navy and adorable white stitching-style hems).
These really were cloud-like and I loved the chic darker navy colour (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)
As someone who has previously bought The White Company PJs in the January sales, I can confirm it seems this standard is consistent across the board – whether you’re buying jersey or brushed cotton ones.
The only thing I’m marking these jersey stitch pyjamas down on was the fit on me, as the top was slightly longer on my torso – but this probably just comes down to my body shape, height and personal preference.
However, considering these slouchy and cosy PJs will only be seeing the four walls of my house, it’s hardly worth mentioning.
8/10
Mid-range – M&S
Cool Comfort TM Cotton Modal Pyjama Set, £30
You can grab these for £30 (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)
For me, the mid-range M&S PJs take the crown. These are the pyjamas I found myself reaching for the most and coming in at just £30, in my opinion, they’re an absolute steal.
Considering most luxury pyjamas tend to sit around the £50 mark or above, these prove that comfort, a timeless design, and a flattering fit don’t need to break the bank.
These cotton pyjamas are made with Cool Comfort technology, which delivers on keeping you toasty for those evenings in, but also comfortable during sleep when necessary.
A cuddle in pyjamas form – that doesn’t break the bank (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)
They also pass the wash test with flying colours – which some brands fall short on. In fact, they seem just as soft, if not slightly more so than the original wear.
While The White Company pyjamas will always have a place in my heart, the fact you can buy two sets of M&S PJs for the price of one from TWC – and be equally as satisfied – is why this set scoops first position for me.
9/10
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Does that ‘put-together feeling’ really need to come from a pair of more expensive pyjamas?