Are Polyester Pajamas as Cool as Cotton or Bamboo?

For decades, most pajama shoppers have lived by one simple rule: natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo are breathable, while synthetic fabrics like polyester are not. It’s an assumption that feels intuitive—after all, polyester is crafted from man-made fibers, while cotton and bamboo are found in nature.

There is some truth to this: Early polyester clothing earned its reputation for trapping heat and feeling a bit plasticky.

But today’s polyester is not your grandmother’s polyester. 

Innovations in textile engineering have transformed this material from a dense, unbreathable fabric into something that can be feather-light, moisture-wicking and luxuriously soft. 

Polyester vs. Cotton vs. Bamboo for PJs

When it comes to pajama fabrics, not every textile feels like a dream. That said, your personal sleep inclinations will often impact what pajama fabric is right for you:

• Traditional polyester – While durable and budget-friendly, traditional polyester fabrics often rank low in both breathability and moisture-wicking. If you live in warm or humid conditions, you may want to avoid these types of pajamas.

• Performance polyester – Through advanced knitting techniques and performance-focused finishes, these fabrics are breathable, soft to the touch and effective at pulling moisture away from the skin. This is especially ideal for hot sleepers or anyone seeking temperature control without sacrificing comfort. 

• Cotton – The go-to natural fiber for pajamas, cotton is breathable, soft and trusted. It’s lightweight, but it does absorb and hold moisture, rather than wicking it away. 

• Bamboo – Exceptionally breathable and cooling, bamboo pajamas are a wonderful, eco-friendly choice for sleepers seeking softness or experiencing temperature fluctuations.
  

Read more: Natural vs Synthetic Fabrics 

Polyester Pajamas: Lightweight but Less Breathable?

Polyester first became popular in the mid-20th century for one reason: durability. It was wrinkle-resistant, easy to wash and affordable. But early versions had a dense weave and minimal airflow, leading to that sweaty feeling—especially in warm climates or for hot sleepers.

That history still shapes how people think about polyester today. 

But modern fabric technology has rewritten the rules.

Today’s advanced polyester blends—like those in our Dream and Wellness collections—are not the same as the old-school versions found in basic T-shirts or outdated athletic gear.

Instead of trapping heat, advanced polyester blends:

• Breathe easily through engineered knit structures.

• Pull moisture away from the skin so you feel dry throughout the night.

• Dry quickly, preventing that damp, clingy feeling.

• Exceptionally soft to the touch, allowing you to melt into a good night’s sleep.

The moral of the story? Contemporary polyester fabrics are lightweight, cooling and perfect for keeping you comfortable all night long.

Best for: Hot sleepers who want lightweight, moisture-wicking comfort with modern softness—without sacrificing durability.

Read more: Cotton vs Polyester: A Guide to Choosing the Right Fabric 

Modal and Advanced Polyester Blends: The Hybrid Heroes

Modal fiber, which is breathable with silk-like softness, is a semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose from beech wood. It drapes, resists shrinking and feels luxuriously soft against the skin.

When modal is combined with high-performance polyester, you get the ultimate dream team:

• Naturals – Provides airflow, softness and moisture absorption

• Synthetics – Provides durability, moisture control and shape retention

Softies incorporates modal into many of our most-loved collections, pairing it with engineered polyester for sleepwear that’s both luxurious and functional. 

Shop cloud-like, stylish PJs from Softies

Cotton Pajamas: Breathable and Familiar

Cotton is a timeless classic in the pajama drawer: It’s naturally breathable, soft and widely available in countless weights and weaves. For many, the feel of crisp cotton is synonymous with bedtime.

But cotton does have its limitations—particularly for those who want pajamas that can combat night sweats.

While cotton allows air to pass through, it tends to absorb moisture and hold on to it, which can leave you feeling damp and chilled if you sweat in your sleep. It also dries more slowly than engineered blends.

Best for: Moderate sleepers who prefer natural fiber and don’t typically overheat at night.

Bamboo Pajamas: Cooling and Eco-Friendly

Bamboo fabrics are filling closets for good reason: They’re ultra-breathable, naturally moisture-wicking and offer a smooth feel that’s both plush and sumptuous. Oftentimes, it’s cooling, too, especially in warm climates or during the summer.

From an environmental standpoint, bamboo grows quickly without the need for pesticides, making it an eco-friendly crop. However, the process of turning bamboo into fabric often involves chemical processing.

Best for: Hot sleepers looking for an eco-conscious choice with a smooth, lightweight feel.

Final Verdict: Is Polyester as Cool as Cotton or Bamboo?

So, are polyester pajamas as cool as cotton or bamboo nightwear?

If we’re talking about traditional polyester, the answer is usually no. Classic polyester fabrics can trap heat and lack breathability compared to cotton or bamboo.

However, engineered polyester blends, like those used in our Dream and Wellness fabrics, are a different experience altogether. By combining advanced knitting techniques, moisture-wicking properties and ultra-soft finishes, they offer:

• Cooling performance that rivals bamboo

• Better moisture management than cotton

• A silky, luxurious feel that holds up over time

All that said, don’t judge fabric by its fiber label alone. Instead, take a personal approach to finding your new bedtime favorite: Focus on how it’s made, how it feels and how it performs during a full night’s sleep. 

Sleep Soundly and Sweat-Free With Softies

We’ve come a long way from the stiff, unbreathable polyester of the past. Today’s advanced blends—especially when paired with fabrics like modal—deliver a cool, breathable and lavish bedtime experience that can rival, and sometimes surpass, natural fibers.

At Softies, our sleepwear is engineered to deliver cloud-nine softness with polyester blends like our drirelease® fabric. Explore our bedtime collections to feel polyester’s new role in sleep for yourself.