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The best cooling pyjamas to keep night sweats at bay
No sweat
Tested by Kim HawleyHealth and Fitness Tester
It can sometimes feel like nothing will fix the horrible night sweats, but the best cooling pyjamas could be the answer.
Because, despite what you may think, sleeping naked doesn’t actually help you beat the heat. Instead, you need to cover up (in the right fabric) to cool down. Though layering may seem counterintuitive, there’s science to back this up. Cooling pyjamas are made from breathable materials, such as lyocell or linen, which wick away moisture and stop it pooling on the skin. This helps to regulate your body temperature more effectively than bare skin on sheets.
There are now quite a few sets out there and it can be hard to know which ones actually deliver on their promises. But don’t sweat it – the Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a panel of hot sleepers to test some of the best options on the market and asked them for their honest feedback.
The best cooling pyjamas
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Joint runner-up cooling pyjamas
Cozy Earth Women's Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set
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We tasked a group of hot sleepers to try a range of pyjamas with cooling and sweat-wicking claims to see if they really did manage to keep their cool throughout the night. Read on for our full verdicts, and for further detail on testing below.
These are the sets we’ll be shopping for a fresh night's sleep.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable material
- The fit was neither too tight nor too baggy
Cons
- Fabric feels thick to the touch, but comfortable once on
Score: 91/100
The ModiCool technology used in the fabric of this T-shirt and shorts set kept our testers cool and successfully wicked away moisture. Those prone to night sweats on our panel said they noticed a huge difference while wearing them and they slept all the better for it.
Panellists also liked the design, finding them comfy and the fit true to size. Some even wished that there was a long trouser version for the winter months. “They truly kept me cooler,” said one chilled-out tester. Our sleep and wellness editor Priyankaa also swears by this set. Read her full verdict in her Modibodi cooling pyjamas review.
Key specifications
| Material | Organic cotton |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / Absorbency claims | Made with ‘ModiCool Technology’ which claims to absorb sweat |
| Washing instructions | Machine washable on a gentle cycle |
Cozy Earth Women's Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set
Pros
- Maintain shape and quality throughout washes
- Silky soft fabric
Cons
- Some taller testers found the long length was still slightly short
Score: 89/100
These Cozy Earth PJs were a big hit with our hot sleeping panel. They’re made from natural bamboo fibre, which is known for its cooling and sweat-wicking properties, and proved extremely effective at keeping the night sweats at bay.
The ultra soft material means they’re great for staying cool throughout the night, but they also make the perfect lazy Sunday uniform. “I loved wearing them and lamented taking them off in the morning,” said one tester. So why bother?
The piped edged design and pockets were another plus point for testers – as if you needed another reason to keep them on. With nine colours, seven sizes, and a couple of lengths to choose from, there really is a Cozy Earth set for everyone.
Key specifications
| Material | 95% premium viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / Absorbency claims: | Cooling |
| Washing instructions: | Machine wash cold with normal detergent |
Pros
- Lovely patterned designs to choose from
- Luxury feel
Cons
- Full length which some hot sleepers may not prefer
Score: 89/100
First thing’s first, we love these patterned PJs. They look good, and thanks to their lightweight Tencel material, they feel good against skin, too. Plus, Stripe & Stare is a B Corp that aims to promote sustainability and female solidarity. So, as well as being naturally moisture-wicking, the Tencel Modal fibres in this set come from controlled and certified wood sources and are made using technology that produces low emissions, which means you’re doing good while you snooze, too.
Performance-wise, they’re light and comfortable, with one of our testers saying they felt invisible to wear “in the nicest way possible.” Another told us: “I felt cooler when I had a hot flush and wasn’t sweaty and sticky.” They tick every box.
Key specifications
| Material | 95% Tencel™ Modal, 5% Elastane. Lace: 91% Nylon, 9% Elastane. |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / absorbing claims: | Cooling |
| Washing instructions: | Machine washable |
Pros
- Non-clingy fabric
- Available in different lengths and colourways
Cons
- The long sleeves and trousers weren't for everyone but you can mix and match
Score: 88/100
Drift off into a deep slumber without the dreaded sweats in this pretty satin set. They’re designed to keep you cool and comfortable, and have anti-static properties, so the fabric won’t cling to your skin. One panellist said they slipped on like a glove, which sounds ideal come bedtime.
One menopausal tester told us they were slightly sceptical about wearing long sleeves and bottoms to bed, but after testing them, said they would definitely recommend them to others and they were planning to buy them in another colourway. On that note, if you prefer to just wear a vest on top, you can buy shorts or long bottoms separately in the same ‘Dream Satin’ range. There's also a short sleeve shirt.
Key specifications
| Material | 100% polyester (exclusive of trimmings) |
|---|---|
| Sweat-wicking/absorbency claims | Cool Comfort™ and Cling Resist™ tech moves moisture away from the body and prevents static. |
| Washing instructions | Wash at 40C, tumble dry and iron on low temperature |
Pros
- Excellent at absorbing sweat and moisture
- Stayed in place through the night
Cons
- Can't be tumble dried
Score: 86/100
Uniqlo is known for creating cool, wearable clothes, but these temperature-regulating pyjamas take that quite literally. Testers thought they were well designed, and one told us: "I’d be happy to answer the door in these”, further proving the dual cool credentials. There’s actual science behind them too, as the entire AIRism range is made from an absorbent, water vapour-emitting fabric that’s designed to keep your body cool and dry as you sleep.
These PJs are also a great option for the bed wrigglers out there, as multiple testers said they didn’t ride up or gather at the knees. When it came to washing, they showed minimal signs of shrinkage and fading, with testers saying they looked “as good as new” after three washes.
Key specifications
| Material | 74% cotton, 26% polyester |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / absorbing claims: | Cooling |
| Washing instructions | Machine wash up to 40 degrees, gentle cycle, do not dry clean, not suitable for tumble dryer |
Pros
- Lightweight and stretchy material
- Dry quickly
Cons
- More expensive than other shortie sets
Score: 86/100
Designed specifically for those experiencing hot sweats during perimenopause and menopause, this light, loose set is made with moisture-wicking Lyocell and Freshtech technology, which the brand claims can reduce body heat by 2.5°. As all our testers said they would recommend the PJs to others, we can safely say they impressed on test. They also alleviated night sweats with one tester saying they helped them feel cooler and stopped them waking up drenched. “The best I’ve tried,” was how they summed them up.
While one tester liked that this was a short set as it kept them cooler, another said they would have liked a long trouser option as, while she’s generally hot under the duvet, when she got on top of the covers, she felt cold. “Menopause – when you know you know,” is how she summed it up. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Key specifications
| Material | 45.5% Lyocell, 45.5% Regenerated Cellulose Fibre, 9% Spandex. Collar Fabric: 46% Lyocell, Cotton, 8% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / absorbency claims | Designed for hot sleepers, night sweats and hot flushes experienced during menopause or perimenopause |
| Washing instructions | Gentle wash at 30°C, do not tumble dry, dry cleanable |
Pros
- 4-way stretch material
- Has pockets
Cons
- Bold colours and patterns not for everyone
Score: 82/100
The Oodie’s cooling pyjamas are sold as individual pieces in the same temperature-regulating material, so you can opt for shorts and a T-shirt (also £39), or long sleeves and bottoms. Whatever your preference, all sets are made from an ultra-cooling modal blend, which the brand claims is significantly more cooling than regular jersey fabric.
Testers loved how flexible and lightweight the material was. One even said they managed to keep them cool during a sweltering heatwave. Impressive! Not everyone's going to love the designs available but for comfort, they're hard to beat.
The material feels silky soft but just note that the waistband is slightly less forgiving and some found it a little restrictive. We recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes or you’d prefer something looser.
Read the full review from our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa, here: Oodie cooling pyjamas review
Key specifications
| Material | 87% modal, 13% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / Absorbency claims | Cooling |
| Washing instructions | Cold machine wash, separate colours, mild detergent, do not tumble dry |
Pros
- Extremely comfortable to wear
- Fit well after multiple washes
Cons
- Spaghetti straps may not stay in place if you're a restless sleeper
Score: 79/100
If shorts or trousers aren’t your thing, then you might want to try these floaty slips from Next instead, which come in either a short, regular or long length. Made from a light cotton fabric, testers praised how cool and comfortable they were. “I suffer from hot flushes, and found this slip helped ease them,” said one impressed panellist.
You don’t have to worry when you put it in the wash either, as these slips conveniently come in packs of two so you can have them in constant rotation. And when it does come time to pop them in the machine, you can be assured that they washed and dried well in our lab.
Key specifications
| Material | 95% Cotton, 5% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / absorbing claims | Cooling |
| Washing instructions | Machine washable |
Pros
- Stylish sleepwear
- Maintain quality and appearance through washes
Cons
- Could be more effective at sweat wicking
Score: 79/100
If you’re looking for elegant sleepwear, we think you’ll love this navy, button-up set. All our testers liked the feel and stylish design, which they said looked great on. “I feel so cosy and lovely in them,” said one happy tester.
However, despite the lightweight Tencel fabric, the temperature-regulating claims didn’t quite live up to expectations for everyone, with some especially hot testers saying they didn’t keep them as cool as they’d hoped. Others found they did the job nicely, so they might just be one to avoid for those experiencing menopausal sweats. “To anyone not experiencing night sweats, I would absolutely recommend as a nice set of winter pyjamas,” concurred one tester.
Key specifications
| Material | 95% TENCEL Modal, 5% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / absorbency claims | Temperature regulating |
| Washing Instructions | Turn inside out and machine wash up to 40 degrees |
How we test cooling pyjamas
To help us find the best cooling pyjamas to keep you comfortable at night, we asked five hot sleepers to bed down in a range of designs over a two-week period.
We then asked them to score each set based on design, fit, quality of fabric, stretch and comfort and, most importantly, performance overnight, including whether they felt they absorbed sweat well. Finally, we asked them to mark their set on how cooling the material felt and whether they’d continue to wear the PJs after the trial.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, we washed each set three times and took measurements before and after to assess any shrinkage or colour fading.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve tested thousands of products for over 100 years here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, so we're experts at analysing products against their claims.
Our team of experts create rigorous testing protocols, based on how you use the products at home. Sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, led this review, trying the pyjamas herself as well as reviewing them in the lab and analysing all our panellists' feedback.
Our lifestyle writer, Madeleine Evans, then used all the data and results to create the most accurate and trusted review possible. She’s written about hundreds of products, ranging from the best day creams to the best baby shampoos, so knows how to analyse feedback and pull out all the need-to-know info.
What’s the best material for pyjamas to keep you cool?
Cooling pyjamas often use synthetic materials like polyester, rayon, modal or lyocell for their moisture-wicking properties, but fabrics like cotton and linen are also naturally temperature regulating. It will ultimately come down to personal preference and affordability. Here's a quick breakdown of the different fabrics to consider.
✔️ Polyester is lightweight, quick-drying and breathable. It’s also durable and more affordable than cotton and linen.
✔️ Lyocell fabrics often have a super soft and cool-to-the-touch feel. The regenerated cellulosic fibres are considered semi-synthetics and provide moderate moisture-wicking abilities.
✔️ Cotton is known for its soft, breathable feel, helping to regulate temperature throughout the night, year-round.
✔️ Linen doesn't wick away night sweats, but the looser weave of its fabric does create a unique, comfortable feel, with hollow-core fibres for air circulation and breathability. Linen does tend to be the pricier pick though.
How do I know if a fabric is moisture-wicking?
When your internal body temperature rises and you start to sweat at night, a cooling, sweat-wicking fabric should draw moisture away from your skin, absorbing it and drying quickly.
If you’re unsure if a fabric is moisture-wicking, try this mini version of our test: Place a small drop of water on the inside of the fabric where it touches your skin. The drop should quickly spread out wide. If it beads up on the fabric, it’s not going to solve your sweaty problems.
For more cooling solutions, check out our roundups of the best cooling bedding, best cooling pillows and best tower fans.
The verdict on the best cooling pyjamas
If you’re prone to disruptive night sweats, you can sleep easily in our winning pair, the ModiBodi ModiDry T-Shirt Sleep Set. Not only were they popular with our panel, but they’re a firm favourite of our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi.
Pyjamas are subjective; some like shorts, some like trousers. But if a nightie is more your gig, then these Next Cooling Cotton Slips are an excellent set of keeping cool.
Stylish sleeper? Then we recommend this Stripe and Stare Long Pyjama set. Plus, the brand is also a B Corp.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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