It's a simple but smart idea: Create a soft, comfortable fabric that uses the kind of wicking technology found in athletic wear that pulls moisture from the skin and keeps you dry. From that fabric, create pajamas designed for menopausal women -- as well as people going through chemotherapy and other health conditions -- who suffer from night sweats.

Here are clothing lines that show a sense of style:

Wicking J. Sleepwear

About the company: Started about five years ago by Kendra Novick, a stay-at-home Colorado mom who developed night sweats because of a thyroid condition. She worked with a mill to develop a fabric that felt like cotton.

Touch test: Feels much like a cotton T.

Prices: Pajama sets range from about $50 to $80; nightgowns are about $40; short sets about $50.

Where to find them: View the collection at www.wickingjsleepwear.com.

Where to buy them: The full line is carried at A Dry & Comfy Sleepwear Co. (www.wickndry.com) and at www.rickandjune.com. What else the company sells: A wicking pillowcase (about $16), a robe (about $80) and a men's T-shirt (about $30).

HotCool Wear

About the company: Founded in 2000 by Canadian businesswoman and runner Wendy McClung, who wore one of her athletic Ts to bed one night and realized it helped her sleep through her hot flashes. She found a business partner to design the pajamas and worked with a mill to come up with a wicking fabric.

The line: nightshirts, sleeveless tank dresses, pj's

Touch test: These feel more like a polished cotton than a cotton -- almost like children's fire-retardant pajamas.

Prices range from about $35 for shorts to $90 for an embroidered pj set.

Where to buy them: www.hotcoolwear.com. Click on the "Hot Mama" collection.

	Wildbleu's "curved waist gown," made with wicking technology that pulls moisture from the skin, is $45. Click photo for larger image.

What else the company sells: A line of athletic wicking wear and a line for men.

Cool Sets

About the company: Founded by David Chandler, former pro racquetball player, who first developed wicking athletic wear for several companies. It's based in Denver.

The line: Includes pajama separates, nightgowns, sleep shirts, and loungewear pajamas. Prices range from $29 to $80.

Touch test: A soft, almost silky-satin feel.

Where to buy them: www.coolsets.com.

What else the company sells: A wicking robe for about $80.

Wildbleu

Wildbleu pajamas are sold as separates: rose dot capri, $26; rose tank, $25, and rose dot button-front sleepshirt, $50. Click photo for larger image.

About the company: Founded by Helen Rockey, who was once president of Brooks running-shoe company, which began making a T-shirt for marathon runners. Women started contacting the company to say that they were using the T as a nightshirt because it was helping them sleep through hot flashes. Inspiration struck, and Rockey set out to find a yarn that would not only wick away moisture but eliminate odors.

The line: Includes three styles of sleepwear, according to fabric color and print: lavender; peony; and classics. Each line has separates, including gowns, tanks and Ts. Prices range from $20 for a tank top to $55 for a gown.

Touch test: The rib-knit fabric is uber-soft and snuggly. Feels like light, airy cotton.

Where to buy them: www.wildbleu.com.

Fastest-growing new product: Wicking sheet sets called SleepKeepers, in full ($125), queen ($140) and king ($160) sizes.