When the temperature in the bedroom exceeds 20°C, bedding becomes more important than it is in winter. Fabric that’s too thick can cause you to sweat at night and wake up more often. Switching to a lighter set is a simple way to sleep better during the warmer months.

Cotton percale is a good choice for summer—it’s lightweight, cool to the touch, and doesn’t cling to the skin. Cotton sateen is smoother and slightly warmer, making it better suited for spring than the height of summer. Mako satin—thinner, softer, with a distinct sheen—works well year-round. Polyester and synthetic blends trap heat and moisture, so it’s best to avoid them in the summer. The lower the fabric weight, the lighter and more breathable the bedding. For summer, look for a weight in the 120–160 g/m² range. Winter bedding is typically 180–220 g/m²—the difference is noticeable to the touch.

When should you switch to summer bedding? There’s no set date. When you start kicking off the covers at night or wake up sweaty—that’s your cue. It usually happens around the end of April or beginning of May. It’s a good idea to have at least two sets for the warm season and two for the winter—it makes rotating them for laundry easier, and the bedding wears out more slowly.