Fashion

The 16 Best Pajamas To Keep Sweaty Sleepers Cool

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by BDG Commerce
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

There's nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night or early morning sticking to your pajamas and sheets — which is why, if you're a sweaty sleeper (or it's simply hot outside), you need to make sure you're armed with the right type of sleepwear. The best pajamas that keep sweaty sleepers cool will be airy and breathable — it's important to choose a pair that isn't tight-fitting — and made of lightweight materials like cotton or linen. Also, though this may seem obvious, the less covered up you are, the better, so look for pajama tops that are short-sleeved or sleeveless, and go for short bottoms or capris instead of full-length pants.

Before you get to shopping, though, here's a bit more background on finding pajamas that won't cause you to overheat.

Let's start with the best and worst fabrics for sweaty sleepers.

Unfortunately, many adorable pajamas are made from heavy or dense fabrics like flannel, polyester, and silk. No offense to flannel, which is priceless on cold winter nights because it helps your body retain heat, but the heavy fabric is a no-go if you sweat a lot. As for polyester, while it can be great at wicking away sweat, it's not always very breathable. And silk? I think we're all familiar with the struggle of wearing silk in the summer.

So, which materials should you seek to avoid sweaty nights? As previously mentioned, consider lightweight fabrics made from bamboo, linen, cotton, and other materials with breathable or moisture-wicking properties.

With that in mind, here are 16 pairs of pajamas that will keep sweaty sleepers cool and dry, even on the hottest nights.

Some Cute Polka Dot Pajamas

These polka dot pajamas are made from cotton with a touch of spandex for added stretch, and they have a loose, comfortable fit that will quickly make these your new favorites. They feature classic details like piping, a notched collar, and a button-down top, and they come in both printed and polka dot styles.

Positive Amazon review: “I have entered the stage of life (54) where I am always hot and need comfy cool pajamas. I also want to be able to walk around my house around my teenagers and their friends. These pajamas are soooo soft [...] they do not make me sweat and they are so comfy!

  • Available colors: 17
  • Available sizes: Small - 4X Plus

A Popular Hanes Night Shirt That’s Just $10

This sleep shirt is wildly popular on Amazon with over 7,000 five-star ratings. It’s made from 100% cotton in a medium weight that makes it perfect for all-season wear, which is great for anyone who sleeps hot, even in cooler temperatures. It has a loose, comfortable design with sleeves that hit around the elbow. Though it only comes in one size, the brand says it will fit up to a 3X.

Positive Amazon review: “So comfy and finally something that i won't sweat in.If you was them don't put them in the drier just hang them this way they will not shrink a bit. Bought them in different colors.”

  • Available colors: 8
  • Available sizes: One size

A Breezy Bamboo Nightgown

If you're a fan of nightgowns and prefer them to full pajamas, this nightgown — which is made of a soft, light blend of bamboo-derived viscose and spandex — won't disappoint. Sold in 18 pretty colors, it's moisture-wicking and breathable, so you'll be kept cool as you sleep or lounge around at home.

Positive Amazon review: "I live in the south and need to be cool while sleeping so I wanted something light but it needed to be quality so it would last. This nightgown fits the bill nicely! It’s a beautiful color, fantastic material - soft, stretchy, cool but not so thin that you think it will fall apart if you wash it a couple of times."

  • Available colors: 18
  • Available sizes: Small - XX-Large Plus

This Comfy Button-Down Pajama Set

Made of 95% viscose and 5% spandex, this short-sleeved pajama set has a soft, stretchy feel. Both the shorts and top are roomy enough to let air flow to your skin, and they're so cute, you'll likely end up hanging out in them all day long. Choose from over 20 stylish colors and prints, ranging from stripes and solids to polka dots and a variety of holiday-themed patterns.

Positive Amazon review: "Best [sleepwear] ever! If you suffer from night sweats, this sure cured it for me!"

  • Available colors: 25
  • Available sizes: XS — XXL

A Lightweight Set With Lace Details

Made of a smooth, lightweight blend of viscose and elastane, this lace-detail pajama set is honestly cute enough to wear to the beach or coffee shop. The lace shoulders, relaxed fit, and elastic-waist shorts add to this set's breathability. Choose from 11 colors.

Positive Amazon review: "I LOVE these pj's! These are my go to comfy pj's. They are so soft and comfy. The material is perfect for sleeping because they don't catch or stick to the sheets, keeps me cool, feels good against the skin [...] Cute, comfy and not frumpy."

  • Available colors: 15
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

This Racerback Nightdress

This racerback nightgown is so cute, you could probably wear it out of the house and no one would know better. Made from cooling bamboo viscose with 5% spandex for added stretch, this is sleep dress will feel soft and cool against your skin even on hot summer nights. It has a a curved hem and wider arm holes to allow free movement, and it comes in tons of cute colors.

Positive Amazon review: “Love this nightgown. So soft and comfortable. I sweat at night but with this is very breathable. Just what I was looking for.”

  • Available colors: 38
  • Available sizes: Small — 4X

A Cotton Cami Sleep Dress With A Ruffled Hem

This cotton sleep dress has lace detailing at the neckline and a ruffled hem for a bedtime look you’ll be obsessed with. It has thin cami-style straps and subtle button detailing on the front, and it’s made from a lightweight 100% cotton fabric that will feel crisp and cool when you put it on. It hits above the knee, and comes in several cute pastel colors.

Positive Amazon review: “LOVE. I recommend ordering 1 size up. Super comfortable and lightweight. I get night sweats near my menstrual cycle, and this nightgown has saved me from overheating!”

  • Available colors: 6
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

A Stretchy V-Neck Sleep Shirt

If you love sleeping in an oversized T-shirt, this one's for you. This sleep shirt is made of lightweight rayon, plus 5% spandex for added softness and stretch, and it has a wide, flowy fit to keep you extra cool. Choose from several different colors and styles.

Positive Amazon review: "This is a well made pajama dress made from a soft, stretchy fabric. It fits very well and the fabric is very cool feeling so perfect for summer. The cut is nice and wide which also makes it great for sleeping."

  • Available colors: 13
  • Available sizes: Medium - 6X

This Cozy Capri Pajama Set

If you're looking for pajamas to keep you covered and cool, look no further. Made of 60% cotton, these pajamas feature wide, cropped pants and a short-sleeved tee, both of which have a flowy, relaxed fit that enhances their breathability. Not to mention, the polka dot print is super cute.

Positive Amazon review: "So soft and light weight. I get hot flashes so [these] were perfect."

  • Available colors: 2
  • Available sizes: S-2X Plus

An On-Trend Floral Cami Set

If you're a firm believer in the less clothes, the better, you'll love this little sleep set from Sheln. Adorned with a cute floral print, it consists of a strappy camisole tank and tiny, ruffle-trimmed shorts which are airy and breathable.

Positive Amazon review: "I loveeeeee these! I have sense bought two other pairs. They are very soft and fit true to size. Very comfy and perfect for the summer. You stay cool in these when in the summer months. The the top is a crop top fit but a little longer then some other crop tops I own. Which is nice being a curvier girl."

  • Available colors: 29
  • Available sizes: XS-XXL

A Sleeveless Cotton Sleep Set

This sleep set has a sleeveless top and drawstring shorts, and will quickly become the star of your pajama drawer. It’s made from a breathable cotton and polyester blend, and has a simple, classic design that’s you’ll reach for over and over. Choose from tons of adorable patterns, including the above black cat option.

Positive Amazon review: “Very comfortable pajamas. Living in Florida I like pajamas that don’t make you sweat. Material and fit were great for that. I’ll be getting another pair.”

  • Available options: 32
  • Available sizes: Medium — 3X-Large

This Soft & Stretchy Pajama Set

This rayon pajama set is cute, comfortable, stretchy, and soft. Made from a lightweight jersey fabric, the top features a tulip-style split at the back that provides even more breathability, in addition to the loose-fitting shorts. You'll even be able to wear the tank outside of the house; it's the perfect basic top to pair with jeans.

Positive Amazon review: "Wonderful PJs. If you get hot while you sleep, these are wonderful. If you lay on your stomach, the top opens in the back to help keep you cool. This is my second pair."

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: XS-XL

A Nap Dress You’ll Never Want To Take Off

If you do prefer to be a bit more covered up when you sleep, go with a breathable, lightweight nightgown like this one, by The 1 for U. It's made of 100% cotton and has an airy, flowy fit, so you'll always feel comfortable — whether you're sleeping or strutting about the house. Sold in five Victorian-inspired colors and prints, it even has over 1,700 glowing reviews on Amazon!

Positive Amazon review: "This nightgown is absolutely beautiful! Also very comfortable and lightweight; exactly what I was searching for because flannel is just too hot these days."

  • Available colors: 4
  • Available sizes: XS-3XL

A Plus-Size Pajama Set With Adorable Details

Not only will these plus-size rayon pajamas keep you cool at night, but they're also soft, comfortable, and extremely cute. This set comes in two prints (dots and damask), both of which are trimmed with lace and designed with a drawstring waist.

Positive Amazon review: "These are the softest pajamas. I bought them because I get really hot at night and these are perfect. Really high quality. I wish I would have gotten a 2xl because 3xl is kinda big but I will still wear them!"

  • Available colors: 2
  • Available sizes: 1X Plus - 3X Plus

A Comfy Capri Set

These capri-style pajamas have wide, loose pants and a soft, stretchy tank top that make them a perfect choice for year-round wear. Made from lightweight, stretchy rayon that feels super soft to the touch, these pajamas also work well worn together or as separates for lounging at home on warm days.

Positive Amazon review: “I can now sleep without waking up in a pool of sweat! They seemed to run a hare larger than expected, but ooooh, are they comfortable and soft!”

  • Available colors: 11
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

This Lace Cami Set That Looks Like Lingerie

For lingerie lovers, it doesn't get much better than this set from Zumusen. So much of the lingerie out there is made from cheap chiffon and artificial silk, but this set is made of ultra-soft modal with a little spandex for stretch — yet it's every bit as sexy — making it the perfect PJ solution for your next steamy sleepover.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that the impossibly soft, lightweight modal construction and ventilated lace accents will keep you extra-cool in hot, humid weather. Choose from four colors.

Positive Amazon review: "I am enjoying this set. It is made of mostly rayon which adds lightness and soft natural feel to it while still being pretty and [lacy]. I barely feel it on my body and I think it is ideal for the sleepwear."

  • Available colors: 4
  • Available sizes: Small - XX-Large

Still looking for answers? We've got you covered.

What material is best for night sweats?

If you're one of the many people who experience night sweats, opt for lightweight and wicking fabrics such as bamboo-derived viscose, which can feel light and breezy on the skin while wicking away moisture. Natural fabrics like cotton may be a good choice for some, as they absorb sweat (which can help your body cool), but if you sweat a lot and don't want to wake in a wet pair of PJs, synthetics may be a better fit.

What is the coolest sleeping material?

Lightweight cotton and bamboo are both ideal materials if you want to stay cool while you sleep. Cotton is a super-breathable option that allows air to circulate on your skin so that you don't get sweaty to begin with. In this sense, it's the coolest sleeping material. However, if you're a person who sweats no matter what, bamboo-derived fabrics (like viscose) may feel cooler, since bamboo's natural wicking qualities will pull sweat from your skin.

What are the best pajamas for night sweats?

The best pajamas for night sweats are made from lightweight and sweat-wicking fabric like bamboo-derived viscose. But beyond fabric choice, the cut of your pajamas also matters. When possible, look for PJs that don't cover your arms and legs or neck and chest, as these can be sweaty areas when smothered in fabric. Shorts and tank tops or sleeveless nightgowns might be the way to go so you can have the least sweaty night possible.

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