Jan9
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If you’ve never invested in nice PJs, I’m going to convince you that it’s time (this is not sponsored; I just feel that strongly about it). And if you’re already a fan of luxurious pajamas, then you must try LAKE.
For years, I kept seeing people talk about LAKE Pajamas on Instagram, and when I finally decided to give them a try, I wanted to kick myself for not giving in earlier. So I’m here to finally say, LAKE PJs are worth the hype.
If you’re anything like I was and not sure what the hype is all about, or maybe you’ve decided you want a pair of pajamas, but you’re not sure which ones, then I’ve got you covered in this post. I’ll share my experience, the pros and cons, which sets are worth buying (the Pima Short Long Weekend Set is my pick for a first set, and the DreamModal Kimono is the most flattering thing I own), how to take care of them, and what size to order, since that does vary by fabric. LAKE has also branched out well past pajamas at this point into loungewear, daywear, and robes, so if you fall for the fabric as I did, there’s more to shop than just PJs.
LAKE Pajamas Review (NOT Sponsored)
My Experience with LAKE Pajamas
I was introduced to LAKE Pajamas when I was newly postpartum with my first son, Thomas. For years, I never purchased actual pajamas, but instead just slept in workout clothes (I know, gasp!) or ratty old T-shirts. When I finally bought true pajamas (the Nordstrom brand of PJs), I liked them, but I wasn’t in love with them.
Then I finally tried LAKE Pajamas, and I’m now a pajama snob. I had no idea what I was missing until my Content Manager bought me a pair as a gift, and she ruined me. I wear pretty much only LAKE Pajamas now. (The only other brand I like is Eberjey. More on that below.)
These days LAKE does a lot more than sleepwear too: loungewear, daywear, robes, but pajamas are still what got me hooked.
Here are the pros and cons of LAKE PJs.
Pros:
- Incredible fabrics that are so soft and comfortable to sleep in.
- Cute patterns and styles. Pima cotton is my current favorite, but I loved DreamModal when pregnant. I also love the seersucker set I got for the summer.
- Matching sets with kiddos, which is cute.
- Flattering on all body types and heights. I’m 5’1″ and love the same sets as my content manager, who is 5’6″.
- Maternity styles with cuts that are ideal for pregnancy and postpartum.
Cons:
- The Pima Cotton sets need to be hung to dry, or they will shrink. Even if you dry once to shrink intentionally, they seem to keep shrinking when you dry again.
- DreamModal is super soft but stretches out into a weird shape and isn’t flattering up top. You don’t want to walk around your kitchen in this style, since it clings.
- Sizing isn’t one-size-fits-all across fabrics, so you may end up owning a few different sizes depending on what you buy (more on that below).
Quick sizing note: order your true size unless you’re not fussy about hang-drying; then size up, since Pima cotton is the fabric most likely to shrink. I get into exact sizing for each style below.
If I could recommend one set to start with, it’s the Pima Bundle. It comes with both shorts and pants, so you get to try the fit both ways. Wash it on a delicate, cold cycle and hang it to dry to keep it from shrinking.
Or, if you don’t want to worry about shrinking at all, I’d suggest buying Eberjey instead of LAKE. Their patterns aren’t as cute, and they don’t drape as well, and I prefer how LAKE pajamas look (they’re slightly more flattering), but Eberjey is incredibly soft and doesn’t shrink. You can buy Eberjey PJs at Nordstrom or directly from Eberjey’s website, which has more styles.
All the LAKE Pajama Sets I Own
Let’s talk about the pajamas themselves.
Pima Bundle – the best option
My first LAKE set was the Pima Bundle, and it’s still what I point people to first. It comes with a short-sleeved top, a pair of shorts, and a pair of pants so that you can have the best of both worlds. These are truly some of the softest cotton pajamas I’ve ever felt. They have an almost silky cotton feel. You know when something feels so soft that it almost feels cool to the touch? That’s the feeling you get when you put these on.
I recommend sizing up one size in Pima cotton. The pants shrink some in length even when you’re careful about hang-drying, though the tops hold up almost perfectly. I get a small knowing it’ll shrink a touch, but I can also wear a medium since the waist runs generous, so if you want a more relaxed fit, sizing up two would work too.
Pima Short Long Weekend Set
Same Pima fabric as the bundle above, just a boxier shape in the Short Long Weekend Set. Instead of a wider boat neck, this set features a true crewneck. I love both, and they’re equally comfortable. It really just comes down to which neckline you prefer. The same Pima sizing as above applies here.
Pima Ruffle Tank Set
The ruffle detail is what sold me on this ruffled tank set. Same Pima cotton as the sets above, just a more feminine cut that I love once it warms up. I wear a size small in this style, and there are a few colorways available right now.
Pima Maternity Shorts Set
I wasn’t a fan of LAKE’s earlier maternity styles, since everything ran too big on top and too tight below the bump. The Pima Maternity Shorts Set fixed that. Thankfully, they redesigned the fit, and now I can confidently say they’re worth buying (and gifting) for expecting moms. These are hands-down the best maternity pajamas I’ve tried.
The top has snap buttons for easy nursing access and lots of room for a growing bump, and the shorts have a super stretchy elastic waistband with a drawstring for a better fit. Order your pre-pregnancy size, and you should be set as your bump grows.
Pima Ruffle Nightgown
I’m not traditionally a nightgown person, but the Pima Ruffle Nightgown changed my mind. It’s loose and breathable, with a feminine cut that’s super flattering. And it might be the softest cotton I own. I wear an XS in this style, since I’m not concerned with the length getting a tad shorter in the dryer (again, I’m 5’1″).
This is a great option for maternity since it has plenty of room for a bump. And this nightgown was one of my postpartum essentials since it’s so easy to nurse in and didn’t irritate my C-section incision. (It’s the pajamas I packed in my hospital bag.)
DreamModal Ribbon Tank-Long Set
Postpartum, this DreamModal set was the one I lived in, since it’s so lightweight and stretchy.
DreamModal runs true to size for me and doesn’t shrink the way Pima does. It stretches out a bit with wear instead.
DreamModal Kimono Pajama Set
I got this DreamModal Kimono Set a couple of years ago, and it’s definitely my cutest set. The top wraps up and has an interior tie to keep it secure, so you can either wear it on its own or wear it with a tank. I got this set in an XS, and it hasn’t shrunk..
DreamModal is a super soft material that has a more drapey feeling than the Pima cotton. The pants have a wide leg and elastic waistband, just like all LAKE Pajamas. I do wish it came with a regular tank and not only the kimono top, since it’s not very comfortable to sleep in on its own. The good news is that LAKE also designed this in a maternity fit that does come with a nursing tank.
Alice Seersucker Shorts Set
I bought this Alice set for the blue and white stripe, but the loose, breathable fit is what’s kept me wearing it. I like that it doesn’t lay tightly on top, so you can wear it around the kitchen in the mornings without feeling underdressed. I have a size medium, but I should have gotten a small.
Seersucker doesn’t seem to shrink at all for me in the wash, but I’ve never risked the dryer with it. I’d size down from what you’d do in Pima, or stick with true size for a looser fit.
Cotton Gauze Hamptons Set
Sizing runs differently on this gauzy Hamptons set than anything else on this list. I got a small, and the top ran tight up top, while the bottoms were true to size through the waist but boxier through the leg. I ended up throwing the pants in the dryer once on purpose, and now they fit exactly right, but the top is still snug. The square neckline has zero stretch, so keep that in mind if you’re between sizes.
Relax Shorts Set
I love the darker blue color of this Relax Shorts set. It’s part of their lounge collection. I don’t sleep in it since it’s a bit heavier fabric, but it’s perfect for lazy days. I have this set in an XS.
Relax Pants Set
I wore the Relax Pants set constantly right after having Charles. It is hands-down the coziest lounge set I own. I have this in a small because I ordered it while pregnant, but an XS would fit better now.
Cozy Robe in French Blue
Cozy is right in the name for the LAKE Cozy Robe, and it lives up to it. It’s incredibly warm, so it’s great in the winter months. But I don’t wear it in the summer or while I’m getting ready, since it gets too hot (I have a Weezie terry robe that I wear when I’m getting ready). Since it’s so luxurious, it’s a great gift for birthdays, Mother’s Day, or Christmas. I included this robe in my gift guide for parents and my list of the best gifts for 40-year-old women.
I love the traditional turndown collar, a sewn-in belt (thank you), and the large pockets on the side of the robe.
Pima Robe
I love the Pima short robe for a lightweight option. It’s perfect for warm days and breastfeeding, and the scalloped version is a little longer than some of their other Pima robes, which I prefer. I get my true size in this robe since it’s more forgiving. I took this to the hospital as well.
Men’s LAKE Pajamas
While Tommy doesn’t like a full-on matching PJ set, he does love these men’s pajama pants with this simple sleep shirt. They’re so much softer than the old T-shirts he was sleeping in. I got him some LAKE pajama shorts, and he’s liked those too. You can buy the men’s PJ pants, shorts, and T-shirts in sets now as well, which is great. I bought him his usual size large in everything.
Kids’ LAKE Pajamas
Thomas has been wearing LAKE for five years now, and Charles gets his hand-me-downs, which have held up great. The LAKE kids section isn’t large, but what’s there is so stinking cute. We’ve stuck with the pima cotton set the whole time. LAKE pajamas and Joy Street Pajamas are the only kids’ PJs I’ve found that last for two kids without looking like trash by the time they become a hand-me-down.
Note that in the past, the LAKE kids’ PJs have run very small and were very tight, which made it hard to get them over their hands and heads. But they have adjusted the fit, so they now run true to size and are much easier to get on and off. If you used to go up 1-2 sizes, you can likely order your kiddos’ usual size now, unless you just want room to grow.
About LAKE Pajamas
The company was started by two friends, Cassandra Cannon and Anne Read Lattimore, while they were looking for PJs that met their dream requirements. They wanted a set that was stylish and comfortable. They weren’t looking for sexy sleepwear, and they wanted something better than their old T-shirts. So they founded LAKE to create classic pajamas that were softer than anything on the market.
Since their start, they’ve garnered coverage on large media platforms like Forbes, Town & Country, Vogue, and the WSJ.
LAKE Pajamas Care Instructions
The best way to care for your pajamas is to wash them with similar colors on a delicate cycle. Definitely hang dry unless you want to intentionally shrink.
FAQ
Do LAKE pajamas run small?
No. But their classic Pima Cotton sets do shrink, mostly in length, if you put them in the dryer, so you may want to size up if you’re not diligent about hang-drying. The DreamModal Kimono can feel slightly oversized on the shoulders if you’re petite; only size down if you’re between sizes.
Do LAKE pajamas shrink?
Yes, mostly in length, and mostly the Pima Cotton styles. Wash cold and hang to dry. If you do risk the dryer, keep it on very low heat. Hot dryer means noticeable shrinkage.
What size should I order?
You can order your normal size in tops and bottoms, but I’d err on the side of caution and go up one size, especially in Pima cotton. For the maternity sets, order your pre-pregnancy size. For reference, I’m 5’1″ and about 120-125 pounds, and I get a small in nearly every style.
Is LAKE sold at Nordstrom?
No. Some people get confused thinking Nordstrom carries LAKE pajamas, but they don’t. If you’ve seen “Lake Label” pop up in a Nordstrom search, that’s a different brand entirely (kids’ and baby clothing), not LAKE Pajamas.
Does LAKE sell anything besides pajamas?
Yes. Beyond the classic pajama sets, LAKE now carries loungewear, daywear, and robes (the Cozy Robe and Pima Robe above are both part of that lineup). If you want to compare it to other brands, I have a whole post about the best loungewear.
The Bottom Line
I spent years sleeping in old workout clothes and T-shirts, so it says something that I now own more LAKE than I probably want to admit. Start with the Pima Bundle or the Short Long Weekend Set if you’re building your first collection, size up in Pima cotton if you’re not precious about hang-drying, and stick with your true size in DreamModal. Alright, I’ll let you go start shopping. Thanks for letting me nerd out about pajamas for this long.
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17 responses to “LAKE Pajamas Review (Pros, Cons and What Size to Buy)”
I love Lake pjs too! Where are your jeans from in one of the first photos? So cute!
I’m sorry. This article is so misleading. My daughter bought a set of Poplin Piped Pants Set in Bordeaux for me for Christmas. Had I known how much she spent, I would not have immediately tried them on for fit and put them in the washing machine to wear on Christmas night. When I took them out of the washer, they were a wrinkled mess. They are not soft or comfortable, in fact they shrunk, and I washed them on a gentle cycle using cold water. I wore them that night, reluctantly, because I didn’t want to disappoint her. I can’t believe she spent $138. I honestly wish there was a place to put a picture of what they looked like the next morning. I took a picture of this wrinkled mess because I could not believe the poor quality. I contacted their Customer Service to ask if Customer Satisfaction was of importance to them. They would not extend any kind of refund or return policy stating that of course a cotton pj set would shrink because it’s cotton fabric. I’m so disappointed with the product and the company. DO NOT purchase. They are NOT worth the cost.
I don’t think the article is misleading but I am sorry to hear that you had a bag experience. I’ve only had good experiences with their PJs. The one time I got a hole in a set that I’d only had for about a month, I reached out to their customer support and they sent me a replacement! They do explicitly state on their website about the shrinking and on the packaging.
I have multiple sets in the same material as the poplin, and they’re different than the Pima Cotton ones, but I knew that when I purchased them! LAKE makes a ton of styles with different materials, and I TRULY think they’re worth it — you may want to try a Pima set if you want stretchy!! This review isn’t misleading, since she’s talking about the DreamKnit and Pima sets!!
I LOVE my Lake pajamas, but I think the robe I have from there is actually better. It’s SO cute!
I used to love my Lake pajamas, as I own the robe and several sets, but I have been unhappy with their customer service. I bought a beautiful pair that the lining came apart from and Lake said it isn’t considered a defect and wouldn’t do anything to help. I like my set without lining, but based on their customer service I wouldn’t buy more.
Strange! I don’t own anything with a lining from LAKE so I can’t speak to that. And I’ve only had to reach out once to Customer Support and I had a great experience.
I’m pregnant and wanna get the kimono set but so unsure of the size. I’m usually a small pre pregnancy but I wanna wear postpartum. I was wondering if the elastic waistband is forgiving enough to fit me while I’m postpartum into losing the baby weight too. Any suggestions?
Definitely!! The fabric is the stretchiest one they have! That’s what I wore almost non-stop for the first few months after having my son.
I don’t know what size kimono set to get! I’m pregnant with pre pregnancy size of small. But I’m pretty much a medium in maternity clothes now. I hear there’s a lot of stretch in these and I’d like to wear them when I lose baby weight too. Thanks!
Hi,
Thank you for the reviews. I love the light cotton flowered robe I bought a few weeks ago but I am having a terrible time keeping it closed. I seem to have to tie the belt every 10 minutes. Did you find this? I bought size small.
I don’t have that issue!
I was looking up LAKE Pajamas because I balance the credit cards at work everyday & I needed to know what this charge was. Then, I saw your name. Notice my name? haha That’s the only reason I am commenting. I rarely see a variation on my name, & have never seen anyone else who capitalizes the T & the L in the middle of the name. Just wanted to say, “Hi!”.
TerreLynn
PS – we pronounce it just like Marilyn –
Ah I’m so glad you commented! So fun!! i’ve never seen anyone else who capitalizes the L as well and have only ever met one other TeriLyn!! I pronounce it like Teri-Lyn. 🙂
Great review! I love how detailed it is, especially the sizing tips—super helpful for first-time buyers. The pros and cons are balanced, and the fabric sounds dreamy. I’ve been eyeing LAKE Pajamas for a while, and this convinced me to finally treat myself. Thanks for the insights!
https://www.designprint4u.com/
What size did you get in the Pima maternity shorts set?
Small!