The best pajamas to sleep well during a heat wave


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As beaches, pools and ponds begin to fill with urban dwellers fleeing the sweltering heat of the city, one thing is clear: the UK is in the throes of a heatwave.

As every year, we are stunned by the sun's capabilities to be this It's hot, but we haven't yet perfected our arsenals to combat heat waves.

People flock to the ponds on Hampstead Heath in London to cool off in the heat (Yui Mok/PA)

People flock to the ponds on Hampstead Heath in London to cool off in the heat (Yui Mok/PA)

As many of us struggle to survive the heat in listed buildings or older homes, many of which lack air conditioning, one of our main concerns is knowing what to wear at night.

So, aside from cold showers, keeping the curtains closed and investing in handheld fans – here's what you should be using to get a comfortable night's sleep in the heat.

This is how we can find comfort in warmth without ending up in the fridge (Alamy/PA)

This is how we can find comfort in warmth without ending up in the fridge (Alamy/PA)

You may find wearing a nightgown out of place (depending on your age), but the less constricting the garment, the better. This means that opting for a one-dress slip or slip is a better option than a two-piece set.

Thankfully, brands like Bocan Couture and If Only If have revived the nightgown to incorporate a more sensual, cottagecore aesthetic rather than Ebenezer Scrooge.

(Yes only yes/PA)

(Yes only yes/PA)

If Only If Caitlyn GOTS Certified 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Nightgown, £90

(Next/PA)

(Next/PA)

Cotton square neck ruffle nightdress from Next, £28

Needless to say, choosing the right material is crucial. Linen, silk and cotton are the only fabrics you should choose. Linen and cotton have similar properties and are more affordable; their natural fibres allow for breathability and will keep you cool.

(Piglet in bed/PA)

(Piglet in bed/PA)

Piglet in Bed Mushroom Gingham Pyjama Shorts, £49

(Chelsea Peers/PA)

(Chelsea Peers/PA)

Chelsea Peers Organic Cotton Button-Down Short Pyjamas, Pink, £22.50 (was £45)

Silk is the lightest material and therefore arguably the most comfortable; its soft fibres do not absorb moisture or cling to the body, helping you stay cool and comfortable on hot days.

(Silky Silk/PA)

(Silky Silk/PA)

SilkSilky Pure Silk Camisole – Dark Blue, £59 (was £80)

Avoid anything synthetic that resembles these fabrics, as they contain plastic that does not allow moisture to pass through, leaving you claustrophobic, sweaty and nervous at night.

Of course, it doesn't just depend on what you wear to bed. Your hair can be the main culprit of nighttime overheating. Applying cold water to your hair roots before bed helps cool down the part of your body that retains the most heat.

If you have long hair, wear it in a loose braid. Not only does this help keep your hair off your face and neck, but it also prevents it from tangling and breaking when you move around during the night. Silk bedding will also help keep sweat and hair frizz at bay.

(John Lewis and Partners/PA)

(John Lewis and Partners/PA)

John Lewis Organic Mulberry Silk Standard Pillowcase – Crocus, £45

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