No pajama can stop a hot flash, but the fabric next to your skin changes how a night sweat feels: loose-fitting, lightweight pajamas in a breathable fabric such as cotton or linen are a common recommendation, and TENCEL™ Modal is also breathable and good at managing moisture. Below, we compare TENCEL™ Modal, cotton, silk and engineered polyester, using general fabric guidance and our own product pages.
Why Do Night Sweats Happen in Perimenopause and Menopause?
Hot flushes are a common menopause symptom, and they can happen during the day or at night, when they are often called night sweats. Bedding and pajamas in breathable, lightweight fabrics can help you feel cooler and more comfortable at night. If night sweats are disrupting your sleep, talk to your doctor: pajamas are a comfort measure, not a treatment.
How Do Pajama Fabrics Compare for Night Sweats?
| Fabric | What to know | Example sets |
|---|---|---|
| TENCEL™ Modal | A soft, smooth fiber that absorbs moisture; TENCEL™ fabrics are generally considered breathable and good at wicking moisture. | Eberjey Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Shortie Short PJ Set, $138, 95% LENZING™ TENCEL™ Modal and 5% elastane. |
| Cotton, linen and cotton blends | Breathable natural plant fibers; loose-fitting, lightweight cotton or linen pajamas are a common choice for night sweats. | Eberjey Organic Pima Cotton Short PJ Set, $198, 100% Organic Pima Cotton. Eberjey Nautico Long PJ Set, $198, a viscose-cotton blend (63% viscose, 37% cotton), which we describe as a must-have for hot sleepers. |
| Silk | Eberjey describes its Inez Washable Silk as hypoallergenic and thermoregulating. | Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Short PJ Set, $278, 100% mulberry silk. |
| Engineered polyester | Good at moisture wicking, but not as breathable as natural fibers. | — |
A note on dry-time numbers. We looked for independent tests comparing how fast these fabrics dry and didn't find any we could stand behind, so we haven't included figures or a percentage comparison between TENCEL™ Modal and cotton.
Which Fabric Should You Choose?
- You want something soft and breathable you'll wear every night: TENCEL™ Modal. Our Gisele Long, Relaxed Short and Shortie sets are verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and all Gisele TENCEL™ Modal goes in the washing machine.
- You prefer a natural plant fiber: cotton or linen, two of the most breathable natural fibers.
- You want strong wicking and don't mind a synthetic: an engineered polyester, keeping in mind that polyester is not as breathable as natural fibers.
- You want a smooth fabric that feels like an occasion: washable silk.
How Do You Layer for Nights That Run Hot and Cold?
Dressing in light layers you can take off when you feel warm, and keeping the room cool with an open window, a fan or air conditioning, are common tips for hot flashes. Separates make this easy:
- Pair the Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Everyday T-Shirt ($68) with the Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Everyday Relaxed Short ($68), which has side seam slits.
- Swap in the Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Everyday Straight Leg Pant ($88) on cooler nights.
- Or choose the Gisele TENCEL™ Modal Short Sleeve & Pant PJ Set ($158): elbow-length sleeves and a full-length pant.
For the room itself, most people sleep best in a cool bedroom, roughly 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Should You Wash Pajamas You Wear Every Night?
Gisele TENCEL™ Modal can be machine washed cold on a gentle cycle, inside out with like colors, then tumble dried low, and TENCEL™ Modal is known for staying soft through repeated washing. Organic Pima Cotton also machine washes cold on gentle and tumble dries low. Inez Washable Silk can be hand washed or machine washed cold on delicate, separately, then laid flat to dry.
If you run warm all year, our guide to the best cooling pajamas for women goes further, and modal vs. cotton compares the two most common fabrics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for menopause night sweats?
Loose, lightweight cotton or linen is a common choice, and TENCEL™ Modal is also breathable and good at managing moisture. Choose the one you find most comfortable, and keep the bedroom cool.
Are TENCEL™ Modal pajamas good for hot flashes?
TENCEL™ Modal is a soft, breathable fiber that absorbs moisture. Pajamas can't stop a hot flash, but they can make the hours around one more comfortable.
How cool should the bedroom be for night sweats?
Most people sleep best in a bedroom between about 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Layered pajamas you can remove at night help too.
Are wicking polyester pajamas worth it?
Polyester is good at moisture wicking but is not as breathable as natural fibers. If you want strong wicking and don't mind a synthetic, it can work; if breathability matters more, look at TENCEL™ Modal, cotton or linen.
What should I look for in perimenopause pajamas?
Look for a breathable fabric, separates you can layer and remove at night, a waistband that doesn't dig in and a fabric you can machine wash often.
