When summer hits and temperatures start to rise, getting a good night’s sleep can feel like a distant memory. You can have a decent enough fan, a light blanket and the windows wide open, and you still find yourself waking up sweating.
Though it’s impossible to change the weather – and let’s face it, when the sun is shining during the day, who would want to? – there are things you can do to make sleep more comfortable. In fact, the solution might be simpler than you think – your pajamas.
The fabric you choose can impact summer sleep more than you think. Below, we’ve taken a look at the top five materials that’ll help you stay cool, dry and truly comfortable all night long.
Why Fabric Matters for Summer Sleep
When it’s hot and humid, your body naturally tries to regulate its core temperature by releasing heat and moisture. The fabrics you sleep on – sheets, pillowcases and pajamas – can either help this process or make it worse. If you wear the wrong fabric, you could trap heat.
Some fabrics retain body heat, causing overheating and night sweats. Poor moisture management is also an issue, as materials that don’t wick sweat leave you feeling sticky and uncomfortable. Once a lack of breathability is factored in, you’re probably feeling extremely hot, as your body can’t release heat effectively.
But, on the other hand, the right fabrics allow air to circulate around your body and pull sweat away from your skin to keep you dry. They also have a lightweight feel, which prevents the sensation of heaviness and heat. This is why it’s important to do your research and choose the right fabrics for summer sleep.
The 5 Best Fabrics for Sleeping in the Summer
- Cotton – Cotton is a staple for a reason. It’s breathable, soft and incredibly versatile. During summer, cotton nightwear is especially effective because it allows air to circulate and absorbs moisture without feeling soggy. It’s lightweight and breathable, softens over time, affordable, widely available, machine washable and durable.
- Linen – If you’re serious about beating the heat, linen pajamas are a game-changer. Made from flax fibers, linen has a naturally open weave, making it one of the most breathable and thermoregulating fabrics on the market. It also absorbs moisture without clinging to your skin, making it ideal for humid nights. Though linen can feel coarse at first, it becomes softer and more lived-in with every wash. It boasts breathability, wicks moisture, dries quickly, gets softer over night and is naturally antibacterial.
- Bamboo – Bamboo-based fabrics, such as bamboo rayon or viscose, are silky smooth, breathable and naturally temperature-regulating. Sheets and nightwear made from bamboo feel cool to the touch and excel at pulling moisture away from the body.
Bamboo is also a sustainable choice, thanks to the fast-growing nature of the bamboo plant. It’s a fabric worth considering if you’re looking for a naturally cool and smooth option, that also balances sustainability.
- Tencel – Tencel is made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, typically eucalyptus), and it’s a strong contender in the category of cooling, breathable summer fabrics. It has a luxuriously smooth texture, but without the high maintenance that comes with silk.
Tencel also has excellent moisture management, making it ideal for sweaty sleepers. It resists bacterial growth and holds up well wash after wash. It’s cool to the touch, ultra-smooth, highly breathable and absorbent, and resistant to odor and bacteria.
- Jersey Knit – While it’s not as airy as linen or bamboo, lightweight jersey sheets and pajamas can still offer comfort in warmer temperatures, especially in drier climates. As long as you choose a jersey made from 100% cotton or a bamboo-cotton blend, you can enjoy the best balance of softness and breathability. It’s not the top choice for sweaty sleepers, but it’s great if you value a homey, relaxed feel. It’s soft, stretchy, easy to maintain and long-lasting.
How to Maximise Summer Sleep Comfort
Choosing the right fabric is the foundation of summer comfort, but here are a few extra ways to stay cool. Once you’ve chosen your ideal fabric, follow these rules to take your comfort to the next level.
- Layer Wisely – Use a lightweight quilt or a single top sheet instead of bulky comforters in the summer. You’ll be surprised at how much heat a duvet traps.
- Wash Often – Summer sweat can build up quickly, so aim to wash your sheets weekly. Not only does this make your bed feel clean and a lot more welcoming, but it helps to keep hygiene in check.
- Skip Synthetic Blends – Avoid polyester or microfiber sheets in hot weather, as they trap heat and don’t breathe.
- Cool Your Room – Combine breathable fabrics with fans or open windows to enhance airflow; the combination will help you to stay cooler, even on the warmest nights.
Ready for a Restful Night’s Sleep This Summer?
Your bedding doesn’t just decorate your bedroom, it shapes how well you sleep, especially during the summer months.
The fabric you choose can either trap heat or help you release it, so upgrading your bed sheets and pajamas isn’t just about luxury, it’s about health and comfort. Whether you love the crisp simplicity of cotton, the breathable elegance of linen or the eco-cool softness of bamboo, there’s a summer-perfect option for everyone. You’ll be enjoying a cooler, better sleep and more restful mornings before you know it. With the right sleepwear for summer
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