Best summer pyjamas 2025: Lightweight cooling sleepwear essentials
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On our sun-deprived isle, we are ill-prepared when the warmer weather arrives.
Every British household has an arsenal of electric heaters, cosy blankets, hot water bottles and fleece-lined clothing to protect us from the blistery winter, but as soon as balmy double-digit temperatures dominate the Met Office predictions, we are stuck.
This is especially true when it comes to nodding off at night. Air conditioning is a relative rarity, and fans can only do so much, so switching out your sleeping set-up for cooler alternatives is an absolute essential. Changing up our high tog duvet for a thinner alternative is a great start, and cooling bedding is a game-changer, so why should a change of sleepwear for the warmer season be any different?
Summer pyjamas have a far different composition than the bedwear that we wore before the clocks changed. They are made up of lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrics. Cotton is popular for its soft, airy construction and endless wearability, while linen is as close to sleeping naked as it gets in terms of breathability, if you don’t mind the creases.
But there is also the likes of bamboo, a thermoregulating fibre that’s kind to the planet with its sustainable, speedy growing practices. Modal and Tencel are also hugely popular for their silky soft feel, but nothing is more sumptuous than silk. While the latter is known for being naturally cooling, the luxe fabric tends to have the price tag to match and may require dry cleaning, which could be rather a lot of admin for sleepwear. To maximise cooling potential, avoid polyester and nylon, the synthetic materials known to trap heat.
For summer 2025 and beyond, a matching short set is just the ticket to feeling like you have your life together. Yet don’t sleep (or do..?) on a classic tank top and shorts pairing. Nightdresses encourage great airflow, while rompers may not be the most practical but are supremely comfortable.
Much like our colour and pattern-packed summer wardrobe, you can adopt the same fun prints for summer sleepwear. Stick to lighter hues in order to reflect the heat – think white and pastel hues – but the possibilities are endless. We have our eye on this season’s beloved butter yellow hue.
Shop the best summer PJs below
Eberjey Gisele jersey sleep shirt
If you’re not yet familiar with Eberjey, prepare to have your sleep attire transformed forever. The brand is well-known for its use of the most sumptuously soft jersey-modal fabric and the Gisele design is its signature style. While this is traditionally made up of a shirt and trouser set, the label - named after the Nigerian word for joy - is offering the utmost mood-boosting comfort with an elongated top half that has a relaxed fit and contrast piping.
Stripe & Stare Short Pyjama Set
A classic striped design you’ll wear every summer, the pattern is just the start of the appeal of this set from Stripe & Stare.
What makes the brand stand out from the crowd is its use of a sumptuously soft Tencel material. This trademarked fabric is not just super cosy with a lovely skin feel, but it’s sustainable, made from biodegradable tree pulp.
The White Company Lace Trim Cami Shortie Pyjama Set
Not content with dominating your bedding, The White Company is coming for your sleepwear too. The brand earns its stellar reputation with signature softness and premium constructions that mean not only will you relish changing into this two-piece each night, but it’s a set that will last.
The lace trim cami and matching shorts are made from a trademarked ECOVERO fabric, renowned for its breathability and eco wood-derived fibres.
Desmond & Dempsey Alma Fig Blue
Desmond & Dempsey is best known for its unique patterns with bold designs that you’ll want to wear beyond the boudoir. This cami and trousers with the soft blue alma fig print, for example, is one such set, and the breezy all organic cotton construction will keep you cool and comfortable throughout double-digit temperatures.
New Look Light Green Double Cloth Frill Trim Pyjama Set
More pyjamas that you’ll find occasion to wear beyond bedtime, the mint green hue of New Look’s set is bang on this season’s penchant for pastels. They are made from a woven double cloth and finished with a ruffled trim.
Chelsea Peers Wavy Stripe Heart Print Long Pyjama Set
Chelsea Peers has some of the most vibrant and covetable pyjama sets on the market - with this heart print design as the ultimate case in point. The romantic pattern is set on a sophisticated camp collar shirt and elastic bottoms with piping at the trims. They are made from a jersey fabric that is composed of stretchy recycled fibres.
H&M Pointelle pyjamas
Fun, feminine and with a touch of nostalgia thrown in, this top and short set from H&M is the perfect summer set. They are embellished with a pointelle detailing and finished with a small satin bow at the front.
TBCo Long Cotton Stripe Pyjama Set
For those looking for fuller coverage from their nightware, this set from TBCo has a clown-like playfulness with the exaggerated collar and ruffle detailing.
Abercrombie & Fitch nightwear satin lace trim flippy in pink
Lace insets up the sexy factor of this nightwear pairing from Abercrombie & Fitch. The co-ord comes in a soft pale hue and is embellished by the satin fabric and floral lace embroidery.
Uniqlo Pyjamas (Stripe)
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The Japanese label nails the basics, and so this summer you only need to look to Uniqlo to sort your slumber selection. This classic striped set comes in two hues and a diverse size range that extends from XXS to XXL.
Olivia von Halle Fifi Ivory Frilled Pyjamas in Silk Crêpe de Chine
Sleepwear doesn’t get much more luxurious than Olivia von Halle. But while the brand is likely most renowned for its signature classic silk selection, it’s this ultra-elegant frilled option that has caught our attention this summer, which is made from crêpe de chine silk with ruffle detailing at the hems and cuffs.
Next Blue Croissant Cotton Rib Vest Short Set Pyjamas
Paying homage to the best breakfast pastries, this playful set is made for morning people with its croissant and pretzel print and coordinating blue top.