What Women Really Slept in at Night in 2021 — Naked, Dressed, or Braless?
Sweety Karlak
The year 2021 brought even more focus on comfort, wellness, and personal freedom. With work-from-home culture, relaxed routines, and rising body-positivity, women embraced sleep styles that felt natural, breathable, and stress-free.
This blog covers the major sleep preferences women followed in 2021 — including both popular habits and niche choices.
1. Sleeping Without a Bra — The Most Common Habit of 2021
62% slept without a bra
In 2021, braless sleep continued to rise as women prioritized:
Comfort
Skin breathing
Natural chest movement
Reduced friction
Better sleep relaxation
Soft, wireless daytime bras also became popular, making nighttime bralessness feel even easier.
2. Sleeping Naked — A Continuing Freedom Trend
27% slept naked
Women chose to sleep nude because it:
Reduced heat and sweating
Improved airflow
Prevented fabric irritation
Felt mentally freeing
Helped regulate temperature naturally
Minimal sleeping remained a strong comfort-based choice in 2021.
3. Sleeping With Only Panties — Light, Breathable, Comfortable
42% slept with panties only
This was one of the most balanced choices because:
It kept light coverage
Prevented overheating
Allowed free movement
Felt cool and airy
A perfect in-between option for warm climates
4. Sleeping With Only a Bra — A Small but Steady Habit
9–11% slept with only a bra
Women who chose this did it for:
Light chest support
Habitual comfort
Shared-room modesty
Sweat absorption during hot nights
Soft, wireless bras were preferred.
5. Oversized T-Shirts & Loose Tops — The Comfort Staple
51% slept in oversized tees
Women loved:
Soft, loose fabrics
Emotional comfort
Warm but breathable feel
Easy nighttime movement
This remained the universal favorite.
6. Pajama Shorts & Loose Sleep Bottoms
36% slept in pajama shorts
Chosen for:
Ventilation
Flexibility
No waist pressure
Perfect for warm or moderate weather.
7. Nightgowns & Nightdresses — The Soft Traditional Choice
31% chose nightdresses
Popular because they offered:
Full airflow
No leg or waist restriction
Lightweight femininity
A timeless comfort choice.
8. Matching Pajama Sets — The Aesthetic Rise of 2021
24% wore matching pajama sets
Driven by social media, women chose them for:
Aesthetic nighttime routines
Soft, coordinated fabrics
Cute colors and patterns
This trend grew strongly through 2021.
9. Tank Tops, Camisoles & Minimal Layers
29% slept in light tops
Chosen for:
Breathability
Light chest coverage
Easy nighttime movement
Ideal for relaxed indoor climates.
10. Sleeping With Minimal Clothing + Blanket
16% slept this way
Many women preferred:
Minimal layers
Full coverage from the blanket
Natural airflow
Especially common among cool-room sleepers.
11. Full Pajamas — Popular in Cooler Climates
23% slept in full pajamas
Women chose:
Thermal tops
Soft pajama sets
Long cotton bottoms
Warmth and comfort were the priority.
12. Loungewear & Yoga Shorts — The Work-From-Home Influence
20% slept in loungewear/yoga shorts
Loved for:
Stretchy comfort
Easy movement
Soft fabrics
Relaxed lifestyle comfort
This trend peaked during 2021.
Fabric Preferences of 2021
Women preferred breathable, soothing fabrics such as:
Cotton
Bamboo
Modal
Soft blends
Linen
Comfort and skin-friendliness stayed top priorities.
What Women Wanted Most in 2021
Women focused on:
Comfort
Skin freedom
Cooler sleep temperatures
Soft textures
Simple, relaxed routines
2021 was a year of choosing what feels natural.
Final Summary — 2021 Sleep Preferences
62% slept without a bra
42% slept with panties only
51% slept in oversized tees
27% slept naked
31% chose nightdresses
36% preferred pajama shorts
9–11% slept with only a bra
16% used minimal clothing + blanket
23% slept in full pajamas
20% slept in loungewear/yoga shorts
24% wore matching pajama sets
Every style was valid and based on comfort, habit, and personal choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Women’s Sleep Habits in 2021
1. Did most women sleep without a bra in 2021?
Yes. A large percentage of women preferred to sleep bra-less in 2021 because it improved comfort, reduced friction, and helped them relax better at night.
2. Was sleeping naked common in 2021?
Yes, but moderately. Many women in warmer regions chose sleeping nude for cooler temperatures and better airflow, but it wasn’t the majority preference.
3. Why did so many women sleep wearing only panties in 2021?
Because panties-only sleep offered the perfect balance of light coverage + comfort, reducing heat while still feeling secure.
4. Did women sleep wearing only a bra in 2021?
A small percentage did. Those who preferred it liked light support, modesty in shared spaces, or found it to be a long-standing habit.
5. What was the most popular sleepwear for women in 2021?
Oversized T-shirts, loose tops, and men’s shirts were among the most loved sleep choices because of their softness and freedom of movement.
6. Were pajama shorts popular in 2021?
Yes. Many women, especially in warm or moderate climates, liked pajama shorts for ventilation, flexibility, and light comfort.
7. Did women still wear nightgowns or nightdresses in 2021?
Absolutely. Nightgowns remained a timeless choice thanks to their softness, airflow, and non-restrictive fit.
8. What fabrics were preferred for nightwear in 2021?
Women preferred breathable, skin-friendly fabrics such as cotton, modal, bamboo, linen, and microfiber for cool and comfortable sleep.
9. Did social media influence sleepwear choices in 2021?
Yes. Matching pajama sets, aesthetic nightwear, and coordinated loungewear trends grew because of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.
10. What was the main reason women chose certain sleepwear in 2021?
Comfort was the priority—cooler temperatures, softer fabrics, freedom of movement, and personal comfort mattered more than appearance.
