Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might want to know about our hand block-printed cotton loungewear — how it feels, how it's made, and how to care for it. Still wondering about something? Write to us at info@paisleyaffair.net.
Comfort & Everyday Wear
Are cotton pajamas good for hot sleepers?
Yes. Lightweight, breathable cotton is one of the coolest fabrics you can sleep in. Our pajamas are 100% cotton cambric — a fine, lightweight weave that lets air move and doesn't cling — which is why so many women reach for them on warm nights and through Texas summers. For the warmest months, our short sets keep things lighter still.
“The fabric feels SO good in the Texas summer and I can live and breathe in this!”
— Nisha, on the Jyoti Short Set
What are comfortable clothes to sleep in on a long flight?
Soft, breathable cotton with an easy waist is ideal for travel, and it's how our pajama sets were designed. The elastic drawstring waist doesn't pinch when you're seated for hours, the cotton breathes on stuffy planes and trains, and the button-down top looks put together enough to wear through the airport. Pack it light, sleep in it on the way, and arrive feeling like yourself.
“I love the patterns and the colors of both sets and wear them out and about or when I’m traveling!”
— Melissa M., on the Cassie Short Set
Are they good for pregnancy, postpartum and nursing?
Yes. The relaxed cut and soft elastic waist give room through pregnancy, and the button-down top opens easily at the front for nursing. Many of our customers tell us these were what they lived in during the tender early weeks with a new baby. Our robes, with their adjustable tie waist, are a favorite for the same season.
Is the fabric see-through?
No. Our cotton is opaque — including the lighter prints, like the white Teresa.
Can I wear them outside the house?
Absolutely. The button-down tops pair easily with jeans or shorts, the lounge pants look lovely with a simple tee, and the sets are put together enough for a coffee run, a porch morning, or saying hello to a neighbor. Made to be lived in — wherever you are.
“No morning plans besides a date with my husband on the deck and a cup of coffee. The fabulous thing about these pajamas is that if I check the mail or say hi to a neighbor, I still look feminine and put together — even though I am in my pajamas!”
— Laurie, on the Jyoti Shirt
Do they make a good gift?
They make a beautiful one. Every set and robe arrives folded in a reusable muslin bag, and our scrunchies come in kraft paper — ready to give as they are. None of our packaging uses plastic; everything is wrapped in eco-friendly materials. And because each print is named for a real woman, it's a gift that comes with a story.
“I bought about 5 scrunchies for my niece and the scrunchies came in individual brown packs and it was good to gift it just like that.”
— Sunitha K., on the Jyoti Scrunchie
Holiday Gifting
Do Paisley Affair pajamas make a good Christmas gift?
Yes — especially if you're looking for something more lasting than a holiday print. Our pajama sets and robes are hand block-printed on breathable cotton, so she'll wear them all year, not just on Christmas morning. Each one arrives plastic-free in a reusable muslin bag, and each print is named for a real woman whose story lives in Women's Stories. See our holiday gift guide.
“These were a birthday gift for my mother and she absolutely loves them!”
— Lisa F., on the Joyce Pajama Set
What is the last day to order for Christmas delivery?
Order by December 15 for Christmas delivery within the United States.
Can I include a gift note?
Yes. Leave your message in the order notes at checkout, and we'll write it by hand on a card tucked inside the package.
What if the size I gift isn't right?
It can be exchanged within 30 days of purchase. Send it back in its original packaging, and we'll send the right size. Return shipping is paid by the sender.
I missed the December 15 deadline. What can I do?
Give a Paisley Affair gift card, from $10 to $100. It's delivered by email, so it arrives in time no matter when you order.
The Craft
What is hand block printing?
Hand block printing is a centuries-old Indian technique in which artisans carve a design into wooden blocks, dip each block in dye, and press it onto fabric by hand — one impression at a time, one block for each color. Unlike machine printing, every repeat is placed by a person, so the finished cloth carries the small, living variations of the hand that made it. Learn more about the art form on our Heritage & Craft page.
Where are Paisley Affair pieces made, and who makes them?
Every piece is hand block-printed by artisans in Sanganer, near Jaipur in Rajasthan, India — a town known for its block-printing tradition — and made in small batches. Paisley Affair is a women-owned brand based in Austin, Texas, founded in May 2024.
What fabric do you use? What is cotton cambric?
We use 100% cotton cambric. Cambric is a fine, tightly woven, plain-weave cotton — smooth, lightweight and soft against the skin, with a light drape that gets even softer with every wash. All of our fabric is pre-washed and pre-shrunk before it's made into your piece.
“Lovely print, super soft fabric and it fits well.”
— Sarika M., on the Jyoti Shirt
What are azo-free dyes, and why do they matter?
Some azo dyes can break down into chemicals that are restricted in many countries. We use only azo-free dyes — kinder to the skin you'll be sleeping in, and to the artisans who handle the dye every day.
Why does my piece look slightly different from the photo?
Because it was printed by hand. Each batch is block-printed separately, so tone, depth of color and the placement of the motif can vary slightly from one run to the next — and from the photograph. It's the mark of real handwork. If you'd like a top and bottom to match perfectly, choose a set: sets are printed and cut together.
Who are the women the prints are named for?
Every print is named for a real woman — women who chose themselves, found their way through something hard, and came out whole. Their stories live in Women's Stories, and more are added as each print is released.
Fit & Care
How do the pajamas fit, and what size should I order?
Our pieces come in sizes S to XL and are cut loose and relaxed — made to be lived in, not fitted to. For tops, choose the size you'd normally reach for in a button-down; if you're between sizes, size down. For pants and shorts, your regular size is the right size. See our Fit Guide for measurements.
Will they shrink?
No need to size up. All of our cotton is pre-washed and pre-shrunk. Wash cold and avoid high heat, and your piece will keep its shape.
“The cotton holds up after washing — it stays soft and doesn’t shrink or lose its shape.”
— Deepika, on the Cassie Short Set
How do I wash block-printed cotton? Will the colors fade?
Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with like colors. Hand block-printed colors soften gently over a long life of wear and washing — the way a favorite piece should. Washing cold and drying away from harsh sun and high heat will keep them rich for longer.
“These pj’s hold up beautifully after many washings.”
— Ann C., on the Rejoice Lounge Pants
What's the difference between your robe lengths?
Most of our kimono robes are knee-length, at 39.5" (100 cm). The Joyce, Priyanka, Deborah and Tuliana robes are a longer, fuller wrap at 47" (120 cm). All of our robes have an open front with no buttons, 3/4 sleeves, two side pockets and a tie belt.
Can I buy a top or bottom on its own?
Yes — many of our prints are available as separate shirts, lounge pants and shorts, so you can mix prints or build your own set. The shirts also wear beautifully on their own, over a tank or with jeans. Because each piece is printed in small batches, separates bought on their own may differ slightly in tone. For a perfect match, choose a pajama set or short set.
“Great top for everyday wear too!!! I wear it over a tank top partly unbuttoned!”
— Amanda W., on the Annelize Shirt
Ordering, Shipping & Returns
Where do you ship, and how long does it take?
We currently ship within the United States. Orders typically leave our studio within 2–3 days. Shipping is a $5 flat rate, and complimentary on orders over $100.
“Good service, fast shipping!”
— Paula S.
What is your return policy?
You can return items within 30 days of purchase, in their original condition and packaging. Return shipping is paid by the customer, and original shipping fees are non-refundable. Refunds are processed within 3–5 business days of receiving your return. See Shipping & Returns for details.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Yes, within about 2 hours of placing it. Write to us at info@paisleyaffair.net as soon as you can.
Where can I shop Paisley Affair in person?
In Austin, Texas, you'll find Paisley Affair at the museum store of the Blanton Museum of Art, and at pop-ups and markets around the city. Join our letter to hear where we'll be next.