Hot Sleepers, Rejoice: These 13 Summer Pajamas Will Get You Through Warm Nights
For when sleeping in your birthday suit isn't an option.
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Nothing is worse than night sweats. I mean, waking up at 2 A.M. to kick off all of your blankets because you’re overheating despite your little window AC doing the best it can? Horrid. I’m not certified to help you with any HVAC issues (maybe hire a Taskrabbit?), but I’d consider myself a bit of a summer pajama expert after spending months carefully curating a perfect array of sleepwear for every season and vibe.
To keep things simple, take a peek at the fabric tag. There are certain materials that’ll keep you comfortable while others, and I don’t mean to be a major drama queen, will legitimately ruin your life (or at least your night). Cotton, linen, modal, bamboo, and silk all boast a variety of cooling, sweat-wicking, moisture-absorbing, and temperature-regulating abilities, whereas polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetics will trap heat and unnecessarily crank up your body temperature.
Not sure what styles and fabric blends to start with? Let’s break down the best summer pajamas even further...
Linen is a classic summer fabric for good reason
Starting out strong with linen: The flax fabric may not feel as soft to the touch right off the bat, but it’s actually a really comfortable fabric to sleep in. Because it's made of natural fibers, linen has moisture-wicking properties and excellent airflow. Also, linen softens with each wash, so it'll get more cuddly and lived-in the more you use it! I personally have linen sheets and a linen duvet in addition to linen PJ sets to minimize overheating, and they have only gotten softer and softer over the years.
This, to me, is the ideal summer pajama. It’s light and airy with a boxier cut, and not see-through at all, so you can go totally braless without flashing your roommates (if you think about that as often as I do lol).
- Size range: XXS-3X
- Material: 60% linen, 40% cotton
Associate Shopping Editor Meg Uy tested the long-sleeve, long pants version of this set for our Quince lounge set review, and loved it for keeping her temp regulated on spring nights. The short sleeve version is even better for summer, and will fend off both sweat and AC-induced chill.
- Size range: XS-XL
- Material: 100% European linen
Finding the perfect balance of stylish and functional can be tricky. This swing camisole with the matching sleep pants is so cute that you could practically wear each piece separately as part of a regular outfit (catch me doing that this summer...).
- Size range: XXS-XXL
- Material: Linen
Go for cotton if you want extra breathability
Cotton is a solid pick thanks to its absorbency and crisp, cool feel—and if you’re choosing between percale and sateen, go for percale, which tends to be cooler. Personally, I think it’s going to be a Victorian Ghost Summer so I’m embracing the gigantic nightgown—it’s basically like one of those sleep sacks that babies wear, except 100% cotton and more chic. Or if you’re not into the Laura Ingalls Wilder vibe, a lightweight cotton PJ set will do the trick, too!
Trust me when I say that this nightgown is even cuter in person than it is in the stock photo. The little ruched sleeves and button detailing are top notch, and it feels like you're walking around wearing a cloud of nothing (and I mean that in the best way).
- Size range: XXXS-XXXL
- Material: 100% cotton
The little lavender sprigs and contrast piping really sell it for me, personally, and the fact that it's 100% cotton and pre-shrunk to avoid any dryer mishaps? That's the cherry on top.
- Size range: XS-XXL
- Material: 100% pre-shrunk cotton
This lace nightgown is so oversized and comfy, it's practically like sleeping in your favorite gigantic T-shirt from college. FYI, this one runs big, so make sure to refer to the brand's size chart to check for your best fit before ordering!
- Size range: XXS-XL
- Material: 100% cotton
Modal and bamboo are reliable summer options
A lot of the trendy PJ sets that influencers and editors love to rave about (like Roller Rabbit or Cozy Earth) are made of modal or bamboo fabric. Both have a really similar feel—that brushed, out-of-this-world softness that feels sooo good on the skin. But what differentiates them is that modal comes from beech tree cellulose, whereas bamboo fabric comes from, well, bamboo. At the end of the day, both have that same silky feel that is supreme in the summer.
My love affair with Roller Rabbit began last winter and honestly, there's no end in sight. I wore these during a power outage (yes, I'm talking zero AC) and the silky-soft fabric kept me perfectly cool all night. I'm also personally a huge fan of the little ruffles on the shorts.
- Size range: XXS-XL
- Material: 50% pima cotton, 50% modal
Turn up the heat (but not the temperature) with this stretchy little baby tee and boyshort combo. Bring them to your next sleepover and thank me later <3.
- Size range: XS-XXL
- Material: 91% micro modal, 9% lycra
I received a monogrammed pair of these pajamas as a gift a couple years ago, and I’ve worn them over and over every summer since. They’ve held up really nicely even after being washed dozens of times, and I’m fully planning on buying another set once they give out.
- Size range: XS-XXXL
- Material: 95% bamboo viscose, 5% spandex
For a little luxury, try silk pajamas
Silk is extremely lightweight, making it a good fabric for semi-warm climates. However, it's also fairly warm for being so light, so if you're living in really hot or humid areas, it may not be the most optimal fabric. Consider silk if you're searching for spring PJs or something that keeps your temperature regulated in air conditioning!
Beware cheap sets that are advertised as silk (or "silky") but are actually made of heat-absorbing polyester and other synthetics that trap warmth. They may feel soft and cool to the touch at first, but these fabrics generally are uncomfortable during the hotter months. Real silk is definitely a pricier option, but it's totally worth it—especially if it's washable.
Yes, the rumors are true— you can stick these in the wash and they come out looking good as new. I typically put mine in a mesh bag to keep them safe and then give them a quick steam once they come out of the dryer to get rid of any wrinkles.
- Size range: XS-XL
- Material: 100% silk
Slip dresses have been That Girl for going-out-purposes for a couple years now, but don’t sleep on them as PJs, especially if it’s made of real silk. This one is a little pricey, but it can pull double-duty—and the luxury? Unmatched.
- Size range: XS-XL
- Material: 100% silk
Swap your fluffy robe for this slinky, silk version that'll make your summer nights (and mornings) a whole lot chicer. This Quince robe is a lot more affordable than other options out there and would make a great gift, too.
- Size range: XS-XL
- Material: 100% silk
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
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