Softies, a Minnesota‑based maker of soft, moisture‑wicking pajamas and lounge sets, was not included on Oprah Winfrey’s 2026 Favorite Things list, ending a nine‑year run of appearances. The brand, founded in 2006 in the basement of a home in Edina, has become a beloved name among fans of comfortable, high‑quality loungewear.
Family origins and growth
Tim Murphy, CEO of Softies, told local station KARE 11 in 2019 that his father, Dennis Murphy, recognized a need for pajamas that keep wearers soft, cool and dry after his wife, Peggy, suffered heavy night sweats during leukemia treatment. The couple’s personal experience inspired the first Softies designs, which emphasized moisture‑wicking fabrics.
Softies grew from that modest basement operation into a nationally recognized brand. In 2017, a chance encounter at a trade show changed the company’s trajectory. Tim recalled being “basically in a stairwell” with a display set up for the four‑day event when strangers approached him with many questions. Those visitors turned out to be representatives of Oprah’s team, and Softies earned its first spot on the Oprah’s Favorite Things list that year.
Oprah’s recurring endorsement
Over the next eight years, Oprah featured Softies products such as the Waffle Knit Marshmallow V‑Neck Lounge Set, the DreamPlush Double Zip Jacket, and the Solid Marshmallow Reverse Seam Crew Neck Lounge Set with Bracelet Sleeve. While the items are not the cheapest on the market, their durability and comfort have earned a loyal following, and many consumers say they would gladly splurge on a Softies set.
Softies maintains a dedicated page on its website that lists every product Oprah has highlighted, allowing fans to easily locate the items that earned the coveted endorsement.
2026 omission and future outlook
Although Softies was absent from the 2026 list, the brand remains a staple in the loungewear market. The company continues to emphasize family values, quality craftsmanship, and the original mission of providing breathable, soft sleepwear for those who need it most.
Tim Murphy indicated that Softies is focusing on expanding its product line and strengthening its online presence, aiming to reach new customers while staying true to the family‑centric ethos that sparked its creation.
Local impact
Softies’ success story underscores the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Minnesota’s Twin Cities region. The company’s growth has contributed to local employment and showcases how a family‑run business can achieve national recognition without compromising its core values.
Residents who appreciate home‑grown brands can continue to support Softies by purchasing directly from the company’s website or through select retail partners throughout the state.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
