Waking up hot and tangled in damp sheets is one of the most common sleep disruptors during the warm months. The fix isn’t always a cooler room; instead, it often starts with what you’re wearing to bed. The right summer pajamas can make a measurable difference in how well you sleep.

In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of the best fabrics for summer pajamas, the most effective styles for staying cool, what to look for when shopping, and tips for sleeping more comfortably even on the hottest nights. 

• What Are the Best Fabrics for Summer Pajamas?

• What Are the Best Pajama Styles for Staying Cool During Summer?

• What to Look for When Shopping for Summer Pajamas

• Other Ways to Stay Cool While Sleeping in Summer

• Summer Pajamas: Frequently Asked Questions 

• Enjoy Comfortable Sleep All Summer Long

What Are the Best Fabrics for Summer Pajamas? 

One of the most important factors to consider when looking for summer pajamas is the fabric. Some materials are naturally cooling. For instance, rayon, cotton, and bamboo can be temperature-regulating.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics available for sleepwear. Its natural fibers allow air to move through the fabric, helping regulate body temperature throughout the night. Cotton also absorbs moisture, though it can hold onto sweat longer than some newer fabrics once fully saturated. It’s a reliable, widely available choice best suited for people who sleep slightly warm but don’t experience heavy night sweats. 

Bamboo and rayon

Bamboo-derived fabrics, typically processed into rayon or viscose, are widely praised for their softness and temperature-regulating properties. The fiber structure allows bamboo fabrics to wick moisture away from the skin and release it into the air faster than cotton, making them an excellent choice for hot sleepers or anyone dealing with night sweats.

Soma’s Cool Nights® pajamas are made from a rayon blend specifically engineered to stay cool to the touch and wick moisture away from the skin.

Modal and Tencel 

Modal and Tencel (also called lyocell) are both wood pulp-derived fibers that offer a silky, lightweight feel with excellent breathability. Modal is known for being soft and resistant to shrinking, while Tencel is prized for its sustainability and its ability to absorb moisture better than cotton. Both fabrics drape lightly against the skin without clinging, making them a strong choice for warm-weather sleepwear. They work well for people with sensitive skin who want something that feels luxurious without retaining heat.

Linen 

Linen is made from flax plant fibers and has a naturally open weave that promotes maximum airflow, making it one of the most breathable fabrics for sleeping in heat or humidity. It absorbs moisture without holding it close to the skin, helping you feel dry even on warm nights. Linen can feel slightly stiff at first but softens significantly with each wash. 

Silk 

Silk is a natural protein fiber that thermoregulates, which means it absorbs moisture and helps maintain a consistent body temperature. For summer sleepwear, natural silk is the better choice.

Pajama fabrics to avoid during summer  

Polyester, nylon, and heavy fleece are the main fabrics to avoid in summer sleepwear. These are plastic-based materials that trap heat against the body, prevent airflow, and hold onto moisture rather than releasing it. Even lightweight polyester blends can disrupt thermoregulation at night. When shopping, check the fabric content label and prioritize natural or semi-natural fibers for the best sleep experience in warmer months.

What Are the Best Pajama Styles for Staying Cool During Summer?

Once you’ve chosen the right fabric, the silhouette of your pajamas determines how much air can circulate. Looser, shorter styles consistently outperform fitted ones for warm-weather sleep, helping prevent fabric from sticking to the skin.

Tank tops and short-sleeve sleepshirts

Minimal coverage at the shoulders means maximum airflow where the body tends to run hottest. Short-sleeve sleepshirts expose the arms and shoulders, making them one of the most effective silhouettes for staying cool.

Cool Nights® sleepshirts are made from cooling rayon and spandex, helping them stay cool to the touch all night long. 

Chemises

Chemises, also known as nightdresses, are loose and comfortable pieces that can usually be either sleepwear or lingerie. Our super-soft chemises are made with fabrics designed for maximum breathability and comfort. With soft support at the bust and elastic for a stretchy fit, the fabric won’t stick to your body, making it especially comfortable for hot sleepers.

Long sleepshirts

Sleepshirts and nightgowns are popular for a reason—they allow air to move through your garment to help you sleep cooler. A long sleepshirt gives you a little bit more coverage without turning up the temperature. With these shirts, you don’t have to worry about putting on bottoms that might get tangled around your legs or cause you to overheat. Instead, you can hop out of bed and have a relaxing day.

Pajama shorts

Pajama shorts can reduce heat buildup at night—less fabric below the waist means less insulation and more airflow.  Our Cool Nights® shorts are designed to stay cool to the touch throughout the night and feature an elastic waist and a relaxed style to ensure the perfect fit. They also have front pockets for convenience. 

Cropped pants

Cropped pajama pants are ideal for warm days and hot nights because of their shorter length. Our sleep pants are made with our patented fabric that sleeps cooler than most other materials. 

Sleep Camis

A great sleep cami works as both a standalone top and a layering piece for cooler nights. Our camis are designed to feel lightweight and gentle on the skin throughout the night. Our v-neck cami pairs perfectly with Cool Nights® shorts and pajama pants, while a lace trim option adds a feminine touch that can elevate the overall feel of your sleep look.

Pajama tees

Pajama tees are designed to make the perfect summer pajama sets for women paired with shorts and cropped pants. Our pajama tees feature a relaxed design that moves with you.

Pajama pants

Every woman needs a cool, comfortable set of pajama pants for those beautiful summer nights when the temperature finally drops a bit. Our pajama pants are designed to help you mix and match your sleep wardrobe with camis and short-sleeve pajama tees, so you can be the epitome of cool and cozy. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Summer Pajamas

When shopping for the best pajamas for summer, consider your personal temperature preferences, the climate you live in, and the style you’re most comfortable wearing.

• Preferences. Start by thinking about how you naturally sleep. Do you run warm all night, or only during specific seasons? Hot sleepers benefit from moisture-wicking fabrics like rayon and bamboo, while occasional warm-weather sleepers might be perfectly comfortable in lightweight cotton. 

• Climate. Consider the climate you live in. For instance, if you get hot, humid summers, you might prefer a moisture-wicking material that can combat the humidity and sweat from your skin or a more breathable material like rayon that prevents sweat in the first place.

• Pajama style. Avoid tight styles that lack proper ventilation. Loose-fitting, shorter silhouettes allow air to circulate and reduce the buildup of heat underneath your sleepwear. If you prefer more coverage, opt for cropped pajama bottoms or a long sleepshirt rather than full-length fitted styles. 

• Fabric. Natural and semi-natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, bamboo (viscose/rayon), modal, and Tencel are popular choices for summer sleepwear. Avoid anything with a high percentage of polyester or synthetic blends, which will trap heat regardless of how lightweight they feel to the touch.

Other Ways to Stay Cool While Sleeping in Summer 

If you want to know how to sleep better all season long, combining breathable summer pajamas with a few simple adjustments to your sleep environment makes a real difference. Here's what works: 

• Lower your room temperature before bed. The ideal sleep temperature for most people is between 60 to 67°F (15–19°C). Run your air conditioning or a fan about 30 minutes before bedtime to pre-cool the room.

• Use breathable bedding. Pair your summer sleepwear with lightweight sheets in natural fibers like cotton percale or linen. Heavy comforters trap heat even when the room is cool.

• Stay hydrated. Mild dehydration can make you feel warmer at night. Drink water consistently throughout the day and keep a glass on your nightstand.

• Consider a cooling mattress pad or pillow. If you overheat primarily from your mattress or pillow, a gel-infused topper or moisture-wicking pillow can make a noticeable difference.

Summer Pajamas: Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the best summer pajamas for hot sleepers and night sweats? 

Hot sleepers and people experiencing night sweats benefit most from moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from the skin and release it quickly. Bamboo-derived rayon, modal, and Tencel are the strongest performers. Soma’s Cool Nights® collection is specifically engineered for this—the rayon blend stays cool to the touch and manages moisture throughout the night. 

What is the difference between bamboo and cotton pajamas for summer?

Both bamboo and cotton are breathable, natural-fiber choices for summer sleepwear, but they perform differently. Cotton absorbs moisture but can hold onto sweat once saturated, which may feel damp during heavy perspiration; bamboo-derived fabrics wick moisture away faster and tend to feel softer and cooler. For moderate warmth, cotton pajamas work well. For hotter sleepers or humid climates, bamboo rayon typically offers better temperature regulation.

Is silk or linen better for summer pajamas?

Both are excellent for summer, but they suit different needs. Linen has an open weave that provides superior airflow and breathability; silk is a natural protein fiber that genuinely thermoregulates, feeling cool when you’re warm and adapting to your body temperature. If you sleep in a very hot and humid environment, linen has the edge. For a premium feel with temperature sensitivity, silk is the better choice.

Enjoy Comfortable Sleep All Summer Long

The best women’s summer pajamas are those that can keep you cool all night long. A good night’s sleep can’t be underestimated when it comes to making the most of summer.

Cool Nights® pajamas by Soma are designed to keep your body’s temperature down, so you can sleep more peacefully. But we believe that pairing this innovative design with classic pajama styles that you’ll love to wear is key. Slip into our summer pajamas for women and see how good you can look and feel every night of the season.

Shop our Cool Nights® pajamas now to transform your sleep selection.