Clothes to sleep in during winter

Short answer: A thin long sleeved layer and a pair of thin socks. The duvet provides the warmth, and the clothing only needs to keep the skin dry and cover shoulders and feet.

The duvet warms you, not the clothing

Under a duvet, thick nightwear quickly becomes too warm, and then you start to sweat. The duvet holds the warmth, and the clothing has a different job. A thin layer is enough to keep the skin dry and cover the areas the duvet does not reach. See long sleeve bamboo T-shirt, which is thin enough to sleep in.

Why thick nightwear makes you sweat

It is tempting to put on thick nightwear when the bedroom is cold. But once you are under the duvet, the temperature rises quickly, and a thick layer holds the heat in. The body responds by sweating, and the damp clothing cools you when you later turn over or put an arm outside. Thin is usually better.

Shoulders and feet are the cold spots

The shoulders often stick out above the duvet, and the feet lie at the far end where the duvet is thinnest. That is where you feel the cold first. Long sleeves cover shoulders and arms, and a pair of thin socks keeps the feet warm without squeezing. See the thin styles in bamboo socks.

Dry all night

If nightwear gets damp, it cools you when you turn over, and that can wake you up. A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin keeps the balance, so you neither freeze nor sweat. Bamboo viscose is smooth, thin and soft against the skin. See more styles in the range for women.

Socks at night

Cold feet are one of the most common reasons for lying awake in winter. A pair of thin socks solves it for many people. Choose a pair that does not squeeze at the ankle and is not so thick that the foot gets warm and damp. Take them off during the night if you get too warm.

The bedroom in winter

A cool bedroom is comfortable for many people, as long as the duvet and nightwear suit the temperature. Air the room briefly before bed so the air is fresh, and keep the radiator low. If the room is very cold, a warmer duvet is a better choice than thicker nightwear.

A layer you can take off

Some nights are colder than others. Keep an extra layer by the bed that you can put on if you wake up cold and take off again if you get warm. It is easier than changing the duvet, and it lets you adjust without getting up.

Washing and care

Nightwear absorbs moisture every night, in winter too. Wash it regularly, inside out at a low temperature and without fabric softener, which can coat the fibres. Let it air dry instead of using a tumble dryer. That way bamboo viscose keeps its softness and its ability to move moisture.

Frequently asked questions

Should you sleep in socks in winter

Many people do. Cold feet are the most common reason for lying awake, and a pair of thin socks often helps.

Is thick nightwear better in winter

No, usually not. Under the duvet it gets too warm and you sweat instead, so a thin layer is the better choice.

How cold can the bedroom be

Sixteen degrees is comfortable for many people, as long as the duvet and nightwear suit the temperature in the room.