Matching Family Christmas Pyjamas: How to Get Every Size Right

Matching family Christmas pyjamas only work if everyone's set actually fits on the morning of the photo. With a baby, two children of different ages and two adults all in one print, there are five separate sizing decisions to make, and the most common mistake is treating them as one. This guide walks through each person in turn.

Start with the adults, and size up

Many matching pyjama ranges are made to Asian sizing, which runs one to two sizes smaller than UK high street sizing. Where a product page says so, take it seriously: order one size up for adults, and two if you like a relaxed fit or plan to wear a jumper over the top. Check the chest and length measurements on the product page against a pair of pyjamas you already own, measured flat.

Adult sizes are usually split into separate women's and men's cuts. They are not interchangeable, as the men's cut is longer in the body and leg.

Children: go by height, not age

Age labels are an average. A tall 6-year-old may need the 7 to 8 years size, and children in the same school year can be a full size apart. Measure height in socks against a wall and compare it with the size guide. If your child is between sizes, choose the larger one. Pyjamas are worn loose, and a set bought in October will be worn into spring.

For older children and teenagers, check whether the range moves into adult sizes. Some ranges stop at 14 years and switch to adult XS or S above that.

Babies: comfort and safety first

Baby sizes are usually given in months. Pick the size your baby will be in on Christmas Day, not the one they are wearing now, as a baby can move up a size in the weeks before Christmas.

Keep the sleep advice in mind: babies should sleep on their back in a clear cot, and should not overheat. A cosy fleece set that is perfect for the photo may be too warm for sleeping in a heated room, so a lighter cotton set or a vest and sleeping bag may be better for the night itself.

A note on flammability labels

Under the UK Nightwear (Safety) Regulations, children's nightdresses and dressing gowns must meet a flammability standard, while children's pyjamas must carry a label saying whether or not they meet it. Look for a permanent label stating either "Low flammability to BS 5722" or "KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE". Whichever label a set carries, keep all nightwear away from open fires, candles and heaters, which matters more than ever at Christmas.

Fabric: cotton, jersey or fleece?

• Cotton and cotton jersey: breathable and comfortable for sleeping, softens with washing. The best all-round choice for children.
• Fleece and brushed fabrics: very warm and cosy for a cold morning, but can be too warm for sleep in a centrally heated home.
• Polyester satin: looks smart in photos, but less breathable for a full night's sleep.

Buy all the sizes at the same time

Matching ranges sell out size by size, not all at once. The size most likely to go first is the one in the middle of the children's range. Buying the whole family's sets together is the only way to be sure everyone matches, rather than ending up with four people in tartan and one in something else.

Washing before the big day

Wash every set before first wear, at the temperature on the care label, and keep the darker and red prints separate for the first few washes, as they can run. Wash inside out to protect prints and avoid tumble drying on high heat, which can shrink cotton and fade colours.

Common questions

Are matching pyjamas sold as a family bundle?

Usually not. Each person's set is a separate item, so add one set per person in the right size.

Can the dog match too?

Some ranges include pet sizes. Measure your dog's back length from collar to tail and chest girth, and avoid anything that restricts movement or that your dog may chew.

What if a child is between baby and kids' sizes?

Toddler sizes such as 18 to 24 months and 2 to 3 years overlap. Go by height and choose the larger size if in doubt.

See the full range of matching Christmas pyjamas, with sizes from baby to adult on each product page.