Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Men's button-front pyjamas usually have five or six buttons on the top, in size 20L–24L (about 12.7–15 mm). The buttons should be flat, with a smooth rim and no protruding details, so they do not dig in when lying down, and must withstand frequent washing at 40 °C and above. The most commonly used materials are polyester, urea, mother-of-pearl for silk models and corozo for linen and cotton pyjamas.
Why pyjama buttons are a special case
Pyjamas are worn in bed, washed often and sit close to the body. That is why the requirements for the buttons differ from those for a shirt or jacket:
- Comfort – the button must not press on the chest or stomach when lying face down.
- Wash resistance – pyjamas are washed often, frequently at higher temperatures for hygiene.
- Easy fastening – including in the dark and when half asleep.
- Safety – no sharp edges that could catch the fabric or skin.
Men's button-front pyjamas: number and size
| Position | Number | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Front of the top | 5–6 | 20L–24L |
| Chest pocket (if it has a flap) | 1 | 18L–20L |
| Cuffs (if any) | 1 per cuff | 18L |
| Fly of the bottoms | 1–2 | 18L–20L |
| Spares | 1–2 | — |
Pyjama buttons are usually slightly larger than shirt buttons. This makes them easier to fasten, and the larger diameter spreads the pressure when lying down.
Profile and shape
Flat buttons with two or four holes and a rounded rim are the most suitable. Avoid:
- shank buttons – they stick out and dig in;
- domed and shaped profiles with sharp edges;
- metal buttons with decorative relief;
- buttons that are too thick and can be felt through the fabric.
Materials by fabric
Cotton pyjamas (poplin, flannel, jersey)
The most practical are polyester buttons matching the fabric or in a contrasting piping colour. For pyjamas washed at 60 °C, urea buttons are a more durable choice. See our polyester buttons.
Silk and satin pyjamas
Here the button is part of the luxurious look. The classic choice is mother-of-pearl or a high-quality polyester with a pearl effect. Browse our mother-of-pearl buttons. Delicate fabric requires lighter buttons and careful sewing.
Linen pyjamas
Corozo, wood or matt polyester in natural tones. Natural materials emphasise the character of linen but require a gentle wash.
Pyjamas with or without buttons
Some men's pyjamas are made as a top without a fastening, or only with a placket of two or three buttons at the neckline. The full-length button-front model remains the classic and most popular option, because it is easy to put on and take off without pulling it over the head, and it looks neater. It is also preferred by older customers, people after surgery or with limited mobility, and in hospitals. For the manufacturer, this means the buttons must be easy to fasten with one hand – another argument in favour of a larger size and a flat profile.
Pyjama buttons with logo
Loungewear and underwear brands often use branded buttons as a mark of quality. On pyjamas, the logo is best engraved shallowly or applied as a fine relief, without raised elements, so comfort is not lost. Mother-of-pearl and corozo take laser engraving well, and with polyester a moulded logo is also possible.
Colour and design
Classic men's pyjamas with contrast piping often have buttons in the piping colour – for example white buttons on navy pyjamas with white piping. Striped and checked pyjamas usually have buttons in the dominant colour of the pattern. Pearl buttons are versatile for light and pastel tones.
Washing and care
Pyjamas are washed more often than almost any other garment. So when choosing buttons, check the temperature stated on the care label:
- 30–40 °C – almost all materials are suitable, including mother-of-pearl and corozo on a gentle cycle.
- 60 °C – prefer urea or a quality polyester.
- Tumble dryer – natural materials tolerate high temperatures less well; synthetic buttons are safer.
The buttons must also withstand ironing around them if the pyjamas are made of poplin or silk.
Sewing on
- Use a soft but strong thread that does not irritate the skin.
- Sew tightly, with a minimal shank – on thin pyjama fabrics a large shank is not needed.
- Interface the placket with a light interlining so it does not stretch around the buttonholes.
- Secure the knots on the inside so they cannot be felt.
Pyjamas for hotels, hospitals and gift sets
Pyjamas for hotels and healthcare facilities are washed industrially at high temperatures many times over. There the buttons must be particularly durable – urea or strong polyester, flat and firmly sewn on. Gift and luxury pyjamas, on the other hand, rely on appearance: mother-of-pearl, corozo or buttons engraved with the brand logo that emphasise value.
Common mistakes
- shank buttons or raised relief that dig in during sleep;
- natural materials on pyjamas washed at 60 °C;
- buttons that are too small and hard to fasten;
- heavy buttons on silk pyjamas that pull the fabric;
- no spare buttons.
Pyjama buttons from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian supplier and wholesaler of garment accessories based in Sofia, with over three decades of experience. In the men's buttons section you will find models suitable for pyjamas and loungewear, and to order we supply buttons in a colour to a sample and with logo. Send an inquiry via our contact page.
