Updated October 2026
It's a summer night and you're awake again - hot, uncomfortable and ready to fling the sheets off. You've tried the fan. You've kicked off the covers. Here's the part many of us miss: the right sleepwear can really help.
If that sounds familiar you're probably a "hot sleeper". And no, it's not just you - the Australian summer doesn't make drifting off easy. The good news is the fix often starts with what's touching your skin.
The short answer: the best sleepwear for hot sleepers is made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton (especially cotton seersucker) or rayon, also called viscose, in a relaxed fit that doesn't cling. Avoid polyester and other synthetics, which trap heat against your skin.
Why some pyjamas make you hotter
Most synthetic fabrics trap heat. They might feel soft in the shop, but when your body temperature rises at night they hold that warmth and moisture against your skin instead of letting it escape.
Breathable natural and plant-based fibres work differently. They let air circulate and absorb moisture, and for hot sleepers that difference is everything. That's why every Lucia set is made from 100% cotton or 100% plant-derived rayon - no polyester.
The best fabrics for hot sleepers
Cotton and cotton seersucker
Cotton is a classic for a reason. It's soft, breathable and helps your body stay comfortable through the night. We especially love cotton seersucker - its gently puckered texture sits just off your skin, allowing a little air to circulate underneath.
Try the Amalfi PJ Set in red and white seersucker stripes, the Rosa PJ Set in pink pinstripe seersucker or our lightweight cotton Blue & White Stripes and Pink & White Stripes sets.
Rayon (viscose)
Rayon is another go-to for hot sleepers. Made from plant cellulose, it's lightweight, breathable and absorbent, with a naturally cool, silky feel. It drapes away from your body rather than clinging, which makes it perfect for humid climates. Our rayon is OEKO-TEX® certified (free from harmful substances) and pre-washed, so you keep the fit you love.
For the hottest nights, try the Stella Cami and Shorts Set, the Fiore Cami & Shorts Set or the Black & White Polka Dot Nightie.
What about bamboo?
You may have seen bamboo pyjamas everywhere lately. Here's something worth knowing: most bamboo sleepwear is bamboo viscose, which is a type of rayon - the bamboo plant is simply the source material. So the softness, cool touch and breathability that bamboo lovers rave about are the same qualities you'll find in our rayon sets. For a side-by-side comparison, read Bamboo, Rayon or Cotton: Which Sleepwear Fabric Is Right for You?
Fabrics to avoid
If you sleep hot, steer clear of polyester (including most satin pyjamas), fleece and heavy, clingy jersey. They hold heat and moisture close to your skin.
Cotton or rayon: which is right for you?
| Cotton and seersucker | Rayon (viscose) | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Crisp, fresh and softly textured | Silky, smooth and cool to the touch |
| Drape | Holds its shape; seersucker sits off the skin | Fluid and flowing; drapes away from the body |
| Best for | Hot sleepers who love a crisp, airy feel | Hot sleepers who love a floaty, barely-there feel |
| Try | Amalfi, Rosa, Capri, Bella | Stella, Fiore, Lola Solana, Palma |
Both are breathable and easy to care for: cold gentle wash and hang to dry. Browse all our cotton pyjamas.
The fit can make or break your comfort
Even the best fabric won't help if your pyjamas are clinging to you. Look for relaxed shapes that give you room to breathe and move easily in your sleep.
Lucia sets are cut with a relaxed, flattering fit - never tight - with adjustable straps on our camis and soft elasticised waistbands. There's room for air to move and nothing pulling or twisting in the night.
Short sets, cami sets or long sleeves?
Short sets are the coolest choice on hot, humid nights. The Capri Short PJ Set and Bella Short PJ Set are lightweight cotton, or try a short pyjama set in rayon.
Cami sets keep your shoulders and arms free. Choose shorts for summer or long pants for nights with air-con - see all our cami sets.
Nighties are the most barely-there option of all. Browse our nighties.
Long sleeves still work if you prefer a little more coverage - just choose a breathable fabric like cotton or rayon. They're still cool but offer that extra layer for nights with air-con or an ocean breeze.
What our customers say
"Gorgeous and the material is so nice no sweating in them at night at all! Will buy again for sure"
- Sarah, Lucia PJ Set Blue & White Stripes
"It’s the softest fabric you’ll ever wear, and living on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, where it’s hot and humid, it makes such a difference. The fabric is light, breathable, and silky soft."
- Roslyn, Mika PJ Set Stella
"This beautiful set is easy on the eye, wonderfully soft against your skin, and you don't over heat in them."
- Maree, Lola PJ Set Solana
"The fit is loose and the material is light enough that it’s comfortable on warmer nights."
- Clare, Lucia PJ Set Pink & White Stripes
"Gorgeous love the colour super comfy and cool"
- Jenny, Black & White Polka Dot Nightie
Hot sleeper FAQs
What is the best fabric to sleep in if you get hot at night?
Lightweight, breathable fabrics made from natural or plant-based fibres are best. Cotton (especially cotton seersucker) and rayon, also called viscose, let air move and absorb moisture instead of trapping heat. Avoid polyester, including most satin pyjamas.
Do cooling pyjamas actually work?
No pyjamas can lower your body temperature on their own, but the right fabric makes a real difference. Breathable cotton and rayon let heat and moisture escape, while synthetics like polyester hold warmth against your skin. A loose, relaxed fit helps too.
Are bamboo pyjamas better than cotton?
Most bamboo pyjamas are made from bamboo viscose, which is a type of rayon. It feels silky and cool, much like our rayon sets. Cotton feels crisper and more textured. Both are breathable, so the best choice comes down to the feel you prefer.
Is rayon good for hot sleepers?
Yes. Rayon is a plant-derived fabric that is lightweight, breathable and absorbent, with a cool, silky feel. It drapes away from the body instead of clinging, which is why it suits humid climates like Queensland.
Should hot sleepers wear short or long pyjamas?
Short sets and cami sets are coolest on hot, humid nights. If you sleep with air-con or like more coverage, long sleeves and pants in breathable cotton or rayon still feel light and won't trap heat.
What pyjamas are best for night sweats or hot flushes?
Choose breathable, absorbent fabrics like cotton or rayon in a loose fit, and avoid polyester, which traps heat and moisture. If night sweats are new or keep waking you, it's worth a chat with your GP.
Shop sleepwear for hot sleepers
If you've been sleeping in polyester or anything tight, this is your sign to make the switch. Every piece at Lucia is designed with warm Australian nights in mind - small-batch sleepwear made for women who want to feel good the moment they slip it on.
Enjoy free shipping Australia-wide and the Lucia Fit Guarantee: free size exchanges on all styles, excluding sale.
