It’s a heat wave up here — a sticky, stinky old-fashioned roaster. You wake up with the sheets clinging to your legs and back. You check the thermometer and it says 84 — and it’s only 7 a.m. And summer has only just begun.

It may be a bit late to start thinking about these things, but I’ve been madly searching for the perfect summer nightwear. Something that lets you feel comfortable in bed or sitting on the deck or curled up on the couch. Sexy would be nice, but at this point I’ll take anything that doesn’t stick to me.

Hallelujah, then, for the incredible Sophie Simmons and her New York boutique lingerie line called Dessous NYC. The Dessous Spring II line of nightwear pieces is, literally and aesthetically, the coolest collection I’ve come across and absolutely ideal for sticky summer nights.

Designer Simmons is a young Parisian whose work is inspired by the delicate-but-comfortable camisoles that her mother and grandmother wore as children. After emigrating to New York, Simmons began crafting a lingerie (or “dessous”) line that echoed her European nostalgia, complete with delicate embroidery that had become so rare.

The Dessous nightwear collection is filled with dreamy pieces, but there are some good reasons why it all works so well. For her sleepwear, Simmons works primarily with a cotton voile blend, a sheer, limp fabric that drapes beautifully and has a loose weave that “breathes” — what a blessing on a hot night! Alternatively, she uses a light, silky viscose on design-heavy pieces like culottes and wide-legged pants.

It’s a generous and well-thought-out collection, too, with a variety of pieces that all complement each other. Culottes, camis, loose nightshirts, leggings, boyshorts and big, broad summer pants — it’s all there. But the jewel of the collection, in my mind, is the sheer Marie bralette and matching Lucie briefs(last photo) — cool, yes, but oh-so-hot!

I’ll let you browse through the photos below to savor the appeal of the Dessous nightwear line. Just imagine looking so good when the weather outside makes you feel like such a wet dishrag!

Dessous NYC is well-known in most fine lingerie shops, especially on the east coast, but you may have to phone around to find someone who stocks them. And, as with many independents, expect some limitations in sizes available.

For more information visit DessousNYC.com.