11 Ethical Fair Trade Pyjamas That Are So Comfy
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Looking for fair trade ethical pajamas that are as cozy as they are conscious? Look no further! While sleeping in old t-shirts and sweats can be comfortable, several sustainable sleepwear brands are here to make your pajama dreams a reality.
From luxurious organic cotton to silky bamboo, these brands offer a range of sustainable materials and styles to suit your eco-conscious needs.
These pajamas are better for the planet and made with fair labor practices and ethical production methods, ensuring you can sleep soundly and stylishly. So get ready to lounge in sustainable comfort with these dreamy pajama brands.
Sustainable pajamas We Recommend
Our Recommendations for Ethical Sustainable Pyjamas
Now that you are all caught up on what makes ethical, sustainable pyjamas and how the following options were selected, it's time to explore some of the best sustainable pyjamas out there. Read the guides at the bottom of the post for how we choose these brands, what fabrics you need to consider, and much more!
1. Hernest
Hernest is a Canadian company that prides itself on bringing you the comfiest sleep. Designed to be lived in per their namesake (hernest: as in “her” and “nest” combined), you can find a variety of comfy basics in which to sleep soundly.
Hernest fabrics & materials
Every garment is made using TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers for their absorbent, soft, naturally hygienic, and ecological qualities.
Their TENCEL™ Lyocell fabric is blended with other fibers like cotton, linen, and elastane for weight, integrity, and stretch, all with a minimum Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification.
Hernest ethical sourcing
As for sourcing, Hernest sets out to ensure that all its fabrics and dyes are sustainably sourced. To that end, all their fabrics are certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100, ensuring they are free of harmful chemicals and dyes.
Their garments are sewn by Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified manufacturers in Maia, Portugal. They readily offer a look at their fabric makers, garment makers, and even their hangtag & print producer.
Hernest Corporate Responsibility
All of the packaging used at Hernest is either compostable, biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable. They also invest in renewable offset initiatives, donate to local women’s charities, and support new immigrants with employment opportunities in partnership with relevant organizations.
With each review left on their website, they plant a tree, so be sure to check them out and leave them a review once you get your hands on whatever super soft and comfy item(s) you’ve chosen.
SIZES: XS - 4XL
2. Printfresh
Printfresh is a majority woman-owned business founded by Amy Voloshin in partnership with her husband Leo Voloshin. Amy is a textile designer and fashion entrepreneur explaining all the lovely prints.
Their pj selection is perfect for a fun and elevated take on sleepwear, with long sleep sets, short sleep sets, nightgowns, and robes.
Along with an extensive selection of colorful prints, Printfresh also nails it when it comes to sizing. Sizes range from XXS-6X, including Standard, Petite, and Tall options – a delight for anyone struggling with garments that are far too long, short, or no options!
You will also find a great selection of lifestyle items, including wonderfully colorful bags in their staple prints, slippers, and twisted knot slides, as well as home decor, including bedding, wallpaper, shower curtains, and more!
We tried their Robe and Cami Set. The pieces work well alone or together, and the prints are just as vibrant as pictured.
The print we chose looks even better in person. The fabric is lightweight, and our pieces were true to size, fitting comfortably.
The nightgown has adjustable straps that crossover at an elasticized back which is a nice touch. It also has pockets that feel meant to be there and complement the garment's shape. The robe has a lovely feel, too, and is reminiscent of the structure of a kimono. Both came in a beautiful reusable fabric tote bag which was a lovely surprise.
Printfresh fabrics and materials
To make their pjs Printfresh uses 100% organic poplin. No wool, leather, fur, down, exotic animal skin and hair, or angora here.
Printfresh Ethical Sourcing
Their lovely prints are designed in Philadelphia and hand-screen printed or embroidered by artisans based in India. The Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex) routinely reviews their partner factory to ensure responsible manufacturing practices.
Printfresh Corporate Responsibility
In terms of packaging Printfresh uses resealable recycled poly mailers that reduce the need for replacement orders due to damage. They can also easily be reused when exchanges do need to be made.
Printfresh focuses on reducing waste associated with production with the help of their pattern master, who lays out patterns as efficiently as possible before they are hand cut, leaving less leftover scraps. The leftover fabric scraps are saved for upcycled projects.
3. Terrera
With yet another clever name, Terrera is a Canadian clothing and home goods company that offers a variety of sleepwear options created with comfort and sustainability in mind. You'll find nightdresses and pyjama sets in a variety of colors as well.
Terrera fabrics & materials
Terrera uses organic viscose from organic bamboo fabric in all of its sleepwear. Everything from the thread, buttons, stitching, and dyes carries the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification.
Terrera ethical sourcing
The organic bamboo used in their organic viscose sleepwear is sourced from responsibly farmed organic bamboo producers in China. To ensure the health and safety of their workers, all of their overseas partners are regularly audited.
Terrera corporate responsibility
Their Ethical Fair Trade Pyjamas are manufactured in China and shipped by sea (rather than air), reducing carbon emissions. Terrera is also committed to giving back through community initiatives like its Earth Award, which rewards Canadian women who have made outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability.
They also support numerous organizations and charities, including the YWCA, Sanctuary Toronto, Urban Promise, and the Amazon Rainforest Conservancy.
SIZES: XS-XXL
4. Kotn
While not exactly pyjamas, KOTN offers loungewear, including yummy-looking joggers, shorts, and tops that fit for the best slumber has to offer, and if you need a pair of sustainable socks for your tootsies, make sure to check them out.
No matter what you are looking for it will come in enticing colors like ‘Dawn,’ ‘Caramel’, and ‘Moss’. This is not the first time we have featured this super-stylish brand. They carry the cuuuutest hats, great fitting t-shirts and bras, and much more. Make sure to give those a look before you go!
Kotn fabrics & materials
KOTN makes its products using Egyptian cotton (or Gossypium Barbadense) — a finer, softer, and stronger variety than any other. They also ensure that products made in their factories in Portugal use only cotton certified by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI).
A BCI certification means farming methods used to maintain and conserve biodiversity, local water consumption, and use minimally harmful crop protection methods.
Kotn Ethical sourcing
Using direct trade, a practice best known in the coffee & tea industries, KOTN sources raw ingredients from farmers. This helps to provide farmers with better prices and business practices, promotes transparency, and benefits the consumer by cutting out the middleman and allowing for fairer prices.
They also ensure that factory employees are paid fairly and equally and work under safe working conditions.
Kotn Corporate Responsibility
Since its launch, KOTN has funded several social impact projects through its sales. With that, they’ve successfully built and are now operating seven new schools in rural areas of Egypt; provided financial and other resources to smallholder farmers and impoverished communities; and pursued environmental responsibility and stewardship initiatives, among others.
They are currently embarking on a project to make 100% of their natural fibers certified organic within the next five years.
SIZES: XS-XXL
5. PACT
Pact is a US-based company on a mission to build Earth’s Favorite Clothing Company. They offer a variety of certified organic basics, including sleepwear. If you are looking for men’s sustainable pyjamas, look there.
And also, be on the lookout for Pact can be described as having a minimalist aesthetic, and while that is true, they do it with a whole lot of style and chic! Take a look at their body-loving undies or their adorable baby clothing. This slow fashion brand is where it's at!
Pact’s fabrics & materials
Their sleepwear is made using organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Some of their items do contain elastane to create the desired fit. If this is a concern, look out for the presence of elastane in the ‘Materials & Care' section of the product description.
Pact’s Ethical sourcing
Pact partners with Fair Trade Certified factories that ensure safe working conditions, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and financial support to empower and uplift communities.
Pact’s Corporate Responsibility
Using only certified organic cotton, Pact benefits from important water savings since organic cotton requires 91% less water than conventional cotton, holding off on the toxic chemicals as well.
They also offer the option to offset the carbon footprint associated with your shipment and use 100% post-consumer recycled paperboard and cardboard boxes to ship your items. Where they use plastics in your shipment, they are made of biodegradable plastic.
The company has also started a clothing donation program in partnership with Give Back Box, where you can donate your gently used clothing (of any brand) using a prepaid label.
SIZES: XS-XXL
6. Encircled
Encircled is a women’s fashion brand that strives to bring women timeless, sustainable, comfortable, and stylish clothing that lasts. They offer a variety of comfy joggers, leggings, and sweats to meet your cozy bedtime needs in various colors.
Plus, all of their garments are Made in Canada. It's one of the reasons why they are a top pick for affordable, ethical clothing.
Encircled's fabrics & materials
To get the softest, perfectly fitting, and most durable garments, Encircled relies on a variety of sustainable fabrics and dyes, all Oeko-Tex(R) 100 certified. Recommended fabrics include TENCEL™ Lyocell, Organic Cotton, and Linen.
They offer the option to sort their products by fabric type, so check out that feature to get straight to what you want.
Encircled's Ethical sourcing
With factories just a twenty-minute drive from their Toronto HQ, Encircled is transparent about where their garments are made, even specifying where specific items are fabricated.
All of their factories are located in Canada, ensuring they are easily accessible and providing workers with safe work environments and fair wages.
Their factories are not only subject to the high labor standards of the Province of Ontario, but each factory also signs its Ethical Code of Conduct, going above what is required by law.
Encircled's Corporate Responsibility
Encircled is a certified B-Corporation, a certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact with high-performance standards. Check out their B Impact Report for more information.
SIZES: XS-XXL
7. tentree
With every purchase of its Earth-First essentials, tentree plants ten trees. They are committed to choosing where the planet and its people come first, bringing you the quintessential cold-weather pajama bottoms. But they also have you covered in the following departments: bras, hats, sweaters, t's, and socks!
tentree's fabrics & materials
Made of organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell, the tentree Ember PJ Pant is meant to be soft and ready to be lounged in. While their organic cotton is not certified, all of the TENCEL™ materials used are FSC certified.
tentree's Ethical sourcing
Tentree strives to responsibly source all materials and ensure a safe and respectful work environment. The factories they work with are regularly audited to ensure compliance with the tentree Code of Conduct and international labor standards. Factories ensure workers are paid a living wage, are not overworked, and have access to insurance coverage.
tentree's Corporate Responsibility
Per their namesake, tentree plants ten trees for every garment purchased. tentree is also a certified B-Corp, reflecting an above-average commitment to minimizing its environmental impact and promoting the well-being of its employees and community.
SIZES: XS-XXL
8. Rawganique
Rawganique is a small-scale manufacturer of chemical-free clothing, footwear, bed, bath, and home products.
Their selection of sleepwear is plentiful and caters to chemical sensitivities and environmental concerns. Rawganique pyjamas are also hypoallergenic, 100% organic, and elastic-free, with sustainable options for both men and women.
Rawganique’s fabrics & materials
Rawganique sleepwear is available in organic cotton, organic linen, or organic hemp. Their buttons are made of natural coconut or tag nut, and their dyes are either natural or biodegradable fiber-reactive dyes.
Rawganique’s Ethical sourcing
Rawganique prides itself on remaining chemical-free at every stage of the manufacturing process. None of their plants, fibers, or products are chemically treated, and all of their textiles and garments are sweatshop-free and hand-crafted in the USA, Canada, or Europe. They ensure their artisans are paid a living wage and work in a safe, healthy, family-like environment.
All of their products ship out of warehouses in the USA and Canada.
Rawganique’s Corporate Responsibility
Rawganique is made entirely in the USA, Canada, and Europe, relying on a small team of 50 artisans and partners to craft their products.
SIZES: XS-XXL
9. Gaia & Dubos
Gaia & Dubos is a Canadian sustainable fashion company that offers elegant options designed to last. From organic cotton tanks and recycled plastic bottle pyjama pants to robes and even the eco-friendly slip (underskirt) you’ve been looking for. What’s more, all of their garments come with a lifetime guarantee.
Gaia & Dubos fabrics & materials
Gaia & Dubos’ selection of pj’s is made of recycled plastic bottles or organic cotton.
Gaia & Dubos Ethical sourcing
Their products are ethically created and crafted in Quebec, Canada, by a highly skilled artisans.
Gaia & Dubos Corporate Responsibility
Gaia & Dubos strives to have all its actions respect the planet at every stage of its processes, from raw materials to delivering your new favorite pj's to your door.
10. Harvest & Mill
Grown and sewn in the USA, Harvest & Mill offers organic joggers and tees that stand to make the coziest of snuggle partners.
Harvest & Mill's fabrics & materials
Harvest & Mill uses only USA-grown and spun regenerative cotton fabric. All of their items are available in their signature non-toxic, undyed, and unbleached natural finish, and their commercial dyes are all low-impact and EPA-compliant.
Harvest & Mill's Ethical sourcing
All of the cotton used in their garments is produced in the USA. Since they only commission American heritage mills to produce their fabric, they can also trace materials back to the organic farms on which they are grown.
Their garments are sewn in Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco, within 20 miles of their studio in Berkeley.
Harvest & Mill's Corporate Responsibility
All Harvest & Mill items are delivered wrapped in tissue paper and compostable (or re-usable) kraft paper mailers.
Since their supply chain is entirely in the United States, they adhere to one of the safest and cleanest chemical use and disposal regulations standards.
They are committed to providing non-toxic clothing and creating new supply chains in the fashion industry with cleaner and more ethical practices at every stage of the manufacturing process; through their Non-Toxic Initiative.
With that, they support USA organic cotton farmers, American heritage mills, and local sewing economies, reviving these supply chains using ecological and ethical principles. They also ensure that all workers are fairly compensated in legally binding and safe work environments.
In the same vein, they are members of Fibershed, a non-profit that works to develop regional fiber systems that benefit soils and protect the health of our biosphere.
Their domestic operations also reduce their carbon footprint and distance traveled between factories.
SIZE: XS-XL
11. Everlane
Everlane is an American company known for its basics. They strive to bring you quality and ethically produced garments as transparently as possible, even offering a cost breakdown of their items.
While they are most known for their basics, they also offer a set of dreamy washable silk pajamas.
Everlane's fabrics & materials
Their pyjamas are made of silk. Yes, actual silk! Did you even think you would find sustainable silk pajamas?
Everlane's Ethical sourcing
While their silk is not certified or organic, it is produced in a Silver LEED-certified factory in Nanchong, China. Using efficient technologies like LED dome lights that automatically adjust based on the natural light available in the room, or independent-motor sewing machines, the factory benefits from less energy waste and, ultimately, fewer carbon emissions.
Everlane's Corporate Responsibility
Regarding corporate responsibility, Everlane is building an ethical supply chain to reduce waste, chemicals, and plastics. Their garments are designed to last, and they’ve publicly committed to eliminating all virgin plastic from their supply chain by 2021 and moving all their cotton production to organic by 2023.
Why do we love sustainable pajamas?
Like conventional clothing, conventional pajamas bring the same taxing environmental impacts.
The fashion industry remains one of the most polluting industries on the planet. With its fast-moving trends and poor manufacturing practices, it contributes the same amount of emissions as 372 million cars driving in one year. (Common Objective, 2018)
The fashion industry is also very resource-intensive, every year consuming enough water to serve the annual drinking water needs of 110 million people. Similarly, 43 million tonnes of chemicals are used throughout the supply chain to process raw materials and treat finished garments for mold, stain resistance, and flammability.
The labor-intensive nature of the clothing manufacturing process has also created a well-recorded history of unethical practices and tragic events—a major driver behind the slow fashion movement. From unethical working conditions and forced labor to extremely low wages, conventional clothing generally comes at a hefty cost to the estimated 180 million workers involved in the manufacturing process.
Unlike sustainable clothing brands, conventional or fast fashion brands also rely on cheap fossil-fuel-based fabrics such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester, the latter of which is found in 60% of our clothing. (Fashion Revolution) And while conventional cotton might appear to be a better alternative, offering naturally sourced breathability and durability, it also requires large quantities of water and high amounts of insecticides and pesticides.
With that said, have no fear! Like my sustainable and ethical fashion guide and guide for sustainable & environmentally friendly fabrics, this article is filled with resources to help you make the most sustainable choices on the hunt for the sustainable ethical pajamas of your dreams.
What kinds of fabrics are ethical fair trade pajamas typically made from?
Environmentally friendly pyjamas can come in several natural or organic fabrics, including bamboo, organic cotton, modal, lyocell, hemp, fleece, and ethical wool — each with its benefits.
Bamboo
While its conventional counterpart is processed using strong chemicals that can harm the environment and workers, 100% organic bamboo makes for comfy and durable fabric without toxic fallout.
Bamboo is particularly desirable for pyjamas since it is soft and silky to the touch. It's also a natural moisture-wicker, helping to keep you at a comfortable temperature through the night. (The Sleep Doctor, 2022)
To make sure your organic bamboo pajamas are ethically processed and manufactured, look out for the following third-party certifications: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), USDA-Certified Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), Fair Trade, Oeko-Tex 100, and Bluesign.
Organic cotton
Organic cotton is a sustainable alternative to its conventional or synthetic counterparts. Soft, lightweight, and breathable.
Grown from non-GMO seeds without chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers, organic cotton production also offers safer working conditions for farmers who benefit from not getting exposed to the harmful chemicals used in conventional cotton farming systems.
Organic cotton also uses considerably less energy and water than conventional cotton while retaining the quality and durability of the material.
Third-party certifications to look out for include:
USDA-Certified Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), Bluesign, Better Cotton Standard, Fair Trade, and Oeko-Tex 100.
Modal
Obtained from the reconstituted cellulose of beech trees, modal is recognized for its soft, flexible, comfortable, and lightweight qualities in activewear.
However, only Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Modal is considered a sustainable fabric because it uses only trees from sustainably harvested forests (PEFC “Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification” certified). It is also carbon-neutral, reduces the usage of chemicals, and requires less water than cotton.
Stick with Lenzing AG when opting for this semi-synthetic fiber, and look out for the Oeko-Tex 100 certification and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
Lyocell
With its antibacterial, hypoallergenic, breathable, and very absorbent properties, this semi-synthetic fabric is a great sustainable option because of the way it is produced. Bamboo Lyocell is made in a closed-loop system where the chemicals and water required to break down the bamboo pulp are collected and reused.
Bamboo Lyocell is also biodegradable.
Be sure to look out for the following third-party certifications when considering Bamboo Lyocell garments:
Oeko-Tex 100, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and FSC.
Hemp
Organic hemp is one of our favorite environmentally-friendly fabrics because it is naturally sourced, durable, versatile, and biodegradable. In addition to not causing pollution, it can improve soil health by replenishing vital nutrients in the planted soil.
As if that weren’t enough, it is soft, light, highly breathable, sun-protective, and antimicrobial. It all come together to put organic hemp at the top of our list for sustainable fabrics.
Certifications to look out for here include:
USDA-Certified Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS),
Oeko-Tex 100, and Bluesign.
Fleece
Fleece is best known for all its lightweight polyester glory and is recognized for its insulating prowess meant to mimic wool. When washed, however, a fleece jacket can shed up to 250,000 synthetic fibers, winding up in our waterways. (The Guardian, 2017)
While it poses similar contamination issues during the laundering process, some fleece is made with recycled plastic bottles, reducing the need for virgin plastics (or virgin petroleum) and landfill waste.
To prevent these fibers from entering our ecosystems, some companies offer filters or laundry bags that capture them during the wash cycle. Check out the Guppyfriend bag, Cora Ball, or this microfiber filter that attaches to your washing machine.
To make sure your fleece pyjamas are made out of recycled polyester lookout for the following certifications and brands:
Global Recycled Standard, Recycled Claim Standard, SCS Recycled Content Certification, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Polartec, and REPREVE.
Wool
While some believe that "there is no such thing as humane wool", others argue that it is biodegradable, naturally sourced, and can be produced under humane conditions.
If you choose to purchase some wool PJs be sure to look out for these certifications to help you make the best choice:
Certified Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane® Label, Certified Organic Wool, Climate Beneficial by Fibershed, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Soil Association Organic Standards, and ZQ Merino Standard.
What criteria are we looking for when choosing the best sustainable Pyjamas?
When choosing sustainable pyjamas, I follow similar criteria for sustainable clothing brands. As such, the brands selected in this article account for the type of fabrics and materials used, their sourcing, and the brand’s level of corporate responsibility.
Natural or organic fabrics & materials
The pajamas selected are made of natural or organic fibers and materials like organic bamboo, organic cotton, Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Modal, Bamboo Lyocell, organic hemp, or recycled fleece.
Ethical sourcing
Sourcing also plays a key role when it comes to sustainable pajamas. The brands listed are chosen partly because of their ethical sourcing practices and standards, going beyond the sustainable properties of their fabrics — from where and how textiles and other materials are sourced, produced, and manufactured to labor standards and wages.
Also considered are the certifications their materials carry and their company’s level of transparency.
Corporate responsibility
Corporate responsibility is a good way of knowing companies' commitment to sustainability. Generally, it refers to practices, policies, or initiatives to improve social, economic, and environmental impact.
From sustainability initiatives, carbon offset problems, plastic-free shipping, water conservation initiatives, and employee welfare. This considers what more brands do to promote and ensure sustainability throughout their company and within their communities.
A final word on ethical, fair trade Pyjamas
Affordable, ethical sleepwear, men’s sustainable pajamas, or good-quality fair-trade pyjamas are all within our reach. I hope this list will help you find the best sustainable pajamas to suit your needs.
If you find it difficult to choose from these brands, it helps to be clear about what is most important to you and to prioritize those factors to make the best choice.
I want to point out that it was really hard to find plus-size pajamas, which means a lot of work is still to be done. Hernest carries the widest selection of sizes, and you can also look at some of these plus-size brands I love.
And don’t forget! Secondhand is also the most sustainable option for pj’s so explore online thrift stores. If you don’t know how to go about thrifting, check out my 10 best thrift shopping tips to get you started.
And if you need home goods like bedding or shower curtains, browse the sustainable brand directory.
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