8 best women’s summer pyjamas and nightwear to keep you cool all night long
We love summer – who doesnt? More time spent outside, bright mornings and longer evenings which mean we can eat dinner outside too. But, with warm sunny days comes hot sticky nights.
Cool showers and sleeping with nothing on can help solve overheating, but if that's not for you, you need to find the right pyjamas for the job. And there's nothing more important than knowing your fabrics when it comes to summer nightwear.
Usually natural materials like cotton are most people's go-to, but as they are lightweight, if you're a sweater, cotton does just soak it up.
Welcome in linen, which dries much quicker than cotton, so you won't wake up with a soggy top sticking to you, but isn't quite as soft. It keeps you cool in summer and warmer in winter, so it's a great all-rounder.
Silk, if you're willing to splash out, is the ultimate pj material as it's cool, moisture wicking and not to mention super soft on your skin.
But there's an eco alternative to this: bamboo. It can look and feel almost the same as silk and is breathable, too. There's also rayon, a man-made fabric created from cotton and woodpulp, which is also widely used to imitate silk.
We've tested these pyjamas for how comfy there were, and how cool they kept us during these balmy summer nights.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
M&S collection dobby revere collar short pyjama set: £13, M&S
This cute little light-denim blue striped set is made even more summery looking with a little bright pink polka dot pattern. The stretchy waistband shorts are some of the most comfortable we’ve ever had and we love the little extra details like the cotton covered buttons which makes the set feel far more luxurious than its very affordable price tag. They are also made from sustainably sourced pure cotton, and we didn't wake up feeling sticky. Available in sizes 6-22 and also available in ¾ length trousers and shirt set, too.
Nightire lobster roll short set: £59, Brooks & Sharpe
Nightire – taking its name from the merging of “night” and “attire” – pjs are made from 100 per cent bamboo, which is environmentally friendly and moisture wicking, but look and feel luxurious like silk. The bottoms are elasticated with a scalloped bottom and the shirt also has a top right pocket, but we really love the subtle detail of an embroidered outline of a closed eye on either lapel, reminding us that these are to sleep in, but we’d happily wear them anywhere. They’re oh-so-silky to wear and we didn't overheat in bed. We’re absolutely obsessed with them. Available in sizes XS-XL and there's cute matching scrunchies and eye masks, too.
Desmond & Dempsey Fauvist sleep top cami and matching shorts: £50 each, Desmond & Dempsey
We love this brand which began life by making boyfriend fit pj shirts for her, but the designs didn’t stop there, as this set is testament too. Inspired by the 20th century Fauvist artists like Henri Matisse, this hand printed design makes us feel like we’re in a painting where the sun is setting on the water. Made with 100 per cent cotton – as everything is by the brand – the top has adjustable straps while the elasticated waist bottoms have a tie and pockets. There’s also the brand’s usual piping edging along the shorts too. These are a summer holiday must that will keep you feeling – and looking – cool. No night sweats here. Available in XS-XL.
Anthropologie lemon embroidered sleep top: £35, and matching shorts £40, Anthropologie
For us, there’s nothing more summery than lilac and yellow, and this set with cute little embroidered lemons hits the nail on the head. We especially love that the shorts have pockets – who doesn’t need pockets in their jammies?! – and the pull-over-the-head style top with it’s collared v-neck is unusual too. They're made from rayon, so they're light and breathable at night and the scalloped pipping detail along the bottom of the top and shorts is nice too. Available in XS-XL.
The White Company ruffle trim pyjama set: £34.30, The White Company
If you still want a little bit of cosiness in the summer, these jersey grey marl pjs are for you. They’re soft, but still thin enough not to get too hot and still nice enough to warrant wearing them post-breakfast. We love the little frill on the bottom of the shorts and the ¾ length sleeves, and have been struggling to take them off since we got them. Available in L-XL.
Wallace Cotton hortense sleep short: £23.80, Wallace Cotton
We love hydrangeas and these shorts from New Zealand brand Wallace Cotton – who is best known for its dreamy bed linen – remind us summery gardens in full bloom. They’re very lightweight without being see-through and the dusky pink and white heads with deep green leaves print is finished off with a chunky white and pink tassel drawstring. Match it with the Elsa singlet top, sold separately. Available in S-L.
Piglet white linen pyjamas shorts set: £80, Piglet
If you prefer a long top with your shorts set, then Piglet’s matching top and bottoms are the answer. Made from French flax – which is cool in the summer and warm in the winter – this set oozes luxury and you’ll absolutely want to go to breakfast in it, as well as wear them all day on lazy Sundays too, and won’t be caught out if someone rings the doorbell. The chic set is finished off with pearlised buttons and contrasting navy piping. They are designed to have an oversized fit, but we recommend going for a size below your usual. Also available in pale pink, navy and stripped and sizes S-L.
Missguided purple satin cami frill short pyjama set: £20, Missguided
This cute little set is a winner if you prefer to wear as little as possible and something silky feeling. Made up of a cropped top with adjustable straps and high waisted hot pant-style shorts with a cute frill along the hem, these bring a little glam to bed time, and come in seven colours, but our favourite is the lilac. Available in sizes 4-16.
The verdict: Women’s summer pyjamas
For their comfort, summery design and price we think you can’t beat the M&S collection dobby revere collar short pyjama set, but if you’re happy to splash out, we think the Nightire lobster roll short set is wonderfully comfy and has big eco-points.
