Buying plus size pyjamas online can feel like a lottery — one shop’s XXL is another’s 5XL. This guide explains how to measure yourself, how international pyjama labels compare to UK sizes, and how much room to allow for a comfy fit.
Step 1: measure yourself
- Bust: around the fullest part of your chest, tape level under your arms.
- Hips: around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.
- Measure over light clothing, and keep the tape snug but not tight.
Step 2: add ease for pyjamas
Pyjamas should be roomy. Most product measurements are of the garment, not the body, so the garment needs to be bigger than you. As a rule of thumb, add about 8–10cm to your bust and hips for a relaxed fit, and a little less for stretchy modal or jersey.
Step 3: compare with UK sizes
| UK size | Body bust (approx.) | Body hips (approx.) | Garment bust for a relaxed fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK 16 | 101cm | 109cm | 109–111cm |
| UK 18 | 106cm | 114cm | 114–116cm |
| UK 20 | 111cm | 119cm | 119–121cm |
| UK 22 | 116cm | 124cm | 124–126cm |
| UK 24 | 121cm | 129cm | 129–131cm |
| UK 26 | 126cm | 134cm | 134–136cm |
| UK 28 | 131cm | 139cm | 139–141cm |
Body measurements vary between brands — use these as a guide, not a rule.
Why labels don’t match UK sizes
Many pyjamas are made in Asia and labelled with Asian or “international” sizes, which run small. An Asian 5XL is often only a UK 18–20. That’s why we show every size as UK size (label) — for example UK 20 (5XL) — and list the garment measurements on each product.
Stretch makes a difference
- Satin and viscose have little or no stretch — allow the full 8–10cm.
- Modal and jersey stretch — 4–6cm extra is usually enough.
- Cotton has a little give — allow 6–8cm.
Still not sure?
Measure a pair of pyjamas you love: lay them flat, measure across the chest and the hips, and double it. Compare those numbers with the garment measurements in a product’s Size guide tab. Or email sales@theblankcompany.co.uk with your usual size and we’ll help.
Ready to shop? See all plus size pyjamas, plus size satin pyjamas or plus size Christmas pyjamas.
Size guide questions
What UK size is a 5XL in pyjamas?
It depends on the brand. In Asian sizing a 5XL is often only a UK 18–20. Always check the garment bust and hip measurements.
Should I size up in pyjamas?
If you are between sizes or like a relaxed fit, yes — especially in satin, which has no stretch.
How much bigger than me should pyjamas be?
For a relaxed fit, about 8–10cm bigger than your bust and hips in non-stretch fabrics, and 4–6cm in stretchy modal or jersey.