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Sleepwear fabrics & winter comfort
Cotton and satin feel very different against your skin, and that difference matters more in winter than you might expect. The best choice depends on whether you tend to run hot or cold at night, how warm your bedroom is and what kind of feel you enjoy.
Cotton vs satin: how they compare
Before comparing the two, it helps to know what each one actually is. Cotton is a natural fibre. Satin is not a fibre at all but a type of weave that gives fabric its smooth, glossy surface. Satin can be made from silk, polyester and other fibres, and that makes a real difference to how it performs.
1. What they are made from
Myza cotton pyjamas are 100% cotton. Most satin pyjamas on the high street, including Myza satin sets, are polyester-based, so they behave quite differently from silk satin. Always check the composition on the label.
2. Breathability
Cotton is naturally breathable, which helps if you get warm under a winter duvet. Polyester satin is generally less breathable; Marks & Spencer, for example, notes that polyester satins tend not to have breathable qualities, so you may get hot while you sleep.
3. Handling moisture
Cotton absorbs moisture, so it tends to stay comfortable if you warm up in the night. Polyester does not absorb moisture in the same way, which is why some people find satin can feel clammy once they heat up.
4. Feel against the skin
Cotton feels soft and familiar. Satin feels smooth and glides over the skin, and many people find it feels cool when they first get into bed. That cool first touch is lovely in summer but less welcome on a cold January night.
5. Warmth in practice
Neither fabric is especially insulating on its own. In winter, warmth comes mostly from sleeve length, your bedding, your room temperature and layering. The UK Health Security Agency notes that several thinner layers can keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
6. Care and washing
Both are easy to look after. Myza cotton and satin pyjamas can be washed at 30 degrees. Satin sets are best kept out of the tumble dryer, and washing prints with similar colours helps them stay bright.
Which suits the way you sleep?
There is no single right answer. Think about how you usually feel at 3am rather than when you first get into bed.
If you
Wake up hot under the duvet
Choose cotton. Its breathability makes it the safer bet if you tend to overheat once your winter bedding warms up.
If you
Feel the cold or have a draughty room
Choose long-sleeve, full-length cotton pyjamas and add layers, such as a robe for evenings and bed socks, rather than relying on one heavy fabric.
If you
Love a smooth, silky feel
Satin can work in winter. Choose a long-sleeve trouser set, keep your bedroom comfortably warm and make sure your duvet is suited to the season.
Get your winter bedroom right first
- The Sleep Charity suggests an ideal bedroom temperature of around 16 to 18°C for sleep.
- UK Health Security Agency guidance for England advises heating rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as your bedroom, to at least 18°C, especially if you are older or have a health condition.
- Keep bedroom windows closed on cold nights and reduce draughts around doors.
- Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat in.
- Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket if you need extra warmth in bed, but the NHS advises never using both at the same time.
- Choose a duvet tog that suits the season so your pyjamas do not have to do all the work.
How to choose in five steps
A few quick questions will help you pick the right pair for colder months.
- Check the label. Look at the fabric composition. "Satin" tells you about the weave, not the fibre, so check whether it is polyester, silk or another material.
- Think about how warm you sleep. If you often kick off the covers or wake up warm, cotton is usually the better choice. If you are always cold, focus on coverage and layers.
- Go long for winter. Long sleeves and full-length trousers make the biggest difference to warmth, whichever fabric you choose. Browse cotton pyjamas or satin pyjamas in trouser sets.
- Plan your layers. A robe for evenings and bed socks for cold feet let you adjust your warmth without changing your pyjamas. Read our guide on whether to sleep in socks.
- Choose what you will enjoy wearing. The pair you look forward to putting on is the pair you will wear. Many people keep both: cotton for everyday winter nights and satin for when the heating is on or they want something a little special.
Winter sleepwear picks
Whether you prefer cotton or satin, a long-sleeve trouser set and a lightweight robe give you plenty of ways to stay comfortable as the nights get colder.
Myza
Red Lobster Women’s Cotton Pyjama Trouser Set
100% cotton with a long-sleeve button-up top, full-length trousers, an elasticated drawstring waist and side pockets.
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Myza
Snow Leopard on Red Women’s Satin Pyjama Trouser Set
Smooth satin in 96% recycled polyester and 4% spandex, with a long-sleeve top, full-length trousers and gentle stretch.
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Myza
Leopards on Green Cotton Robe
A lightweight 100% cotton wrap robe with an adjustable waist tie and side pockets, easy to layer over pyjamas on chilly evenings.
Shop now →Keeping warm and well this winter
Comfortable sleepwear is only one part of staying warm. The UK Health Security Agency guidance on keeping warm and well explains that low indoor temperatures can seriously affect health, particularly for older people, people with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and young children. If you find it hard to heat your home, the guidance also points to grants and support that may be available.
Know the signs of getting too cold
Typical signs of hypothermia include shivering, slow breathing, tiredness or confusion, and pale, cold skin. If you are worried that you or someone else may have hypothermia, contact NHS 111 for advice, or call 999 in an emergency. Keep in touch with older relatives and neighbours during cold spells, as they may need extra support.
Frequently asked questions
Are satin pyjamas warm enough for winter?
They can be, as long as you choose a long-sleeve, full-length set and keep your bedroom and bedding warm enough. Satin often feels cool when you first put it on, so some people prefer it when the heating is on rather than on the coldest nights.
Is satin the same as silk?
No. Satin is a weave, and silk is a fibre. Silk can be woven into satin, but many satin pyjamas are made from polyester. Polyester satin is easy to care for and durable, but it is generally less breathable than silk or cotton.
Will cotton pyjamas keep me warm enough?
Long-sleeve cotton pyjamas work well for most UK winter nights when paired with a suitable duvet. If you feel the cold, add a layer such as a robe in the evening or bed socks, rather than switching to a heavier fabric that may make you overheat later in the night.
What temperature should my bedroom be in winter?
The Sleep Charity suggests around 16 to 18°C for sleep. UK Health Security Agency guidance for England advises heating rooms you use a lot, including your bedroom, to at least 18°C, especially if you are older or have a health condition. Heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.
How should I wash cotton and satin pyjamas?
Always check the care label. Myza cotton and satin pyjamas can be washed at 30 degrees. Wash bright prints with similar colours, and avoid tumble drying satin to help it keep its smooth finish.
Continue reading
Informational note: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you are concerned about your health, and contact NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.