Sleep and lounge wear for Indian summers: night suits and capris

Sleepwear is the one thing in the wardrobe you wear every single day and think about least. In an Indian summer that is a mistake: the wrong fabric or fit is the difference between sleeping through and waking up at 3 am.

Why cotton, for sleeping

Cotton lets air through and takes up sweat instead of trapping it against your skin. Synthetic sleepwear can feel smooth when you put it on, but on a warm night it holds the heat in. For anything you sleep in from March to October, cotton is the safe choice.

The button-down night suit

A shirt and pyjama set has lasted because it works. Ours is a printed cotton shirt with a classic collar and buttons down the front, and a straight-fit pyjama.

• Buttons down the front make it easy to get in and out of, and easy to adjust if you are warm.
• A straight pyjama gives your legs room to move in your sleep without fabric twisting around them.
• An all-over print hides creases from a night's sleep, so it still looks presentable when the doorbell rings in the morning.

It comes in blue checks, grey floral, olive green, maroon, beige, black and crimson red.

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When a capri is better

On the hottest afternoons a full-length pyjama is simply too much. A capri stops at the calf, which keeps you cooler while still covering the knee.

Our printed capris are soft cotton lycra with an adjustable drawstring waist and two side pockets — comfortable for lounging, sleeping, yoga at home or stepping out for something quickly.

Printed capris in coral and navy: calf length, drawstring waist, pockets on both sides.

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How sleepwear should fit

Looser than your day clothes, but not shapeless.

• The shirt should close across the chest without the buttons pulling apart.
• Shoulder seams should sit at your shoulder, not halfway down your arm.
• The pyjama should not drag on the floor — that is how hems fray and how people trip on stairs.
• With a drawstring, tie it for comfort rather than tightness; it should stay up on its own.

Keeping cotton prints bright

• Wash new prints separately the first couple of times, in cool water.
• Turn them inside out before washing and drying.
• Dry in the shade. Strong sun fades prints faster than washing does.
• Skip bleach entirely on coloured prints.

More on washing in our care guide.

How many do you need?

Two is the minimum — one to wear while the other is in the wash. Three lets each set rest between wears, and in a humid summer that rest matters more than you would think.

Shop this guide

• Cotton Printed Shirt & Pyjama Night Suit — button-down shirt and straight pyjama
• Printed Capri Shorts with Pockets — calf length, drawstring waist, side pockets
• Sleep & Lounge Duo combo — night suit, camisole and brief together

Frequently asked questions

Is a cotton or satin night suit better for summer?

Cotton. Satin feels cool when you first put it on, but it does not absorb sweat, so on a hot night it ends up feeling clammy. Cotton breathes and soaks up moisture through the night.

What colour night suit is best for summer?

Lighter colours feel cooler and show less fading. Prints are practical too — they hide creases from a night's sleep.

How loose should a night suit be?

Looser than your day clothes but not shapeless: buttons that close without pulling, shoulder seams at your shoulder, and a pyjama that does not drag on the floor.

Do cotton night suits shrink?

Cotton can shrink a little if it is washed hot or tumble dried. Wash in cool water and dry in the shade and it keeps its size.

Are capris good for sleeping in?

Yes, especially in the hottest months. A calf-length capri keeps your legs cooler than a full pyjama while still covering the knee.