If there’s one thing Capsule knows, it’s cosiness – and as we enter the chillier months, this is the time for Us Pyjama People to absolutely shine. Presenting our favourite robes and the best winter pyjamas… from the everyday to the super luxe. Plus you’ll wanna scroll right to the bottom to find THE best PJ deal in the land right now
Best Flattering Robe
General Sleep
‘Everyone Robe’
Alice: I wore one of these beauties when I visited a wellness center and was completely confused by what I had put on. It was THE most comfortable robe, made of cozy, soft linen, but when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t look like a sloth – I looked so stylish and fancy, and I even had a proper shape!
Maybe I’ve been working from home far too long, but when I looked at my reflection, I felt like I could put earrings and heels on and head out to dinner without gaining anyone’s concern.
Unfortunately, when I got home and googled the robe, I discovered such wizardry comes at a price. This little number will set you back $200 – but there’s good news, besides it being super comfy and stylish, it’s also made from sustainably sourced, organic handwoven cotton and is ethically produced by hand in India. It should last and last and is a purchase you can feel good about. This little beauty is number one on my list of things I can’t quite justify buying, but need asap.
General Sleep, ‘Everyone Robe’ in Navy, $200
Best Cosy Long PJs
Papinelle ‘Super Soft Waffle V-neck Top and Jogger Pants’
Alice: I’m not kidding when I say they are the softest, nicest thing you could possibly wear. I proceeded to wear them most days – they’re what I was wearing when I was made redundant over Zoom and I swear they somehow cushioned that blow too. You can’t go wrong with a Papinelle purchase. These beauties were $49.99 as separates and also come in a peony pink, which I bought to add to my collection for 2021. My only complaint is that they are wonderful for a good few months (or depending how much you thrash them, I guess?), but they hate being washed. My pj pants are all good, but my top has somehow become more like a midriff top, while somehow it has also stretched so it’s baggy as heck? Maybe don’t put these ones in the drier!
Papinelle ‘Super Soft Waffle V-neck Top and Jogger Pants’, $59.99 each
Leopard Print: The Luxe Version
Desmond and Dempsey ‘Soleia Leopard Print‘
Alice: There are very few items of clothing that I’ve bought overseas and really, truly regretted – even if it turns out that they’re not the best fit or not quite me, they’re at least attached to wonderful memories. My true regrets are always over items I didn’t end up buying, and I still think about how amazing my life would have been if I just splashed out and made the purchase.
Many moons ago while I was overseas I tried on these PJs by Desmond and Dempsey and now it’s one of my travel clothing regrets – even though these pjs will set you back $409 (Screw you, exchange rate!). They do ship to NZ though (it’s 20 pounds a pop).
Desmond & Dempsey Soleia Leopard Print Multi, $409
Leopard Print: The Everyday Version
Peter Alexander: Leopard Oversized Flannelette PJ Set
Emma: I would describe my entire pyjama/loungewear personality as “Would Fran Fine/The Nanny Wear It?” and if so, then sign me up. These pyjamas are the perfect blend of chic (yes, animal print IS chic! Just ask Fran) and also comfortable, because flannelette is a fabric that makes chilly mornings so much better. (Also there is a matching robe if you really want to lean into the cat woman personality, which why wouldn’t you?
Peter Alexander: Leopard Oversized Flannelette PJ Set, $119
Best Wear ‘Em All Day PJs
Cotton On Super Soft Lounge Wear
Alice: Some days when I’m working from home, I know I need to get out of my jammies, buuuuut, I also want to stay as comfy as possible. On those days I change into these beauties that I call my Day PJs. They’re outrageously soft and cosy, but, they’re definitely not the best for wearing on Zoom or down to the dairy because, alas, I picked up the cat once wearing them and they pilled immediately.
Cotton On Super Soft Slim Pant, $44.99 and Long Sleeve Crew, $39.99
Best Silky PJs
Peter Alexander ‘Long Pink Chic Satin PJ Set’
Alice: My pyjama drawer is positively groaning at the seams – largely because I can’t bear to throw any out, but also because although I have thrashed my Peter Alexander collection, they’re still in great nick. They wash well, wear well and I love the smell of their stores too.
I have a favourite grey cotton onesie that’s still holding together well after more than 10 years, but my best purchases are their silk and satin sets. They’re still completely good as new after many years, which unfortunately hasn’t stopped me wanting to stock up on new colours and lengths. PA also does a bloody good robe and an excellent bed sock (a good bed sock will change your life)!
Peter Alexander ‘Long Pink Chic Satin PJ Set’, $139
Best Cosy Mom Robe
Papinelle Long Plush Robe
When you want to look and feel like one of those smug, snuggly mum’s having a cup of coffee, tucked up in a robe for a Mother’s Day ad campaign, this is the robe you need. Unlike some of other Papinelle’s stuff I find that this robe washes well and is SO cuddly and warm. It’s so cosy, it’s a daily battle to wrangle it off the cat, dog or kids who want it for themselves.
Papinelle Long Plush Robe, $109.99
Best Purchase, Hands Down
A donation to the PJ Project by The Kindness Collective Foundation
Yes, a pair of new PJs and feeling all warm and cosy is lovely, but do you know what’s even better – paying it forward and helping a Kiwi youngster who would otherwise be going without a pair of winter PJs into their very own pair.
Yip, a staggering 210,000 NZ kids are living in poverty or hardship – that’s one in five who are going without the day-to-day basics, including access to fresh food and warmth in the colder months.
When children are warm they can have a good night’s sleep and wake up for school feeling refreshed, and ready to learn. After the recent devastating weather events and as the cost of living increases, we know providing a pair of warm, winter pyjamas is one way we can collectively make a difference.
Head to the website for details on where you can drop off a pair – or, make a donation! Just $20 can buy two pairs of winter pjs for kids in need.
