In the Buff
Posted by Cléa in General, tags: cbmused, in the buff, PJ pants and tops, sleepwear, slinky chemise, slinky nighties, what to wear to bed in winter
Ask most men what they sleep in and they invariably answer “in the buff”. Unless you’re asking someone your dad’s generation – and I’d cock a brow as to why you would be – they’re more likely to mention the ugly word: pyjamas. But most men are usually quick to retort, with a glint in their eyes no less, that they sleep in the nude, as if the question was an invitation to check out their huge appendage. Occasionally, if push comes to shove, they may fess up to wearing the odd T-shirt to bed.
I am a big fan of going to bed au naturel. There’s nothing like the sensual feel of slipping into bed and feeling the coolness of the sheets against your skin. And on those sleep-deprived nights when you toss and turn in bed, your body does not feel restricted. If you share your bed with another person, the feel of skin on skin as you drift off to sleep is soothing and comforting. Amongst other rewards.
I am also partial to a slinky nightie/chemise as an alternative, with cool sensual fabric that is super soft and feels like second skin. None of these boxer sets or boy shorts for me during summer months. If I wear something to bed, I like to feel feminine, sensual and not in a little girlie fashion.
But come wintertime, even with a feather and down doona and an electric blanket to turn up the heat, I feel the cold, which begs the question of what to wear to bed in the cooler months. My winter nighties were in dire need of replacement, and with very little fashionable choice around, I caved in and bought a set of PJ pants and tops like these. Admittedly, they looked pretty on but within minutes of going to bed, I tossed and turned and eventually kicked the PJ pants off. So it was back to the old tired winter nighties until I find a replacement I like that doesn’t look matronly, or cutesy, or restricts my body during sleep. When it comes to slipping into bed, I like to feel free.
What do you wear to bed during the summer/winter months?
In the winter time, the only thing I can think of is how I can keep myself nice and warm all night. There’s nothing worse than waking in the middle of the night because you’re too cold (or too hot). I go all out … I’m completely layered in the winter, complete with socks. In the summer it’s a different story. Depending on if it’s a tad chilly, I’ll wear a t-shirt. Or else I just rock the undies.
At times, I succumb to my paranoia and wear some boxers to bed. The paranoia being that I may have to run outside to bludgeon someone stealing things out of my yard and will find myself standing out in the lawn maniacally waving a baseball bat/shotgun butt ass naked screaming at some twelve year old kid like the ones who broke out the windows of my old truck. That, and it would be cold.
Normally, I just go naked, and often lay on top of the bed uncovered in the summer. This isn’t to be suggestive, I just appreciate the free movement. When I camp, if it’s cold and I’m in the tent, I sleep in shorts, but if it’s nice, I sleep naked on top of the sleeping bag under the stars, next to the fire. I once went three days never wearing clothes camping up above the Mt. Garfield monocline and sleeping on a sandstone ledge.
The sleep was amazing.
Boxer shorts – always boxer short, no matter the month or season. No go ahead and tell me how boring I am
Depends where I am actually. Back in Malaysia, I’d just go with loose shorts or boxers. In Australia during the summer months, I won’t hesitate to go au natural because really…it’s just too damn how in summer to wear anything to sleep. If I could take off my skin, I would.
In the middle of winter, that pretty much depends on how the bed arrangement is like. By myself, yeah, I’d go with loose long pants, a loose t-shirt and a sweater, followed by a doona and another blanket on top of me…and socks. Don’t forget the socks. My feet get really cold.
In the company another though, even if it is winter, I can make do with my pants and socks. After all, it can get really hot under the blanket and that’s the sort of heat you just can’t switch off with a flick of the button.
“GENTLEMEN prefer Hanes!”
(Because linen sheets can chafe your Greg…)
In the buff, even in the winter, I have blankets if I get cold. I really do like not clingy things on while I sleep, good sheets, high thread count , I have never counted threads per sq inch, but I do know good sheets are worth a kings ransom. Now if I travel with non partners I may its normally boxer briefs or if with a family type setting house pants and a tee shirt. Now thats it you know everything about me, without even a waterboard. Your good.
In the winter, I layer myself, socks and all and hide under my down comforter. In the summer, I like to feel my skin against my thousand thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, if I don’t get to feel skin on skin.
LMAO, I guess I’m not too original. Always nude except when camping in the fall or winter.
I sleep in a cotton stretchy cami and underwear, pretty much always. I cannot sleep naked, it bugs the crap outta me. If it’s really cold I might wear pj pants until I’m warm then I take them off; I hate how they ride up my legs and get all bunched up around the knee. My pj pants are mostly used for wearing around the house (because that’s way more awesome than actual clothes), for working out and for painting(they ALL have paint on them). I will also wear socks if it’s cold, which Mahd finds amusing and odd at the same time. I won’t mention how he sleeps!
EM: So PJs in winter. I’m trying to gauge what women wear in winter and if I’m the odd one out. I probably am!
I used to do the T-shirt in spring/autumn, provided it was longish. Socks also get kicked off as soon as the electric blanket has warmed up. I feel the cold terribly.
Casey: Whoa, you really have to get up and chase away hoodlums? Yeah, I’d be prepared as well. Your camp sounds amazing, though I’m strictly the indoor type. Sleeping next to a fire sounds very romantic.
butt ass naked screaming” sounds so cute… although it’s not cute, but it has the same effect on me as “bollocks”.
I just appreciate the free movement. – Same here! It’s so relaxing… hard to think I used to sleep in my bra when I was a teenager.
GSR: Gah! You’re so boring!
Always?? They never come off? Not even when the halo comes off?
Yeah yeah… I’m going to hell for that one!
Kami: Ah, yes… combined body heat is incomparable, though I still need an electric blanket in winter.
Men radiate heat and it’s nice for someone who feels the cold.
Zen: As always you educate me.
1. Linen sheets chafe? I’m going to have to think how…
2. It’s called Greg?! That name will never be the same again!
JW: Umm… I guess it was an intimate question. I didn’t actually think that since most of my readers are male, but never mind, I shared too!
Almost Loved: So PJs and socks? Hmm… I must be the odd one out then.
You can’t beat Egyptian cotton sheets or towels. One thing I’ve never owned, and that’s flannelette sheets. Yikes!
Tree: I think we’re all in the same buff boat!
Well, not together…
Freedom rules!
Mrs Mahd: I admit sleeping naked is something more recent for me, so I understand where you’re coming from. It took a bit of getting used to but I found it liberating. Mind you, I usually dispense with underwear at home when I can, especially summer.
Again, I must be the odd one out not liking PJs in winter. And I totally agree that PJ pants are fun to wear and lounge around in. Comfortable, stylish and comforting in the winter.
I think we’ll let Mahd himself tell us how he sleeps. Now that we’re all intrigued!
yup… I’m with the majority ( at home or hotel / motel at least! ). If I am asleep and wearing my clothes it means I have had too much Jose and crawled away from the party to the car…
With all of the cheekiness that you contribute to the world I don’t feel a need to make my modest contribution
In the summer- naked as a jaybird, on top of the covers.
In the winter- naked as a jaybird, under the covers.
Look, I live in a very comfortable climate: I can’t be blamed for moderate weather all year.
LOL @ “cock a brow”…
My sleeping attire runs the gamut, totally depending on my mood or state of health…. from nothin’ at all to an oversized man’s tee to just panties to a silk cami. Doesn’t matter the season either, as that’s what the heat and air control are for, as well as blankies. lol
btw – YOU took that pic? Who, pray tell, IS that? yummy.
I sleep in chainmail.
Yikes, I guess I’m in the boring camp too. I honestly don’t know many guys who sleep naked. Maybe that’s because my hometown is sexually repressed or something. I sleep in pajama bottoms and a t-shirt and socks no matter what time of year. I get fidgety and start rubbing my ankles together if I don’t have socks on. It’s not a good feeling. Sure there are rare instances when I wore nothing or just boxer briefs, but those are just that, rare!
P.S. I find wearing pajamas to bed much more comfortable because my body temperature runs high. If I sleep in the buff, I get way to sweaty and that’s not good for anybody. I find the jammies help regulate my temperature much more. Now you know way too much about me between the sheets.
Gboy: Gboy and José means clothes stay on… thanks for the visual!
And what’s this hotel/motel bizzo? Sounds like a regular occurrence!
GSR: Cheeky? Me? I am nothing but an innocent soul with a clean mind…
Mahd: So glad you contributed to this discussion after Mrs Mahd dropped a hint.
I’m so envious of your climate. Seriously, especially in winter. And love how you weaved the metaphor in there. Quite visual…
LB: Trust you to pick it!
I must say I find no thrill on wearing a man’s clothes, to bed or otherwise, though an oversized T sounds romantic. Your sleepwear is not dependent on the season? I’m envious as well. Where I am, winter heating is often via gas or electric heaters, costly, not efficient and you need one in every room. Doesn’t make Cléa happy.
Now the pic… yes I took it, and have been learning a few trick in Photoshop. As for Mr Yummy, ready for this? He’s an outdoor sculpture made of wax-like material. I did close ups of his body (saving his rude bits for another post). Though I admit once I finished with the photo, it looked a bit real!
Jarod: So… does that keep you warm or cold at night?
Egan: Really? I must say I’m surprised. I thought au natural, like most men. Wearing socks /rubbing ankles intrigue me. But then I guess, cooler climate. And considering I used to sleep with a bra as a teenager, it’s not that odd.
I wonder if you were on holidays in the tropics whether you’d wear nothing. Not that I’m really wondering… if you get my drift.
Egan: First time I heard PJs regulate body heat by keeping it in. I just love how men radiate heat, usually in bed but also elsewhere. I worked with a guy once (a gorgeous intelligent hunk) and just by standing next to him, I could feel his body heat. He wasn’t sweating or anything, just radiating that warmth… and I was cold. Mmm… where was I? Now you know way too much about me between the sheets is going into the Martini Lounge.
***** ADDENDUM *****:
Since I felt the odd one out after reading the women’s responses, I decided to give Mr PJ another try last night.
Admittedly, I had to get myself in the mood. I turned up the heater, made sure I was warm then changed out of my clothes and into Mr PJ. Then I sat at my computer to write. Mmm… It felt comfortable, nice to lounge around in, so I decided to take him to bed. I managed to sleep, with the occasional PJ pants riding up to my knees but overall it wasn’t as bad as the first experience. I think it’s something I need to ease myself into, a relaxed state, getting to know each other, before we both rush into bed
I’m just saying. Pajamas do help regulate my body temperature. This may not be the case for other guys, but without the pajamas, I overheat, the sheets get all sweety, and on and on… and this occurs without stuff happening. Hmm, your holiday theory has me wondering. I know when I was in Hawaii I still slept with socks. When it’s really hot here in Seattle, I can sleep without socks, yet it’s not preferred. Damn those bony ankles.
I really don’t know any naked sleepers amongst my guy friends, but maybe I need to repoll them.
Cléa: You’re such a tease! You and Mr PJ!
Egan: “Without stuff happening…”
Don’t mind me I’m in a silly mood today!
I’m going to ponder socks and bony ankles for a while….Are you sure your friends aren’t telling you? I find it surprising since most men I know own up to sleeping in the nude, and occasionally in Tshirt/boxers. Let me know if your repolling yields some confessions.
OMG Egan just said something that clicked. Same thing happens to me with the crazy thermostat. I obviously need to do some proper research, e.g. wear a tee shirt to bed for a whole week. Hmmm…
Gboy: Between you and Egan, I’m now very curious. I know men radiate heat, especially in their sleep, and even in the middle of winter when they sleep stark naked. What is it that causes that thermostat to blow, exercise, alcohol, dare I ask… I am daring to ask!
Just a T-shirt an no PJ bottoms?
So… if either of you, or anyone else is willing to experiment then report, (after all, I did it last night), I shall keep comments open on this post for some time. Just let me know.
I will ask my buddies, or maybe even pose the question on my blog. I really don’t know any guys that sleep in the buff. I think it’s a weather related thing here or maybe the sexually repressed culture of the Amercian Pacific Northwest.
Rereading my comment above, I see I have a tough time distinguishing between perspiration and savory food. Sweat. Sweat is my nemesis when not clothed.
Cléa – I like that you’re doing a little social experiment. Keep us posted on last night’s sleep.
[...] for all your responses to this week’s post, In the Buff. Although I asked intimate questions, it has raised some interesting facts and as a result I [...]
Egan: As you can tell, I am most interested. Is the culture of the American Pacific Northwest sexually repressed? I thought it was less conservative than other parts of the US.
Sweat is no fun, but sometimes a little perspiration can be, well, attractive on a man.
Last night’s sleep was ok. The PJs came on a while before I slid into bed and I had restful sleep. Mind you, I keep the PJ pants loosened, and it means I am wearing underwear which is not a good thing. I have yet to try them sans ‘panties’, to use Mrs Mahd’s term. Stay tuned. I still prefer the freedom of either wearing nothing or a slinky nighty.
We’re sexually repressed in that we don’t have many exhibitionists. There are many serious studies about this, but again it goes back to our short summers and very pale skinned natives. We’re very laid back in most aspects such as politics, but when it comes to the sex thing… it’s a different story. Ask anyone who has moved to Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver (Canada). Vancouver is less repressed than Seattle though, if you ask me.
Erf, more power to ya girl for trying something new, but I just can’t sleep in pants, no matter HOW comfy… they ride up my legs & bunch up in places that makes for restless, hot sleep.
Lounging in my “comfy clothes”, now THAT’s a diff matter… as I keep my PJ pants close-by for when I get up, sometimes. LOL
ps. No waaaaaaaaay is that pic a STATUE!!!
OMG, kudos to your PShop skills, girl! lol
Hmmm… well… results are a bit mixed so far. Woke up clammy with the tee-shirt on one night, ate nothing super spicey and only had one glass of Cab Sav. Also did no excercise that day because of getting home so late. I did have dinner pretty late and I am sure that doesn’t help. Probably a few too many variables there, huh? Anyway… in the name of science I’ll continue with tee-shirt trial over the next week and report findings.
In terms of the thermostat going wonky, I’d have to say if I have had more alcohol it seems less likely. I think hot / spicey food ( which I probably eat too much of ) doesn’t help… especially when consumed later in the evening. I also reckon if I get my core temperature up with a run in the evening that can cause me to overheat later… even if I feel “normal” when I go to sleep. In terms of “other” activities… no… they don’t seem to cause overheating… at least not later on!
Egan: Thanks for the info. I learnt something new, since I was under the impression middle America was a bit more conservative. I can see the climate can have something to do with it. Where I come from, we’re quite used to a lot of things. In fact, sometimes oddities stare us in the face and we just glance and move along.
LB: I admit it was the girls’ comments to this post that made me want to try again, and the fact that I can’t find any winter sleepwear I like, apart from PJs. I feel the riding up as well, don’t like it but they’re kind of loose, so it hasn’t been too bad.
I love lounging around in them. They look better than tracky dacks, and a bit more playful.
LB: Yes, he’s a statue. If you look at his face, it’s kinda ugly but the way I cropped him highlights the upper body. I’m not a PS expert at all, just got rid of the background and added some simple filter. For a limited time, you can see the original here (now removed). I hope that doesn’t spoil the fantasy!
Gboy: Sounds like too many variables, especially the spicy food late at night. I didn’t think that alcohol would heat the body up and it’s interesting that you confirm that.. I guess it depends on the type and amount of alcohol consumed.
Interesting too that running would make you overheat in your sleep. So ‘other’ activities don’t contribute to overheating?? Mmm…
Thanks for contributing to the experiment!
My update is below.
***** ADDENDUM 2 *****
After trialling 2 nights in PJs (with underwear), after easing myself into them before going to bed, I decided to go back to my tired winter nightie (sans underwear) for comparison. I slept very well, but it had something to do with *one* special Martini followed by red wine. However, it felt much more comfortable and free during the night than wearing PJs.
I guess the next experiment is to try PJs sans underwear and report, because I hardly ever wear them to sleep. And that’s probably more than you ever wanted to know… in the name of science!
No Cléa, in the name of science, we wouldn’t mind knowing more, especially without underwear. Nothing like feeling completely free on a large bed. In the name of good science. It’s worth exploring more.
Kami: As long as it’s in the name of science, buff science…
OK… I had a lapse in the experiment and went full commando again… and woke up sweaty in the middle of the night. I had tacos with lots of Jalapeños for dinner… yeah… hot food again… hmmm….
Will try the t-shirt again tonight and try to remember for the rest of the week!
Gboy: Same here. Back to my nightie which also rides up around the body vs PJ pants riding around the knees! Ugh, bring back summer and au naturel sleep!
Hot food must be a contributing factor. If I could eat it, I’d try it and report but I can’t handle it. Though I’ve been waking up in sweats lately in the middle of the night.
The experiment continues… back to PJs from tonight.
OMG, lol, good thing you added the filter to the pic… WOW, what a diff! LOL!!
(the other one ’bout skeered me! lol)
nope, not experimenting here, just can’t do pants, no matter how loose.
Welll…. might, maybe could do some in silk. Maybe.
But I like the feel of the SHEETS (or skin) against my legs, where no extra fabric bunches up.
LB: Thought you might appreciate the difference!
I’m going to agree with you there. I’ll have an update soon as I’ve trialled a couple of different things with different results.
My latest update:
Day 1 – Wore PJs sans underwear and had the most uncomfortable night sleep. They rode up and annoyed me no end, unlike the other trials.
Day 2 – Back to tired looking nightie. Slept like a baby.
Day 3 – Put the PJs back in the drawer. Clearly, they’re not for me.