A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

10 Pajama Short Sets to Keep You Cool and Comfortable All Night Long

Updated: Apr. 04, 2024

Drift off into sweet (and not sweaty) dreams in the best pajama short sets. You'll feel cool and look stylish all summer long.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

11 Pajama Short Sets To Keep You Cool And Comfortable All Night Long RD.COM, VIA MERCHANT (4)

Spring has officially sprung. Warmer weather is ahead of us and pajama short sets are a must to combat hot nights. Beauty rest is all but guaranteed when wearing a comfy and cool short pajama set.

“Of course, the right pajamas can aid with better sleep,” says Christine Stevens, a Washington D.C.-based sleep consultant. “Our body temperature naturally falls 1-2 degrees as we sleep, and cooling pajamas can help keep our bodies from getting too warm. We all like to sleep in what we feel is comfortable, and in this instance, sometimes less is more.”

Create the coziest bed setup by pairing yours with linen Quince sheets, organic pillows and a quality mattress that matches your sleep style. No need to spend all day searching for the best women’s pajama shorts. We did that for you.

Our favorites vary in patterns, price points and materials, but they’ll make you feel like you have your life together. From lightweight cotton to silky satin to buttery modal, each pair would be a quality addition to your wardrobe.

Don’t be the only one crawling into bed wearing stylish PJs, though. Nab a pair of pajamas for the men in your life, too. Say goodbye to the Christmas pajamas and oversized T-shirts you’ve been rocking all winter. It’s time for an upgrade with these charming pajama short sets.

What to look for when shopping for pajama short sets

When it comes to picking out pajama short sets that will keep you cool, Stevens stresses that “fabric is number one. Look for cotton and moisture-wicking fabrics to help keep you cool and dry.” Avoid pajamas that have heat-trapping tight fits. Loose-fitting pajamas allow more airflow around the body. If you have night sweats that come with an unpleasant odor, some pajamas are made with antimicrobial-treated fabric that helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set via merchant

Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set

When it comes to pajama short sets there’s a reason Cozy Earth routinely makes the cut on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. All of its products, including this bamboo pajama set, are simply cozy.

As you can tell from our Cozy Earth review, there’s nothing we don’t like about this set. From the classic button-up look to its ultra-luxe stretchy knit, the slew of calming colors and wide range of sizes make it a bedtime (or anytime) necessity.

Score our favorite editor-tested Cozy Earth pajamas and products for 30% off with code READERSDIGEST through May 30. Silk, cashmere and some new products are excluded.

Floral Cotton Classic Pj Set via merchant

Floral Cotton Classic PJ Set

Celebrate summer nights ahead with this sweet and stylish Sleep Code floral set. Made from organic cotton, this set is soft, lightweight and perfect for even the sweatiest of sleepers. If that’s you, check out these cooling mattresses and bed sheets, too. Our favorite detail on the pajama set is the subtle “do not disturb” message on the buttons.

Skims Lounge Sleep Set via merchant

Skims Lounge Sleep Set

For a fitted PJ look, get your hands on Kim Kardashian’s Skims. Known for its signature shapewear for dresses, the brand carries soft and comfortable ribbed pajama short sets in easygoing neutrals and silhouettes. This classic sleep set includes a button-up top that pairs with stretchy biker shorts and is available in a wide range of sizes.

Short Sleeve Printed Pj Set via merchant

Short-Sleeve Printed PJ Set

Whether you love florals, stripes or anything in between, this printed PJ set is sure to match your style. The relaxed fit and elastic waistband are extra comfortable for lounging. You’ll be relaxed all night, especially if you’re tucked underneath a weighted blanket.

Embroidered Gingham Shorts And Top via merchant

Embroidered Gingham Shorts and Top

It’s hard to pick a favorite feature on these Anthropolgie gingham pajamas. The embroidered details? The contrast stitching? Actually, all of the above.

While shopping this loungewear deal, keep in mind that the button-up shirt and elastic-waist shorts are sold separately. That being said, if you’re different sizes on top and bottom, you can easily get the perfect fit.

Kate Spade Short Pajamas via merchant

Kate Spade Short Pajamas

No one said your pajamas need to be serious. This Kate Spade set, which features a garden-themed design, is cheeky and charming, but won’t embarrass your kids at the brunch table. Roll out of bed, throw on a pair of comfy slippers and then ease your way into a slow-moving Sunday.

Madewell Lightestspun Oversized Pajama Set via merchant

Madewell Lightestspun Oversized Pajama Set

Good luck getting out of this cozy pajama set from Madewell. The good news: you may not have to. This Lightestspun set has a short-sleeve top and button-front boxers that are made from ultra-lightweight, double-layered cotton gauze. Sleep soundly in it or throw it on as an alternative to your go-to sweatpants.

Waffle Knit Pajama Set via merchant

Waffle Knit Pajama Set

This waffle knit set is an easy “add to cart” decision that comes in 16 colors. Not only can you comfortably snooze the night away in it, but it doubles as a daytime loungewear set. Wear it on casual errands or while cuddled on the couch catching up on your favorite show.

Victoria’s Secret Modal Short Pajama Set via merchant

Victoria’s Secret Modal Short Pajama Set

This Victoria’s Secret set is proof you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. Buttery-soft modal fabric and four-way stretch ensure a relaxed fit that won’t get bunchy, even if you tend to toss and turn. There are plenty of colors and patterns to match your aesthetic.

Satin Cami Pajama Set via merchant

Why you should trust us

Satin Cami Pajama Set

This adorable satin cami set offers a luxurious look with feminine ruffles. Satin has a lightweight design that will keep you cool on summer’s muggiest nights. For a sweat-free evening, add a cooling mattress pad to your bed or try these cool PJs.


To find the best pajama short sets to keep you cool, we consulted sleep experts to get their insider thoughts, read hundreds of reviews, asked our friends and colleagues what they wear once they put away their flannel pajamas for the summer, and tested many pairs ourselves. We tried everything from silk pajamas to loungewear sets, and put together a list of our favorites in a variety of fabrics, styles and prices. Whether you’re a hot sleeper, you suffer from night sweats, or your cooling fan isn’t keeping you cool enough, the best pajama short sets keep you from getting hot.

FAQ

What is the coolest material for pajamas?

Pajamas use many cooling fabrics. Natural materials like cotton, bamboo, hemp and linen are excellent for cooling, as they’re lightweight and breathable. Plus, they have a weave structure that lets hot air escape and allows cold air to blow through. Synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics like Tencel do an outstanding job of keeping you cool at night, particularly if you have night sweats, as they rapidly pull moisture away from your body and allow it to evaporate.

About the expert