Best Fabric for Nightwear: Top Choices Compared

The best fabrics for nightwear are satin, cotton and rayon (viscose). The right choice depends on the look you want, the season and how much care you can give it. This guide explains the options and what to watch for.

Top fabrics for nightwear

Satin: A smooth, glossy face and a fluid drape that looks dressy. Keep in mind: snags and slips while sewing, and shows water marks. See our satin or the satin guide.
Cotton: Breathable, comfortable and easy to wash. Keep in mind: can shrink and crease, so pre-wash before cutting. See our cotton or the cotton guide.
Rayon (viscose): Soft, cool and drapes beautifully at a friendly price. Keep in mind: can shrink and weakens when wet. See our rayon (viscose) or the rayon (viscose) guide.
Silk: Natural sheen, drape and comfort, a premium choice. Keep in mind: needs gentle care and costs more. See our silk or the silk guide.
Tencel (lyocell): Soft, smooth and breathable with a lovely drape. Keep in mind: costs more than rayon and cotton. See our tencel (lyocell) or the tencel (lyocell) guide.
Knit and jersey: Stretchy and comfortable, so it moves with the body. Keep in mind: needs a ballpoint needle and stretch stitch. See our knit and jersey or the knit and jersey guide.

How to choose fabric for nightwear

Choose breathable, soft fabrics. Cotton and rayon are best for hot nights, while satin and silk feel luxurious.

What to avoid

Polyester satin can feel warm and sticky in humid weather.

Which fabric for which season?

Cotton or rayon for summer, soft knit for winter. For hot weather, the best picks for nightwear are cotton, rayon (viscose), tencel (lyocell). For cold weather, try satin, cotton, silk.

Find nightwear fabric in stock

Use our fabric finder to filter by season, look and budget and see what we have in stock. You can also match a shade with the colour finder, or work out quantity with the fabric calculator.