The Best Bedding for Summer: A Guide to Staying Cool and Comfortable

Hot weather can make it hard to fall and stay asleep. If your sheets feel heavy or trap heat, you’re more likely to wake up sweating or restless. Cooling, moisture-wicking materials help you sleep soundly through warm nights.

The best summer bedding is lightweight, breathable, and soft to the touch. This guide covers the most effective fabrics for hot nights, how to layer your bed without overheating, and the key products to swap in for a cooler, more comfortable sleep.

Why Staying Cool at Night Matters

Your body naturally cools down as you prepare for sleep—and keeping your bedroom cool supports that process. Sleep experts say the ideal bedroom temperature is around 16 to 19°C (60 to 67°F). When it’s warmer than that, your body has to work harder to regulate its temperature, which can lead to shallow sleep or frequent wake-ups.

Maintaining a cooler sleep environment helps your body shift into deeper, more restful sleep. It’s especially important in summer, when higher humidity and warm air can trap heat around your body.

Overheating can also affect your deep and REM sleep, the stages of sleep that help with physical restoration, memory, mood, and recovery. That’s why staying cool isn’t just about comfort—it actually improves sleep quality.

Breathable, lightweight bedding lets heat escape and helps you stay dry through the night, so you’re less likely to toss and turn or wake up feeling sticky.

For more ideas on how to support better sleep through lifestyle and routine, check out our article on how to naturally improve your sleep.

What Kind of Sheets Are Best for Hot Summer Nights?

When it comes to summer bed sheets, fabric matters more than thread count. Breathable materials with moisture-wicking properties help prevent overheating and keep your bed feeling fresh. Below are three top choices for staying cool and comfortable.

Choose linen for breathable, natural comfort

Linen is made from flax, a natural fibre that’s incredibly breathable and moisture-wicking. Its loose weave allows air to flow freely and it dries quickly, making it one of the best sheets for summer. It also softens with every wash and has a relaxed, casual look that’s perfect for summer.

Explore our pure linen bedding collection for summer bedding sets, duvet covers, and more.

Try cotton sheets for a smooth, summer-ready feel

Cotton remains a popular choice for summer because of its natural breathability and soft feel, with different weaves offering varying levels of coolness:

• Cotton percale – Featuring a plain weave, percale creates a crisp, lightweight feel with excellent airflow. Its matte finish and breathable structure make it a top choice for hot sleepers and warm climates, offering that classic "hotel sheet" coolness.
• Cotton sateen duvet – With its smooth, soft finish and a slightly heavier drape, sateen feels luxurious. While still breathable, it tends to sleep warmer than percale. It’s a great option for those who prefer a more polished, silky feel and a cozy comfort, especially in more moderate summer temperatures or for those who don't tend to overheat.

Browse our cotton bedding collection to find soft, naturally breathable bedding for summer.

Bamboo sheets—soft, lightweight, and surprisingly cool

Bamboo bedding is known for being ultra-soft and lightweight. It’s naturally moisture-wicking, breathable, and temperature-regulating, which helps keep you dry and cool throughout the night. Bamboo sheets are also hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, which is a bonus for year-round comfort.

How to Set Up Your Bed for Hot Summer Nights

Even with the right sheets, how you layer your bed can make a big difference on warm nights. A few small swaps—like changing your duvet or choosing breathable pillowcases—can help you stay cooler, drier, and more comfortable until morning.

Here’s how to create a cooler sleep setup from top to bottom:

• Swap heavy duvets for a summer quilt or breathable coverlet. A thick comforter traps heat. Try a summer quilt or lightweight duvet insert made with natural fibres like cotton or bamboo for cool, comfortable coverage.
• Use a single flat sheet on especially hot nights. On the hottest days, even a thin quilt can feel like too much. A soft, breathable sheet is sometimes all you need.
• Choose pillowcases made from breathable materials. Your face stays cooler with pillowcases made from cotton, linen, or bamboo. Avoid synthetics, which tend to trap heat and moisture. Need some help choosing? Read our guide on how to choose the best pillow.
• Keep your bedding colour light. Light colours reflect heat more than dark ones and give your bed a fresh, summery feel. Whites, neutrals, and soft pastels work well in summer. For more ideas, take a look at our favourite neutral bedding combinations for a calm, inviting bedroom.
• Wash more often to stay fresh. Increased sweat and humidity in summer mean bedding needs more frequent washing. Learn how to keep things fresh with our guide on how often to wash your bedding.

Final thoughts

Summer is the perfect time to lighten things up—starting with your bed. Swapping in breathable sheets, soft pillowcases, and airy bedding sets for heavier fabrics can instantly make your sleep space feel fresher, cooler, and more inviting.

Think of it like a seasonal reset: relaxed textures, lighter layers, and that just-washed linen feel. Whether you’re aiming for beachy and breezy or calm and minimal, the right summer bedding helps you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best bed sheets for summer?

The best summer bed sheets are lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Linen, bamboo, and high-quality cotton (especially percale for maximum coolness, or sateen for those prioritizing softness) are all excellent choices for hot nights.

Is cotton or linen bedding better for hot weather?

Linen tends to feel cooler and is more breathable overall, making it ideal for hot sleepers and humid climates. Cotton is still a great option—especially if you prefer something softer or easier to care for.

What sheet material is best for hot weather?

Linen, bamboo, and cotton are among the top choices. These fabrics allow airflow and won’t trap heat while you sleep.

Are bamboo sheets good for hot sleepers?

Yes, bamboo bedding is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and cool to the touch. It’s a great option if you tend to overheat at night or want something ultra-soft for summer.