All of a sudden I am wearing my PJs to Target, to get the mail, to school drop-offs and NO ONE KNOWS—except for me! Here is my Leena & Lu review on comfy, organic and cute loungewear.

It doesn’t escape me that by saying these PJs have totally changed my life is a little sensational. But I’m going to go ahead and say it anyway. Why? Because they have! Here’s why…

First of all, I have been searching for organic pajamas for a while now. I am super picky about my sleepwear so the search has been…well, let’s say, “ongoing”. For me, the ideal sleepwear is:

• Comfortable
• Pants or shorts (and I don’t want to feel the elastic pulling around my waist).
• Not a one-piece or a nightgown because they always rides up on me which is so annoying.
• Short sleeved or a tank – not long-sleeved (which is also wicked uncomfortable).
• Organic or sustainably made
• Cute

I mean, I’m not asking for the world here. Just pajamas that are functional, ethically-made and look good.

My usual pajama situation is department store pajama pants and a t-shirt or tank but I’ve been looking to upgrade myself because as comfortable as this uniform is, it ain’t cute! I mean I’m about to be 41 for crying out loud. Why do I still look like I share a dorm on the 4th floor of Northeastern University’s Stetson East? #GetItTogetherLis

Where are all the luxe, organic PJs?

I don’t know what the deal is but do a Google search on organic pjs and there’s just not that many viable options. I mean, no one want’s to sleep in long sleeves, washable silk or be decked out in bold patterns that match your kids. Let’s be honest.

So you can imagine when I came across Leena & Lu – 100% organic loungewear (manufactured in Peru and based out of Atlanta, GA) that is also 100% functional and 100% chic!? I almost flipped my lid. I think I literally blacked out for a moment from the sheer joy of potentially finding the holy grail of pjs.

And that’s just the beginning. I was lucky enough to meet up with co-founder Ofelia at mutual location in Buckhead, Atlanta to try on the entire line and pick my faves.

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The first thing I noticed

The first thing I noticed (and loved) is the fabric shades. I am a creature of neutrals which you would know if you looked at my closet – partly due to working part-time as a sign language interpreter and partly because I love the no-fuss functionality and chic-ness neutrals bring to the table. Leena & Lu‘s black is not a rich true black (which I have yet to see in the natural world) but a soft, flattering off-black. The Ecowhite is flecked with bits of brown and I’m in love with Dusk – a gray/stone/brown neutral that is just so forgiving. Easy to wear neutrals that are flattering on any skin color.

GOTS is the standard to look for when buying textiles

All of Leena & Lu fabrics are GOTS (Global Organization Textile Standard) certified. This certification is internationally recognized as the toughest organic textile standard because it goes far beyond the organic farming process to include every step of the manufacturing. GOTS Certified means:

1. It contains at least 95% organic fiber
2. It’s not be treated with bleach, formaldehyde or any other toxic substances
3. It’s colored with nontoxic dyes
4. It’s produced in a mill that enforces strict social and environmental standards, treating employees and the earth with deep respect.

Specifically, Leena & Lu founders (and sisters) Ofelia and Kathya are both from Peru and they have chosen organic Peruvian Pima cotton for their entire line.

Ofelia runs operations in Atlanta, GA while her sister Kathya manages production from Peru. Leena & Lu works closely with a small, local manufacturer in Peru providing local jobs and community support for residents.

Check out these Leena & Lu pencils as a perfect example. In Northern Peru, the men go out to work on the field and the women and children work making these cotton branch pencils by hand to earn extra income. The seal you see here is even a handmade logo by a local artisan. One of these pencils is included with every order.

What GOTS Certified cotton brings to the table

Leena & Lu is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, fair trade and committed to the slow fashion movement. Here is some additional information about what sets GOTS Certified cotton apart:

• Normal cotton is traded with a huge number of chemicals to reduce shrinking. Organic cotton has no nasty chemicals. I wash my Leena & Lu in the washer and dry on a rack and they have not shrunk. Leena & Lu recommends using natural soap and drying on low or best if you can hang it.
• Organic cotton will last longer with proper care because it’s not exposed to the weakening harsh chemicals of conventional cotton.
• With no pesticides herbicides or any chemicals fertilizers, organic cotton is regenerative and safe for the earth.
• Organic cotton fiber uses less energy and less water during production than conventional cotton. Plus it safely recycles the water that was used.
• Using organic cotton (or any natural fibers) helps to eliminate the use of crude oil and precious fossil fuels. This helps reduce carbon emissions and preserve natural resources.
• Organic cotton is light weigh, strong, very absorbent and non-allergenic. Plus natural farming promotes local biodiversity and overall soil health.

But it gets even more natural with natural dyes

But I was talking about the fabric shades! Let me get back to that. Not only are these fabric shades beautiful, neutral and flattering but guess what! Leena & Lu fabrics are dyed using leaves and flowers from Peru. I’m talking a combination of black beans, Andean plants, eucalyptus, avocado seed and onion peels. I mean this could be a downright salad! Say goodbye to toxic dyes and a range of harmful substances usually found in the synthetic dyeing processes.

Sooooooooo comfortable

The second thing I noticed was the softness. OMG, I wear these PJs and I feel like I’m wearing air! WHAT. Seriously so comfortable. Ofelia told me this is because they use Prima cotton which is in high demand by clothing manufactures due to its softness qualities alone.

Prima cotton is unique because it’s original to northern Peru and it has the longest staple (the average length of a spin-able fiber) compared to other types of cotton. This contributes to it’s softness and durability. Also, because Pima cotton is so soft, Leena & Lu mention it is ideal for people with sensitive skin.

But there’s more…

So great. At this point, I’m comfortable, functional and my sleep situation is overblown with chicness. But the experience doesn’t end there guys.

Like, I didn’t realize how impactful it would be to have sleepwear that doubles as loungewear until I actually had sleepwear that doubles as loungewear.

The best thing since sliced bread

Mornings are tight with the kids getting up at 6:45 am and out the door 45 minutes later. In between making egg sandwiches, packing lunches, styling hair, washing faces, bribing the boys off their Nintendo Switch and prepping backpacks – I have to find a minute to sneak back into my pitch-black bedroom to change into clothes before driving the kids to school.

NOT ANY MORE! Guys, I’m like a walking miracle. I get out of bed, do all the things and the next thing I know I’m back on my couch looking cute as heck and comfortable as all get-out sippin’ Allegro; STILL IN MY PAJAMAS.

Not only that, we live in an apartment building so now I’m walking to the lobby to get the mail, waving to the concierge, hitting up the business office to print something, cleaning out to my car or even popping into Target for some paper towels ALL IN MY PJS and no one even knows! Hahahaha!

Who knew something so simple could spark so much joy?!

The prettiest details

And if you didn’t notice yet, Leena & Lu offers the prettiest details. In my opinion, this is what really distinguishes this line.

• The Mancora Short Sleeve Top has a peek-a-book back.
• The Nuro Jogger Pant has plant-dyed detailing AND pockets.
• The Talara T-Shirt Dress has a detailed center seam in the back that is hand-dyed and unique to each piece.
• The Mancora Shorts also have pockets.
• The Nuro Tee is carpool in the front, party in the back.

Considerations…

There are really no cons here, I mean the Leena & Lu loungewear situation is a win win win. But as always, I want to offer somethings that stuck out to me for consideration.

• The price. Not everyone can afford to drop a Benjamin on a pair of pajamas. I get it.
• The sizing. It’s inconsistent. I take a large in the shorts, a medium in the pants and a small in the joggers. Check out their sizing chart if you need help deciding on size.
• The Punta Sal Top neckline was cut too high for my frame. All the other necks draped nicely on me.

Leena & Lu just came to market in 2018, have you tried?

SAVE!

Shop Leena & Lu here and use code TNK20 to save 20%! Also! Subscribe to their newsletter and you can score 20% off on your first purchase. Sign up here!

P.S. Check out the most affordable nontoxic mattress and my favorite natural foundation.

Thank you to Leena & Lu for partnering on today’s post. And thanks to Monkey & Squirrel for the beautiful photos.