Summer nights in New Zealand have their own temperament. Tossing. Turning. Flipping the pillow for the tenth time. Kicking off the duvet only to pull it back on when the air shifts. A humid Kiwi night can make rest feel miles away.
The good news is simple. Your bedding can genuinely cool you down. Not through big marketing promises or inflated thread counts, but through fibres and weaves that actually breathe. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to sleep cooler this summer.
How it feels
Pure linen starts crisp, then melts into complete softness over time. It carries that natural, rumpled texture that feels lived-in and effortless.
The science
Linen fibres are hollow, which means they circulate air, regulate temperature and absorb moisture without feeling damp. Linen adapts to your body, keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm when the air drops.
The downsides
Linen wrinkles. It’s part of the charm.
2. Fresh Cotton Percale: The Cool, Crisp Hotel Classic
How it feels
Percale is your classic boutique hotel sheet. Light. Crisp. Cool to the touch. The entire bed feels fresher.
The science
The one-over, one-under weave forms a breathable grid structure. This allows air to move between threads, creating a cooler sleeping surface.
Percale vs Sateen
Percale is breathable and matte.
Sateen is silky and dense.
One is perfect for summer. One is not.
Buttery soft without the slip - our bamboo cotton blend feels gentle and luxurious from the very first sleep. It’s a modern indulgence that suits warm sleepers and anyone who loves a smooth finish.
Made from a bespoke 50/50 blend of bamboo and long-staple cotton, this 400-thread-count fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating. It helps you stay cool when it’s hot and cosy when it’s not - ideal for New Zealand’s ever-changing summer nights.
Bamboo is fast-growing, requires little water, and regenerates without pesticides. At George Street Linen, our bamboo cotton is part of our ongoing commitment to quality without compromise - better for you, and better for the planet.
"These sheets are so soft and cool to the touch with an almost silk looking sheen. "
- Sarah W.
Even the best sheets can’t help if your top layer is working against you. Heavy synthetic duvets trap warm air and prevent heat from escaping.
Lightweight quilts and coverlets do the opposite. They allow your body to breathe.
For more information on what duvet inner to pick read our ‘Duvet Inner + Quilt Buying Guide’.
A quick-glance comparison for summer sleepers:
Explore the full collection of light, airy layers crafted to keep you cool, comfortable, and well-rested all summer long.
