After a week of sweltering heat, many sleepers find themselves in the same situation: they wake up sweating, push the comforter aside, tug at the sheets, and search for a cool spot without finding it. It’s not always a matter of the temperature in the bedroom—it’s often a matter of the bedding. Synthetic fabric that’s too warm or simply worn out traps heat rather than letting it escape, turning a summer night into an ordeal. Changing your bedding before the heat sets in is one of the simplest ways to improve your sleep during the summer.
Why should you replace your bedding in the spring rather than in the middle of summer?
Changing your bedding is a seasonal task, just like changing your wardrobe. Just as you put away your warm clothes and bring out lighter outfits in the spring, your bedding deserves the same attention. Waiting until the first truly hot nights to take action means you’ve already had several rough nights.
Thicker winter sheets, made of fleece or flannel, provide cozy warmth on fall and winter nights, but become stifling as soon as the first mild nights of May arrive. Winter comforters should be neatly stored away after being thoroughly washed before summer. And pillows, which accumulate sweat from sleeping over the months, should be cleaned regularly or replaced before the warm season.
Cooling bedding made from natural materials doesn't lower the room temperature; instead, it wicks away body heat and nighttime moisture, allowing the body to maintain its natural temperature without it building up. For people who tend to get hot while sleeping, this simple change alone can transform exhausting nights into truly restful ones.
The Best Fabrics for Hot Nights
Not all natural materials perform equally well when exposed to heat. Here are the ones that really make a difference in summer bedding, along with the type of sleeper each is best suited for.
Washable linen for people who get hot while sleeping
The most breathable fabric in the line. Its open-fiber structure allows air to circulate and quickly wicks away nighttime moisture—a natural property that synthetic fabrics cannot replicate. Imagine switching from a polyester sheet that clings to your skin to a linen sheet that feels slightly cool to the touch: you’ll feel the difference from the very first night. Its naturally wrinkled look complements any bedroom style, and it feels softer with every wash. Grown in France and Belgium and manufactured in Portugal by bedding specialists, the Kipli linen bedding set is available in ivory, natural linen, aqua green, and mustard.
Organic cotton percale for everyone
The ultimate versatile choice for summer. Lightweight, cool, easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and dust-mite resistant, it’s suitable for all sleepers—from those with the most sensitive skin to families who wash their sheets twice a week during hot weather. Made in Portugal, the Kipli organic cotton bedding set is available in 7 colors to complement any home décor.
Pre-washed cotton for natural softness from the very first night
Organic cotton that has undergone a special washing process, giving it a slightly crinkled look and immediate softness from the very first night—no need to wait for subsequent washes. For sleepers torn between the lightness of linen and the softness of cotton, this is the perfect solution. Breathable, chemical-free, and made in Portugal, the Kipli washed cotton bedding set combines the best of both materials.
Hemp for Eco-Conscious Sleepers
The least well-known material in the line, yet one of the most effective for managing heat. Its natural thermoregulation keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the fall and winter—truly seasonal bedding. Grown in France without pesticides, it’s the choice for sleepers who want to fully embrace a natural approach. The Kipli hemp bedding set, made in Portugal, is available in natural and ivory.
Summer 2026 Bedding Trends: Colors, Materials, and What Sleepers Are Looking For
This season, bedding trends confirm a fundamental shift that began a few years ago: a return to natural, untreated materials, earthy colors, and authentic textures. Gone are the days of pristine white sheets and smooth pillowcases—sleepers are turning to soft, organic hues that visually warm up the bedroom without weighing down the atmosphere.
Trendy colors for summer 2026: Natural linen, pale terracotta, aqua green, rosewood, olive green, mustard.
In terms of fabrics, percale is regaining its prestige over standard combed cotton, and washed linen is establishing itself as the go-to summer fabric for sophisticated interiors. Hemp is making a notable appearance in high-end collections, driven by growing demand for French-made products with a low environmental impact.
When it comes to purchasing priorities, sleepers no longer want just soft bedding—they want to know where it comes from, how it was made, and whether it’s truly safe for their skin and sleep. The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification has become a selection criterion that’s just as important as price, signaling a lasting shift in consumer expectations.
Caring for Your Bedding in the Summer: Best Practices
Summer puts more strain on bedding than other seasons. Nighttime sweating increases, laundry is done more frequently, and the heat can cause odors to develop if the bedding isn't dried properly.
- Wash your sheets and pillowcases every week during hot weather, and about every two weeks in the fall and winter.
- Follow the recommended washing temperatures: a maximum of 40°C for linen, pre-washed cotton, and hemp. Cotton satin can withstand temperatures up to 60°C.
- Always air-dry; natural drying is preferable because it preserves the fibers' integrity better than a high-temperature dryer.
- Avoid using fabric softeners on natural fabrics: they coat the fibers with a water-repellent film that reduces the fabric's breathability—exactly the opposite of what you want in the summer.
- Store your clean, washed winter comforters in breathable storage covers—never in airtight plastic bags, which trap odors and moisture. Your fall comforters will thank you when fall rolls around.
Care Instructions for Washed Linen: Linen naturally wrinkles—this is a characteristic of the fabric, not a defect. For a smoother finish, iron while the fabric is still slightly damp using a hot iron (maximum 150°C). For a natural, casual look, let it air dry and store it without ironing. The fabric softens with each wash and develops a natural patina over time.
For kids, too: cool nights all season long
Hot nights disrupt children’s sleep just as much as adults’—and sometimes even more so. Children are less able to regulate their body temperature and wake up more easily when it gets hot at night. A child sleeping in synthetic sheets in the middle of summer traps heat that their body cannot effectively release, which disrupts their sleep—a discomfort they can only express through repeated awakenings or restless nights.
Breathable bedding made from certified organic cotton—machine washable at 40°C and easy to care for—makes a real difference in the quality of their summer nights.
The Kipli children's bedding set, made in Portugal from certified organic cotton, is available in 6 colors and designed to ensure healthy, cool nights.
Kipli, of course.
Written by the Kipli team, specialists in natural bedding since 2018. Our advice is based on our expertise in natural materials and feedback from our customers to ensure you enjoy peaceful and comfortable nights.