Summer’s in full force, which means most of us are living in what feels like a never-ending sauna. And if you run hot like me, the heat wave doesn’t end when you hit your head on the pillow at night. Unfortunately, staying cool while sleeping can be a real challenge even when you’ve swapped out your bedding for the season for more breathable materials. But if you really want to keep your cool 24/7, you’ll also want to finally put away the fleece pajamas this time of year and add some cooling pajamas into your rotation.
Below, we asked fashion stylists their go-to cooling pajamas that’ll help you snooze throughout the night without breaking a sweat, along with tips on what to look for when shopping for summer-appropriate PJs.
This elevated take on boxers is made with luxe Peruvian Pima cotton and comes in a variety of colors adorned with satin piping. The shorts rest at mid-thigh for more coverage, and the elastic waist offers a comfy fit. New York City-based fashion stylist and editor Audree Kate López also loves the nightshirt version of this set. "This is not your grandmother's nighty," she says.
Samantha Brown, celebrity stylist and bestselling author of “Dressing Up,” loves this camisole nightgown. It's made with proprietary temperature-regulating materials targeted to keep hot flashes and night sweats at bay (and eliminates body-odor-causing bacteria), features a loose fit and is made with wrinkle-resistant materials.
This under-$40 set from Amazon is made with cooling bamboo viscose and looks just like the pricier brands.
"Lunya has washable silk pajamas that are really comfy and perfect for temperature control if you’re a hot sleeper," says López. These are also one of my personal favorite pairs year-round since I'm a hot sleeper — plus, high-quality, washable silk is essentially unheard of. They're definitely a splurge, but I can attest that you get what you pay for; they make going to bed feel like a fancy event, and most importantly, they're made to last.
"I have been sleeping in the Wacoal tank and cotton hi-cut panties for about a year and they are perfect for summer," says López. "The material is lightweight, lays nicely on your body so it’s non-irritating and feels like you’re wearing nothing."
This chic short set has a 5-star rating, with customers saying it's "worth the money," and it's one of López's picks to boot. It's made with 95% Tencel, which is a lightweight, hypoallergenic and soft material that's similar to cotton, and it's inspired by classic men's pajamas for optimal comfort.
It's no secret Skims is a cult-favorite brand for comfy underwear and sleep staples, but if you need more convincing, this set has Brown's stamp of approval. It's made with 91% modal to help keep you cool, and the shorts have an interior drawstring for maximum comfort.
López also says Skims lives up to to the hype. "I live in the bralette year round, and it is a staple during the summer when I don’t want to wear a regular or underwire bra," she says. "The tank and boxer shorts are perfect for sleeping in as well."
Cozy Earth's breathable pajamas come with high praise from both Brown and López — plus this set made Oprah's Favorite Things list. These ones are made with breathable bamboo, and the drapey silhouette prevents bunching.
López particularly loves the brand's nightgown. "I am a hot sleeper and a nightgown is sometimes the perfect item to sleep in," she says.
Lusomé is one of Brown's favorite brands for cooling pajamas. Made with the brand's proprietary moisture-management and odor-control fabric called Xirotex, this cami is one you'll wish you discovered sooner. It features a shelf bra and lace detailing making it suitable to wear during the daytime, too. Pair it with the Cara short for a full set.
This breezy set is called "Cool Nights" for a reason. "I love Soma pieces and their Cool Nights collection is the perfect option for summer," says Lòpez. It's made with lightweight rayon fibers that are cool to the touch and prevent the fabric from sticking to your body.
"Don’t sleep on your favorite go-to brands like J.Crew, Loft, Ann Taylor, Target, etc.," says López. They have 100% cotton pajama sets and loungewear that are cute, comfy and more affordable than some designated intimate or pajama brands. This ruffle-adorned sleep dress is so chic, you could wear it out during the day.
At just $20, this linen-blend top looks way more expensive than it is. You could even use it as a bathing suit cover-up, too.
This resort-inspired set will transport you straight to a tropical vacation from the comfort of your bed (or, you could actually wear it to the beach!).
Lake is one of Brown's most-recommended brands for cooling pajamas. This relaxed, beachy set is made with high-quality Peruvian Pima cotton, has an elastic waistband and features an adorable all-over watercolor coral palm leaf print.