sleepwear

The Best Fabrics for Sleepwear: A Complete Guide

Faustine Bayle

04 Feb 2025 — 4 min read

We all know how important it is to feel comfy in bed, right? There's nothing more valuable than a great night's sleep! When it comes to comfort in bed, don't make concessions. Great nights in bed are non-negotiable. Your night-time feelings reflect your daytime ones. The right fabric for your sleepwear will make a difference, ensuring breathability, comfort and the perfect temperature regulation. Whether you love cosy winter pyjamas or lightweight summer sets, this guide will help you choose the best fabric for a perfect night's sleep.

What to Consider When Choosing Sleepwear Fabrics

When choosing fabric for your sleepwear project, think about the following things:

Breathability – This ensures air can circulate, preventing you from overheating.
Softness – Comfort against your skin helping you sleep well.
Moisture-wicking – Helps absorb sweat and keep you dry.
Stretch & Movement – Allows you to move around easily in bed.
Seasonal Suitability – Some fabrics work better in hot or cold temperatures

Top Fabrics for Sleepwear

1. Cotton: Lightweight & Breathable

Best for: Warm to mild climates. Beginner friendly.

Cotton is a natural fiber that is super soft and breathable, so you'll always feel cool and comfy! It lets air circulate, which is perfect for keeping you fresh. However, it's also true that pure cotton absorbs moisture, so it might not be the best choice if you tend to sweat a lot.

This is the most commune fabric that you will find in shops. Plenty of colors, designs, ecc... You can find many choice respecting the environment. Many of them are OEKO-TEX® and/or organic.

Ease of sewing:
Cotton poplin, cotton lawn and cotton batiste are some of the easiest fabrics to cut and sew, so you can't go wrong! They're the perfect choice for you when you're a beginner.

Pros:
✔ It's softer and gentler on the skin
✔ Lightweight and breathable
✔ Durable and easy to care for

Cons:
✖ The only thing to bear in mind is that it absorbs moisture but doesn't dry quickly, and can shrink in hot washes.

2. Linen: Light & Breathable

Best for: Warm climates & airy comfort. Beginner friendly.

Linen is a natural fibre derived from flax plants, known for its breathability and durability. It soaks up moisture really well and dries in no time, which is perfect for those hot summer nights.

You'll have so many great options that respect the environment. The only thing to bear in mind is that it can sometimes cost a little be more than cotton fabric.

Ease of sewing:
I'd recommend opting for a medium-weight linen fabric. It's so easy to cut and sew.

Pros:
✔ Highly breathable and moisture-wicking, so you'll always feel fresh and comfortable
✔ Lightweight and perfect for warm climates
✔ Becomes softer with each wash
✔ Long-lasting and durable

Cons:
✖ It can wrinkle easily
✖ Requires ironing for a polished look

3. Bamboo: The Sustainable & Moisture-Wicking Option

Best for: Hot sleepers & eco-conscious choices. Intermediate sewist.

Bamboo fabric is an excellent sleepwear choice because of its natural moisture-wicking properties and silky soft texture. It’s also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making it great for sensitive skin.

Ease of sewing:
Moderate – Can be slippery and requires careful handling.

Pros:
✔ Ultra-soft and luxurious feel
✔ It keeps you feeling fresh and dry thanks to its moisture-wicking properties
✔ Naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic
✔ Eco-friendly choice

Cons:
✖ It's more expensive than cotton
✖ It needs to be washed in a delicate way

4. Silk: Luxurious & Temperature Regulating

Best for: All seasons, luxury sleepwear. Expert sewist.

Have you ever felt the smooth, elegant texture of silk? Well, it's no wonder it's known as the ultimate luxury sleepwear fabric! It's great for regulating body temperature too, so you can be warm in winter and cool in summer.

Ease of sewing:
Difficult – Slippery and delicate. Make sure to train on a sample fabric before starting your project.

Pros:
✔ Luxurious and soft
✔ It keeps you at the perfect temperature
✔ Gentle on sensitive skin
✔ Natural fibers

Cons:
✖ Expensive
✖ Requires delicate wash or dry cleaning

5. Flannel: Cozy & Warm

Best for: Cold winter nights. Beginner friendly.

Flannel is the perfect fabric for keeping warm on chilly nights. Generally made from cotton or wool blends, it is soft, insulating and breathable.

Ease of Sewing: Easy – Flannel is stable and beginner-friendly.

Pros:
✔ Super warm and cozy
✔ Durable and long-lasting
✔ Soft against the skin

Cons:
✖ Too warm for summer months
✖ Can be bulky and heavy

The best fabric for sleepwear depends on your personal comfort, climate and budget. Invest in high-quality, well-fitting sleepwear and improve your sleep experience. I'd love to know which fabric you opted for, so please share your choice! 💛