5 Best Onesies in the UK 2022 (Hatley, John Lewis and More)

In this guide, we're going to look at some of the main factors to consider when shopping online for a onesie. From material and cut to the important features you want it to have, there's lots to ponder but we're here to help!

To determine the look and feel of your onesie, you'll first want to think about its material. Many onesies are made from polyester which is affordable, stain-resistant and long-lasting, or from a blend of polyester and cotton, with a small amount of elastane in the mix for stretchiness. 

The combination of polyester's durability with cotton's naturally breathable and hypoallergenic qualities makes for the perfect item to lounge around in! Fabric blends can include viscose too, which is highly absorbent, lightweight and soft. Polyester does have its downsides though – it is a synthetic, petroleum-based fibre which is not biodegradable. 

However, GRS or recycled polyester is gaining popularity. GRS (Global Recycle Standard) polyester still isn't biodegradable but it uses PET (polyethene terephthalate) which reduces dependence on petroleum. Diverting PET bottles to make recycled polyester reduces landfill and requires less energy than virgin polyester.

Believe it or not, onesies are advanced enough to come in various cuts and styles. We tend to think of onesies as loose and slouchy but there's truly a cut for everyone. Read on to discover which is best for you.

If you like your loungewear to look as flattering as possible, consider a slimmer fitting onesie. They usually feature tapered sleeves and legs which allows for more movement, and often come in a lighter material too, making this type of onesie a great choice if you get hot easily.

Regular cut onesies are also neat and compact but with a little bit of give, and can either show up slimmer or on the relaxed side. Cosy without being too baggy, regular onesies are similar to wearing sweats.

Now here is the type of onesie we all recognise, and probably what most of us covet! A slouchier, more relaxed cut lets you get your snuggle on, and really, if you're going to wear an onesie, why not really go for it? 

Featuring elasticated cuffs, onesies with a relaxed cut are both comfy and convenient to wear around the house, especially when it's chilly outside. 

For all the expectant mamas out there, what could be better than a onesie designed especially for a growing bump? 

The super relaxed fit of a maternity onesie is perfect pregnancy wear, especially one with straight rather than gathered cuffs. This allows you more comfort and movement, even with swollen ankles!

Onesies often come with design features that make them more stylish or comfortable. Read on to decide which features you're looking for to help you choose the perfect onesie for you.

A hood is a welcome addition to a onesie, as it's not only cute but keeps you cosy. If you're looking for a bit of fun, go for a onesie with a character hood including ears and a face (and maybe a tail, too).

Some hoods have a fleece or fake fur lining making them even more snug in the colder months. You can choose from a fixed or detachable hood depending on how often you'll want to wear it.

If you're looking for the warmest onesie possible, it has to be a footed onesie. Sometimes called footed pyjamas, they are worn in the coldest parts of Canada and the USA in winter. 

The "feet" are made from the same material as the rest of the onesie but usually feature non-slip bottoms for safety and convenience.

We think they look cute and they come in a range of colours and styles, often for the whole family. Perfect for those who want to feel seriously snuggly this season!

Whether pockets are a must for you is a personal preference, but with many of us choosing to listen to podcasts whilst cooking or wanting to have our phones close by, they certainly are handy. If pockets are an important feature, choose from kangaroo and in-seam pockets.

Kangaroo pockets are sewn onto the front of the onesie and are large, easy to access and cosy to put your hands in. However, if you want pockets that are slightly more secure and subtle looking, choose in-seam pockets. Placed on the sides of the onesie, they are less obvious but still very accessible.

Let's be honest, the only downside to wearing a onesie is when it's time to go to the bathroom! If that has previously put you off from purchasing one, then the drop seat might just change everything for you.

A drop seat is a flap on the back of a onesie that allows the wearer to use the bathroom without having to take the whole thing off! This ingenious feature is typically sewn at the base of the flap and is secured by Velcro, buttons, or snaps across the top of the flap.

Most onesies are suitable for machine washing, which is great because onesies are, of course, made to be worn regularly! However, it's important to always check the description or label as some onesies should be hand-washed and may have specific instructions like needing to be dried flat.

Some onesies can even be tumble-dried which is super handy for making the wash turnaround quicker, giving you more snuggle time!

Whether you're looking for a onesie that is simple and subtle or something cosy and characterful, we've included all kinds of onesies in our list. So without further delay, here are our top 10 best picks to buy online!

Author: Melanie McPhail