Nightwear when the bedroom is cold
Short answer: In a cold bedroom, layering works better than thickness. A thin layer next to the skin and a slightly heavier one on top keep the warmth in better than one thick set, and you can easily take a layer off if you get too warm.
Air between the layers
Two thin layers insulate better than one thick one, because the air between them holds the warmth. It is the same principle used in outdoor clothing. The layers also let you adjust during the night. If you get too warm, you can take one off without changing the whole set.
The inner layer
A thin layer of bamboo viscose next to the skin moves moisture away, so you do not get clammy under the duvet. That matters, because damp skin feels colder than dry skin. Choose a close fit that does not squeeze, so it stays in place overnight. See bamboo vests for women.
The outer layer
On top goes a nightwear set in a slightly heavier quality with long sleeves and long legs. It should fit more loosely than the inner layer so there is room for air in between. A set that is too tight pushes the air out and warms less. See long styles in bamboo nightwear for women.
Your feet
Cold feet are one of the most common reasons for lying awake in a cold bedroom. A pair of thin socks helps more than you might think, and they are easy to take off if your feet warm up. Choose socks without a tight cuff so nothing presses on the ankle. See bamboo socks for women.
The duvet decides
The filling and weight of the duvet decide most of the warmth at night. Nightwear can help, but it cannot make a duvet that is too thin warm enough in a cold room. Notice whether you are cold all over or only in certain places. If you are cold everywhere, it is usually the duvet.
For men
The same layering works for men: a thin layer underneath and an ordinary nightwear set on top. Many men sleep in a T-shirt and only need to add long bottoms and a pair of socks when it gets cold. Start with what you already have. See the matching pieces in bamboo nightwear for men.
Avoid sleeping too warm
A cool bedroom is often good for sleep, as long as you are warm under the duvet. So do not dress so warmly that you start to sweat. Sweat makes nightwear damp, and then you feel cold later in the night. Read more about staying warm without sweating in warm nightwear for winter.
Layers instead of more sets
With a thin layer and an ordinary set, you can cover both mild and cold nights without buying an extra winter set. It is often the cheapest solution, and the pieces can be worn separately for the rest of the year. Browse the full range of nightwear if you are missing a piece.
Washing the layers
The inner layer takes most of the moisture and should be washed more often than the outer one. Wash at 40 degrees inside out and let the pieces air dry. That way they stay soft and keep their shape. With two inner layers you can rotate and wear the outer set a little longer between washes.
Frequently asked questions
Are two layers better than one thick one?
Yes. The air between the layers insulates, and you can take a layer off if you get too warm. A thick set does not give you the same way to adjust during the night.
Do socks help at night?
For many people they do. Cold feet keep you awake, and a pair of thin socks without a tight cuff can make it easier to fall asleep in a cold bedroom.
What if I am still cold?
Then the duvet is often too thin for the room. Nightwear can help, but the filling of the duvet decides most of the warmth and should suit the season.
See our range of bamboo sleepwear for women.
