For those who sleep excessively warm or often wake up covered in sweat, the pajamas you wear can make all the difference. Hot sleepers -- those who toss and turn at night, trying to cool off enough to fall back asleep -- might find relief with cooling pajamas. To bring you the best cooling pajamas, we tested 11 different pairs over a period of about a month. While some sets are listed for women or men, please note that these cooling pajamas are suitable for everyone.
What are the best pajamas for hot sleepers?
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Stretch-Knit pajama sets are the best for hot sleepers of all genders. Whether you are looking for cooling pajamas to combat the summertime heat or need specific material to fight night sweats, Cozy Earth sets have you covered. They are made of Viscose from bamboo, making them ultra-thin, lightweight, flowy and quick-drying. Out of all the pajamas we tested, the bamboo material was the softest and kept us the coolest at night.
See more: Best Cooling Mattress
Best cooling pajamas for sweaty sleepers
Why we chose this pajama set: I recommend Cozy Earth to everyone, especially the bamboo pajama set. The stretch-knit bamboo material is buttery soft and feels rich and creamy against the skin. It never makes me feel overly warm, as bamboo is naturally breathable, temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking. I love how it fits -- each piece is flowy, stretchy and non-restricting.
Who should get it: This set is for anyone who enjoys picking out cute, fashionable and expensive-looking pajamas. It's available in short and long sleeves and 15 different colors. The buttons, pockets, piping and collar design resemble a pajama set you would expect from a high-end hotel and spa. Everything about these Cozy Earth pajamas screams comfort and luxury.
Who shouldn't: Cozy Earth pajamas might not be for someone on a budget.
Material: 95% Bamboo viscose, 5% spandex
Sizes: XS to XXXL
Care instructions: Machine wash cold with normal detergent
Style options: Short sleeves, long sleeves, shorts and pants
Pros
- Softest silky feel
- Size inclusive (XS-3XL)
- Drawstring and pockets
- Available in 15 colors and patterns
Cons
- More expensive than traditional cotton pajamas
— Caroline Igo, former sleep editor
Why we chose this pajama set: Before my boyfriend tested some cooling pajamas for this roundup, he was skeptical, but he is now a true Cozy Earth fan. My boyfriend says, "It has the softness and comfort of my favorite old tee." You can tell (and feel) that Cozy Earth's bamboo pajamas are made with premium materials. My boyfriend loves how well it fits his frame and isn't too tight around the shoulders. The loose, flowy fit helped him to stay temperature-neutral and comfortable all night.
Who should get it: I recommend this short-sleeve bamboo tee to someone who isn't ready to fully commit to cooling pajamas but wants to test out a shirt. Bamboo helps you sleep cooler thanks to its absorbent, quick-drying qualities. If you find that the pajama shirt isn't for you, no problem. This bamboo stretch-knit pajama shirt can easily transition into everyday loungewear thanks to its simple, stylish design.
Who shouldn't: This isn't for those who need a pajama set on a budget. Since each pair is sold separately, the matching shorts are an additional $90.
Material: 95% Bamboo viscose, 5% spandex
Sizes: S to XXXL
Care instructions: Machine wash cold with normal detergent
Style options: Short sleeves, long sleeves, shorts and pants
Pros
- True to size
- Luxurious feel
- Pockets
Cons
- More expensive than traditional cotton pajamas
— Caroline Igo
Why we chose this pajama set: The lightest pajamas I tested also won the best silk pair. Lilysilk takes the crown for its unmatched luxury, soft and smooth touch and beautiful design. Its cooling abilities and lightweight and airy fabric make this set perfect for hot sleepers.
Who should get it: This silk set is for anyone who can justify the price. Silk is one of the most expensive cooling pajama materials, yet, compared with other high-end silk brands I researched, this set isn't as expensive as silk can get. Yes, it is more expensive than traditional cotton pajamas, but Lily's feel and lush details, such as its pockets, piping, and draping, are perfect for someone looking to get a taste of luxury every night.
Who shouldn't: If you're looking for modest-fitting pajamas, these might not be for you. The shirt plunges a little, and I thought it could use one more button. The Cozy Earth bamboo pajamas have a higher neckline.
Material: 100% Mulberry silk
Sizes: XS to XL
Care instructions: Dry clean, machine wash or hand wash with silk detergent
Style options: Camisole, short sleeves, long sleeves, shorts and pants
Pros
- Truly luxurious look and feel
- Machine washable silk
- Under $200 for a set
Cons
- They wrinkle easily
- The V-neck plunges low; would love one more button
— Caroline Igo
Why we chose this pajama set: The Lilysilk sleep dress is my most flattering sleep item. It's made of smooth 100% Mulberry silk that feels light and gentle against the skin. It doesn't cling in weird areas. It fits similarly to other slip dresses that I have in my closet. The spaghetti straps are adjustable and aren't so delicate that they fall off my shoulders. While it doesn't have the same pockets or piping details as the brand's silk set, it still has a light, smooth and cooling feel.
Who should get it: This sleep dress is for those who, like me, wear oversized T-shirts to bed. This chemise or nightdress from Lilysilk recreates that feeling in a much more luxurious, feminine way. It is also available in three more vibrant, beautiful colors.
Who shouldn't: I wouldn't recommend this nightdress to anyone who isn't used to sleeping in one; it might make you feel too exposed.
Material: 100% Mulberry silk
Sizes: XS to XL
Care instructions: Dry clean, machine wash or hand wash with silk detergent
Style options: Midi nightdress, maxi nightdress
Pros
- Beautiful vibrant colors
- Light and soft on the skin
- Adjustable straps
- Could be worn as a normal dress
Cons
- Wrinkles easily
- On the shorter side
— Caroline Igo
Why we chose this pajama set: Arid Blayne offers a wide range of pajamas, including shorts, tees, tanks, long-sleeve shirts, and long pants. I typically stay away from long sleeve shirts and long pants because I am an extremely hot sleeper and the thought of long pajamas makes me sweat. However, the long pants from Arid Blayne are the most popular, and I had to try them for myself. I appreciate the proprietary design of the pants, which loops around your ankle to prevent them from riding up while you sleep. I think that, in part, the bunching up of the pants is what makes me sleep hot since I did not wake up sweating with these pajamas.
I tested these pants while visiting my parents in Puerto Rico. Safe to say they passed the test in hot weather.
Who should get it: These pajamas are for anyone who appreciates a clever and chic design. All Arid Blayne products are OEKO-TEX certified as safe and chemical-free, and are available in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXXL.
Who shouldn't get it: If you prefer natural fibers like silk or cotton, these pajamas are not for you as they are comprised of 66% recycled polyester.
Material: 66% recycled polyester, 29% lyocell, 5% elastane
Sizes: XS to XXXL
Care instructions: Machine wash cold with like colors and tumble dry on low
Style options: Tee, tank, long sleeves, shorts, long pants
Pros
- Soft fabric
- Size inclusive
- Proprietary design that prevents pants from riding up
- OEKO-TEX certified
Cons
- On the more expensive end
- Designs only come in three colors
— Nasha Addarich Martínez, Managing Editor
Why we chose this pajama set: These shorts from Luxome are made of modal, a light and dreamy fabric that is softer than cotton and similar to bamboo or silk. The material wicks moisture away from the body while you sleep. The pajamas look and feel similar to Cozy Earth but are a bit heavier. I didn't experience any severe night sweats with the Luxome modal sleep shorts. I didn't notice any active cooling while wearing the pajamas, but it's great for keeping sweat and moisture at bay.
Who should get it: If you're searching for the best and softest sleep shorts for night sweats, Luxome has you covered. Not to mention that the design is chic with draping, side pockets and side seam slits at the leg openings. My favorite is the stretchy waistband that lets you move comfortably through the night.
Who shouldn't: If softest isn't your number one priority and cooling factors are, I would consider bamboo shorts from Cozy Earth, instead.
Material: 95% Modal, 5% spandex
Sizes: XS to XL
Care instructions: Machine wash cold, delicate cycle with like colors
Style options: Shorts, pants
Pros
- Extremely stretchy, soft and smooth
- Chic design and available colors
- Wide elastic waistband, pockets and drawstring
Cons
- Not everyone may like the high waistband
- I lost the drawstring after a few washes
— Caroline Igo
Why we chose this pajama set: The Tasc bamboo silk sleep shorts are the softest, most lightweight pair of pajama shorts my boyfriend owns. They are made from a thin, soft, stretchy material that creates a creamy, drapey feeling against the skin. The bamboo viscose and modal material is ultra-absorbent and quick drying at the same time. He says, "I sleep through the night without sweating or overheating while wearing these shorts."
Who should get it: These shorts are for those who need flowy, roomy and breathable pajamas. It also has a thick waistband that doesn't annoyingly roll or bunch. If you value comfort, these are the silk shorts for you. One thing to note: You may want to size up if you're in between sizes, as they run a little small. The shorts are also plenty long, so you won't have to worry about them being too short if you go down a size.
Who shouldn't: I wouldn't recommend this product to someone who wants pajama shorts to transition to loungewear during the day. These are more pajamas than shorts to exercise in or wear every day.
Material: 48% Bamboo viscose, 47% modal, 5% Lycra spandex
Sizes: S to XXL
Care instructions: Machine wash cold with normal detergent
Style options: Shorts, pants
Pros
- Ultra-thin, stretchy and silky-smooth
- Lightweight and breathable
- Pockets and drawstring
Cons
- Size up if you're in between sizes
- Unfit for everyday wear outside home
— Caroline Igo
Why we chose this pajama set: I love that with Z Supply pajamas, you can easily match a piece from one collection with a piece from another. It is made of silky pointelle, a lightweight, breathable knit with eyelets that make a lacy pattern. One of my favorite pajama pieces is the Tia Ditsy tank bra. It is extremely soft and light, with a beautiful flower pattern. It's a comfortable, lightweight fabric that fits over the body well enough to offer support without uncomfortable clinging. They passed my breathability test with flying colors.
Who should get it: I recommend Z Supply to those who have fun choosing from cute patterns and colors and mixing and matching. Z Supply is my favorite brand that does this well. Not only does it offer some of the best stylish designs, but the fabric of all its products is soft and cloud-like.
Who shouldn't: This also isn't for those who want modest pajamas. The tops offered are either bras or tanks, and the materials can be a bit see-through.
Material: Silky Pointelle: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Sizes: XS to L
Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, tumble dry low
Style options: Bras, tanks, pants, shorts, joggers
Pros
- The material is silky soft and light
- Lots of stylish patterns to choose from
- Tops and bottoms can be bought separately
Cons
- No larger sizes than an L
- Some lighter-color sets are transparent
— Caroline Igo
Why we chose this pajama set: The Tasco Microluxe Rib sleep shirt is one of my boyfriend's favorites. It feels similar to the Cozy Earth set, but they're softer than silky smooth. It's a comfortable, breathable fabric that drapes and flows over the body without uncomfortable clinging. My boyfriend says, "It is cozy and, despite the long sleeves, not too hot. It is nice to sleep in because it is loose and comfortable."
Who should get it: The pajama sets from Tasc are great for those who want quality, soft materials in basic colors and designs. My boyfriend likes simple clothing without extra frills, so he really enjoys the options from Tasc. There are only two materials and five colors to choose from.
Who shouldn't: Since the Microluxe Rib line is only available in long sleeves and pants, those who sleep extremely hot might consider Tasc's bamboo line, instead.
Material: 48% Modal, 47% polyester, 5% elastane
Sizes: S to XXL
Care instructions: Machine wash cold with normal detergent
Style options: Long sleeves and pants
Pros
- Relaxed fit
- High-quality stretchy and silk-soft material
- Doubles as casual loungewear
Cons
- Material is a bit heavier than Cozy Earth
— Caroline Igo
Other cooling pajamas we tested
The following product originally made our list but is no longer available.
Quince Washable Silk Pajamas
Quince is known for its affordability, even when it comes to silk. Quince's washable pajamas are 100% Mulberry silk, making them very lightweight. I've tried other Mulberry silk pajamas, but these feel a little different. The outer shell of the tee feels similar to lightweight suede material that's matte, soft and drapey. Be aware that this set will not look or feel exactly the same as the Lilysilk pajamas above. There isn't any stretch, as you'd expect from silk, but they are nice and flowy.
The washable silk pajama shirt that I tested from Quince is no longer available on the website, but below is a similar product.
Best cooling pajamas compared
| Brand | Material | Sizes | Care instructions | Style options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cozy Earth Short Sleeve Bamboo set | 95% Bamboo viscose, 5% spandex | XS to XXXL | Machine wash cold with normal detergent | Short sleeves, long sleeves, shorts and pants | $175 |
| Cozy Earth Bamboo Short Sleeve Tee | 95% Bamboo viscose, 5% spandex | S to XXXL | Machine wash cold with normal detergent | Short sleeves, long sleeves, shorts and pants | $90 |
| Lilysilk Women Silk Pajamas Set | 100% Mulberry silk | XS to XL | Dry clean, machine wash or hand wash with silk detergent | Camisole, short sleeves, long sleeves, shorts and pants | $154 |
| Lilysilk Feminine Silk Chemise | 100% Mulberry silk | XS to XL | Dry clean, machine wash or hand wash with silk detergent | Midi nightdress, maxi nightdress | $116 |
| Arid Blayne Lasso Pant | 66% recycled polyester, 29% lyocell, 5% elastane | XS to XXXl | Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry on low | Long pants | $148 |
| Luxome Women's Modal Sleep Short | 95% Modal, 5% spandex | XS to XL | Machine wash cold, delicate cycle with like colors | Shorts, pants | $65 |
| Tasc Bamboo Silk Sleep Short | 48% Bamboo viscose, 47% modal, 5% Lycra(R) spandex | S to XXL | Machine wash cold with normal detergent | Shorts, pants | $54 |
| Z Supply Tia Ditsy Tank Bra | Silky Pointelle: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | XS to L | Machine wash cold, gentle cycle, tumble dry low | Bras, tanks, pants, shorts, joggers | $44 |
| Tasc Microluxe Rib Sleep | 48% Modal, 47% polyester, 5% elastane | S to XXL | Machine wash cold with normal detergent | Long sleeves and pants | $68 |
How we tested the best cooling pajamas
My boyfriend tried the Tasc MicroLuxe Rib Sleep long-sleeve shirt.
We have years of experience testing sleep accessories. Our homes are filled with countless sheets, comforters, pillows, sleep masks and blankets. We know which products are worth the money and which products that claim to be "cooling" actually are.
As hot sleepers, we tested each set of cooling pajamas against my typical sleeping conditions (which often cause us to overheat). We slept in each set for about three nights and then switched to another pair; the overall testing period lasted about a month.
When considering which cooling pajama sets were the best, we compared the feel, material, fit, breathability, thickness and adjustability of straps or drawstrings. If we felt that any pajamas were restrictive or made me sweat, they were not considered for this list.
Read more on how we test our products.
What to consider when shopping for the best cooling pajamas
Material
We recommend finding cooling pajamas made of the following materials:
- Cotton: It's a reliable and very common material for pajamas. It's lightweight, breathable and, best of all, affordable. It absorbs sweat while allowing your body to breathe.
- Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is considered more breathable than cotton. The material has micro gaps between its fibers, making it well-ventilated. It also naturally wicks away sweat and moisture. I find bamboo fabric extremely comfortable, and my favorite duvet cover is made with bamboo viscose.
- Silk: It's a lightweight, breathable fabric made from natural fibers. It has a luxurious feel and look, so its price often reflects this. In addition to its breathability and thickness, its moisture-wicking abilities make it a good fabric for cooling pajamas.
- Linen: Although it can be expensive, it is a good fabric for cooling pajamas. Its loose weave makes it incredibly breathable. It's also quick-drying, which helps keep you cool as it absorbs sweat. However, some sleepers (like myself) might find linen too rough compared to softer materials.
- Modal: It's a soft, plant-based and semi-synthetic material that feels smooth like bamboo, silk and viscose. It is often blended with other fabrics, such as cotton, making it more durable. Modal is also highly breathable and stretchy to keep up with you during the night.
Price
Some pajamas from luxury brands can be expensive. Cozy Earth, one of my favorite brands for bedding and loungewear, can be quite expensive, with price ranging from around $90 for a single piece to sets that cost around $175. However, look for sales (for example, Cozy Earth often has great deals). Good cooling pajamas can also be found at more reasonable prices, but know that fabrics like silk and bamboo will be more expensive.
Fit
The best cooling pajamas are those that are loose and comfortable. You don't want the material to be too fitted and stuck to your body, that will allow for heat retention. If you are looking for the optimal loosely fitted pajamas, I would recommend a night dress or a large nightshirt.
Moisture-wicking properties
While some materials can be loose and thin, not all fabric has moisture-wicking properties. For the best cooling pajamas, you want material that can keep you temperature-neutral by wicking away moisture like sweat. I recommend blends of nylon, polyester, bamboo, wool and silk.
Length
Most of the pajama sets on this list are available in both short-sleeved and long-sleeved options. I opt for short sleeves during the summer and during colder months, I like the long-sleeves.
Best cooling pajamas for hot sleepers FAQs
Do cooling pajamas really work?
After testing cooling pajamas for a month, I believe that they really work. They are lightweight, thin, absorbent and flowy. The thinner materials are quick-drying, and the design ensures proper airflow so your clothes don't stick to your warm body.
Are silk pajamas hot?
No, in my experience, silk pajamas do not make you run hot. In fact, silk is a cooling material used in popular cooling pajama sets. It is smooth, light, breathable and very soft. Silk will not trap your body heat, making it great for cooling pajamas.
What are the coolest materials for pajamas?
The coolest materials for pajamas include bamboo, silk, viscose, linen, modal and cotton. While silk, linen and bamboo pajamas will be more expensive, cotton and modal cooling pajamas will be more affordable.
What should I wear to bed if I have night sweats?
If you have night sweats, I recommend wearing cooling pajamas to bed. The material is light, breathable and often moisture-wicking. Cooling pajamas won’t trap your body heat and allow you to be cool or temperature-neutral at night.