Why We Chose Linen for Our Pyjama Sets
There are a few products that have shaped Jade and May from the beginning, and our linen pyjama sets are one of them.
When I first started designing our own sleepwear, I kept coming back to linen. I wanted something that felt comfortable from the moment you put it on, looked relaxed without trying too hard and would still be hanging in your wardrobe years later. It needed to work for Australian summers, cooler winter nights and all the in-between seasons we seem to get in a single week.
That search led us to premium European Flax linen, and it's the same fabric we still use today.
Every Jade and May linen pyjama set is designed here in Geelong and ethically made in small batches by the same women-led, family-owned factory in Bali that we've worked with since 2019. Working with a small production team allows us to focus on quality rather than quantity, creating timeless pieces instead of chasing seasonal trends.
If you're exploring our collection for the first time, you'll find our full range of linen pyjamas and sleepwear, including matching robes, nighties and sleep shirts, all made from the same beautiful natural fibre.
Why linen makes such beautiful sleepwear
The best sleepwear almost disappears once you're wearing it. It moves with you, feels light against your skin and never leaves you feeling too hot or restricted.
Linen naturally does exactly that.
Unlike many synthetic fabrics, linen fibres allow air to circulate freely, helping your body regulate its temperature throughout the night. On warm evenings it releases excess heat and moisture, while during winter the natural fibres help retain warmth without feeling heavy.
If you've ever woken up feeling too hot, damp or uncomfortable, changing the fabric you sleep in can make more difference than changing your mattress or quilt.
Linen is naturally:
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Breathable
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Moisture wicking
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Temperature regulating
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Hypoallergenic
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Naturally antibacterial
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Fast drying
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Fully biodegradable at the end of its life
These qualities make it especially popular with people who experience night sweats, warm sleepers, sensitive skin or anyone simply looking for a more comfortable night's sleep.
European Flax matters
Not all linen is created equal.
Our sleepwear is made using premium European Flax linen, grown primarily in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, regions recognised for producing some of the world's highest quality flax.
European Flax is grown with significantly less irrigation than many other textile crops, relying largely on natural rainfall. The fibre is exceptionally long and strong, producing fabric that feels soft while remaining incredibly durable.
It's also naturally renewable and fully biodegradable, making it one of the most environmentally responsible fibres available.
Because the fibres are so strong, linen garments don't need replacing every season. They soften over time rather than wearing out, becoming more comfortable with every wash.
Why we use OEKO-TEX® certified linen
Every Jade and May linen garment is made using fabric certified to the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.
That certification means every component of the fabric has been independently tested for hundreds of potentially harmful substances, giving you confidence that what sits against your skin has met strict international safety standards.
Sleepwear spends more time in contact with your skin than almost anything else you wear, so this is something we've always taken seriously.
If you'd like to learn more about what the certification means, visit our guide to OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics.
Low-impact dyes and cleaner production
The way a fabric is dyed is just as important as the fibre itself.
Our linen is coloured using fibre reactive dyes that achieve excellent colour fixation. In simple terms, more dye bonds directly to the fabric and less is washed away during production, helping reduce wastewater and chemical runoff.
These dyes are free from harmful azo compounds and heavy metal mordants often associated with traditional textile dyeing.
They also work at lower temperatures than many conventional dyeing methods, reducing energy use while producing the rich colours our linen has become known for.
The result is fabric that maintains its softness, breathability and beautiful colour wash after wash.
You can read more in our guide to low-impact fibre reactive dyes and azo-free fabrics.
Designed for more than bedtime
One of my favourite things about visiting the store is seeing how customers wear their linen.
Someone might come in looking for new pyjamas, then come back a few weeks later wearing the shirt with denim shorts or the linen pants with a simple knit.
That versatility was always part of the design.
Our pyjama sets are relaxed enough for sleeping, but polished enough that you don't feel the need to change the moment you get out of bed. Wear the full set at home, throw the shirt over swimmers on holiday or pair each piece with clothes already in your wardrobe.
They're pieces designed to be lived in, not saved for special occasions.
Caring for your linen
One of the questions we hear most often is whether linen is difficult to look after.
It really isn't.
Machine wash in cool or lukewarm water using a gentle detergent, avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, then line dry where possible. If you enjoy the relaxed texture linen naturally develops, there's no need to iron it. If you prefer a smoother finish, a warm iron while slightly damp works beautifully.
Every wash softens the fibres a little more, which is one of the reasons people grow so attached to their linen.
Looking after it well means it can remain part of your wardrobe for many years.
Frequently asked questions
Are linen pyjamas good for hot sleepers?
Yes. Linen allows air to circulate naturally while drawing moisture away from the body, helping many people sleep more comfortably during warmer weather.
Are linen pyjamas warm enough for winter?
They are. Linen adapts surprisingly well to changing temperatures, helping retain warmth while remaining breathable enough that you don't overheat.
Does linen become softer?
Absolutely. One of linen's best qualities is that it softens naturally with every wash while maintaining its strength.
Is linen suitable for sensitive skin?
Many people with sensitive skin prefer linen because it's breathable, naturally hypoallergenic and doesn't trap heat and moisture the way synthetic fabrics often can.
Where are Jade and May linen pyjamas made?
Our linen sleepwear is designed in Geelong, Australia, and ethically produced in small batches by our long-term women-led, family-owned manufacturing partner in Bali.
A slower approach to sleepwear
We're not interested in making pieces you'll wear for one season before moving on to the next trend.
We'd rather create sleepwear that becomes part of your everyday routine. The pyjama set you reach for after a long day. The shirt you pack for every holiday. The linen that somehow feels even better five years from now than it did the day it arrived.
Explore our full collection of linen pyjamas and sleepwear, add a matching linen bathrobe, or browse our complete range of natural fibre sleepwear to find the pieces that suit the way you live
