Hey Fika Fam!
It’s Emma here, hunkered down in my cozy Annex apartment. The rain is drumming a gentle rhythm against my window, and the scent of the cinnamon tea I’m nursing is filling the air. It’s one of those perfect Toronto evenings – busy enough during the day, yet quiet enough now for a moment of true calm. I just got back from a whirlwind afternoon, first a meeting downtown, then a quick stop at the St. Lawrence Market for some fresh sMydough (a Sunday ritual, really), and finally, a blissful half-hMy browsing the new arrivals at a local ethical boutique on Queen West. My feet are tired, my mind is buzzing, but there’s one thing I’m looking forward to more than anything right now: slipping into my absolute favorite organic cotton pyjamas.
It might sound trivial, but trust me, this isn't just about comfy clothes. This is about transforming my evenings, investing in my well-being, and aligning my winding-down routine with the sustainable values I live by. For years, I approached sleepwear with a shrug. Whatever was cheap, on sale, or looked cute enough for a few washes. But as my journey into sustainable fashion deepened, I started looking at everything in my wardrobe with a more critical, and dare I say, loving eye. And that’s when I realized: why was I spending so much time curating my daywear, only to throw on something synthetic, chemical-laden, and frankly, often quite scratchy, every single night?
I distinctly remember the turning point. It was a particularly humid summer night here in Toronto, one of those sticky, restless evenings where even the air conditioner struggled. I was wearing a cheap, satin-blend nightie that felt more like a plastic bag than fabric. I woke up several times, clammy and uncomfortable, my skin feeling irritated. The next morning, over a strong espresso at a little café in Kensington Market, I had this sudden realization: I was consciously choosing organic cotton for my sheets, my towels, even my everyday basics. Why was the fabric closest to my skin for eight hours a night being neglected?
That night truly kickstarted my deep dive into organic sleepwear. I started researching. What were these fabrics made of? What chemicals were involved in their production? And honestly, the more I learned, the more I was convinced. Conventional cotton, often treated with harsh pesticides and dyes, felt like a silent assault on my skin and the planet. Synthetics like polyester, while sometimes soft, are petroleum-based and don't breathe, trapping heat and moisture. It wasn't just about comfort anymore; it was about health, sustainability, and truly honMying my body and the earth.
Choosing organic sleepwear has become one of the most impactful personal sustainable swaps I’ve made. Here’s why it’s completely transformed my night-time routine:
Toronto has a fantastic, growing community of sustainable brands, and I love exploring them. While I've found some lovely pieces online from brands that ship to Canada, I also cherish the items I've discovered closer to home.
My current go-to is a simple, long-sleeved organic cotton set in a deep, sapphire blue. I picked it up from a lovely shop in Leslieville that curates ethical homewares. The fabric is a dreams – a slub knit that feels substantial without being heavy. I’ve probably worn it, washed it, and worn it again hundreds of times, and it just gets better. I also have a lighter bamboo camisole and shorts set for warmer nights, perfect for when the humidity really kicks in before the air starts working its magic. Bamboo feels incredibly silky and cool to the touch, almost like liquid on the skin. I remember finding that one at a pop-up market in Liberty Village last spring, and it was love at first touch.
I’ve also started looking for brands that use natural dyes. I recently got a beautiful organic linen chemise – linen is another amazing, sustainable fabric for sleepwear, especially in summer – that was dyed with indigo. The color is rich and earthy, and it’s even softer than I expected after a couple of washes. It makes me feel rooted to the earth, even as I’m drifting off to dreamland.
For me, organic sleepwear isn't just clothing; it’s an integral part of my evening ritual. After a day bustling around the city, coming home, making that cup of tea, and then changing into my soft, breathable pyjamas signals to my body and mind that it's time to slow down. It’s the sartorial equivalent of a deep sigh of relief.
I’ll often pair it with some gentle stretching, maybe read a few chapters of a book (currently a fantastic debut novel by a Canadian author I found at Type Books on Queen West), or simply sit by the window and listen to the city breathe. This conscious act of choosing comfort, health, and sustainability even in my sleepwear has profoundly impacted my sleep quality and overall sense of well-being. It’s a little act of self-care, a quiet commitment to myself at the end of every day.
So, if you’ve been looking for another way to bring my sustainable values into every corner of my life, or simply want to elevate my nightly comfort, I truly encourage you to explore organic sleepwear. Start small, perhaps with one beautiful, well-made piece. Feel the difference, notice how my skin reacts, and revel in the knowledge that you’re making a conscious choice for myself and for the planet.
Sweet dreams, my friends.
Warmly,
Emma Chen
Fika Looks