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Typically made with lightweight materials like cotton and viscose, the best cooling pajamas help hot sleepers feel more comfortable during the night. High-quality knits whisk away dampness and are less likely to pill, even after multiple washes. Like most pajamas, cooling pajamas come in several styles and colors to match each sleeper’s preferences.

For many sleepers, pajamas play an essential part of sleeping comfortably. Available in multiple styles and materials, pajamas are usually designed to keep you cozy throughout the night. But for people who sleep hot, some pajamas only add to night sweats and difficulty regulating temperature. 

Cooling pajamas are made from breathable, lightweight materials that absorb moisture and help keep your body at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. They usually have a relaxed or flowy fit, which prevents them from clinging to the skin and providing too much insulation. 

We’ll cover a range of our top pajama picks for men and women so you can find cooling pajamas that fit your style and your sleeping needs.

In-Depth Reviews

Brooklinen’s Marina Pajama Set delivers a classic, unisex nightwear vibe that should appeal to sleepers across a wide range of sizes. The shirt and pants are both constructed from breathable cotton and fully machine-washable.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Those who appreciate the aesthetic of classic two-piece pajama sets

    2. Hot sleepers

    3. People who prefer crisp fabric for their sleepwear

  • Highlights

    1. Button-front shirt and drawstring pants composed of breathable cotton poplin

    2. Unisex design available in six sizes and four styles

    3. Fully machine-washable for quick, easy care

Price

$198

If you struggle with night sweats but insist on wearing sleepwear, choosing pajamas made from breathable fabric can make a considerable difference. Brooklinen’s Marina Pajama Set is a good starting point. Both components of this two-piece set are composed of cotton poplin, a material known for its crisp hand-feel and excellent breathability. The cotton gradually softens with use, resulting in a relaxed lived-in feel over time without losing its cooling properties.

The set evokes a vintage vibe. A notched collar, French placket, and cuffed long sleeves style the shirt, while the pants feature an elastic waist and drawstring closure to ensure a comfortable fit regardless of your measurements. You can choose from six sizes — consult the handy size chart on the set’s product page to help you choose the most suitable option. The set is also available in four styles, including solid blue and three check patterns with bias-cut detailing.

You can launder the set in your household appliances for quick, convenient care. Simply machine-wash both components in cold water without bleach, then tumble dry on low heat and remove them as soon as the cycle is finished — this helps reduce wrinkling. 

The Marina Pajama Set is reasonably priced, given the durable construction, and Brooklinen offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 30-night sleep trial, during which you may return or exchange the pajamas if you aren’t completely satisfied.

If you’re looking for a departure from traditional pajamas, the Dēp Slēpwear Unisex Long Sleeve Sleep Hoodie is a comfortable, moisture-wicking alternative. The fabric is lightweight and silky-smooth with flatlock stitches to prevent premature wear, and the built-in sleep mask is a handy feature to curb light-related disturbances.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Those who prefer long-sleeve sleepwear

    2. Shift workers and other people who need to sleep during the day

    3. Shoppers who wish to invest in durable pajamas

  • Highlights

    1. Fabric is silky-smooth, stretchy, and breathable

    2. Flatlock stitching helps ensure resistance to wear and a long lifespan

    3. Built-in mask helps block light and reduce noise

Price

$99

The Unisex Long Sleeve Sleep Hoodie from Dēp Slēpwear combines the coziness of an everyday sweatshirt with the cooling and moisture control of breathable pajamas. The result is a drapey, stretchy garment that’ll help you maintain a comfortable temperature in any sleep environment. Each seam is reinforced with flatlock stitching, which is commonly found in athletic wear, so your hoodie should hold up well even after repeated laundry cycles.

One feature our team loved about this item is the built-in sleep mask. Made of soft fabric with gentle padding, the mask covers the eyes and ears to reduce the potential for sleep disruptions from light or outside noise. The mask is attached to the inner hood. If you reside in a loud neighborhood or you need to sleep during the day due to reasons like shift work, this mask can be a great asset.

Five sizes are available ranging from small to extra-extra large. Since the hoodie is unisex, expect each size to run a bit larger — refer to the detailed chart on the item’s product page. Pricing is reasonable, given the expected durability, and standard shipping is free of charge for all U.S. shoppers. You may test out the Unisex Long Sleeve Sleep Hoodie for up to 30 nights, and return for a full refund during this time frame if you aren’t satisfied. If you enjoy the hoodie, Dēp Slēpwear also offers sleep shorts made from the same cooling material.

The Cozy Earth Women’s Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set is soft and airy. Our testing team found this set was excellent for sleepers who want to stay cool at night and don’t mind spending a little more on quality pajamas.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. People who sleep hot

    2. Sleepers who prefer a relaxed fit

    3. Shoppers who like having color options

  • Highlights

    1. Lightweight, breathable material whisks away moisture

    2. Side pockets offer convenience when lounging at home

    3. Pajamas include a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty

Price

$165

The Cozy Earth Women’s Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set is made mostly of bamboo-derived viscose, a lightweight fabric that draws moisture away from the sleeper. The matching top and bottom offer a relaxed fit, making them roomy enough for extra breathability at night. With pockets in the shorts, this set is functional as both loungewear and pajamas.

These pajamas are also blended with 5% spandex, giving them a slight stretch and satisfying drape for added comfort. The durable, high-quality knit resists pilling and holds its shape, preventing the pajamas from stretching out over time.

Sleepers can choose from nine color options, ranging from soft to bold, including navy, olive, and powder blue. Contrast piping along the hems, buttons, cuffs, and pockets adds a stylish touch to each set. You can also customize your set by choosing different colors for the top and bottom or swapping the short-sleeve top with a long-sleeve one or picking long pants instead of shorts.

Cozy Earth includes a 100-night trial to allow sleepers to see if the set is the right fit. A 10-year warranty protects your purchase from manufacturer’s defects, like pilling or tears.

The Cozy Earth Men’s Bamboo Pajama Short in Stretch-Knit is made from material that’s lightweight and cool to the touch, making these shorts a great fit for hot sleepers. We recommend these pajamas for men who want breathable, long-lasting sleep shorts that double as loungewear.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Those seeking super soft sleepwear

    2. Shoppers who like a roomy fit

    3. Anyone who wants sleep shorts that double as loungewear

  • Highlights

    1. Relaxed style provides a comfortable fit for sleeping

    2. Stretch-knit material ensures shorts are flowy and breathable

    3. Durable knit won’t stretch, warp, or pill in the washing machine

Price

$85

Cozy Earth crafts its Men’s Bamboo Pajama Short in Stretch-Knit from bamboo-derived viscose, which is soft, airy, and cool. Paired with a relaxed fit that doesn’t cling to the waist, hips, or legs, the sleep shorts allow for plenty of room for air circulation. Viscose is also naturally absorbent, helping to prevent night sweats. 

These pajama shorts include a little stretch from spandex that’s woven into the viscose fabric. This unique knit creates a comfortable material that flows away from your body when you’re sleeping. The shorts are available in five colors — black, navy, heather grey, charcoal, and pomegranate — that match other Cozy Earth pajama tops to create a set. Sizes range from small to XXXL. 

The Men’s Bamboo Pajama Short in Stretch-Knit can be washed in cold water and machine-dried for an easy care routine. Cozy Earth includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty covering manufacturer defects. Shipping and returns are free.

Luxome’s Women’s Essential Tunic strikes a nice balance between coziness and breathability, and the stretch-knit modal fleece blend is remarkably soft. A wide size range ensures most people can find a comfy fit.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Those who prefer cozy sleepwear tops

    2. People who stand between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall

    3. Budget-conscious shoppers

  • Highlights

    1. Stretch-knit modal fleece is luxuriously soft and gentle on the skin

    2. Available in three colors and five sizes

    3. Matching pants available in a reasonably priced two-piece bundle

Price

$105

Many pajamas offer consistent cooling, but if you’re prone to night sweats, you should also make sure your nightwear wicks moisture away from your body — staying dry is key to a good night’s sleep, especially on humid nights. Luxome’s Women’s Essential Tunic checks this box thanks to its construction, which consists of breathable modal fleece blended with polyester and spandex for a touch of stretch. The fabric is soft and cozy, but also effective at controlling moisture and keeping you comfy throughout the night.

The tunic is designed for a slouchy fit with a drop-shoulder crew neck, long sleeves with rib-knit cuffs, and side notches for unrestricted movement. You can choose from three colors. The tunic is also available in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, accommodating heights between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 11 inches. A detailed chart on the product page also helps you choose the best size based on your bust, waist, and hip measurements. 

The fabric should gradually soften over time with subsequent laundry cycles. Machine-wash the tunic on a delicate cycle with like colors, then lay it flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets — these can cause early wear and tear. If you’re interested in a two-piece set, you can add a pair of matching pants to your order.

The Women’s Essential Tunic is reasonably priced given the luxurious design and long expected lifespan. Luxome also offers free ground shipping for all customers in the contiguous U.S. The company’s standard return period allows you to test the tunic for 30 nights, but this trial and return period is extended during the holiday season.

Why You Should Trust Us

With dozens of years of experience in the sleep industry, our team of sleep experts, product testers, and researchers understands what fosters good sleep. To find the best cooling pajamas for night sweats, our team relied on our in-depth knowledge of different fabrics and materials and how they tend to perform for different sleeper types. Our testing team consists of a diverse array of body types and sleep preferences, adding depth to our analysis.

How to Choose Cooling Pajamas

To simplify your search for the best cooling pajamas for your needs and budget, it can help to narrow down your focus to certain key features.

Material

The material is one of the primary differentiators between different cooling pajama sets. It is the main determinant of how the pajamas feel against the skin, such as the soft, gentle feel of silk or the more crisp texture of linen. The material also helps determine if the pajamas will be breathable and moisture-wicking.

Breathability

Cooling pajamas should be breathable to help heat dissipate away from the body as you sleep. Cotton, Tencel, silk, and linen are all breathable fabrics. Polyester, a common material in pajamas, is not as breathable. Breathability also differs depending on the weave and weight of the cloth, so it is best to seek out lightweight fabrics rather than something heavy like flannel, even if it is made from cotton.

Quality

The quality of the materials used to make a pajama set is a major determinant of durability. Quality is frequently associated with the length of the fibers. For instance, Supima cotton has longer fibers and will generally last longer than ordinary cotton. 

Comfort

Comfort is partially a factor of each consumer’s unique tastes, such as a preference for a soft or crisp feel. Those prone to sweating at night might find that the more moisture-wicking fabrics, such as silk, linen, or Tencel, are the most comfortable because they help keep you dry.

Price

Some materials, such as linen and silk, tend to cost more than other fabrics. Higher-quality materials within a material category, such as Supima and Egyptian cotton, also tend to have higher price-points. However, such higher-quality pajamas will also typically last longer.

Patterns & Dyes

Pajamas are sold in a wide array of patterns and colors. Tencel and silk are often available in very rich, deep colors due to the dye absorbency of the fabric. Silk pajamas and other nightwear like silk robes are often woven into beautiful, bold, and intricate patterns, but they are also frequently sold as solids.

Inclusive Sizing

Some brands excel at offering consumers a wide array of inclusive pajama sizes for those with smaller or larger body types. The availability of inclusive sizes is often best through online brands or the websites of major department stores. 

What Is the Best Material for Cooling Pajamas?

While there is no single material that is the best for cooling pajamas, some great options include cotton, silk, Tencel, and linen. Each of these materials has its own unique characteristics, but all feature cooling properties. A key trait is the ability to wick away moisture such as sweat, which helps keep the body cool. Moisture-wicking fabrics have natural capillaries in the fibers that draw moisture to the fabric’s surface which enables it to evaporate quickly. 

The breathability of a fabric also helps keep you cool by maintaining air circulation around the body. Materials such as cotton tend to be quite breathable, while flannel and fleece are heavy and highly insulating, making them less ideal for cooling clothing. 

Cotton

Cotton is an all-natural plant fiber appreciated for its breathability. Cotton comes in various quality levels, with the long-staple Supima cotton and Egyptian cotton varieties having higher price-points because of their durability and luxurious feel. 

Some pajamas are made with a blend of cotton and another material, such as polyester, in order to create a better balance between the fabric’s breathability and its ability to wick moisture. Those who prefer an all-natural alternative might try linen or silk.

Silk

Silk is a protein fiber made from silkworm cocoons. It is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, so many hot sleepers prefer it. The fibers are durable and tend to have a high sheen. Many consumers also appreciate that silk is gentle on the skin and hair. Like many silk sheet sets, silk pajamas tend to have a higher price-point than other materials. Because silk takes dyes well, silk pajamas are available in an array of bold colors and patterns.

Tencel

Tencel is the brand name for a particular type of lyocell that is created using plant fibers, often from bamboo or eucalyptus plants. Tencel is semi-synthetic but uses less harmful chemicals than most other forms of lyocell. Its soft, smooth feel is similar to silk, but it is often available at a much lower price-point, making it a popular silk substitute. 

Tencel is breathable and wicks moisture well, which makes it a common choice for hot sleepers. Tencel also absorbs dye quite readily, so it is often available in very rich and deep colors.

Linen

Linen is a material derived from flax fibers. It has long been valued in hot and humid climates as a very breathable natural fiber that wicks away moisture better than cotton. Linen has an initially crisp texture, but it will slowly soften after multiple washes. Because it is somewhat complicated to harvest and manufacture, it is typically more expensive than cotton. 

Some fabrics are generically referred to as linens, which is a type of one-over, one-under plain weave rather than a specific kind of material. True linen pajamas will note the specific percentage of linen used on the manufacturer’s label. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Those who are considering cooling pajamas tend to have questions about factors like material choice, how to address sweat, and what options are best for summer.

What is the best material for pajamas to keep you cool?

There is no single best material for cooling pajamas because different materials balance different characteristics, such as breathability, moisture wicking, material feel, and price. In general, lightweight cotton, silk, linen, and Tencel are preferable to materials such as polyester, fleece, and flannel, which are less breathable and more insulating.

What are the best pajamas for sweating?

The best pajamas for night sweats include those made from material that draws moisture toward the surface and allows it to quickly evaporate. Cotton is only modest at moisture wicking, but silk and Tencel are better. Linen and polyester are excellent at moisture wicking, but polyester is not a breathable fabric, so it is rarely preferred for cooling pajamas.

What should I wear to stop sweating at night?

Sweating is a natural process the body uses to regulate temperature, so you may not be able to stop it entirely. However, you can reduce sweating by sleeping in looser-fitting, lightweight sleepwear. Moisture-wicking pajama material also helps keep the body dry. Moreover, reducing the temperature of your bedroom, using a dehumidifier, or using lighter-weight cooling sheets can also help reduce sweating. You may also consider forgoing clothing altogether. 

What is the best fabric for summer sleepwear?

Due to its combination of breathability and moisture-wicking properties, linen is often considered among the best pajama materials for summer, especially if it is humid in your area. It is widely used year-round in tropical climates. Lightweight cotton is another good choice, particularly if your area stays dry in summer.

Still have questions?

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