Cooling pyjamas and nightwear guide

Struggling to sleep in this hot weather? The right summer pyjamas can help you feel cooler, comfier and more sleep-ready than going without. From breathable short sets and floaty silhouettes to maternity nightwear and menopause-friendly styles, here’s how to choose the best cooling nightwear for warmer nights. Keep reading…

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What pyjamas keep you cool?

The best pyjamas for hot weather are lightweight, breathable and loose enough to let air circulate. Breathability can also be impacted by the weave and weight of the cloth. Instead of heavy fabrics or tight fits, look for relaxed silhouettes and soft fabrics that give your body room to cool down naturally. Our cool pyjama styles are ideal for warm nights, holidays and heatwaves.

Short pyjama sets

• Light, airy and easy to move in

• Coordinated two-piece designs

• Soft cotton and jersey styles

• Available across womens and mens nightwear

• Compact and easy to pack for holidays

• Can double as relaxed loungewear

• Shop short pyjama sets

Floaty pyjama sets

• Loose, floaty fit for added comfort

• Skims the body without feeling restrictive

• Helps reduce clinginess on hot and humid nights

• Choose pyjama sets with wide-leg trousers or oversized tees

• Night dresses offer an airy alternative

• Relaxed shorts are ideal for staying cool

Cami pyjamas

• Minimal coverage for warmer nights

• Lightweight and breathable

• Cami tops and shorts create an effortless summer set

• Adjustable straps offer a customisable fit

• Practical nightwear with a feminine feel

• Ideal for summer evenings and warmer bedrooms

Additional summer nightwear options

Maternity nightwear 

• Soft, stretchy and non-restrictive

• Loose tops provide extra room around your bump

• Comfortable waistbands help prevent tightness

• Lightweight fabrics are ideal for warmer months

• Button-down tops offer added practicality

• Oversized nighties and robes provide an easy, relaxed fit

• Designed to work during pregnancy and after birth

• Shop maternity pyjamas

Menopause nightwear

• Designed to support during night sweats and hot flushes

• Lightweight and breathable for added comfort

• Helps regulate changing body temperatures

• Absorbs moisture during the night

• Reduces the clammy feeling caused by overheating

• Shop menopause nightwear

Lightweight dressing gowns

• Lightweight and breathable for warmer weather

• Ideal for summer mornings and cooler evenings

• Easy to throw on over your pyjamas

• A practical layer for post-shower routines

• Made from lighter fabrics than winter robes

• Shop lightweight dressing gowns

What is the best material for cool pyjamas?

Natural fibres such as cotton, linen and silk tend to be the best materials for cool jammies. Cotton pyjamas are a popular choice because they’re breathable, soft on the skin and suitable for everyday sleepwear. Linen is another great option for hot weather, thanks to its naturally airy feel, while silky fabrics can offer a smoother finish if you prefer nightwear with a lighter drape. These fabrics pull moisture away from your body with their natural moisture-wicking properties, helping you feel fresher and more comfortable during warmer nights.

What fabrics should be avoided for pyjamas in hot weather?

Ideally, you should try to stay away from 100% synthetic fibres such as polyester, acrylic and nylon if your main goal is to stay cool. As synthetic materials are less breathable, they can trap heat against the skin, preventing you from cooling down and creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. This can make you feel sweaty, uncomfortable and more likely to wake up during the night.

If you do choose womens or mens pyjamas that contain synthetic fibres, look for lightweight designs, looser fits or fabric blends that still feel breathable enough for warm weather.

Can I use my summer pyjamas in other seasons?

The benefit of investing in breathable, lightweight pyjamas is that they can be worn year-round. Make the most of your cooling nightwear by layering up or mixing and matching with your existing long and short pyjama pieces. For example, mens cotton pyjamas that are cool enough for summer can be made cosier with a robe and fluffy socks. If you have a thick duvet in winter, you might also prefer wearing lightweight pyjamas to sleep in, so you don’t overheat.

Why is choosing the right pyjamas for hot weather so important?

Investing in lightweight and cool pyjamas isn’t just a style choice; it can also contribute to improving the quality of your sleep. By choosing lightweight nightwear that is breathable and not constrictive, you’re giving yourself the best chance at sleeping through the night.

Choosing breathable pyjamas also helps protect your bedding from sweat, giving your skin a soft layer to rest against and making your nighttime routine feel more comfortable.

FAQs

What to wear to bed if you sweat a lot?  

• If you sweat a lot at night, choose loose-fitting pyjamas made from lightweight, breathable and moisture-absorbing fabrics. Short sets, oversized T-shirts, nightdresses and menopause nightwear can help improve airflow and reduce the damp, clammy feeling caused by overheating.

What is the coolest fabric for pyjamas? 

• Cotton and lightweight jersey are popular choices for warm nights because they feel soft, breathable and comfortable against the skin. Linen can also feel cool and airy, while moisture-wicking fabrics may be useful for people who experience frequent night sweats.

Are polyester pyjamas cool?  

• Polyester pyjamas can feel warm because the fabric is less breathable than natural materials such as cotton. However, some lightweight polyester blends are designed to wick away moisture, so it is worth checking the fabric composition and product features before choosing a set.

Are silk pyjamas cool? 

• Silk pyjamas can feel lightweight, smooth and cool against the skin, making them a comfortable option for summer. However, silk can show signs of perspiration more readily and can require more delicate care than cotton or jersey nightwear.

What pyjamas help with night sweats? 

• The best pyjamas for night sweats are lightweight, breathable and designed to absorb or wick away moisture. Loose-fitting menopause nightwear, cotton sets and short pyjamas can help support changing body temperatures and reduce clinginess during the night.

Are satin pyjamas hot in summer? 

• Satin pyjamas can sometimes feel warm in summer, depending on the fabric they are made from. Polyester satin may trap more heat, while lightweight satin styles with a loose fit can feel more comfortable and allow better airflow.