“Some of us have a tendency to ‘sleep hot,’” says Rebecca Robbins, PhD, a sleep scientist at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Bacterial infection or cold, or women who are perimenopausal or menopausal, are all reasons why night sweats might be occurring. Additionally, changes in stress levels, exercise, and caffeine consumption can cause people to retain heat, adds Joshua Tal, PhD, a clinical psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders.
When considering buying new pajamas, look for breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton, the cut and style of the pajama set, and consider the type of bedroom conditions you usually sleep in. We researched dozens of pajamas and evaluated them for reviews, materials, styles, prices, sizing options, and return policies.
Here are the best pajamas for hot sleepers on the market today.
Soma offers its pieces either in a set or to be purchased separately—allowing the customer to mix and match both sizes and colors to suit their own personal needs.
Besides the material, the pajamas come in a classic button-up style with a variety of color and size options to suit anyone’s needs. Although the price tag might indicate otherwise, customers describe these pajamas as “luxurious” without feeling the guilt of spending a lot of money.
Price at time of publication: $36
Not only are they stylish, but the pajamas are made with a Tencel material, which is similar to that of a jersey, that feels cool to the touch. These pajamas will both keep you cool in the nighttime while also feeling buttery soft against the skin.
Price at time of publication: $118
Price at time of publication: $32
The washable, lightweight material is treated with an antimicrobial that helps prevent odor. These pajamas won’t shrink or pill easily, and have a wrinkle-resistant material that makes them perfect for traveling. And with tagless labels, 30-inch inseams, and a gentle elastic waistband, these pajamas will help you get a comfortable night’s sleep. They are available in sizes ranging from small to 3XL.
Price at time of publication: $89
Price at time of publication: $57
Cotton: “I personally feel knits are good; it gives me a little room for stretching. But a lot of people find comfort wearing silk-woven pajamas,” says Preeti Arya, an assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “It’s an individual preference. If you want to know specifically what fiber type I would say cotton.”
“Cotton is natural, breathable, and lightweight. It’s a good option for those that get hot but don’t have night sweats. Cotton absorbs liquid so it may not be the best if that is the case,” Dr. Tal says.
Silk: Silk is another great lightweight, breathable fabric to look for when shopping for pajamas. Silk remains cool in most environments, so the “temperature regulation will lead to a great quality of sleep,” Dr. Tal says. “The slippery feel of this fabric may not be for everyone, however.”
Moisture-wicking fabrics: There are also fabrics with moisture-wicking technology that are suited specifically for hot sleepers, especially if they sweat heavily at night. “Wicking can allow the movement of moisture between two fibers or between the yarns,” Arya says. “Because those are dead fibers that don’t absorb, that means the moisture does not go into the fiber and stays there. It gets wicked from one surface and it gets moved out into another surface, which would be air.” Materials like polyester and nylon, two fabrics often used in workout clothes, can oftentimes have this moisture-wicking technology. “It is exciting to see materials also used for exercise clothing that promote airflow, breathability, and moisture wicking, are now being included in pajamas,” Dr. Robbins says.
Style
Pajamas come in a variety of forms – whether it be nightgowns, matching short sets or long pants. Just because someone is a hot sleeper does not mean they necessarily would never be able to wear long pants to bed if that was their comfort level. Instead, it is important to consider all variables of the pajamas (material, style, bedroom conditions) to determine what might be best for an individual. “I would go with checking all of their options out,” Arya says when it comes to the style of the pajamas.
If wearing pants is more comfortable, consider finding pants that come in a lightweight material like cotton or rayon. Several companies also create pants now that have that moisture-wicking technology, so you never have to worry about sweat clinging to the fabric at night. Similarly, trying out pants might indicate to you that shorts or a nightgown are better alternatives for bed instead. Dr. Tal recommends “oversized lightweight pajamas that are either breathable, moisture-wicking or both” when deciding between styles.
Bedroom Conditions
Environmental factors could also contribute to why someone is waking up feeling warmer than they should. “For instance, a bedroom that is too warm, pajamas that are not breathable, or a mattress that traps heat are all contributing factors,” Dr. Robbins adds.
Dr. Robbins recommends for people to first look at the temperature of their bedroom if they find they’re waking up hot. “The ideal sleeping environment is approximately 68 Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, this can be challenging to achieve during the summer months,” she says. “If you typically sleep in an environment far below or far above this target temperature, then it might be time to reconsider your pajamas.”
Your sheets, pillows, and mattress can also influence the bedroom conditions, as some materials used in these products can retain heat more than others. “Bedding is a factor because it acts as an insulator,” Dr. Tal says. “The thicker the bedding or sleepwear fabric, the more heat gets trapped the more likely a person is to retain heat.” Sheets designed for “hot sleepers” are a great option. For those looking to upgrade to an adjustable bed, several models offer cooling options. If you find that altering your pajamas has not helped you feel cooler in the nighttime, then consider altering other aspects of your bedroom that will help cool it down. If you’ve tried altering your bedroom and still aren’t feeling relieved, it might be a sign of an underlying health condition.
“Talk to a doctor about your symptoms," says Dr. Tal. “There may be an underlying issue that you can work to correct that can lead to better sleep and less heat at night.”
Environmental Impact
“I am big on sustainability, and given how much pollution the textile industry contributes each year, I think we should prefer more natural fibers rather than petroleum-based synthetic fibers,” Arya says. Products that are 100% cotton or have a blend of materials like cotton and rayon ensure that you are avoiding manufactured synthetic fibers that cause more pollution.
With that being said, there is a reason why materials like polyester are so prevalent in fast fashion. “Polyester is like the character of Mystique in X-Men,” Arya says. “It can take any form or shape and it is very cheap to produce. It can be made to imitate cotton, fleece, silk.” This helps keep the price lower and more in the budget for the shopper, but it comes with a greater impact on the environment.
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
