The short answer: the best cooling pajamas for women are loose, lightweight sets, in shorts or short sleeves, made from breathable fabrics such as TENCEL™ Modal, washable silk, cotton or linen. Our first pick for hot sleepers is the Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Shortie Short PJ Set ($138, sizes XXS–XL), which we describe as perfect for hot sleepers and warm nights.
If you ever wake up feeling overheated and uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Sweating in your sleep is a common occurrence. There are different reasons why you might be running warm at night, from a poor sleep environment to toasty comforters. Some factors can be harder to control than others, but selecting the best cooling pajamas can help you stay dry and sleep comfortably.
At Eberjey, we prioritize comfort and quality in our sleepwear. We’re here to demystify night sweats and recommend the best fabrics for better sleep.
What Makes You Sleep Hot?
It’s possible to “sleep hot,” and much of it comes down to your room, your bedding and your evening habits. Here are some common everyday contributors:
Beds and bedding: Heavy blankets and dense materials used in pillows and mattresses can trap heat, making you feel hotter. Avoid fleece, down, and memory foam to stay cool.
Temperature and humidity: Hot, humid rooms can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature (aka thermoregulation), making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. The ideal room temperature for sleep is 65°F, with humidity kept below 60%.
Physical activity: Any exercise that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat will keep your body warm for a while. Avoid high-impact workouts close to bedtime.
Caffeine and alcohol: Consuming certain beverages before bed, especially those containing caffeine and alcohol, may cause you to feel warmer at night.
Pajamas: Thick, insulating materials like wool and fleece are made to trap heat and aren’t very breathable.
How Do Cooling Pajamas Help Keep You Comfortable?
Waking up feeling hot and sweaty isn’t just uncomfortable — it disrupts thermoregulation and may interfere with your circadian rhythm. Night sweats often make it harder to get a full night of sleep, especially if you have trouble falling asleep or tend to wake up throughout the night.
There are several ways to improve your sleep habits to help keep night sweats at bay. For instance, wearing a better pair of pajamas will help increase your nighttime comfort and lead to more restful slumber. The best pajamas for night sweats are made from light, loose-fitting materials that are breathable, such as silk, cotton, linen, and TENCEL™ Modal.
Is Washable Silk Good for Cooling Pajamas?
Washable Silk is a smooth, ultra-comfortable material that has been highly coveted throughout history — and for good reason. Our Inez Washable Silk collection is crafted from 100% mulberry silk, offering temperature regulation and year-round comfort, complete with a cozy feel. Eberjey describes its Washable Silk as thermoregulating, offering comfort year-round, and it can be machine washed cold on a delicate cycle.
Is Cotton a Good Fabric for Cooling Pajamas?
Cotton pajamas are lightweight, breathable, and great for absorbing moisture — making it a popular fabric for sleepwear. It stands out for its moisture-absorbing capabilities and promoting air circulation, ensuring you stay dry and cool.
Is Linen a Good Choice for Cooling Pajamas?
Linen is one of the most breathable fabrics. This quick-drying material absorbs and dissipates sweat, keeping you cool and sweat-free. Linen clothing can be on the stiff side, so it may not feel as cozy for some, but this helps prevent your pajamas from sticking to sweaty skin.
Is TENCEL a Good Choice for Cooling Pajamas?
Tencel isn’t as well-known as other pajama fabrics, but it’s an excellent choice for breathability. TENCEL™ modal fibers are responsibly sourced from wood, making the fabric sustainable, naturally absorbent, and highly durable.
Cooling Pajama Fabrics Compared: TENCEL™ Modal vs. Bamboo vs. Wicking Synthetics
Here are four fabrics you'll see in cooling pajamas, and how each handles sweat. Where Eberjey makes a set in that fabric, we list it as an example.
| Fabric | What it is | How it handles moisture | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| TENCEL™ Modal | A cellulose fiber made by Lenzing from wood | Lenzing: the fiber structure "allows the absorption and release of moisture," supporting a drier microclimate on the skin | Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Shortie Short PJ Set ($138); Frida TENCEL™ Modal Shortie Short PJ Set ($138) |
| Bamboo (rayon or viscose from bamboo) | The FTC says most "bamboo" textiles are really rayon and should be labeled that way, for example "rayon made from bamboo" | Not covered by the sources cited here, so check the fiber label and how the fabric feels | No Eberjey example; for our hot-sleeper picks, see TENCEL™ Modal and washable silk |
| Wicking synthetics (polyester microfiber) | Polyester and nylon are hydrophobic, so they absorb very little water | Moisture moves along the fabric and evaporates rather than being absorbed (McGill Office for Science and Society) | No Eberjey example; for our hot-sleeper picks, see TENCEL™ Modal and washable silk |
| Washable silk | 100% mulberry silk (Eberjey Inez) | Eberjey describes its Washable Silk as thermoregulating (brand claim) | Inez Washable Silk Short PJ Set ($278) |
In short, TENCEL™ Modal absorbs moisture and releases it, while polyester wicking fabrics absorb very little and move moisture through the fabric to evaporate. Bamboo pajamas are almost always rayon or viscose, so check the label. For more picks, see the best Eberjey pajamas for every type of sleeper.
When it comes to cooling pajamas, our Gisele and Frida shortie sets are where we’d start: lightweight shorts sets in TENCEL™ Modal, a knit Eberjey describes as temperature-regulating.
When you shop with Eberjey, you know you’re getting soft, high-quality fabrics that make you look and feel your best. Browse our women’s pajamas and prepare for the ultimate nighttime comfort.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cooling pajamas for women?
The best cooling pajamas for women are light, loose sets in breathable fabrics like washable silk, cotton, linen or TENCEL™ Modal. Eberjey's Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Shortie Short PJ Set ($138) and Frida TENCEL™ Modal Shortie Short PJ Set ($138) are lightweight shorts sets in TENCEL™ Modal, which Eberjey describes as temperature-regulating.
What fabric is best for cooling pajamas?
Breathable fabrics such as washable silk, cotton, linen and TENCEL™ Modal. Lenzing says TENCEL™ Modal fibers absorb and release moisture, supporting a drier microclimate on the skin, and Eberjey describes its Washable Silk as thermoregulating.
Can cooling pajamas help with night sweats?
Light, loose-fitting pajamas in breathable fabrics like cotton, silk or TENCEL™ Modal can make warm nights more comfortable. The Sleep Foundation recommends loose, light clothing in breathable fabrics and suggests avoiding fleece and wool.
Why is washable silk good for hot sleepers?
Eberjey's Washable Silk is 100% mulberry silk that Eberjey describes as thermoregulating and comfortable year-round, and it can be machine washed cold on a delicate cycle.
What pajama fabrics should hot sleepers avoid?
Thick, insulating fabrics. The Sleep Foundation suggests avoiding pajamas that are thick, insulating or not breathable, such as fleece or wool.
Is bamboo or TENCEL™ Modal better for hot sleepers?
Lenzing says TENCEL™ Modal fibers absorb and release moisture, supporting a drier microclimate on the skin. The FTC says most bamboo textiles are really rayon and should be labeled that way, for example "rayon made from bamboo." Try the cut and fabric that feel coolest to you.
What room temperature is best for sleep?
The Sleep Foundation suggests about 65°F (18.3°C).
