Our First Sleepwear Line
At Understance, we want our products to be transformatively comfortable – pieces that make you go, nothing else will do now. For our first sleepwear line, our product team debated what we wanted it to be: loungewear you can walk the dog in? Trendy prints? Seductive lacey pieces?
In the end, we decided to focus on sleep.
To make clothes to sleep in, we took a very fabric-forward, health-conscious approach. We chose well-balanced natural materials and paired them with classic, easy-to-wear shapes. The result: gentle cotton pajamas with a beautiful hand-feel that wear well over time.
Let’s deep dive into the world of sleepwear fabrics.
Synthetic vs. Natural
Pajama fabrics can be divided into two camps: naturals and synthetics. Naturals are animal or plant-based, and include cotton, modal, linen, and silk. Synthetics are made from oil – the most typical synthetics are polyester and nylon.
For pajamas, natural fabrics have significant advantages. Natural fabrics are breathable (synthetics, except those engineered for sports, tend to trap heat). They are temperature-regulating (synthetics are warm to the touch). They are gentle on the skin.
We chose natural over synthetic fabrics for our first pajama collection.
- The Cotton Stretch collection is 95% cotton, 5% spandex. (The touch of spandex gives a hint of a stretch without compromising the natural properties of the cotton.)
- The Cotton Modal collection is half cotton, half modal.
- The Cotton Plush collection is 97% cotton, 3% spandex.
We chose natural over synthetic fabrics for our first pyjama collection.
- The Cotton Stretch collection is 95% cotton, 5% spandex. (The touch of spandex gives a hint of a stretch without compromising the natural properties of the cotton.)
- The Cotton Modal collection is half cotton, half modal.
- The Cotton Plush collection is 97% cotton, 3% spandex.
Gauge
Gauge is a measurement of how fine a fabric is. To get technical, it’s the number of stitches (loops) per inch. As a rule, lower gauge fabrics are rough and tough, higher gauge fabrics are fine and delicate.
In the context of all-season pyjama fabrics, 20 to 40 gauge gets you chunky, tough, but durable material (think concert tees). 80 to 100 gauge gets you serious luxury, but the garment crumples and stretches easily unless treated with great care (hand wash, line dry).
At Understance, we aimed to create sleepwear that feels luxurious to wear, but isn’t a burden to take care of. That’s why for our Cotton Stretch and Cotton Modal lines, we went for that sweet spot of 60-gauge cotton.
At Understance, we aimed to create sleepwear that feels luxurious to wear, but isn’t a burden to take care of. That’s why for our Cotton Stretch and Cotton Modal lines, we went for that sweet spot of 60-gauge cotton.
Fiber Length
Fiber length affects the durability and hand feel of the cotton. Fiber length ranges from below 25mm (short), 25-30mm (medium), 30-37mm (long), and over 37mm (extra long staple). As a rule, the shorter the fiber, the more likely it is to pill and the coarser it feels. The longer the fiber, the less likely it is to pill and the silkier it feels.
We chose long staple cotton for our first sleepwear line.
Treatments
Wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, anti-static, antimicrobial… There are lots of treatments available for fabrics that give them special properties. In the context of pyjamas, we have a favourite – mercerization.
Mercerization is a treatment that removes the surface imperfections of fabrics, leaving it smoother, silkier, and more resistant to pilling.
It’s a part of the process of creating our Cotton Stretch fabric, which has a sateen-like finish that holds up to wear.
It’s a part of the process of creating our Cotton Stretch fabric, which has a sateen-like finish that holds up to wear.
Our Sleepwear Collection
Cotton Stretch (XS-4XL)
Cotton Stretch Button-Down Long Sleeve Shirt
Cotton Stretch Button-Down Short Sleeve Shirt
Cotton Stretch Pajama Pants
Cotton Stretch Pajama Shorts
Cotton Stretch Pajama Cropped Pants
Cotton Stretch Short Sleeve Sleepshirt
Cotton Stretch Long Sleeve Sleepshirt
Our Cotton Stretch line is made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex. The spandex provides a hint of stretch for freedom of movement. At 5%, it doesn’t affect the breathability and hand feel of the fabric.
Cotton Stretch is done in the classic button-down sleepwear design. This collection is lightweight and great for all-season wear.
Cotton Modal (XS-4XL)
Cotton Modal Long Sleeve Pajama Top
Cotton Modal Short Sleeve Pajama Top
Cotton Modal Pajama Pants
Cotton Modal Pajama Shorts
Cotton Modal Long Sleeve Sleepshirt
Cotton Modal Short Sleeve Sleepshirt
Our Cotton Modal line is made of a half cotton, half modal blend. Modal is a natural fiber derived from beech tree pulp, best known for being cool to the touch and feeling buttery soft. This mix of half cotton, half modal gives you the benefits of both great fabrics.
Cotton Modal is done in a simple pullover design and fits very relaxed. Like Cotton Stretch, this collection is lightweight and good for all-season wear.
Cotton Plush (XS-4XL)
Cotton Plush Long Sleeve Button-Down Shirt
Cotton Plush Pajama Pants
Cotton Plush Robe
Our Cotton Plush line is made of 97% cotton and 3% spandex. Compared to the other two, this line is thicker and heavier, best for cold nights. You can wear these cotton pajamas on their own or as a second layer for extra warmth.
Like Cotton Stretch, Cotton Plush has a classic button-down design. For maximum coziness, this line features a robe that feels like a blanket. Overall, this collection has a plush hand feel.
Feel the difference in our sleepwear.
Will you be creating any tops with a smaller neck hole?
Hi Jess, we will keep this in mind for the next season.
is it possible to have the measurement chart, I don’t see it
Hi there, we will provide a measurement chart soon – check back later today.