IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Sweaty nights are a thing of the past — how to shop for cooling pajamas, according to experts

These are the best materials to fight night sweats.
Woman standing by the window wearing blue sleep dress
Courtesy Jannely Espinal

Sleeping in comfort throughout the night is the best feeling ever. But if you're someone who struggles with dripping sweat and tight pajamas, then it's probably time to update your sleepwear collection.

Whether it's the summer heat, menopausal changes or you just run warm, disturbances to our sleep can have an impact on our well-being. Sleep is how we recharge before the day ahead, and not getting enough of it can affect our mood, mental health and more.

If you're tired of waking up in a puddle of sweat from hot flashes or soaring temperatures, it's time you invest in the right fabrics. Undergarment educator, bra-fitting expert and self-love coach Kimmay Caldwell previously joined Hoda & Jenna to share some cooling sleepwear to help solve this dilemma. Plus, we asked an expert for tips on the best materials to wear while you snooze.

Most cooling sleepwear fabric | Best fabric for night sweats | Materials and features to look for | Pajama sets and one-pieces | Nightgowns, dresses and robes | Men's pajamas | Meet the experts

What is the most cooling fabric for sleepwear?

You might think cotton is the best material to regulate temperature but after an independent study conducted at the University of Alberta, Xirotex topped the list as the best-performing fabric to eliminate moisture and vaporize sweat from the skin. "The rapid elimination of moisture enables the skin to better regulate to the optimal temperature of 97 degrees Fahrenheit," says Lara Smith, founder of temperature-regulating sleepwear brand Lusomé.

According to the study, the right fiber and clothing can help moisture vapor to escape from the skin-clothing microclimate (the climate that occurs in the space between skin and clothes). The fiber content, thickness and porosity all influence the moisture vapor intake of a fabric. Sleepwear made from fabric with good moisture management such as a blend of polyester and cotton can aid in keeping you dry at night.

What fabric is best for night sweats?

According to Smith, you need a tech fabric for optimal performance and comfort if you want to eliminate sweat and bacteria from the skin's surface. "Many brands made with bamboo or cotton can offer some breathability and bamboo has a small measure of moisture-wicking," she adds.

Lab tests from the study show that wool, silk and viscose rayon are hygroscopic fibers (fibers that absorb moisture). Whereas, polyester is a highly hydrophobic fiber (fibers that don't absorb moisture). Therefore, it was concluded that a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, like Xirotex, strike the perfect balance between sweat and wicking ability.

What materials and features should I wear to sleep?

When it comes to sleepwear, you want to keep it simple and prioritize comfort. "If you are dealing with sweating or overheating at night, look for a performance fabric or brand that substantiates claims," Smith suggests. "You want garments without a lot of seams or details or cut-outs so that the fabric is close to the skin for optimum performance and ultimately a better quality of sleep."

Best cooling pajama sets and one-pieces

Tommy John Second Skin Sleep Tee


Colorways: Four | Sizes: XS-XXL

Tommy John is one of the brands Caldwell called out on the show for comfy pajamas that'll keep you cool throughout the night. This boxy lounge tee comes in several different colors that you can mix and match with existing bottoms in your closet, or opt for the matching pants below.

Latuza V-Neck Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set

Colorways: 13 | Sizes: S-4XL Plus

Latuza's fabric comes from a blend of cotton, bamboo viscose and silky rayon, which makes it ideal for people that battle night sweats. The set is super soft and breathable while maintaining consistent body temperature.

Many customers that experience night sweats said this pajama doesn't ride up and one Amazon shopper said, "The first night I wore them I didn't wake up sweating like I usually do. They kept me cool and they are unbelievably soft, they feel like silk. These might be the most comfortable and useful jams I've ever purchased!"

Mondgo Short Sleeve Top

Colorways: Five | Sizes: XS-XXL

Mondgo offers sleepwear designed to regulate your body temperature. This top is made from a blend of mint viscose, bamboo and wood pulp that feels soft to the touch. This is ideal for sensitive skin that needs something soft and practical. It also features a butterfly flap in the back that makes it super breathable and allows for additional ventilation.

Tommy John Second Skin Sleep Pant


Colorways: Seven | Sizes: XS-XXL | Lengths: Short, regular, long

Made from the same breathable fabric as the T-shirt above from the brand, you might not ever want to take off these Second Skin pants.

Mondgo Women's Pant

Colorways: Five | Sizes: XS-XXL

These pants are next-level luxury thanks to their bamboo and mint blend. They feature slits on the sides and feel cooler than cotton. It comes with silicone grips that will attach to your waist without digging into your skin and won't ride up at night. It's a versatile essential that can be worn to stay cool throughout the night or out on vacation.

WiWi Bamboo Soft Pajamas

Colorways: 25 | Sizes: S-4X

The fabric of these pajamas have moisture-wicking properties and feel ultra smooth once on. The set features lace decorating cuffs for a feminine vibe and is super roomy, which will give flexibility to toss and turn at night.

"These pajamas are as soft as a cloud!! The fit is great and they are truly the most comfortable sleepwear I've ever worn," raved one verified five-star Amazon reviewer.

Quince 100% European Linen Pajama Set

Colorways: Four | Sizes: XS-XL

While these pajamas are made from linen, the material feels cool through the night. Linen is a fabric that wicks moisture away from the body and is great for hot sleepers. The pajama features a relaxed fit, lightweight design and it's hypoallergenic, meaning you won't wake up with a rash.

Cozy Earth Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set in Stretch-Knit

Colorways: 10 | Sizes: XS-XXXL

These pajamas feature side pockets and a button-up design that feels functional and put together. You might recognize the brand as one of the 2022 Oprah's Favorite Things winners. Plus, it has an almost-perfect five-star average rating from over 3,000 shoppers.

Dagsmejan Nattcool Sleep Tech Wide Shorts

Colorways: Four | Sizes: XS-2XL

Stay cool as a cucumber with these wide shorts from Dagsmejan. These shorts wick away moisture and are eight times more breathable than cotton, according to the brand.

Gisele Shortie Short PJ Set

Colorways: 10 | Sizes: XS-XL

With a glowing near-perfect average rating, this pajama set deserves a place in your drawer. The pajamas are made from TENCEL modal, which is a soft and temperature-regulating fabric. You can even monogram it for a personalized touch.

Dagsmejan Nattcool Sleep Tech Playsuit


Colorways: Eight | Sizes: XS-2XL

A romper that we can wear to bed? We'll take it. It's made from a breathable eucalyptus fabric that is cooling and comfortable and dries three times faster than cotton, according to the brand.

Best cooling pajama nightgowns, dresses and robes

Eileen West Watercolor Dream Short Robe

Colorways: One | Sizes: XS-XL | Something to note: Runs large

The matching robe is just as light as the nightgown, so Caldwell says you can wear it without heating up. It boasts lace and pintuck detailing, as well as a full-button front, which means you can wear it as a gown or as a robe.

Soma Intimates Cool Nights Smocked Waist Chemise


Colorways: Two | Sizes: XS-XXL

Try a bold print with this cooling chemise from Soma. It has adjustable straps and a double-lined bust area to provide added support. The fabric is made of lightweight rayon fibers that keep the fabric from sticking to your body while you sleep, according to the brand.

Cool-jams Moisture-Wicking Snap-Front Nightshirt


Colorways: Three | Sizes: S-XXXL

Caldwell says the fabric of this nightshirt will keep you cool when you feel hot, and if you feel cold, it will keep your body temperature just right. The nightshirt is just one of several silhouettes the brand offers to keep you cool, but this style is great for anyone recovering from surgery or a nursing parent.

Eileen West Blue China Cotton Chemise

Colorways: One | Sizes: XS-XL

Caldwell loves this nightgown for several reasons, but loves the "silky, untextured feel" of the cotton lawn fabric the most. It's lightweight and comes in several different colors, lengths and sizes.

Lusomé Erin Nightgown

Colorways: Two | Sizes: XS-XL

This nightgown is made with the Xirotex material Smith mentioned earlier and Espinal says it's saved her from waking up dripping in sweat. "Not only can I wear it to sleep, I can also throw on a jacket and sandals and walk out the door. The mesh design on the V-neck and empire waist silhouette truly elevate my sleep attire," she raves.

Editor's note: While we also used Smith's cooling fabric expertise to inform our guide for purchasing cooling pajamas, our editors chose this product independently.

Dagsmejan Nattcool Sleep Tech Slip Dress


Colorways: 12 | Sizes: XS-2XL

This slip dress is smoother than silk and will be sure to keep you cool and dry with its moisture transport technology. The fabric on this dress dries in a third of the time cotton does and is breathable, according to the brand.

Dagsmejan Nattcool Sleep Tech Short Sleeve Dress

Colorways: Two | Sizes: XS-2XL

Nightgowns aren't just for sleeping. This short sleeve dress from Dagsmejan is perfect for a day lounging around the house. This loose-fitted dress has two pockets to hold what you need before you snuggle up in bed, but be mindful that reviews say this dress runs a little large.

Best cooling pajamas for men

Tommy John Second Skin Crew Neck Tee


Colorways: Two | Sizes: S-XXL

Tommy John's popular Second Skin fabric is silky-soft and non-pilling, Caldwell says. The fabric is fade-free and non-restrictive, so it will look newer for longer, too.

Cool-jams Moisture-Wicking Crew Neck T-Shirt


Colorways: Four | Sizes: M-XXL

This top wicks away moisture faster than typical cotton, which helps to regulate your body temperature as you sleep. Goodbye, sweat.

Cool-jams Moisture-Wicking Boxer Separate


Colorways: Four | Sizes: M-XXL

These soft boxers are made with the same fabric that features odor control and bacteria-reducing properties. Plus, the brand says the durable fabric lasts six times longer than cotton.

Dagsmejan Nattcool Sleep Tech Shorts


Colorways: Eight | Sizes: S-2XL

With an elastic waist and functional pockets, you can wear these shorts to bed and then to the coffee shop the next morning.

Meet the experts

Lara Smith is the founder of Lusomé, a 10-year-old pajama brand that promotes the health and sleep of its wearers through first-of-its-kind technology that stops night sweats before it starts.