Best Pajamas for Night Sweats: 2026 Buyer's Guide for Women

Q: Are cooling pajamas worth it for night sweats?

For most women in perimenopause and menopause, yes. They will not stop hot flashes, but they shorten how long the discomfort lasts.

Q: What fabric is best for pajamas for night sweats?

Engineered moisture-wicking fabrics or fine-jersey blends. Avoid heavy flannel, fleece, or untreated polyester.

It is 3:17 a.m. You woke up because the sheets are damp. The back of your nightshirt is stuck to your skin, you have kicked the duvet off, and somehow you are also cold. By the time you fall back asleep, it is almost 4. You wake up tired again.

If that scene is familiar, you are not imagining the toll it takes. Night sweats are exhausting — and they are common. The right pajamas will not stop them, but they can shorten the wet-then-cold cycle that drags you out of sleep. This guide covers what to look for, the five pieces we recommend, and how to keep them performing for years.

Quick answer: The best pajamas for night sweats are loose-fitting and made from moisture-wicking fabric that pulls sweat off the skin and dries quickly. For most women, the Lusome Donna PJ Set is the top pick; the Eva Sleepshirt is the best choice for nightgown lovers.

What makes Lusomé sleepwear different: our fabric is XIROTEX™ Dry, a dual-layer engineered system. The hydrophobic inner layer repels sweat away from your skin; the hydrophilic outer layer spreads that moisture across the fabric's surface for rapid evaporation. The result is 10× more effective moisture management than competitor wicking fabrics — so you stay dry through the flash, not just less wet.^*

^*When compared against competitive brands claiming moisture wicking.

What causes night sweats?

For most women in their 40s and 50s, night sweats are vasomotor symptoms — the same biology behind daytime hot flashes, just timed for the worst possible moment. Mayo Clinic explains that as estrogen levels shift, the hypothalamus becomes more sensitive to small changes in body temperature.

A global cross-sectional survey published in the journal Menopause found that roughly 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms during the menopause transition, with nighttime sweats specifically affecting close to 60%. Symptoms tend to last 7 to 10 years on average.

Night sweats can also be triggered by certain medications (some antidepressants and tamoxifen), thyroid changes, infections, and a warm sleep environment. If yours are new, drenching, or paired with other symptoms, that is worth a conversation with your doctor.

What to look for in cooling pajamas

Not all "cooling" sleepwear is engineered the same way. Four things matter more than the marketing copy on the tag.

1. Moisture-wicking fabric (non-negotiable)

Moisture-wicking fabric uses capillary action to pull sweat off your skin and spread it across the outer surface of the garment. Cotton does the opposite — it absorbs sweat and holds it against your body. Look for engineered performance jersey, modal blends, or fabrics built specifically for the job.

2. A relaxed, not loose, fit

You want airflow, but not extra fabric bunching against damp skin. A relaxed cut through the body with cuffs that lie flat at the wrist gives moisture room to escape without trapping it.

3. Breathable, single-layer construction

Lightweight knits, single layers, and seams placed away from pressure points all help. Skip flannel, fleece, and anything described as "cozy" for winter.

4. Easy care

You will wash these pajamas constantly. Make sure they hold up: machine-washable, no special detergents, and a fabric that does not pill or lose its wicking after 20 washes.

Lusome Donna PJ Set

Top 5 pajamas for night sweats

Each of these five Lusome pieces solves a slightly different version of the same problem. The fabric across the collection is Lusomé's signature XIROTEX™ Dry fabric — an engineered dual-layer moisture-wicking system developed specifically for women who run hot at night.

1. Donna PJ Set — best overall

Our top recommendation. The Donna Sleep Shirt has a relaxed fit, real shell buttons, ivory piping, and a shirt-tail hem. Pair with the matching Donna Pant, with elastic waist and removable grosgrain tie. Best for: women who want a real pajama set.

2. Eva Sleepshirt — best for nightgown lovers

The Eva Sleepshirt is figure-flattering, knee-length, and built from the same XIROTEX™ Dry fabric as the Donna. Best for: women who prefer nightgowns or hate waistbands.

Lusome Eva Sleepshirt

3. Gabriela Nightie — best feminine option

For women who want a nightie that feels pretty, the Gabriela Nightie is short-sleeved and loose through the body, with stretch mesh detailing at the hem. Same XIROTEX Dry fabric, softer silhouette.

4. Cara Short — best for summer or warm bedrooms

The Cara Short pairs with any Lusome top and uses the same XIROTEX Dry fabric in a lighter cut. Soft elastic with a removable drawstring.

5. Marilyn Sleepshirt — best long-sleeve option

The Marilyn Sleepshirt offers full coverage in a relaxed silhouette. Best for: cool bedrooms or anyone who prefers more coverage.

Quick comparison table

Style	Best for	Cut
Donna PJ Set	Overall pick	Shirt + pant
Eva Sleepshirt	Nightgown lovers	Knee-length shirt
Gabriela Nightie	Feminine option	Loose, short sleeve
Cara Short	Summer / warm rooms	Relaxed short
Marilyn Sleepshirt	Long-sleeve coverage	Knee-length, long sleeve

Not sure where to start?

The Donna PJ Set is our top recommendation for first-time customers — and the piece most often re-ordered.

Shop the Donna PJ Set

How to wash cooling pajamas so they keep working

Skip the fabric softener. Softener leaves a film on the fibers that blocks them from pulling moisture away.
Wash cool or warm, never hot.
Tumble low or hang dry.

Done right, a set of Lusome pajamas should still feel like the day you bought them after 50+ washes.

When to talk to a doctor about night sweats

Cooling pajamas help with the symptom, not the cause. Talk to your healthcare provider if your sweats are new, sudden, drenching, or paired with weight loss, fever, or a racing heart. The Menopause Society has good patient education on treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cooling pajamas worth it for night sweats?

For most women in perimenopause and menopause, yes. They won't stop hot flashes, but they shorten how long the discomfort lasts.

What fabric is best for pajamas for night sweats?

Engineered moisture-wicking fabrics or fine-jersey blends that use capillary action. Avoid heavy flannel, fleece, or untreated polyester.

Do moisture-wicking pajamas really work?

Yes. They pull sweat off the skin and spread it across the outer fabric so it dries faster.

How loose should pajamas for night sweats be?

Loose enough that air circulates, but not so oversized that fabric bunches against your skin.

Can I wash cooling pajamas like regular sleepwear?

Cool or warm water, gentle cycle, skip the fabric softener. Tumble dry low or hang to dry.

When should I talk to a doctor about night sweats?

If they are new, severe, drenching, or paired with unexplained weight loss, fever, or a racing heart.

The bottom line

The right pajamas will not stop your hormones from doing their thing — but they will get you back to sleep faster. The Donna PJ Set is the place to start: XIROTEX™ Dry fabric, relaxed cut, the engineering that has earned Lusome a decade of loyal customers.

Sleep cool. Sleep deeply.

Explore the full Lusome cooling sleepwear collection — engineered for women who run hot at night.

Shop the Collection

By the Lusome Editorial Team.