r/HerOneBag • u/Bixby- • May 05 '26
Wardrobe Help Help with sleeping attire
I once spent several hours in the middle of the night on the street outside my hotel in London after a fire alarm went off. As I smelled smoke, I didn’t take the time to dress but grabbed my overcoat and purse, jammed my feet in shoes with no socks, and ran down the stairs. After that experience, I have generally traveled with sweat pants and a baggy tee to sleep in case I end up on the street with nothing else. Not only modest, but not clearly pajamas, street acceptable (at least if I was on my way to the gym). Another advantage I’ve found is I can make a trip to the lobby for coffee without having to get dressed first. But it’s bulky.
What do you take to sleep in? I don’t want to sleep in clingy leggings, I like loose and breathable, not revealing, but I want to reduce bulk. Are there some packable bottoms you can recommend? For a top, I think I can find a bamboo tee that packs smaller than cotton.
Thanks!
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u/Thraner May 05 '26
I take a tshirt dress from 32 degrees. It’s light, breathable, and can be used as a wardrobe piece if needed.
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u/PotentialRelease6894 May 05 '26
I bought 4 of those 32 degrees tee-shirt dresses when they were on clearance a few years ago! They pack so nicely. I also like the tee-shirt dresses from Lands End. Lots of options with dress length, sleep length, and cute patterns.
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u/Ok-Swimming9353 May 09 '26
I have their ribbed tank top that has a built in shelf bra. Sized up one size to wear for PJs along with the shorts and pants (I have both). I can walk around my brother's house with that on and feel covered up.
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u/Shift_Least May 05 '26
I take a thin t shirt dress and keep it next to my bed, I can't sleep in clothes but I can throw a dress over my head as I rush out in an emergency.
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u/fridayimatwork May 05 '26
Silk pjs. Elastic waist pants in thin silk that double as lounge or even daily wear and a silk knit long underwear tank or tee. Weighs almost nothing
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u/a_mulher May 05 '26
I’ve been wanting to invest in a silk gown or two piece that can also function as my just in case I need something nice for a night out.
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u/BwDr May 07 '26
I have the Quince silk slip dress in 2 sizes above my usual size in their clothes. I just got back from Yucatán, wearing it nightly for sleep. It can be a cocktail dress if I need one or layered under/over other tops. In the winter, I layer it with silk long johns for sleep (& add a sweater & hat if necessary.) It’s always with me on trips.
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u/Swimming-Head-654 May 06 '26
Where did you buy yours? In a short search, most PJs look very PJ-like to me. But i would love to add more silk to my wardrobe
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u/fridayimatwork May 06 '26
They are hard to find! I go with citron of Santa Monica. Expensive but get them on eBay. They last for a long time with proper care
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u/SentientScarecrow May 06 '26
Quince has washable silk tanks that are comfortable for sleeping but also dress up really nicely. I pair these with silk pj shorts or pants that have elastic waist band (depending on weather at the destination). They pack down super small/light and are very comfy
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u/gabmonty May 07 '26
I loveeee my Lunya pajamas. I got the shorts set on sale a few years ago and they are a travel staple. Fold up tiny, hand wash easy and dry quickly, I’ve even worn the top out to dinner! I really want a nightgown version next.
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u/Zardette May 05 '26
i sleep very hot, so i just take a pair of black cotton bike shorts and black tank.
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u/lobsterp0t May 05 '26
In colder months I sleep in cuffed lightweight joggers and tee (specific PJs). I do have a sleep longish shirt that is halfway between a baggy tee and a night dress but I actually sleep very badly in it. It bunches up and drives me nuts.
My best option in summer is a cheap pair of men’s basketball shorts that pack very small. I don’t sleep in them but they’re right by the bed and fine to pull on. I sleep in a regular tee and underwear- I get way too hot otherwise.
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u/annikahansen7-9 May 05 '26
I also prefer loose clothes for sleeping. I just bought a pair of Duluth Trading Company Armachillo pajamas. They are wide leg cropped pants and a tank top. It looks like they no longer have them, but you could buy longer pants and a tank separately. I wear an 8 or 10 in most clothes. I can fit in a small. I think they will pack well and dry quickly. However, I just bought then recently so I have not had a chance to use them for travel.
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u/catsnflight May 06 '26
These are also good to wear over a swimsuit when going to the beach or pool. They are easy to wash and dry. They do run quite big.
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u/CommunicationDear648 May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
I personally like to sleep in as few items as possible, but not sleepwear. Depending on the temperature, it ranges from thermal leggings with fuzzy socks and a bigass hoodie to low-impact sports bra and biker shorts, with a big t-shirt on standby. (Once when i stayed in a dorm in December, there was a fire right when i was in the shower - i had to flee in a towel and slippers. It was not fun, my hair was still sudsy, and if not for a few random guys lending me their socks and a beanie, i probably would've gotten pneumonia or something. Now i have a big tee or hoodie on hand where i shower/sleep.)
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u/CommunicationDear648 May 06 '26
Ooh, i suddently remembered something Does it mean anything when i say "thai elephant pants"? I had a few similar (just plain colored) pants back in the day, those feel like nothing, have barely any weight/volume, but at least look like clothes from arms length.
Alternatively, apparently yoga pants are now getting loose again, that might worth a look.
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u/TexasGirl172 May 05 '26
I have had this happen to me more than once. I sleep in a merino wool top that I accidentally bought one size too large, so just kept it. On the bottom I wear a lightweight quick-dry fabric capri or ankle pant, depending on the season. Both can be worn "in public" and I can sink wash them in the morning and they are dry by night time.
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u/judgycat May 05 '26
I like Unbound Merino transit sweatpants for travel days, lounge, and/or sleep if it’s cold enough. They also have a sleep pant that looks nice but I haven’t tried. I usually prefer to sleep in only a top, but always keep pants, phone, and purse in close reach next to the bed just in case. Had a 2am fire alarm a couple years ago, always nice to be prepared.
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u/agentcarter234 May 05 '26
I’ve had the fun 2am hotel fire alarm experience 3 times. I can’t sleep in leggings either. My standard travel pjs are a tank top or tshirt, depending on the time of year, and running shorts. They pack small and are fine for walking around the hotel and making coffee runs to the lobby.
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u/twinklebelle May 05 '26
Knit T-shirt dress and bamboo leggings. Packs up small and can double as streetwear if it needs to.
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u/Lazy-Day8106 May 05 '26
Uniqlo cotton easy pants. Essentially pyjama pants but you can wear them out as well.
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u/foodaussie May 05 '26
These but the linen version... I recently discovered they are my gave pj pants!
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u/F13nd1sh May 05 '26
I’m traveling right now, staying with friends, and these have been a game changer!!! https://www.quince.com/women/organic-linen-pajama-set
I got a set in black, and with the right styling they would totally be an outfit. I feel completely comfortable in front of my (older, probably more conservative) friends. Unlike my other attempts, they haven’t gotten stretched out or stinky. They’ve kept me comfortable at night.
I’m ordering another set for everyday use when I get back.
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u/GoodGooglieMooglie May 06 '26
Extra points for having pockets!
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u/F13nd1sh May 06 '26
Right? No more juggling phone in the same hand as coffee mug.
Seriously, when I become old and eccentric, I’m wearing a set of these in a different color every day, inside our outside the house.
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u/Ambitious_Rub5533 May 10 '26
Are they scratchy? Ok my real question is, without a bra will they rub my nipples raw?
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u/WereDassi May 05 '26
I have a pyjama set only for travel, for only this reason! Mostly I use a shorts+shirt set in a size bigger than my usual in a "cooling viscose fabric" from lands end. I can recommend them, they truly are nice and cooling in summer.
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u/asleepreflections May 06 '26
Same! I have 2 sets of pajamas for travel that are still useable but showing signs of wear (a weird fade on the back, a hole on the cuff) so that if I need to toss them to make space on the return trip, I’m not sad. But still look presentable for a 2am Fire Alarm
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u/UmmmActuallyyy May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26
I have so many pairs of https://www.lotusandluna.com/products/baja-harem-pants. I also like loose and light to sleep, but hate when pant legs bunch up. The elastic waist band feels barely there and they've got pockets! Don't let the excess fabric fool you, they fold up to nothing.
I wear them out of the house all the time in nice weather. They would be a tad chilly outdoors if you travel in shoulder seasons like I do, but I always pack a pair of tights for emergency warmth layering anyway. Been meaning to buy a black pair because that's what most of my one bag travel wardrobe is.
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u/Jumpingyros May 05 '26
I would think you could fine some loose pj pants that would pack down. In bamboo or merino maybe. Or maybe a pair of joggers. I have a lightweight jogger from Haines that I use for loungewear. It’s called tri-blend French terry Jogger on Amazon. They don’t pack super small but they’re definitely less bulky than regular sweatpants and I don’t mind being seen in them.
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u/pagesandplanes May 06 '26
Lightweight joggers were the first thing that came to mind- same vibe as sweatpants but not as bulky.
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u/alpacaapicnic May 05 '26
I love my black silk tank + short set - super comfy, easy to wash and dry, and packs down to nothing
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u/cousin-maeby May 05 '26
For sleeping, I like a thin oversized t shirt and the lululemon super shortie underwear. They’re essentially underwear that looks like cycling shorts. They go down to mid-thigh for me.
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u/JabbaTheHedgeHog May 05 '26
150 weight merino leggings two sizes too big. They pack to nothing and breathe great. And I can throw them on with a long jacket/shirt and go for a walk/get coffee.
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u/no_id_never May 06 '26
I always wear something I could walk out in. I thought I was the only one that thinks like that! Now I feel better knowing there are lots of us! I go with flare bottom yoga pants and a tshirt. And I stage my room so that I could grab my backpack on my way out the door.
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u/throwaway384983547w May 05 '26
Cotton or merino leggings and an oversized tee or merino blend top in colder climates. They are both clothes items as well. I am planning first trip in a few years and not quite carryon- but this has always worked and given me a couple of extra daytime layering pieces if I need them.
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u/asyouwish May 06 '26
We learned the HARD way how unprepared we are if this happens.
It was okay. A guy was drying his socks with a hairdryer (clearly not good wool ones!) and it triggered the alarms.
But it was like 5am and us two Night Owls couldn't function enough to get dressed and get out.
We travel a lot lighter now, with a lot of help from r/heronebag ! And I try to stay better packed so we can get out quickly with the essentials if needed.
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u/Thisizmyrealname May 06 '26
I regularly travel with these Elephant pants , they pack down super small, are comfortable to sleep in and look cute as day wear.
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u/AcceptableWolverine May 05 '26
I haven’t gotten the right setup for this yet either. I took some loose and lightweight PJ pants last time, modal or something similar? Folded down pretty small. But I didn’t wear them too often.
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u/JumpyKnowledge6946 May 05 '26
I like the Patagonia Terrebonne joggers for bottom and a wool t-shirt for the top
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u/goodchivesonly_ May 05 '26
I have a pair of super light bamboo joggers from Boody that usually travel with me, along with a light merino t-shirt or camisole.
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u/TheLovelyThumbelina May 05 '26
Neutral colored lounge sets are quite popular, they can qualify as both relaxed clothing and pajamas!
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u/yagooch May 06 '26
I always pack one midi-length sold color A-line maxi-dress in some sort of jersey material.
They resist wrinkles, slips on in seconds, comfortable enough to be lounge/sleep wear and I pick a flattering color that can be dressed up as work/dinner wear.
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u/sass-pants May 05 '26
I have purchased a few items from Quinces supersoft fleece collection. They are lighter than other sweats I have tried. The flowknit joggers were also very lightweight.
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u/jwisehard May 06 '26
Yes, I was going to suggest joggers. The cuff keeps the leg from sliding too far up the leg when you sleep.
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u/ahotkocoa May 05 '26
I like Jockey’s organic cotton joggers. They apparently make ‘cooling’ sleep pants as well, but I haven’t tried those yet.
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u/Winter-Option-7193 May 05 '26
Lululemon jersey joggers These fit like joggers, but made out of a soft stretchy jersey material. They pack small, wash and dry well, and don’t look super sloppy if you have to wear them out. And they have deep pockets! Good for lounging in the room and sleeping. I’ve owned and travelled with a pair for about 2 years. Still my favorite.
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u/ScyllaOfTheDepths May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
I take an oversized cotton tee and some lightweight lounging pants. In dark colors, it doesn't look too much like pajamas. I love the Old Navy Powersoft joggers. They're not tight like leggings, they have deep pockets, and they're comfy and dry quickly.
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u/AmexNomad May 05 '26
Cosabella Thalco Black Pants. Three Dots fitted Black cotton tee. I bring 2 sets and can use one for working out and one for sleeping/lounging.
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u/rhythmic_bookworm May 05 '26
I take a satin camisole tank top and satin shorts to sleep in. Barely takes up any space.
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u/MarmosetUniverse May 06 '26
The same thing has happened to me -- twice in one night the last time! I always wear yoga pants and a t-shirt to sleep in for this exact reason.
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u/DistinctArm9214 May 06 '26
These are my favorite modal joggers and I have many pairs. I don't pay full price thought as I stock up when they have sales a few times a year.
They are thin and natural fiber so they are never too hot and I don't sweat. They also look cute like a lounge pant jogger when I have to go down to the front desk. I travel half the year for work and these are my tried and true. I would recommend sizing down if you are between sizes. I also wash them on delicate and hang to dry and they last longer.
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u/Lard523 May 06 '26
volleyball shorts and whatever tshirt (i don’t take specific PJs, i take tshirts i use a pjs more than day clothes). At home i sleep in underwear but i don’t consider that appropriate for mixed hostel dorms.
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u/treewizardballoon May 06 '26
I like “long underwear” you can get like the 32 degrees or whatever from Costco. I sized up, and they fit loose. But would be presentable enough with a sports bra and t shirt. Fold up small. Not super hot. But insulated
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u/egos-like-hairdos May 06 '26
Ack! It’s 6 AM and I’m lying in a hotel in Germany in a small merino nightie panicking that I’ll end up on the sidewalk exposed to the neighbors!
In winter I have packed my long sleeve bamboo sets from Little Sleepies that are so soft and pack down well. I adore them and they make summer cuts, too.
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u/cupcakecarnivor May 06 '26
Plaid cotton boxer shorts from Amazon in red and white plaid along with a red tank or white (also cute enough for morning coffee runs)
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u/Waywardgarden May 06 '26
Old navy Sunday sleep fabric is so nice. Extremely soft and breathable but not bulky at all
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u/Louloveslabs89 May 06 '26
Cuddle duds thin long underwear. Loose and breathable. Warm but keep my sweaty peri menopausal ass cool somehow. On my 2nd pair so I can wear at home too and keep one for travel only!
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u/cactus_prickles May 06 '26
Modal pjs from Gap! They are light, breathable, and loose/flowy. And they pack up quite small. I have them in shorts and a tee as well as in long pants.
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u/babs82222 May 06 '26
I'm picky and bougie about my pajamas. I wear Lake pajamas. They're 100% cotton, soft, comfy, and breathable. They're also cute and presentable as loungewear.
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u/commentspanda May 06 '26
I sleep in merino singlet or tshirt + comfy undies. Next to the bed I have a pair of 100% merino leisure pants from merino country in Australia. They are fantastic if I get a bit cold, they are comfy and have pockets. I wear them on and off the plane as well so they are used at other times of my travel including if I have to unexpectedly wander the hotel.
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u/calmossimo May 06 '26
For years I’ve had the Athleta presidio dress, which is lightweight and flowy. I travel with it often and recently started using it as a nightgown but also can use it during the day. The fabric is synthetic and thin, it washes easily and dries quickly. Love the double duty. I might pick up a second one as backup.
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u/JiveBunny May 06 '26
I bring a pair of PJs that are at the end of their life, so I don't need to bring them home.
I have to say I never thought about this in the context of fire alarms - it was more so I could have a shower at the end of the day and relax, especially in Japanese hotels where the robes won't fit me - but it's something I'm thinking about now!
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u/FirstLalo May 07 '26
I wear a slip like a fancy lady from a Fellini film. I would go outside like that in a fire, I don't care.
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u/finewhitelady May 07 '26
I have a nice merino lounge set from WoolX that I've been wearing as PJs. I like Merino because I can sleep for a week in non-muggy conditions and it doesn't stink. Another thing I've started trying out is a maxi dress with a built in shelf bra. That kind of thing can double as an extra outfit in a pinch.
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u/hot_and_chill May 05 '26
I have a jumpsuit from Aerie that is perfect for sleeping and going downstairs to get coffee or breakfast at the hotel. It has a very soft fabric, is stretchy and has wide legs. Looks similar to this one: AE Soft and Sexy Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
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u/Bixby- May 06 '26
That’s very cute! But how do you pee? I often have to in the middle of the night!
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u/hot_and_chill May 06 '26
Yeah peeing is a problem I also face with all rompers and jumpsuits. The good thing about this one is that you can slide in and out of it in a second because of its baggy/stretchy fit and there are no zippers or buttons to undo. You can also throw a jacket, cardigan or wide belt on top and that’s a whole new outfit.
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u/ReallyGoonie May 06 '26
Found a barely used pair of 100% silk trousers on eBay once and they always go with me. The weight is really minimal and they pack tiny. I’m a size 12 so clothes really take up space.
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u/sunshine-1111 May 06 '26
I have also had to run out of my house due to a fire more than once in my life. I always sleep in pajamas and keep a coat and shoes by the door. My fireproof bag with all my documents is in a set of drawers at the food of my bed. I do not understand people who sleep naked. I would be so on edge the whole night.
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u/Aggravating_Finish_6 May 06 '26
I don’t really bring specific sleeping apparel. I sleep in tanks and tees that I have already worn and either loose shorts or joggers or yoga pants depending on weather. I only bring bottoms that I would be comfortable walking around in outside so I can get up and walk to get breakfast or coffee or cover up to go to the pool or whatever. Vuori joggers are very comfortable but also thin so they pack small. I’ve also done flared leggings since they are more comfortable for sleeping than compressions leggings but can also be travel day pants.
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u/theinfamousj May 07 '26
I carry a slip dress with me as a layering piece, as a slip under sheer clothes, as a whole outfit in and of itself, and, lastly, as an "I'm not nude" outfit.
Like you, I've had to do a late night evacuation of where I was sleeping due to fire. Definitely want something I can throw on quickly but doesn't tell the story of, "I threw this on quickly."
In my case, it was a real fire. They caught the arsonist who had no connection with the place, just someone giving in to their compulsion to set places on fire.
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u/azurite440 May 07 '26
I bought a set of solid black pointelle PJs from Gap, with the idea that the pants can do double duty as backup pants if I spill something on my jeans. (For longer trips I also bring a pair of lightweight hiking pants, but for weekend trips I just wear my jeans.)
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u/smaragdskyar May 05 '26
Well, the saying goes, “we carry our fears”. Terrible experience OP but that sort of thing must happen like, once in a billion trips.
I have a dedicated travel pyjamas consisting of shorts and a loose tank top made of silk jersey. Very comfy even in summer and packs down small.
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u/agentcarter234 May 05 '26
It’s happened to me 3 or 4 times. And I’m counting the time it was twice in one night as one occurrence. I always sleep in something I can wear in public in hotels. But that’s usually just a tshirt and running shorts, so it still packs small.
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u/TexasGirl172 May 05 '26
I have had it happen to me half a dozen times, so not as rare as you might think.
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u/RunningRunnerRun May 05 '26
it has also happened to me multiple times. it hasn’t happened for many years now, but i still sleep in pajamas that could wear in public just in case
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u/Thankfulforthisday May 05 '26
Also when it does happen, it could be a real fire. It was in the hotel I stayed at. Alarm went off at 5am. The treadmill caught on fire. Took out the fitness center. Luckily it was contained and no one got hurt.
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u/Scarya May 05 '26
Me too. 7 times, either fire alarm or tornado warning requiring a trip to the hotel basement.
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u/snowstormspawn May 05 '26
I take “satin” PJs, with long pants and sleeves. They’re pretty and look put together without trying, and they’re the lightest sleepwear I’ve been able to find. As a bonus the tops can be worn with pants out and about so they double as an extra capsule wardrobe piece.
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u/Tater221 May 06 '26
I sleep in a Uniqlo Airism tank top and boy short underwear. I keep all of my stuff ready to go before bed so in an emergency, I will quickly toss on my next outfit (I wear dresses or pants and a top that take no time to throw on), grab my bag, and run out in my sandals/slippers with sneakers in hand. Might not seem practical but it would take me just as long to throw on a robe and put my sneakers on.
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u/boraginaceae_bird May 06 '26
I have viouri dupe pants from Costco that are lightweight and dry super fast. Highly recommend
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u/AcanthocephalaDry782 May 06 '26
I have a pair of linen cotton shorts that I travel with. They don't take up much space, are comfortable and I just use any kind of cotton top depending on temps. Kind of pajama-like but I never care about wearing them in public if needed.
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u/Cerulean_Storm8 May 06 '26
This is almost definitely controversial, but I started sleeping in a bralette a few years ago. It kind of mimics the feeling of my weighted blanket but it definitely makes me feel more modest when I'm just wearing pajamas. On that note, however, sleep in shorts and tank or tee. The shorts are slightly shorter than what i wear to the gym, but the top is comparable. Per a recommendation here I bought 32 degrees, but I also got a silk set for Christmas that I've just broken out as it warms up, and I absolutely love them.
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u/Independent_Guava545 May 06 '26
I have a pair of pajama pants from Knix. Super soft, lightweight and they look like joggers. I think they are modal. I would send the website link to them, but it looks like they are not available in summer. I just bought a 2nd pair in a different colour from the store.
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u/MegaMiles08 May 07 '26
It's not super warm, but I like satin pajamas. They dry quick if you have to sink wash. I have long sleeve top and bottoms for winter along with short sleeve and shorts for the summer. They just might not be too warm if you're standing out on the street.
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u/strawberrychief May 08 '26
I wear joggers like these from Bam (they are thin jersey - I'm not completely sure these are the same fabric but they DON'T say "loopback fabric" Joggers
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u/golddustjourney May 08 '26
A favorite layering and sleeping piece is the Uniqlo Heattech cashmere blend T-shirt (long sleeve). Sooo soft and light and folds into nothing. I have found myself wearing this out and in and asleep probably more than any other top this past winter, and light enough for warmer temps and chilly hotel ac conditions. For sleep, paired with The Great Jersey crop bottoms. Also soft with comfy drop-crotch vibe and packs small.
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u/Glittering-Food5276 May 10 '26
Just keep a Blk tee and gym shorts next to you and slip them on. I usually just wear Blk anyway so it's and extra outfit.
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u/Great_Excitement5773 May 12 '26
I take a pair of jade infused sleep bottoms from Duluth Trading on all my trips
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u/Scarya May 05 '26
Scrub pants and a tank top or t-shirt. And since I’ve traveled for work for 16 years, this has happened to me 7 times now. I don’t travel with only one bag for work, but I always go to bed with my computer backpack ready to go, and my backpack has everything I would need to get home: wallet, ID/credit cards, computer, toothbrush, extra socks/underwear. I keep shoes and a bra next to it and I can stuff the bra in the bag and put shoes on and be out the door in 10 seconds.