To choose the size of women's pyjamas, measure your bust and hips in centimetres, then compare them with the size chart for that garment, not with the size you usually wear. Pyjamas are best chosen roomy: if you are between two sizes, take the larger one, especially in cotton, which can shrink slightly in the first washes. A letter (M, L) does not mean the same thing from one brand to the next; centimetres do.
In short
- Three measurements: bust, waist, hips. A fourth for trousers: the inside leg.
- Between two sizes: the larger one, for pyjamas.
- Cotton: allow some ease, it can shrink.
- The right habit: read the chart in centimetres for each garment.
How to measure yourself for pyjamas
Use a soft tape measure, in your underwear, standing relaxed, without holding your stomach in. The tape should lie flat, neither tight nor loose.
- Bust: at the fullest part of the chest, tape horizontal across the back.
- Waist: at the natural waist, often just above the navel.
- Hips: at the widest part of the bottom, feet together.
- Inside leg: from the crotch to the ankle, along the inside of the leg. Easiest: measure trousers that fit you well.
These basic measurements are the ones defined by the European standard EN 13402 on clothing size designation. They are a common language, even if each brand keeps its own size conversions.
Why is a medium here a large elsewhere?
Because there is no single compulsory size chart. Each manufacturer builds its sizes from its own measurements and patterns. Two pyjamas labelled M can differ by several centimetres at the bust. An oversized cut runs large, a fitted cut runs small. That is why the letter is not enough: only the chart in centimetres tells you whether a garment will fit.
Should you size up in women's pyjamas?
Often, yes. Pyjamas should let you move, turn over and draw your knees up without pulling at the seams. Size up if:
- you are between two sizes;
- the pyjamas are cotton or flannel and the label does not say pre-washed;
- you like sleeping in something loose;
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding: a button-front top and wide elasticated trousers will be more comfortable.
Stay in your size for a fabric that does not move (polyester, satin) or a style that is already roomy.
Women's size conversion: letters, EU and UK sizes
The table below gives the most common conversions, as a guide only:
| Letter | EU / French size | UK size (approx.) |
|---|
| XS | 34 | 6 |
| S | 36 | 8 |
| M | 38 to 40 | 10 to 12 |
| L | 42 | 14 |
| XL | 44 | 16 |
| XXL | 46 | 18 |
These conversions vary between brands: always check the centimetres.
The right length for trousers and sleeves
Pyjama trousers should fall on or just above the ankle: too long, they catch under your feet at night and wear at the heel. Sleeves stop at the wrist. If you are tall, compare the inside leg on the chart with yours. If you are petite, trousers that are too long are easy to take up with a hem: length is easier to adjust than width.
Plus-size pyjamas: what to check
From size 46 up, look at three measurements: the bust of the top, so buttons do not gape; the hips of the trousers, so they do not pull when you sit; and the length of the top, which should cover your lower back when you lean forward. A wide elastic waist with a drawstring adapts better than thin elastic that marks the skin. Soft, slightly stretchy fabrics (cotton jersey, viscose) follow movement better than woven cotton.
Pyjamas during pregnancy
During pregnancy the bump changes quickly. Regular pyjamas one or two sizes up, with an elastic waist that can sit under the bump, are often enough in the first months. Later, a button-front top also works for breastfeeding. For sleep itself, and the positions to favour, ask your midwife or doctor.
Does cotton shrink in the wash?
A little, sometimes, especially if it has not been pre-washed and goes in hot or in the dryer. To limit shrinkage, follow the care label (the symbols are standardised by GINETEX): wash at 30 or 40 °C and preferably air dry.
Buying pyjamas without knowing her size
Discreetly check the label of a top she often wears, or the size of her favourite loungewear. If in doubt, choose the size up and a style with an elastic waist, and keep the receipt for an exchange. Matching slippers? See how to wash slippers to keep them looking new.
To finish
Measure yourself once, note your centimetres on your phone, and compare them with each product page. For winter, our women's two-piece autumn-winter pyjamas keep you warm; for the whole year, the women's long two-piece pyjamas. If you are unsure about a size, write to us before ordering and we will give you the garment's measurements.
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