Manly Sleepwear for Short Gents: How Men’s Pajamas Should Fit

Most guys just sleep in their boxers or gym shorts, but what if you want to rock some lounge pants or a pajama shirt? Switching up your sleepwear is a great way to stay comfortable and warm, especially during the colder months.

But you don’t want to look like a little kid or an old geezer, which means your PJs have to fit.

Let’s face it, just like every other type of clothing, lounge pants are not made for shorter gents. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dress tall and look great in sleepwear. Here are a few tips to help shorter guys rock their pajamas like the best of them.

What to Think About When Buying Pajamas For Short Men

There are several important things to consider when buying men’s pajamas. You have to think about cut and style, colors and patterns. You don’t want huge baggy lounge pants that can make you look like a toddler. Avoid pants that are too long and drag on the ground (just like other pants, you can get lounge pants hemmed).

If you sleep in boxers, avoid any that go below your knees. As far as colors and patterns go, follow the advice in this post:

How Men’s Swim Trunks Should Fit

Let’s go over some more detailed considerations.

Best Pajamas for Short Guys

Pajama bottoms: You want these to look like slacks. They don’t have to be super slim fit or tapered, like your jeans or chinos might be. Instead, they can be a little more relaxed – snug around your butt but looser through the thigh and leg.

Most lounge pants will be too baggy, especially if you’re a thin guy or have skinny legs. If you feel ridiculous in baggy pajama pants, stick with boxer shorts.

Pajama tops: Again, go for something that is form fitting. You can wear an undershirt with your pajama bottoms or buy a matching “jacket” top. Just like with any type of coat, the sleeves may be too long. For that reason, you should opt for short sleeves (or get the sleeves shortened by a tailor, if you’re the kind of guy who can afford to get his pajamas tailored).

Pajama shorts: Yup, they actually make pajama shorts, which are different than boxers. I know this may seem “grandpa-ish”, but they can be delightful. More on this below…

Boxers: Go with a 5-8” inseam and a slim fit. Boxer briefs are perfect because they’re not as snug as regular briefs (which can be uncomfortable when worn all night long). Just like with swim shorts, go with small scale patterns or solids to create the illusion of length.

Men’s Short Pajamas

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, short pajamas for men are always in style. Pajama shorts are especially great for shorter guys. I used to think they were just for old men, but now I’m obsessed!

Short pajamas are made to keep you light and cool through the summer, especially if you live in hotter or more humid climates. In fact, these are one style that can look better on short men than tall men (sometimes tall guys can look oversized in these, like a kid who’s outgrown his clothes).

Short pajamas usually come in sets, so you don’t have to worry about matching tops to bottoms. They’re not really made for going out in public, but you can at least run to the mailbox or your car without looking like a total nut. Try doing that in your boxers and see what happens!

Whether you’re single, married, have kids or are just dating, having great fitting sleepwear that feels and looks good while you relax is important. Go with fitted styles, small patterns and solid colors. Stick with short sleeves and shorts.

Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and into a matching set of pajamas. You might be pleasantly surprised!

What do you wear to bed? Let me know by leaving a comment!