The 12 best cooling pajamas, tested and reviewed

I've yet to come across an article of clothing by Aerie that I didn't love, so naturally I had high hopes for their new line of cooling pajamas. I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed by this set.

I typically gravitate towards pajamas that feel silky-smooth, but the brand's Real Soft blend surprised me. The pajamas are made from viscose, cotton, and elastane, which are known to be cooling, lightweight materials. The set also runs large (I'm an XS and it was loose on), so there's plenty of room for air to circulate, keeping you nice and chill throughout the night.

Trust me, don't be put off by the pants. Available in sizes XXS to 3X, the pajama set is made up of Athleta's patented TENCEL, a modal/spandex jersey fabric. It's soft to the touch, but that softness won't weigh you down. It's a lightweight material that falls over your body, and its airyness is what makes sleeping in the set so comfortable and cooling.

Athleta Nighttime Bliss Sleep Jogger

Athleta Nighttime Bliss Sleep Cami

The best silk pajamas are one of the first obvious choices for hot sleepers, as silk has a unique consistency that feels cool to the touch and helps to regulate body temperature. Contributing author Talia Ergas notes that this set is deceptively low maintenance due to being made from 100% silk charmeuse fabric, which is heavier and more durable than regular silk. The top can also easily be worn solo and styled into a daytime look.

Quince's direct to consumer model means they offer luxury fabrics at competitive prices, including European linen manufactured in a sustainable process that uses less water and uses dye free of hazardous chemicals that are harmful to the environment. 

The lightweight linen top has a button down closure to adjust for your comfort level, and their matching breathable shorts can stretch around the elastic waistband. 

Read our full Quince review.

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. 

Insider Reviews' deputy editor Lauren Savoie notes that as a hot sleeper herself, the organic cotton poplin material is lightweight enough for staying comfortable through the night. 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. 

Read our full Printfresh review.

You don't have to be experiencing menopausal hot flashes to reap the benefits of the Become nightdress (but if you are, keep reading). The brand's exclusive Anti-Flush technology is a serious game-changer for hot and sweaty sleepers of all ages and walks of life. 

Here's how it works: The sleepwear's nylon fabric is made with a flat thread and knitted cross-section, and features a unique coating that works rapidly to transfer heat elsewhere, bring your temperature down, and evaporate moisture away from the body. A second coating then stores said heat and releases it back into the body during the chill that follows. This way, your body temperature remains stable through heat and chill. It also fights odors, so your sweat doesn't stink through your clothes.

It's worth noting that I'm as passionate about how this dress makes me feel as I am about how it looks on. This nightgown is gorgeous and wears like a second skin, almost like a slip dress. It's seam-free, lightweight, and comes in three colors: black, navy blue, and beige.

Another fantastic option for nightgown lovers, The JJ Winks Girl Trip Nightgown is flowy, flirty, and comes in six colors (so stock up). The short garment hits about mid-thigh, and is made from modal and spandex,  giving it an almost creamy feel. It features the brand's exclusive "Light Hug®" shelf (essentially a built-in bra) for support, and adjustable/detachable straps you can maneuver for maximum comfort.

The Barefoot Dreams Luxe Milk Jersey Cowl Neck Nightshirt gave me toga vibes, in the best way possible. The shirt fits beautifully; it's roomy, without looking frumpy, and because it's made from a combination of 80% Modal, 13% Azlon, and 7% Spandex, it's incredibly comfortable and cooling. The ultimate nightshirt to wear to bed after you've just changed the sheets.

Slip dresses are a saving grace for naturally hot sleepers, and this adorable printed number from MASONgrey is no exception. Designed as a crossover between traditional nightgowns and daytime midi dresses, the Nora boasts a buttery soft feel made of MASONgrey's cloud fabric (hence its soft touch). What I especially love about the slip is its adjustable straps for support, and sexy side slits for style. Function, meet (sleepwear) fashion.

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.

A breezy oversized nightshirt lets the air flow from top to bottom to keep you cool and comfortable, even during a night spent tossing and turning. Parachute is one of our team's favorite brands for linen sheets and the best robes for women, and this linen sleep shirt exemplifies just what makes this brand's linens easy to love. It's made in Portugal and the long, loose fit pairs perfectly under a robe once the cool morning air sets in. 

Read our full Parachute linen loungewear review.

From sleepwear brand Adore Me comes Coolibrium, a new brand of clothing for those who run hot, designed in collaboration with MAS Innovation. Its range of sleepwear includes this simple sleep tee, but with its Thermal Regulation technology, the sleep top is anything but basic. Made from 100% nylon in three colorways, it's butter soft and super breathable, plus moisture-wicking should sweat happen. 

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 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. 

It's also worth noting that, while the term "cooling pajamas" doesn't have the sexiest connotation, you can rest assured these sleep garments come in an array of styles. From tank tops and shorts to flowing nightgowns and form-fitting garments, read on to find out which cooling pajamas we've tested and loved.

I slept in nearly a dozen pairs of cooling pajamas for this test, but in order to determine the best, I had a few criteria that needed to be met. First, they had to be lightweight; I didn't want to feel like I was swimming in material or being weighed down. Secondly was the sweat factor: Was I still waking up in a pool of perspiration with my clothes sticking to my skin? And, finally, were the pajamas cooling enough that I slept through the night? This list includes the ones that were most comfortable, fit properly, and prevented nightly hot flashes from becoming puddles of sweat. Others were selected based on our team's experiences with similar products made of the same materials.