Bamboo or Tencel, in a loose short set or a slip. Nothing polyester, nothing tight. In Queensland the problem is the air holding moisture against you, so the fabric has to move it away.
Why humidity is the problem
A dry 32°C night in Adelaide is easier to sleep in than a humid 26°C night on the Gold Coast, because sweat can't evaporate. The fabric next to your skin needs to breathe and wick, or you wake up clammy at 2am. I've lived here since we started Homebodii in 2012, so this is personal.
Fabrics that work
- Bamboo. Breathes, wicks, dries fast. Mila Bamboo Shortie Set is the one I'd start with.
- Tencel. Same idea, slightly smoother. Eva Short Tencel Set.
- Linen. The coolest of all, if you don't mind creases. Safari Linen Set.
- Cotton. Fine in a loose cut, but it holds moisture longer than bamboo.
Fabrics that don't
Polyester satin. It looks beautiful and it's what most "silky" pyjamas are made of, including ours, but it doesn't breathe. Save satin for winter and for the wedding morning, when you're in air conditioning.
Cuts that stay cool
Shorts sets, camis and slips. Loose, not fitted. A cami set lets air move; a long-sleeve set doesn't. If you need a robe for getting to the kitchen, a short lace or towelling one is enough.
Two things that help more than clothing
A fan across the bed rather than at it, and a satin eye mask so the 4:45am sun doesn't win. Both cost less than a pyjama set.
Quick answers
Is silk good for hot sleepers?
Real silk breathes well but needs hand washing. Polyester satin, which is what most 'silk' pyjamas are, doesn't breathe. Bamboo and Tencel give you the drape without the heat.
What should I wear to bed in a Brisbane summer?
A bamboo or Tencel shorts set, or a slip. Loose.
Do you make sleepwear for tropical North Queensland?
The same bamboo and linen pieces. The further north, the lighter the cut.
What I'd actually wear through a Queensland summer
Loose cuts in fabrics that move moisture, plus the two small things that help more than clothing does.
Bijou Lounge Pyjama — lounge pyjama set in blush.
Petra Tencel Lounge Pyjama Set — long Tencel pyjama set in blush with white piping.
Sian Mini Lace Robe — short lace robe in white, light enough for a summer wedding morning.
Bondi Towelling Robe — cotton towelling robe in white for the pool or beach.
Satin Eye Mask — satin sleep eye mask for travel and hot mornings.
Questions? Message our Style Concierge team or tag us on Instagram @homebodii.
— Ingrid Bonnor, Founder, Homebodii. Gold Coast, Australia.
