It’s no secret that over the past few years loungewear has become a fashion mainstay. Whether you are dedicated to sporting matching co-ords 24/7 or simply enjoy having something to wear when working from home or for relaxing in, it’s a trend that looks set to stay.
A major driver behind this was the pandemic lockdowns. At a time of uncertainty and turmoil, loungewear offered comfort, whether that took on the form of a pair of a beloved (yet slightly holey) college sweatshirt (or something a little more styled) just like the examples here.
What Is Classed As Loungewear?
To give a definition of what loungewear is, it may be useful to begin by establishing what it’s not, namely sleepwear (silk pajama blouses can look lovely when worn as daywear, but they’re not necessarily “lounge”). Nor is it activewear – at least not the kind specifically intended for wearing at the gym (particularly sports bras).
Outside of this, loungewear covers a broad spectrum including any item of clothing versatile enough to be worn at home, work or for casual activities.
These items differ from their strictly off-duty counterparts, in that they tend to focus on quality, durability and tailoring: for example opting for a sleek pair of wide-leg sweatpants over a traditional thicker pair with a cuffed ankle.
In addition to some comfortable pants (complete with a stretch or drawstring waistband, naturally), some options to add to your wardrobe might include:
- One or two good-quality cotton tee shirts. Cropped, oversized or long-sleeved, it’s up to you, so long as the fabric and stitching can withstand multiple washes.
- A versatile stretch-cotton dress (to be dressed up, down or worn as a skirt)
- A co-ord set that can be worn together or combined with other items to “mix-and-match”.
On the topic of mixing and matching, the key to wearing elevated loungewear is not so much what you wear as how you wear it. The 2×2 formula that first appeared on social media back in 2023 is perfect for this: simply combine two “smart” items with two dressed-down pieces to achieve a smart-casual look.
Level Up
Elevating your look can be taken quite literally, especially when experimenting with size and proportion. While the fitted top and relaxed-fit pants (or vice-versa) remains a tried-and-true formula for achieving balance in an outfit, there’s also something undeniably chic about the all-over loose look.
If attempting the latter, opt for a monochromatic palette and let the silhouette do the talking. Designers like Comme Des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto are great reference points for this laidback, yet almost avant-garde style featuring designs that appear sculptural and flowy at once.
Tuck, Roll, and Accessorize
A few minor alterations can make a surprising difference to the appearance of an outfit while offering some variety in how you wear different pieces: in colder months, layering serves a practical purpose, but it can also be used to create dimension: a collar peeking out from under a sweatshirt, for example.
Other examples of subtle styling might include a carefully-rolled shirt sleeve (so that the cuff is just showing), a cuffed ankle, or various methods of tucking or tying shirts to achieve a cropped or asymmetrical appearance. Finally, accessorize with one or two pieces of jewelry for a polished look that’s anything but lazy.
