Expert consulted: 
I’ve been a hot sleeper for as long as I can remember. Waking up in the middle of the night to kick off my duvet and crank down the AC is pretty much a nightly routine. I’ve tried everything, including investing in breathable comforters to upgrading to the most luxurious, cool-to-the-touch sheets. I’m willing to try just about anything that will help me get a better night of sleep. When I found out that Rest, a brand that makes the GH Institute’s top-tested cooling comforter, was launching cooling pajamas, I jumped at the chance to put them to the test.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, fiber scientists and product analysts evaluate everything sleep-related, from the best bed sheets to cooling mattresses. We’ve assessed 24 types of cooling pajamas to date, and 6 in the past year, evaluating for factors like moisture management, pilling resistance and shrinkage after laundering. During my time at GH, I’ve also had the opportunity to get hands-on with cooling pajamas, including the new Rest Evercool, which I’ve been sleeping in for the past several weeks. Here’s everything you need to know about these PJ's and whether they helped me stay a comfortable temperature overnight. (Spoiler alert: They did!)
Pros
- Cool-to-the-touch feel
- Comfortable
- Breathable, lightweight material
- Flattering design with unique slits
- Available in shorts or pants styles
Cons
- Testers noticed some snags after use
- Only available in two shades
- Expensive
| Material | 50% nylon, 50% viscose |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S–XXL |
| Colors | Midnight blue and champagne gold |
What are cooling pajamas?
Cooling pajamas are exactly what they sound like: Pajamas that are meant to help you stay cool. “These pjs often use synthetic materials like polyester, rayon, modal or lyocell for their moisture-wicking properties,” explains Grace Wu, GH Institute textiles product review analyst.
This means that when your internal body temperature rises and you begin sweating, the fabric wicks away moisture from your skin and absorbs it into the fabric to allow it to spread out widely and quickly dry. Moisture-wicking material helps eliminate that “sticky, sweaty” feeling so you’re more comfortable as you sleep, and don’t feel the need to change your pajamas halfway through the night.
What material are Rest pajamas made of?
The Rest Evercool Cooling Pajamas claim to be moisture-wicking and breathable, according to the brand. They’re made of 50% nylon and 50% viscose. When I pulled them out of their packaging, they immediately felt cool to the touch. They have a silky-smooth texture that feels amazing against bare skin. Though I tend to shy away from sleeping in anything other than 100% cotton, which is popular for its softness and breathability, it’s not always as moisture-wicking as I’d like. I'm no stranger to waking up in a drenched cotton T-shirt.
According to Wu, “Nylon, a synthetic fiber, is known for its excellent moisture-wicking properties,” making it a smart choice for cooling pajamas. In addition, nylon is recognized for its durability and affordability. It typically contributes to a smooth and versatile feel, while viscose fabrics, a semi-synthetic with moderate moisture-wicking abilities, have a super soft and cool-to-the-touch feel. “Viscose adds softness for a better drape,” she says.
Are these PJ's actually cooling?
I’ll admit that I was initially hesitant about the Rest Evercool pajama’s material and had doubts about their ability to keep me cool overnight. After all, most pajamas that I’ve tried have failed. To my surprise, the super soft, smooth, silk-like texture of the PJ's quickly grew on me and I was impressed by how well the nylon and viscose blend performed. The PJ's managed to keep me cooler overnight than other pajamas that I own.
Though they didn't solve all my problems and I do still wake up overheating on occasion, what I appreciated most is that whenever I slipped them on, they had an immediate cooling effect. I started looking forward to their icy feel every evening and found the sensation similar to the joy of hopping into a bed with cold, crisp sheets.
What sizes and styles are available and how do they fit?
The Rest Evercool pajamas are available in sizes small to XXL. I ordered a medium since I like my pajamas to fit a bit loose, and the sizing couldn’t be better. The shorts rest perfectly against my waist (and aren’t so wide that they slip down), while the top offers just enough wiggle room to hide any bloating.
When it comes to design, these PJ's are cut in a unique fashion that grew on me. The top features an “A-line design” that has a back slit which allows for more airflow underneath. The shorts also feature slits on the sides for a “light, free-flowing fit.” I wasn’t sure about all of the slits at first, but I actually find them extremely flattering as well as pleasant when sleeping.
The slits allow the fabric to move around so you have less contact with the pajama's material and you ultimately feel like you’re wearing less clothing than you are. It’s almost as if you were sleeping in undies and a bra but with more coverage for when you do get out of bed, which I prefer.
For those who would rather sleep in pants, you can consider the pants set. Just note that the top doesn't have the same design; instead the tank top features an asymmetric hemline, which I don't find as stylish. It also doesn't include the back slits that I've come to enjoy.
The pajamas are available in only two shades: midnight blue and champagne gold. While I liked the traditional blue color, hopefully the brand adds additional shades down the line.
Bottom line: Are the Rest Evercool pajamas worth it?
The Rest Evercool Pajamas can definitely be worth it for hot sleepers who struggle with night sweats or overheating. I found the cool feel of the fabric to be exceptionally comfortable and welcoming, and the design was just as flattering.
There are, however, a few things to keep in mind before making a purchase. First, the pajamas are a bit pricey and retail for $130, though you might be able to find them on sale (I’ve seen them as low as $110). Sale or no sale, these pajamas are not inexpensive.
Also noteworthy is that I did notice some snags after a few uses, which leads me to believe that the material is more delicate and less durable than I would like. I recommend handling the pajamas with care.
But if you're like me and willing to resort to anything to get better sleep, the Rest Evercool pajamas are absolutely worth a shot. You can even consider pairing them with a set of cooling sheets or the Rest Evercool comforter to help fight those pesky night sweats.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This story was written by Olivia Lipski, a GH Institute senior reviews writer and analyst who covers everything from tech to travel, home, fitness and more. She frequently collaborates with our Textiles Lab experts to write stories like the best sheets on Amazon, adjustable bed sheets and more. As a hot sleeper, she personally reviewed the Rest Evercool cooling pajamas by wearing them to sleep for the past few weeks and consulted Grace Wu, textiles product reviews analyst, for insight on the pajama's fabric and construction.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
