Should you sleep in your underwear?

How do you retire to Bedfordshire? Do you like a satin nightdress, a baggy T, classic PJs, pants and bra, or nothing at all? Maybe it depends on the weather, the time of the month, or who you’re off to bed with! A recent Yougov sleep study found that around 20% of people sleep in their underwear, and a further 21% of people sleep in underwear with pyjamas on top. With just under half of the population sleeping in some kind of underwear, then, does it bring benefits?

Why sleep in a…

…Bra

Wearing a bra to bed isn’t about cleavage boosting bombshell lines. It’s to do with snug support and managing your body’s movement as you sleep. For this reason, a large proportion of bustier ladies prefer to wear a bra to bed. By gently keeping your boobs in place as you move in your sleep, you’ll stay comfortable for longer. 

Similarly, if you’re experiencing hormonal changes, for example if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or approaching menopause, your breasts may be tender. You might even experience sensitivity as a standard feeling with your cycle. Wearing a soft cup bra to bed can really help to manage breast tenderness and help you to get a better night’s sleep. 

… Pants

From period pants to control briefs, there are a number of reasons to wear pants to bed. You may just not like the feeling of being naked in bed but find full PJs too hot or constrained! During your period and depending on your flow, you may find period pants more secure to wear to bed. For the rest of the month, high waisted control briefs with a light compression can give you that sense of security that helps you to drift off. 

… Nightdress

Nightdresses come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to feel sexy or feminine you might choose a garment that is satin smooth on the skin with intricate detailing. Or go for a soft, cute look with a babydoll style or casually sexy sleepshirt. Nightdress styles have the wonderful benefit of being supportive to your figure, but super sexy at the same time. So whether or not you have someone joining you, they’re always worth a look!

… Pyjamas

With or without underwear, pyjamas are the domain of the snug sleeper and the perpetually cold! From cotton to jersey to fleece, there’s nothing quite as cosy as classic PJs.

… Nothing!

Maybe you like the freedom from constraint, or the airflow around your skin. Or maybe you just tend to get too boiling hot in the night. For some, there really is no option – commando it is!

Choosing underwear to sleep in

If you are one of the 41% who do prefer to sleep in underwear, we reckon that it’s unlikely to be the same underwear that you’ve been in all day. What your body needs at bedtime is completely different to when you’re on the move. So how do you choose sleep-time underwear?

Support

Enough but not too much is the key here. A light compression for your bra and pants will keep your body supported and prevent unnecessary body movement. Avoid higher compression and underwired bras as these are more likely to cause discomfort. 

Comfort

Fabrics should be breathable to prevent overheating, especially if you’re going through any hormonal changes. As underwear sits so snugly to the skin, the most comfortable underwear to sleep in would ideally be seamless and unembellished. This is because there is less here to chafe and dig in. 

Fun

Support and comfort are great, but sometimes you just need to go to bed in a good mood! It may seem a little leftfield, but bright, cartoon-like underwear can just give you a little injection of fun at the end of the day! The bralettes and seamless briefs from Oddballs are a good place to start. 

However you choose to go to sleep, the most important thing is the rest itself. It’ll help you to wake up the best and most confident version of yourself! So choose whatever you find most comfortable – and if that’s support, browse our ranges here!