The best cooling pajamas for managing night sweats, tested by hot sleepers

Best overall: Dagsmejan Nattcool Air Sleep Tech Slip Dress

"Usually when I sweat in my sleep, my pajamas are damp as a result. But waking up in this slip dress, I feel genuinely refreshed.

Dagsmejan is a Swedish sleepwear brand that uses patented technology in their fabrics, like the eucalyptus-based 'Nattcool.' It's a unique textile with impressive moisture-wicking properties that the brand claims is eight times as breathable as cotton.

I first tested this claim last summer by sleeping in the August heat without air conditioning. Sure enough, it kept me comfortably dry through the night. Then, when this summer began with a heat dome, I broke out this nightdress again. It's held up even after months of washing and wearing.

It's made with 100% Lyocell, which feels cool, slippery, and lightweight to the touch. It's almost a shock to the system when you feel how cold the fabric is, even after it's been sitting in a climate-controlled room. The fit of the dress is relaxed with a split hem, so it's easy to move in if you toss and turn in your sleep.

Yes, the price is pretty steep for a nightie, but it really does work to curb night sweats. In fact, I found both Dagsmejan pieces I tested to be worth it, including the Relaxwear Kimono. It's my favorite bathrobe for summer, since I take hot showers no matter the temperature outside." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Best silk set: Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Short Set

"Eberjey's silk is beautifully billowy and cool to the touch. It's made of 16 momme, grade 6A silk, which is some of the highest quality around. And one touch will tell you all you need to know about how luxurious this set is, especially compared to some of the lower-cost pajamas on this list. It's expensive, but you get what you're paying for.

There are two versions of the Inez set. I had originally tested the long-sleeve and long pant version, which I love dearly but the arms and legs were a little long for my five-foot-one frame. The fabric is still the same luxurious silk, but having to roll the pants and sleeves up prevented it from being my go-to.

But I absolutely live in the Inez Washable Silk Short Set. It is so light and soft that it feels like silk is floating on my body. I got the printed version in the blue and white Wedgewood pattern (as an antique enthusiast, this little detail made it even more special).

I almost had to force myself to wear anything other than this set. The fit is perfect on me, and the fabric is pure luxury. But like all silk, it takes a little bit of effort to launder and de-wrinkle. However, this set makes it all worth it." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews

See our full Eberjey pajama review to hear more about our non-silk favorites from the brand.

Best silk nightgown: Lunya Washable Silk Tulip Dress

"Lunya's washable silk pajamas are celeb-favorites and Instagram darlings. And while all of Lunya's silk is great, their Tulip Nightgown is the breezy, cooling sleepwear of your dreams.

One of my favorite things about Lunya is the sleep-friendly features that they incorporate into their pieces. For example, this set has long side slits so your legs are free to sprawl in bed. The back of the dress also has a racerback silhouette, so your shoulders and arms are unrestricted.

Lunya is also great at making their silk actually washable. I've tested tons of silk pajamas and not all of them hold up after multiple washed. But this one definitely does — you may need to hit it with a steamer if you want it completely wrinkle-free, though." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews

See our Lunya washable silk review for our full rundown on the brand's silk pajamas.

Best cotton nightgown: Lake Alice Nightgown

Style editor Samantha Crozier found that nightgowns don't just make great cooling sleepwear — they double as a comfy daytime look, too. One of her favorites is the Alice Nightgown, made by Georgia-based pajama brand Lake. It's a knee-length dress that comes with pockets (huzzah!) and is crafted with a lightweight, puckered Pima cotton. Pima is the crème de la crème of cottons, known for its silkiness and strength.

"Trust me, sleeping in front of the fan in this crisp, thin-strapped dress will be a much more pleasant experience than sleeping in an old T-shirt that's probably made with nonporous synthetics," she writes. "Fabrics make all the difference when it comes to temperature control."

Best bamboo pajamas: Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set

"I'm a big fan of Cozy Earth's bamboo bedding, and their pajamas and loungewear are no exception. I'm particularly drawn to the women's stretch-knit bamboo viscose pajamas, which are breathable and naturally temperature-regulating. The Cozy Earth bamboo pajamas are available in various set combinations whether you like shorts or pants and long sleeves or short sleeves. The bottoms all have pockets and I love the contrast piping. I opted for the short sleeve and pants set, and I was comfortable all day and night (I admittedly didn't want to change and spent the day working in them, not to mention, the button-down top is definitely Zoom meeting friendly).

In addition to being insanely soft with plenty of spa-like colors to choose from, Cozy Earth is super size inclusive up to size 3XL and with petite and tall sizing. I have found that the fabric pills a bit between my thighs, but the fabric is designed to be warranted against that and overall washes pretty nicely." — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor, Insider Reviews

Find more of Jaclyn's favorite bedroom accessories in our guide to the best cooling products for better sleep.

Best affordable silk set: Quince 100% Washable Silk Pajamas

If you need an affordable silk pajama set, we found Quince silk pieces to be a satisfactory option. It's not as top-tier as Lunya or Eberjey, but still worth considering if you're on a budget.

"I love the breezy silhouette of the wide-leg pants with the side-slit and the oversized tee —it makes this set great to transition between seasons. I also appreciate that the top and bottoms are sold separately, so you can mix and matches sizes and colors, as well as other silk PJ styles including abutton-up shirt,tank, andshorts. Best of all, during testing, I found these pajamas to be truly washable without any detriment to the quality. There are seven gorgeous colors available in sizes XS through XL." — Talia Ergas, freelance style reporter, Insider Reviews

Some Quince silk pieces lasted us longer than others. Read more in our full Quince washable silk review.

Best pant set: Soma Cool Nights Printed Short-Sleeve Notch Collar & Cropped Pants

I know what you're thinking: How can long pajama pants be considered cooling? That's because these are made with a lightweight, cool-to-the-touch fabric that, in my opinion, offers plenty of breathing room when tossing and turning all night long (ah, pregnancy insomnia).

The relaxed fit and comfy elastic waistband are both added bonuses; plus, the matching short-sleeve button-down top is equally soft. I love this pair so much I packed them in my hospital go-bag when I went to deliver my twins. For me, the pretty palm tree print was just the icing on the cake, but you can choose from a handful of other patterns to suit your individual style.

Best shorts set: Tommy John Second Skin Sleep Tank & Short Set

I tend to gravitate towards shorts sets — especially in the summer months — so I was especially excited to try this one from Tommy John, which, as the name suggests, truly does feel like a second skin. Tommy John also sells its Second Skin pajamas as a set in a luxe ribbed fabric.

I especially loved the ultra-stretchy waistband, which didn't roll over let alone dig, tug, or irritate my very sensitive skin. It's worth noting that the set features modal, which is known for its supreme softness and durable properties (i.e. pill- , shrink-, and fade-resistant). I washed it to see how well it would hold up and was relieved to find it was just as soft and sumptuous as the first time I took it out of the box.

Read more in our full Tommy John loungewear review.

Best affordable nightgown: Bamboo Cool Sleep Dress

Bamboo fabric is known for its thermoregulating and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for year-round wear. So, as a hot sleeper, I was especially excited to try out this sleep dress, which, at under $25, is a total steal. The short-sleeve nightgown has a soft, stretchy, and oversized fit, providing plenty of coverage and breathing room while you snooze. One caveat: While it's not advertised, the dress does have a built-in shelf bra, which I wasn't particularly fond of. That said, some folks may count this as a pro.

Best patterned: Printfresh Short Sleep Set

Printfresh is best known for their loud prints and colorful designs as seen on many lifestyle influencers, but we've put their Short Sleep Set to the hot sleeper test and can confirm that they're more than just a bedtime fashion statement. This set comes in vibrant patterns for anyone who isn't afraid of a little color, and is available from petite small to a standard 6XL.

"I sleep hot, so shorts and a t-shirt are my go-to for bed, no matter the weather. Printfresh's short sleep set is comfortable, lightweight, and breathable; perfect for those of us who tend to overheat at night. I tried the set in my normal 3X and it was a little snugger than I prefer for pjs, and as Sally mentioned, there's not a ton of stretch to the material. If, like me, you prefer your PJs loose, I'd recommend sizing up." — Lauren Savoie, deputy editor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our full Printfresh review.

Best satin: PJ Harlow Anne Satin Sleep Cami

"If you're looking for a cooling top to wear to bed, consider PJ Harlow's Anne Satin Sleep Cami. It's made with 75% rayon and 25% satin faille, and I found it to be the perfect simple top to pair with shorts or underwear on particularly scorching nights." — Julia Guerra, freelance style reporter, Insider Reviews

What to look for in the best cooling pajamas, according to a sleep psychologist

A fresh pair of cooling pajamas might just be your saving grace if you're also someone who constantly wakes up hot and sweaty. When shopping for new sleepwear, health and sleep psychologist Joshua Tal, PhD tells Business Insider that shoppers should look for fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo, and rayon, as these materials "allow your body to release moisture, but [are] loose enough to let air in to cool you down and wick away the moisture."

Eucalyptus fibers are also great, as they're ultra-lightweight, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and cool to the touch, adds Elle Liu, founder of cooling sheets brand, Eucalypso.

Since hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms for people experiencing hormonal imbalance, we recommend brands that carry perimenopausal and menopausal nightwear. Dagsmejan is one with a wide variety of fabrics that target sleep concerns like night sweats.

How we tested the best cooling pajamas

I slept in five pairs of cooling pajamas at least two times each (while I was pregnant with twins). I selected each set after combing through dozens — if not hundreds — of user reviews. The rest of the cooling pajamas we listed come from our team members' personal experiences and recommendations.

As I tested, I ensured each pair was made with a breathable, stretchy fabric so I wouldn't feel weighed down or constricted, which, as someone who tosses and turns all night long, happens far too often.

It was also important for me to put the sweat factor to the test. If I woke up feeling like I was laying in a pool of perspiration, or the pajamas stuck to my skin, then they didn't make the cut.

In the morning, I paid attention to how refreshed I felt waking up in each set. If I slept through the night without waking up with the night sweats, I considered it a successful trial.