Bamboo vs Modal vs Flannel vs Velour vs Cotton Loungewear

Updated October 2026

The fabric you choose changes everything: how warm you feel, how it drapes, how it washes and how long you'll reach for it. Whether you're shopping for a lounge set, a robe, a dress or something for him, here's our plain-language guide to the five fabrics we carry most.

The quick comparison

Fabric	Feels like	Warmth	Breathability	Best for
Bamboo	Silky, cool, drapey	Light	Excellent; moisture-wicking	Anyone who runs warm, hot flashes, sensitive skin
Modal	Buttery soft, smooth	Light to medium	Very good	Everyday lounging, year-round comfort
Flannel	Brushed, cozy, soft	Warm	Good	Cold Canadian winters, holiday prints
Velour	Plush, velvety	Warm	Moderate	Lounging in style, gifting, teens
Cotton	Crisp to soft, classic	Light to medium	Good (holds moisture)	Classic nightgowns, easy care

Is bamboo good if you run hot?

Yes, it's our top pick. Bamboo (viscose from bamboo) is lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking: it draws moisture away from your skin instead of holding it, so you stay cooler and drier. It's silky to the touch and gets softer with every wash. Our own Georgia Rylan and Bob's Sleepwear Co. bamboo is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified, Product Class I, a lovely reassurance for sensitive skin. Shop bamboo.

Running hot because of menopause? Here's why bamboo pyjamas are the not-so-secret weapon against night sweats.

What is modal, and how is it different from bamboo?

Modal is a soft, smooth fibre often blended with cotton. It feels buttery and drapes beautifully, and it's a little less slippery than bamboo. It's a great all-season choice if you want softness without the silky finish. PJ Salvage uses it in many of its cotton-modal sets. Shop modal.

Is flannel too warm?

Flannel is woven cotton brushed for a soft, napped finish. That brushing traps air, so it's warmer than regular cotton while still breathing well. It's perfect for cold nights and cozy mornings, but if you run hot, choose bamboo instead. PJ Salvage flannel is a customer favourite, and the prints are half the fun. Shop flannel.

Who is velour for?

Velour is plush and velvety, with a little stretch and a polished look, so it's as good on the couch as it is on a coffee run. It's a fun, cozy gift and a big hit with teens. Shop Miranda Nic velour.

Is cotton still a good choice?

Absolutely, especially for classic nightgowns and robes. Cotton is breathable, familiar and easy to care for. The one thing to know: cotton absorbs moisture and holds it, so if you tend to overheat, bamboo will feel drier. Shop April Cornell cotton.

Which fabric should I choose?

You run hot or have hot flashes: bamboo.
You're always cold: flannel or velour.
You want everyday softness: modal or bamboo.
You have sensitive skin: OEKO-TEX® certified bamboo. Curious what's actually tested? Read what OEKO-TEX® certified really means.
You want easy care: cotton or modal.
Buying a gift and unsure? Bamboo for the one who kicks off the covers, flannel or velour for the one who's always chilly.

How to care for each fabric

For all five, wash cold and skip the fabric softener, which coats the fibres and dulls their softness. Bamboo and modal love to hang dry or tumble on low. Flannel is best tumbled on low to avoid shrinking. Always check the care label for specifics.

Fabric FAQ

Which fabric is best for night sweats?
Bamboo, because it's breathable and moisture-wicking, so it doesn't hold dampness against your skin the way cotton can.

Is modal the same as bamboo?
No. Both are soft, plant-based fibres, but bamboo feels silkier and cooler, while modal feels buttery and slightly more substantial.

What's the warmest loungewear fabric?
Flannel and velour are our warmest choices, perfect for a Canadian winter.

Keep Reading

Still deciding? Pop into one of our three Edmonton-area boutiques to feel the difference, or email us and we'll help you choose.