The Softest Secret Target Doesn’t Want You to Miss

The evening ritual beckons. As the sun dips below the horizon and the day’s responsibilities begin to fade, there comes that magical moment when you can finally shed the constraints of work attire and slip into something that whispers comfort against your skin. For years, I settled for mediocre sleepwear—stretched-out t-shirts, mismatched cotton sets that lost their shape after a few washes, or luxury options that demanded a second mortgage. That all changed when I discovered Auden Cloud Knit Sleepwear, and my nights have never been the same.

I still remember running my fingers across that first Cloud Knit set in Target’s sleepwear section. The name wasn’t just clever marketing—it genuinely felt like touching a cloud. Three years and countless peaceful nights later, I’m convinced this might be the most underrated sleepwear collection on the market. Let me take you on a journey through everything you need to know about this game-changing sleepwear line that deserves a place in every bedroom drawer.

What Exactly Is Auden Cloud Knit Sleepwear?

Auden Cloud Knit Sleepwear is Target’s premium sleepwear line that somehow manages to feel like a luxury brand without the accompanying price tag. Part of Target’s broader Auden collection, the Cloud Knit line stands apart through its signature ultra-soft fabric blend that, true to its name, creates a cloud-like sensation against your skin.

What makes Cloud Knit special isn’t just marketing hyperbole—it’s a technical achievement in fabric engineering. The collection features a proprietary knit fabric technology that combines the breathability of natural fibers with the stretch and recovery of synthetic materials. The result is sleepwear that moves with you throughout the night, never binding or bunching, while maintaining that coveted “barely there” sensation that lets you forget you’re wearing anything at all.

The Cloud Knit difference is immediately noticeable from the first wear—the fabric seems to float around your body rather than clinging to it, creating a microclimate of comfort that adapts to your body’s temperature fluctuations throughout the night. While other sleepwear might excel in one area (softness, for example) but fail in another (durability), Cloud Knit somehow manages to achieve excellence across all metrics that matter for a good night’s sleep.

The Material Magic: What Makes Cloud Knit Feel So Heavenly?

The secret to Cloud Knit’s exceptional comfort lies in its material composition. The primary fabric blend consists of a modal-polyester mix with a touch of spandex for stretch. Modal, a semi-synthetic fiber made from beech tree pulp, brings the softness and breathability to the table. Unlike traditional cotton, modal maintains its softness wash after wash, doesn’t pill easily, and wicks moisture away from the body.

The polyester component adds structure and durability without compromising the drape, while the small percentage of spandex (typically around 5%) provides that crucial four-way stretch that allows the garment to move with you as you shift positions throughout the night.

What’s particularly impressive about this fabric blend is how it performs in different sleeping conditions. In summer months, the moisture-wicking properties of modal help dissipate heat and sweat, while in cooler seasons, the fabric creates a light layer of warmth without overheating. This temperature-regulating quality makes Cloud Knit suitable for year-round wear, though you might want to layer with a robe in the depths of winter.

The fabric undergoes a special brushing process that creates the signature “cloud-like” hand feel—a technical term in textiles that describes how a fabric feels when touched. This brushing raises the fibers slightly, creating a soft surface that feels gentle against even the most sensitive skin. Unlike fleece or traditional brushed fabrics, Cloud Knit achieves this softness without trapping heat, maintaining its breathability regardless of the finishing technique.

The Full Cloud Knit Collection: Beyond Basic Pajamas

When most people think of sleepwear, they envision the classic pajama set—a button-up top with matching pants. While Cloud Knit certainly offers this timeless combo, the collection extends far beyond the basics.

The core Cloud Knit line includes:

• Short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops in various necklines (V-neck, scoop, henley)
• Full-length pants with both elastic and drawstring waist options
• Shorts in varied lengths from brief to bermuda
• Nightgowns and sleep shirts in multiple lengths
• Camisoles with built-in shelf bras for light support
• Matching robes and bed jackets for layering
• Seasonal limited-edition pieces like sleep rompers and jumpsuits

What makes the collection particularly appealing is its mix-and-match potential. While sets are available (and often on promotion), each piece is sold separately, allowing you to customize your sleepwear wardrobe to your preferences. Prefer shorts with a long-sleeve top? No problem. Like a camisole but want full-length pants? You can create that combination easily.

The versatility extends to the aesthetic as well. Most Cloud Knit pieces come in solid colors ranging from neutrals (black, gray, navy) to soft pastels (lavender, mint, blush) and seasonal hues. There are also subtle patterns available—small dots, delicate stripes, and understated prints that add visual interest without veering into novelty territory.

This thoughtful curation makes Cloud Knit appropriate for more than just private sleeping hours. Many pieces can pull double-duty as loungewear for those work-from-home days or weekend mornings when you’re not quite ready to change into “real clothes” but want to feel put-together enough for a video call or coffee with a neighbor.

The Price Point: Affordable Luxury That Respects Your Budget

One of the most surprising aspects of Auden Cloud Knit Sleepwear is its price point. In a market where premium sleepwear can easily command $100+ for a simple set, Cloud Knit manages to deliver comparable quality at a fraction of the cost.

Individual Cloud Knit pieces typically range from $12.99 to $24.99, with most tops hovering around $16.99 and bottoms around $19.99. A complete set, therefore, costs approximately $35-$45—less than half what you’d pay for similar quality at specialty lingerie or department stores.

The value becomes even more apparent when you consider the durability factor. While cheaper sleepwear might save you money upfront, the rapid deterioration in softness, shape, and overall quality means frequent replacement. Cloud Knit pieces maintain their softness and structure through repeated washings, making them more economical in the long run despite the slightly higher initial investment compared to budget sleepwear options.

Target’s frequent sales and promotions enhance the value proposition further. The retailer typically runs storewide clothing sales several times per year, with discounts ranging from 20% to 30%. Additionally, Target Circle members (Target’s free loyalty program) often receive targeted offers for Auden products, and the retailer’s seasonal clearance events can bring previous season’s Cloud Knit pieces down to as low as $7-$10 per item.

For the budget-conscious shopper who still values quality sleep, these strategic buying opportunities can help build a Cloud Knit collection without straining finances.

Size Inclusivity: Comfort Shouldn’t Be Exclusive

In an industry that has historically catered primarily to standard sizes, Auden’s Cloud Knit line stands out for its commitment to size inclusivity. The collection spans from XS to 4X in most styles, acknowledging that comfort during sleep should be accessible to bodies of all shapes and sizes.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that Auden doesn’t simply scale up the same design for larger sizes—the patterns are adjusted to account for different body proportions. This means plus-size Cloud Knit pieces feature thoughtful details like slightly wider straps on camisoles, adjusted rise in pants, and proportional length increases that maintain the intended fit of the garment regardless of size.

The elastic content in the fabric ensures that the sleepwear moves with your body rather than restricting it, and the lack of uncomfortable hardware (like scratchy tags, rigid buttons, or tight elastic bands) makes Cloud Knit suitable for sensitive skin across all sizes.

This inclusive approach extends to the marketing and display of the collection as well. Target’s website and in-store signage typically feature models of diverse body types wearing Cloud Knit pieces, helping shoppers visualize how the sleepwear might look on their own bodies rather than only on conventional model proportions.

Where to Find Your Cloud Knit Fix: The Target Connection

As an exclusive Target brand, Auden Cloud Knit Sleepwear is available solely through Target’s retail channels. This exclusivity has both advantages and limitations for consumers.

The most obvious place to shop for Cloud Knit is in Target’s physical stores, where you can touch the fabric and try on pieces before purchasing. The sleepwear section typically features a dedicated Auden display, though the exact placement varies by store layout. Flagship and larger Target locations tend to carry the most comprehensive Cloud Knit selection, while smaller format stores might stock only the bestselling items.

Target.com offers the complete Cloud Knit line, including online exclusives that might not be available in physical stores. The website also features helpful customer reviews, detailed size charts, and the ability to filter by specific features like sleeve length or pant style. Online shopping provides the convenience of doorstep delivery and eliminates the disappointment of finding your size sold out in-store.

The Target app enhances the shopping experience further by allowing you to check in-store availability before making a trip and scan products while in-store to check additional colors or sizes that might be available online. The app also connects to your Target Circle account, making it easy to apply relevant discounts and track rewards.

For those who prefer a hybrid shopping approach, Target’s order pickup and Drive Up services let you reserve Cloud Knit items online and collect them at your convenience without having to search through store racks.

The exclusivity to Target means you won’t find Cloud Knit at department stores, on Amazon, or through third-party retailers. While this limits availability somewhat, it also ensures consistency in pricing and eliminates concerns about counterfeit products that can plague popular brands sold through unauthorized channels.

The Comfort Test: How Cloud Knit Performs for Actual Sleep

Marketing claims about comfort are one thing—actual sleep quality is another. After extensive personal testing and gathering feedback from other Cloud Knit devotees, I can confirm that these pajamas genuinely deliver on their comfort promises for sleep.

The most immediately noticeable benefit is the lack of disruption throughout the night. Traditional pajamas often bunch up, twist around the body, or ride up uncomfortably, causing sleepers to wake briefly to adjust their clothing. Cloud Knit’s combination of stretch and lightweight drape virtually eliminates this problem—the fabric moves with you rather than fighting against your natural sleeping positions.

For hot sleepers, the breathability factor is particularly valuable. The moisture-wicking properties of the modal blend help regulate body temperature, preventing the clammy sensation that can accompany synthetic fabrics. While Cloud Knit isn’t actively cooling (like some technical sleep fabrics that incorporate cooling technologies), it does maintain a pleasant neutral temperature that doesn’t contribute to overheating.

Those with sensitive skin report another significant benefit: the lack of irritation. The smooth surface of Cloud Knit fabric eliminates the friction that can aggravate skin conditions like eczema or general sensitivity. The absence of scratchy seams, tags, or embellishments further enhances this skin-friendly quality.

Perhaps most tellingly, many Cloud Knit users report forgetting they’re wearing pajamas at all—the ultimate compliment for sleepwear designed to facilitate undisturbed rest. This “barely there” sensation represents the perfect balance between the security of being clothed and the freedom of feeling unrestricted.

Care and Maintenance: Keeping the Cloud Soft

The longevity of your Cloud Knit investment depends largely on proper care. Fortunately, these pieces don’t require special treatment to maintain their signature softness and shape.

Cloud Knit sleepwear is fully machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water. While you could technically use regular detergent, a mild option without harsh chemicals or strong fragrances will help preserve the fabric’s soft hand feel over time. Fabric softeners aren’t necessary (and can actually build up on the fibers, reducing the moisture-wicking properties), but they won’t damage the material if you prefer to use them.

For drying, you have options. Tumble drying on low is perfectly acceptable and won’t damage the fabric, though like all clothing, air drying will extend the lifespan of the garments. If you do choose to air dry, Cloud Knit pieces dry relatively quickly compared to heavier cotton pajamas, making this a practical option even in apartments without dedicated outdoor drying space.

One notable benefit of Cloud Knit’s material composition is its resistance to pilling—those small fabric balls that often form on knit surfaces after repeated washing and wearing. The modal blend maintains its smooth surface much longer than traditional cotton knits, keeping your sleepwear looking new even after months of regular use.

For travel, Cloud Knit pieces are ideal companions. They pack down small, resist wrinkling, and can be hand washed in a hotel sink if necessary, drying overnight and ready to wear again. This practicality makes them perfect for extended trips where packing space is at a premium.

Color and Style Evolution: Seasonal Updates Keep Things Fresh

While comfort remains the primary selling point of Cloud Knit sleepwear, Auden keeps the collection visually interesting through seasonal color updates and occasional style innovations.

The core color palette tends to emphasize versatile neutrals and soft pastels that have broad appeal—black, gray, navy, and white anchor the collection year-round, while blush pink, sage green, and lavender appear frequently. These timeless options ensure that pieces purchased across different seasons will coordinate easily.

Beyond these staples, Target introduces seasonal colors that reflect broader fashion trends. Fall might bring rich burgundies and forest greens, winter features deeper jewel tones and the occasional festive print, spring welcomes periwinkle and mint, while summer embraces brighter hues like coral or turquoise.

Limited-edition prints appear periodically, typically featuring subtle patterns rather than bold graphics. Small dots, delicate floral motifs, thin stripes, and abstract geometric designs add visual interest while maintaining the sophisticated aesthetic that distinguishes Cloud Knit from more novelty-oriented sleepwear brands.

Style innovations tend to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, preserving the core comfort features while introducing modest updates to necklines, sleeve options, or trim details. This approach ensures that new purchases will coordinate with existing Cloud Knit pieces in your collection while still feeling fresh and current.

For those who prefer coordinated sleeping ensembles, Auden typically releases matching pieces within each color story, allowing you to create a cohesive look. This coordination extends to the complementary robes and accessories that can complete a sleepwear wardrobe.

The Competition: How Cloud Knit Compares to Other Sleepwear Brands

To truly appreciate what makes Cloud Knit special, it helps to understand how it stacks up against competitors across different price points.

At the budget end of the spectrum, brands like Secret Treasures (Walmart) and Amazon Essentials offer lower-priced sleepwear options, typically in the $10-$20 range for complete sets. While these can be acceptable for occasional use, they generally lack Cloud Knit’s signature softness and tend to deteriorate more quickly with washing. The fabric often feels heavier, less breathable, and may pill or lose shape after just a few wears.

In the mid-range category, where Cloud Knit itself sits, direct competitors include Old Navy’s sleepwear line, Gap Body, and Aerie. These brands occupy similar price points ($15-$25 per piece) and target the same demographic of comfort-focused consumers. While each has its strengths—Old Navy offers playful prints, Gap excels in classic styling, and Aerie features youthful designs—none quite matches the specific cloud-like softness that gives Cloud Knit its name and distinctive feel.

Moving up the price ladder, brands like Eberjey, Lunya, and Cozy Earth offer premium sleepwear at significantly higher price points ($80-$200 for sets). These luxury options do deliver exceptional quality, with Eberjey featuring modal-blend fabrics similar to Cloud Knit but with more detailed finishing and construction. Lunya’s washable silk provides a different kind of luxury, while Cozy Earth’s bamboo viscose offers temperature regulation for hot sleepers.

What’s remarkable about Cloud Knit is how close it comes to matching the comfort and quality of these luxury options at a fraction of the price. While the premium brands may offer more sophisticated design details, special packaging, and marginally finer materials, the fundamental sleeping experience in Cloud Knit rivals products costing three to four times as much.

This exceptional value proposition explains why Cloud Knit has developed such a devoted following among those who have discovered it—it offers a near-luxury experience at mainstream pricing, creating an attainable everyday indulgence rather than an occasional splurge.

Real Voices: What Reviewers Are Saying About Cloud Knit

Customer reviews provide valuable insight into how Cloud Knit performs in real-world use across different body types and sleep preferences.

On Target.com, Cloud Knit pieces consistently receive ratings between 4.5 and 5 stars, with thousands of reviews across the collection. Common praise centers on the fabric’s extraordinary softness, with reviewers frequently using descriptions like “feels like wearing a cloud,” “buttery soft,” and “the softest pajamas I’ve ever owned.”

Durability receives frequent mention from long-term users, with many noting that their Cloud Knit pieces maintain their softness and shape even after a year or more of regular wear and washing. This longevity contrasts with experiences many report having with lower-priced alternatives that quickly lose their appeal after just a few cycles through the laundry.

Fit consistency earns positive comments across size ranges, with plus-size reviewers particularly appreciative of the thoughtful proportions and stretch that accommodates curves without binding or riding up. The absence of uncomfortable details like scratchy tags or tight elastics receives specific mention from those with sensory sensitivities or skin conditions.

Temperature regulation generates mixed feedback, reflecting the reality that sleep temperature preferences are highly individual. Most reviewers find Cloud Knit suitable for year-round use, though some hot sleepers note they prefer the shorts and tanks during summer months, while naturally cold sleepers might layer with a robe in winter.

The most frequent criticism in reviews relates not to the product itself but to availability—popular sizes and colors often sell out quickly, leading to frustration from shoppers unable to complete sets or replace beloved pieces. This issue speaks to the collection’s popularity rather than any inherent product flaw, though it remains a legitimate concern for dedicated fans.

Word-of-mouth recommendations appear frequently in the review sections, with many customers mentioning they purchased after seeing the sleepwear on friends or family members or receiving pieces as gifts. This organic growth through personal recommendation suggests genuine satisfaction beyond marketing influence.

Beyond Bedtime: Cloud Knit as Loungewear

While designed primarily for sleeping, Cloud Knit’s combination of comfort and presentable appearance makes it ideal for the increasingly blurred boundary between sleepwear and loungewear.

In the post-pandemic era of remote work and increased home time, many Cloud Knit enthusiasts report wearing their pieces well beyond the bedroom. The solid colors and relatively structured silhouettes (compared to obviously pajama-like designs) allow many pieces to function as acceptable casual wear for video calls, quick errands, or relaxed home entertaining.

The pants, in particular, closely resemble casual joggers or lounge pants, especially in neutral colors like black or navy. Paired with a different top, they can easily pass for casual athleisure wear for grocery runs or coffee shop visits without screaming “I’m wearing pajamas in public.”

The versatility extends to travel scenarios as well. Cloud Knit makes excellent airplane attire, offering comfort during long flights while still looking put-together enough for the public setting. The wrinkle resistance and quick-drying properties further enhance its travel-friendly nature.

For postpartum mothers, Cloud Knit has developed a particularly devoted following. The soft fabric doesn’t irritate sensitive skin, the stretch accommodates changing body shapes, and the button-front options facilitate nursing access. The presentable appearance means new mothers can comfortably receive visitors without feeling underdressed, even when recovery limits clothing options.

This versatility adds significant value to Cloud Knit pieces, effectively reducing their per-wear cost by expanding their functional use beyond sleeping hours alone.

The Future of Cloud Knit: What We Hope to See

As devoted fans of the collection, there are several evolutions we’d love to see in Auden’s Cloud Knit line moving forward.

Expanded seasonal collections would top many wish lists. Currently, Target introduces new colors and limited styles seasonally, but the updates tend to be conservative. A more extensive refresh each season with additional prints, color options, and perhaps guest designer collaborations would keep the collection feeling fresh for repeat customers.

Matching family options represent another opportunity. While Auden focuses on women’s sleepwear, expanding Cloud Knit’s signature fabric into men’s, children’s, and even pet accessories would appeal to those who appreciate coordinated family moments (and holiday photos).

Sustainability improvements could enhance the collection’s appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. While modal is relatively eco-friendly compared to some fabrics, incorporating recycled polyester or exploring even more sustainable fiber innovations could reduce the environmental footprint further.

Extended size range beyond the current 4X maximum would reinforce Target’s commitment to inclusivity and acknowledge that comfort during sleep should truly be accessible to all body types without exception.

Permanent collection pieces identified and maintained year-round would address the frequent complaint about favorite styles being discontinued. While seasonal refreshes keep things interesting, designating certain bestselling pieces as permanent collection items would reassure consumers that replacing worn favorites would always be possible.

Conclusion: Why Cloud Knit Deserves a Place in Your Sleep Sanctuary

Sleep isn’t just a biological necessity—it’s one of life’s fundamental pleasures and a cornerstone of physical and mental wellbeing. Yet many of us invest far more in our waking appearance than in the comfort of our sleeping hours. Auden Cloud Knit Sleepwear offers a compelling opportunity to enhance your sleep experience without the premium price tag that often accompanies genuine quality.

The exceptional comfort-to-cost ratio makes Cloud Knit a rare find in today’s market—a product that genuinely delivers on its promises without demanding a luxury budget. The thoughtful balance of softness, breathability, durability, and style creates sleepwear that enhances rather than intrudes upon your rest.

Whether you’re treating yourself to better sleep or searching for a gift that communicates care without extravagance, Cloud Knit represents one of those uncommon retail discoveries that prompts evangelism among its devotees. Once you’ve experienced the cloud-like embrace of these pajamas, ordinary sleepwear simply feels like an unnecessary compromise.

Sleep might be the most intimate relationship we have with ourselves—a daily retreat into vulnerability and restoration. The fabric that accompanies that journey deserves to be as gentle and supportive as possible. In Cloud Knit, Target has created not just sleepwear but a nightly ritual worth looking forward to—a small luxury that transforms an everyday necessity into a consistent pleasure.

Sweet dreams, indeed.