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The best cooling pyjamas to keep night sweats at bay, tested by our panel
No sweat
Tested by Kim HawleySenior Health & 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 on the market making a lot of 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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Best long-sleeved 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.
TBCo Cropped Cotton Pyjamas
TBCo Cropped Cotton Pyjamas
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable material
- Stayed in place over night
Cons
- Testers didn’t note a major impact on sleep quality
Score: 89/100
Designed with comfort in mind, this cropped pyjama set from stylish lifestyle brand TBCo stands out for its relaxed, roomy fit. The oversized silhouette makes them easy to move in and ideal for warmer nights, although some of our testers recommended sizing down for a slightly neater fit. The thick waistband has plenty of stretch for added comfort, too.
Made from lightweight cotton that absorbs moisture and a gauzy weave for extra breathability, our panel thought the price point was justified. “They’re perfect for spring and summer,” said one satisfied tester.
Key specifications
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / absorpency claims | Cotton is naturally temperature regulating |
| Washing instructions: | Machine wash at 30ºc. Do not bleach. Tumble drying possible, low temperature. Line dry in the shade. Do not wring. Cool iron. |
Cozy Earth Women's Bamboo Stretch-Knit Long Sleeve Pajama Set
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 sleepers. They’re made from natural bamboo fibre, which is known for its cooling and sweat-wicking properties, and they proved extremely effective at keeping the night sweats at bay.
They’re another pricey pick, but the ultra soft material means they’re great for keeping cool throughout the night, and 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 our testers. 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 |
Stripe & Stare Long Pyjama Set
Stripe & Stare Long Pyjama Set
Pros
- Lovely patterned designs to choose from
- Luxury feel
Cons
- Full length, which some hot sleepers may not prefer
Score: 89/100
These cool PJs look good, and thanks to their lightweight Tencel material, they feel good against the 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 come from controlled and certified wood sources and are made using tech that produces lower 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 |
WUKA Jersey Pyjama set
Pros
- Lightweight and stretchy material
- Quick drying
Cons
- More expensive than other short 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 tech, 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 panellist 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 |
The White Company Classic Cotton Sateen Stripe Pyjama Set
The White Company Classic Cotton Sateen Stripe Pyjama Set
Pros
- Quality fabric
- Breathable and lightweight
Cons
- Small buttons are slightly fiddly
Score: 85/100
Messy eaters, beware – these crisp white PJs are practically a blank canvas for tomato sauce and red wine mishaps. Luckily, they held up well in our wash tests, maintaining both their bring white colour and quality finish. Testers did note they came out slightly crumpled, so you may want to reach for the iron if you’re after a perfectly pristine look.
Our testers found them lightweight and breathable, raving about how comfortable they were to sleep in. They look good too, thanks to the elegant sateen stripe finish, which adds a subtle touch of luxury.
Key specifications
| Material | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sweat wicking / Absorbency claims: | Absorbing cotton |
| Washing instructions: | Machine wash |
The Oodie Cloud Cooling PJ Shorts
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, 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 our editor's full 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 |
Next Long Naturally Cooling Cotton Midi Slips – 2 Pack
Next Long Naturally Cooling Cotton Midi Slips – 2 Pack
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 |
Chelsea Peers TENCEL Modal Long Button Up
Chelsea Peers TENCEL Modal Long Button Up
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 with each set for a minimum of two weeks.
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 these easy-to-read reviews, focusing on what matters most when you’re looking for a pair of comfy PJs. She’s written about hundreds of products, ranging from the best hypoallergenic bedding to the best menopause skincare.
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.
Do cooling pyjamas really work?
Cooling pyjamas are usually made with sweat-wicking fabrics and cooling tech, which means they can be a good solution for anyone who runs hot or wants to say cool in a heatwave.
They are more effective than regular pyjamas or indeed wearing nothing as the specialised fabric draws sweat and moisture away from the skin, helping to regulate body temperature. That’s not to say they will work for everyone, but it’s worth trying if you are someone who tends to overheat. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options to try, including these Midi Slips from Next, which come in at under £30.
What is the difference between sweat wicking and cooling?
Sweat-wicking fabrics (which are usually synthetic e.g. polyester or nylon) work by drawing sweat from your skin onto the outer surface of the material, allowing it to then evaporate into the air. While this helps to regulate your body temperature and in turn cool you down, it’s different from cooling material, as it’s designed primarily to move sweat away from the body.
Cooling material, such as lyocell, tends to be lightweight and breathable. It’s designed to reduce body temperature and may also use airflow to create a cool-to-touch feel.
The verdict on the best cooling pyjamas
If you experience disruptive night sweats, you should sleep more easily in our top-scoring short set, TBCo's Cotton Pyjamas. Not only did they keep our panel members feeling cool, but everyone loved the stylish design.
However, if a nightie is more your style, then these Next Cooling Cotton Slips are an excellent option for keeping cool.
Prefer a longer trouser? Then we recommend this Stripe & Stare Long Pyjama set. The soft, breathable fabric won our testers over and the brand is a B Corp.
For more cooling solutions, check out our roundups of the best cooling bedding, best cooling pillows and best tower fans.
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 the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
