Stay Cool and Comfortable: Summer Nightwear Guide for a Restful Sleep

By Shelby Bonner Jun 25, 2023

Sleeping is one of the most important, if not the most important things we need to stay healthy and happy. When the weather gets hot and the sun stays out longer, it can be a challenge to get a good night's sleep.

Experts recommend staying between 16 to 18 degrees Celsius at night for optimal sleep. The last thing you want is to be tossing and turning through the night, unable to get comfortable because you are too hot, and wake up the next day not feeling rested.

Here are our top picks for what to wear to bed in the summer to keep you cool and comfortable so you can fall asleep and stay asleep.

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All Natural Fabrics

The type of fabrics you choose is key, especially during hot temperatures. Choose all-natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo. Cotton is soft, and naturally cooling, but is not great at wicking away moisture so opt for another type of fabric if you sweat during the night.

Linen is soft, breathable, and has moisture-wicking properties. It is however more expensive and wrinkles easily. Bamboo is both a natural wicking fabric and hypoallergenic, with antibacterial properties, making it a great choice if you overheat or sweat during the night.

Another option is a fabric blend, where a combination of different fabrics are used to create material that will keep you cool and dry, wick away moisture, and reduce both bacteria and odor.

Take our natural fabrics quiz.

Avoid Certain Things

In addition to choosing the right items, it is just as important to stay away from certain things. Avoid buttons, snaps, scratchy lace, and anything else that can press into the skin, or leave you irritated or itchy.

Also avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester as they will trap in heat, accomplishing the exact opposite of what you need on a hot night.

If you have sensitive skin, shy away from materials that claim to be wrinkle-free, as the chemicals in them may irritate your skin.

Lastly, avoid wearing dirty pajamas. When we sleep, we leave behind all kinds of things like dead skin, sweat, drool, and oil. Pajamas that are not clean will hold on to these things and potentially irritate your skin.

Learn more about keeping your clothes clean.

Comfort:

As you might imagine, wearing comfortable clothes to bed is ever so important. Don’t wear clothes that are so loose that they easily tangle when you move or rollover. Not only will you be uncomfortable, but you might be woken up trying to readjust your clothes.

Don’t wear the other extreme of clothes that are too tight. Not only will they be uncomfortable, but they may reduce circulation, and make you more at risk for yeast infections.

Check out more comfortable clothes here.

Eye Mask:

If your room is bright or you have trouble falling asleep, try an eye mask. Not only will it block out light, but it will also help communicate to your brain that it is time to go to sleep.

Stick with natural fibers like cotton, linen, and bamboo so as not to overheat your face.

Earplugs:

Whether your partner snores, your neighbors are loud, or there is any other kind of disturbing noise at night, earplugs can help block out these sounds and help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

Bralette

Unlike a bra, a bralette is looser and more comfortable for sleep while still offering the support you need.

Discover more bralettes here.

Oversized T-Shirt

An oversized t-shirt is a great easy option for your next night. Whether it's your t-shirt or your partner's, you will stay cool and comfortable no matter what the temperature gets outside.

Just make sure it is not so baggy that it interferes with your comfort. Wear it alone or pair it with shorts or boxers.

Check out these organic cotton t-shirts.

Tank Top

Just like during the day, a tank top is great for hot weather. It covers just the right amount while letting the rest of you breathe. It can be paired with any type of bottom and even layered over a bralette or under a robe.

Don't break the bank with these tank tops.

Sweats

Sweats can be carried over from winter and spring. Choose ones with lightweight material and you can still stay cool while being covered.

Try out these sweats.

Boxers/Gym Shorts

For both women and men boxer shorts and gym shorts are a comfortable, loose option to wear to bed. Both come in a variety of fits and offer breathable, moisture-wicking material, making them a great option to keep you cool and dry.

Discover more boxers here.

Discover more shorts here.

Wear Nothing

Around two-thirds of people sleep in the nude around the globe. Sleeping nude not only allows maximum comfort, as there is no fabric to rub against you or get twisted, but it also allows you to breathe and avoid skin irritations and infections.

With nothing constricting blood flow, it might also help improve circulation. It is also easier to regulate your body temperature, especially on hot nights, allowing for cooler sleep and better sleep as you are more likely to enter REM cycles which help improve your mood, memory, and comprehension.

One thing to be aware of is that sleeping nude can increase the bacteria in your bed, so make sure to wash your sheets often.

Check out these eco-friendly fabric softeners to help keep your sheets soft.

Socks

If your feet stay cold even in the hottest of months, or if you can’t sleep without them covered, socks are still an option. Choose a lightweight material and a loose fit to help your feet from overheating and stay comfortable. Plus if your feet get too hot, they will be easier to remove during the night.

Why not try a pair of sustainable socks?

Matching Set

Nightwear can still look nice and elegant. Stick with short sleeves and shorts and you can look good and feel good at the same time.

Check out more matching pajama sets.

Baby Doll

Whether it's a special occasion, or just because, why not dress it up with a baby doll? Go with something simple, or something more embellished with soft lace or embroidery. Make sure it's comfortable and breathable for sleep, and you are good to go.

Check out more lingerie here.

Nightgown

A nightgown is a loose, breathable option making it a great choice for summer. It is a great comfortable option and with so many different styles and fits, you are sure to find one that works best for you.

Find more comfortable nightgowns here.

Headband

Whether you have long hair or tend to sweat at night, a headband can be a great item for bedtime. It will help absorb your sweat and keep your hair out of your face for an optional sleep.

Choose materials that are both moisture-wicking and light so as not to irritate or overheat you during the night.

Check out these eco-friendly headbands.

Onesies

Who said onesies are just for kids? There are so many different onesies and rompers to choose from, you are sure to find something that works for you. Try a romper with short sleeves and shorts during the summer months to keep you cool and stylish.

Try out these bamboo onesies.

There is no one solution for what to wear to bed in the summer. Choose what works best for you and we hope you have a great night's sleep!

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About the Author: Shelby Bonner

Shelby Bonner is a freelance graphic designer and writer who is passionate about fashion, and ethical, environmentally friendly fashion. She enjoys finding new brands, and following the latest styles each season.