The safest way to size matching family pajamas is to size each person on their own, from the size chart on the product page, and to check the smallest and largest size listed before you fall for a print. One design does not always cover a toddler, a school-age child, a mom and a dad, so this guide shows how to read the chart, what to do when someone falls between sizes, and how to mix prints so the family still looks like a set.
Start by Checking the Size Range, Not Just the Print
Before you choose a design, open its size list. Designs differ a lot. As one example from our family pajamas collection, a two-piece set can list six child sizes from Child 2 Years up to Child 10-11 Years, five women's sizes from Mother S through Mother 2XL, and five men's sizes from Father M through Father 3XL. Other designs start at an older child size, and some have no men's sizes at all.
That means the first question is not "do we like it?" but "does it come in every size we need?" If you have a baby under two, an older teenager or a dad who needs a larger size, confirm those sizes first. Anyone the print does not cover can be matched another way, which we cover below.
How to Read a Pajama Size Chart
A pajama size chart usually lists a chest or bust measurement, a sleeve length, a top length, a waist, a hip and the pants length. Child sizes are often labeled by age, while adult sizes are labeled by letter.
- Measure something that fits. Lay a pajama top or T-shirt you like flat and measure across the chest, then compare it with the chart.
- Use the chest and length, not the age label. Age labels are only a guide, because children of the same age can be quite different heights.
- Check the pants length. A child who is tall for their age may need a bigger size to keep the pants from looking short.
- Remember that measurements are approximate. Garments are measured by hand, so allow a small margin.
If two child sizes overlap on age, as a "3-4 Years" and "4-5 Years" pair can, ignore the age and compare the chest, waist and lengths with a pair of pajamas that already fits well.
Sizing for Toddlers and Growing Kids
Children grow quickly, so it helps to size for the season you will wear the pajamas, not the day you order. If a child is between sizes, sizing up gives room to grow and is more comfortable for sleep. Staying true to size looks neater in a photo. A good compromise for a holiday photo is to choose the closer size for the picture and keep a note of which size to reorder next year.
Siblings do not need the same size just because they share a print. Choose each child's size separately, even when the ages are close.
Sizing for Parents
Adult sizes in matching sets are often cut for a relaxed fit, so most adults can stay close to their usual size. If you like roomy sleepwear, size up one. If you prefer a trimmer fit, stay true to the chart. Moms and dads are usually listed with separate size ranges, so check the women's and men's lists on the same page instead of assuming that one chart serves both.
If you are expecting, or sharing a set with a teenager, compare the chest and length measurements and think about how much room you want. When in doubt, the next size up is the more comfortable choice for pajamas.
What to Do When One Print Does Not Fit Everyone
If a design is missing a size for one person, you do not have to give up the matching look. Try one of these approaches:
- Same palette, different print. Pick two designs in the same colors, such as red and cream, and give each person whichever fits. The family still reads as a set.
- Same print for most, a coordinating piece for one. Let the person without a size wear a plain top or a matching robe in one of the print colors.
- Two designs from one theme. A plaid for the adults and a character-free novelty print for the kids can work when the colors repeat.
The pajamas collection is a good place to compare prints side by side, and the family matching pajamas guide has more ideas for choosing styles. Mixing prints is especially useful for holidays, where the Christmas pajamas collection offers several designs to choose from.
Mixing Prints Without a Clash
- Keep one color constant across all the prints, such as red, so the family looks connected.
- Pair one bold print with calmer ones, instead of putting several busy patterns together.
- Vary the scale: a large graphic on the child's top, a smaller repeat on the adults' pants.
- Lay everything on a bed or the floor and take a photo before you commit.
For a full walkthrough of holiday options, read the matching family Christmas pajamas guide, and for fitting a whole household in other clothing, read the matching outfit sizing guide.
Order Early and Leave Room for an Exchange
Order enough ahead of your date to allow for an exchange if a size is not right. Each product page shows its estimated delivery window, so compare it with the day you need the pajamas before you check out. When you are ready to build the rest of the holiday look, browse matching family Christmas outfits in the same colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should everyone in the family order the same size letter or age?
No. Each person should be sized separately from the chart on the product page, because children and adults are cut differently.
What if my child is between two sizes?
Size up for room to grow and for comfortable sleep, or stay true to size for a neater photo. Compare the chest and length measurements with a pair of pajamas that already fits.
Do all matching pajamas come in toddler and men's sizes?
No. The size range varies by design, so check the size list on each product page for the smallest and largest size offered.
Can we match if the print is not available in one size?
Yes. Choose a second design in the same colors, or coordinate with a plain piece in one of the print colors.
