Clothes to sleep in during summer

Short answer: A thin layer that moves moisture is better than nothing. Bare skin against the sheet traps moisture between skin and fabric and feels clammy after a few hours.

A layer absorbs the moisture

The body gives off moisture all night, and in summer it is more than usual. Without anything on, sweat stays between skin and sheet, and the sheet can only absorb part of it. A thin layer absorbs the moisture and moves it outwards, so the skin feels drier. See the light styles in bamboo tops for women.

Why bare skin feels clammy

Many people sleep without clothes in summer to stay cool. It often works at first, but after a few hours the sheet has taken up so much moisture that it sticks to the skin. The back and the areas resting on the mattress get damp first. A thin layer catches that moisture and can be washed after every night.

Loose rather than close fitting

At night the fabric does not need to sit close to the skin. A loose, thin layer lets air reach the body, and the air helps moisture evaporate. Choose trousers or shorts that sit loosely around the thighs and waist and do not tighten when you turn over. See the soft styles in bamboo sweatpants for women.

A thin fabric is enough

In summer, thickness decides how warm nightwear feels. A thin fabric does not hold heat but still absorbs moisture. Bamboo viscose is smooth and light and feels cool against the skin, especially in the first minutes after you lie down. On the hottest nights, choose the thinnest layer you have.

Change into something fresh each night

Clothing worn all day brings moisture and warmth into bed. Change into something clean before you sleep, even if you have only worn it for a few hours. If you have a soft layer for cool summer evenings outside, take it off before bedtime. See bamboo hoodie for women.

Avoid dense synthetic fabrics

Dense synthetic fabrics are the worst choice in summer. They neither absorb nor release moisture, so sweat stays between skin and fabric all night. It feels warm and sticky. A fabric that absorbs moisture and lets it evaporate keeps you calmer, even when the bedroom is warm.

The bedroom matters too

Clothing is only part of the answer. Air the room in the evening when the air outside is cooler, and draw the curtains during the day. Use a thin sheet instead of a duvet on the hottest nights. A thin layer of nightwear and a cool room together give the best summer sleep.

Washing and care

Nightwear gets damp quickly in summer and needs washing more often than in winter. Wash bamboo viscose inside out at a low temperature and without fabric softener, which can coat the fibres. Let it air dry. In summer that goes quickly, and the fabric keeps its softness and its ability to move moisture.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cooler to sleep without clothes

Not necessarily. Many people sleep cooler in a thin layer that absorbs moisture than with bare skin against the sheet.

Which fabric is worst in summer

Dense synthetic fabrics. They neither absorb nor release moisture, so sweat stays against the skin.

How often should summer nightwear be washed

Every other night is a good starting point, and more often in hot spells when you sweat a lot at night.