We’re primed to change our wardrobes as the weather gets warmer, but since experts say the average person spends a third of their life in bed, shouldn’t we switch our night gear with the seasons, too?
I’m talking about outfitting your sleeping situation with new sheets in lightweight fabrics, lighter throws and comforters, all in softer patterns and colors that celebrate the season. And just as importantly, it’s time to overhaul your sleeping wardrobe for higher temps, too. They should also reflect lighter textures and weaves that won’t leave you sweating.
First, the fundamentals: Lighter-weight sheets are essential for great sleep this time of year. And the higher the thread count, the more soundly you’ll snooze. On that note, 300-thread count and combed cotton are a match made in heaven. By Legend Hotel, the Spring Buds Premium Smooth Wrinkle-Free Sateen Bed Sheet Set ($219 on thecompanystore.com) is a cotton sateen in a pattern of dappled budding branches and butterflies. The original design is based on watercolor strokes of ink blue, taupe and white on a ground of pale silver.
Just as lovely and buttery are the Wildflower Relaxed-Linen Sheets ($89 to $149 on garnethill.com). Linen is a standout choice right about now, as it’s eminently breathable, naturally temperature regulating, and this one is handmade in Portugal with certified European Flax — and it’s all machine washable. I also adore the beautiful drape and soft multicolor botanical design.
For a duvet cover that feels perfectly light yet cozy, have a look at Ballard Designs Clementine Floral Duvet Cover ($229 to $279 on ballarddesigns.com) in cornflower. Its slightly slubby texture makes for a romantic and ethereal feel.
Then there’s the world of Frette. The European bedding company centers around tasteful neutral tones and higher-than-high-end fabrics. Splurge on the brand’s Lozenge Lace Boudoir Sham ($400 on frette.com), woven of silky cotton sateen with a delicate lace insert on the front borders — you’ll be happy with how their intricate pattern complements almost any other sheet and comforter set and adds a big hit of ultra-luxury.
As for you, warmer nights mean shorter sleeves, pajama shorts rather than pants, and camisoles.
If you’re up for an indulgence, it’s well worth checking out the Washable Silk Romper ($198 to $218 on lunya.co). It’s an effortless and stylish look with a flattering silhouette (thanks to the A-line cut) and is made with 100% silk fabric that’s machine-washable and breathable. That fabric also uses bluesign®-approved dyes, which are environmentally friendly and contain no harmful chemicals. Meanwhile, the colors are stunning — a shimmering deep blue, a fluid metallic tan, and a soft lime, among them.
If a two-piece shorts set sounds more up your alley, there’s the Splendid’s 2-Piece Satin Top & Shorts Pajama Set ($29.99 on saksoff5th.com). Not only is it a steal compared with many comparable sleep sets of the same quality, it’s also just plain pretty. Especially so in “blue rose bouquet,” with a charming camp collar and short sleeves.
Summers were also made for chemise sleeping. And plenty of those can veer into negligée territory. For something a bit more demure, Natori offers longer and slightly less overtly sexy designs like the Nami Slip ($65 on natori.com) in Aqua Mist. It’s a lengthier 40 inches from the shoulder, is wrinkle resistant and machine washable even while its V-neck and silken fabric feel like something more delicate. And then there’s the pattern — modern Art Deco splashes of blues and sage green that are as playful as summer itself.
