The coolest bedding picks for hot summer nights

Daily Mirror

17-05-2025

These essentials will help you wake up fresh, from airy linen sheets to low tog duvets
Temperatures are creeping up, and while sunny days mean floaty dresses, ice cream, and long evenings outside, the nights are a different story. If you've ever found yourself tossing and turning in a sticky, sweaty mess, you'll know that summer sleep can be anything but restful.
A good fan is always a smart place to start, but clever bedding upgrades can also make warm nights more bearable. Think breathable linen sheets, cooling pillows, low-tog duvets, and even cotton pyjamas designed to regulate body temperature while you sleep.
Scroll down for our top cooling bedding picks, which will keep shoppers fresh, dry, and comfortable on even the hottest nights.
Dunelm Cotton Bedding - from £24
Cotton is naturally breathable, soft on the skin and great at wicking away moisture, making it ideal for warm-weather sleeping. And while Egyptian cotton (like this luxe set from The White Company) is often seen as the gold standard thanks to its long fibres and silky feel, it can also come with a hefty price tag.
Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable cotton options that are still great. Dunelm has a brilliant selection in a range of colours and prints, and I've been seriously impressed with this reversible striped set, which is £34 for a double. It feels soft and smooth, looks far more expensive than it is, and has a 144 thread count - a decent figure that balances comfort and durability without bumping up the price.
The reversible design is a nice touch, too. It gives my bed a fresh look with a quick flip, which I love for a low-effort bedroom refresh. This is a great buy if you're after budget-friendly bedding that doesn't compromise on feel.
KEPLIN 2-Pack Large Cooling Gel Pillows - £7.49
These clever cooling pads are designed to slide neatly into pillowcases, instantly bringing a refreshing chill to bedtime - no fridge or freezer required. The gel activates on contact and stays cool long enough to help you drift off comfortably, especially useful during hot nights when even your pillow feels like a radiator.
They're also great for soothing migraines and tension headaches, making them surprisingly versatile for the price. However, some reviewers noted the pads can slip throughout the night, so they're better for those who don't toss and turn much.
Piglet in Bed Linen Bedding - from £39
Linen bedding is always a smart choice - not only is it temperature regulating, but it's also durable, breathable, moisture-wicking, and gets softer with every wash. As a shopping writer, I've tested countless linen sets, but I always circle back to one brand: Piglet in Bed.
Yes, these sheets are an investment (a linen bundle starts from £237), but in experience, the quality is unmatched. Made in Portugal, Piglet's bedding is woven from a luxurious blend of European flax linen and long-staple cotton, offering that perfect balance of softness and structure. Thoughtful details like coconut shell button fastenings add charm, while the fabric feels soft, breathable and incredibly comforting against the skin.
They also wash beautifully - no shrinking, no stiffness, just increasingly lived-in luxury. Every hue is beautifully muted and effortlessly chic, too. The calming Elderberry Stripe set is currently dressing my bed, adding a subtle statement to my room.
Otherwise, Bedfolk is another high-quality option. The sheets wash well and feel great, though they're also on the pricier side. Still, when it comes to bedding, I firmly believe you get what you pay for - and both of these brands deliver.
TEMPUR Cloud SmartCool™ Pillows - £139
These cushions, equipped with Tempur's SmartCool technology and removable covers, are designed to soak up excess heat, guaranteeing a comfortable, sweat-free slumber all night. Moreover, this extra firm memory foam pillow supports any sleeping position.
I've had these pillows since last summer and can vouch for their effectiveness. Initially, I was doubtful about Tempur's temperature-regulating claims, but they genuinely feel cool. They also adapted well to my neck and shoulders, relieving aches and pains.
The Fine Bedding Company Smart Temperature Pillow Protectors - £30.40 from £38
If you aren't quite ready to invest in a cooling pillow or are too loyal to your current one, cooling pillow protectors could be the next best thing. These ones, made with activated cooling technology, feel cool to the touch as soon as your head hits the pillow. Plus, they've got the practical perks of a standard protector, guarding against sweats, spills, and general wear.
I've had these protectors on my pillows for over a year now, and they're one of the best small home buys I've made. They genuinely feel cool, even without air conditioning, and they're machine washable, too. I rarely wake up with sweaty hair anymore, which, in the middle of a heatwave, is pretty priceless.
Slumberland All Seasons 9 + 4.5 TOG Duvet - from £49.99
Switching to a low tog duvet is a smart move in the summer. Lower tog ratings (think 4.5 or under) mean less insulation and a lighter, airier feel, helping you stay cool and comfortable on hot nights.
I've got this Slumberland duvet at home, and it's been a solid choice so far. It's lightweight enough that I don't wake up overheated, and it still has a soft, cosy feel that doesn't feel too bare. It's also machine washable, a big plus for everyday use.
Even better, it's a hybrid design - it comes with two layers (4.5 and 9 tog) that can be combined using press studs to create a 13.5-tog winter-ready duvet. That means I'll be covered all year round without needing to buy a second one - a win for comfort and budget.
However, if you're searching for something lighter, Dusk has a 2.5-tog duvet option. It's currently on sale, too, bringing a double size down to £24 from £40.
Boux Avenue Ditsy Cotton Cami Pyjama Set - £44
Now that bedding is sorted, a pair of lightweight pyjamas is worth considering. As mentioned, cotton is a great material to sleep in, thanks to its breathable and moisture-wicking properties, so it works just as well for nightwear as it does for sheets.
Earlier this year, I opted for a cotton camisole set (see picture above) from Boux Avenue's spring collection. These light pink jammies are the quintessence of classic spring aesthetics - delicate, sweet and utterly charming.
The intricate broderie and frill detailing make me feel like royalty, whilst the soft cotton material is lightweight and surprisingly luxurious. Additionally, the adjustable straps and elasticated waist provide added comfort. Most importantly, they don't leave me feeling overheated at night.
However, a word of caution for my larger-busted ladies - the camisole top fits my smaller chest comfortably, but I suspect those with a more ample bust might find themselves slipping out.