In the world of clothing categories, there’s one that’s particularly well-known for its versatility, comfort level and presentable appearance: loungewear. Whether you’re cozying up on the couch, dashing over to the supermarket for a last-minute ingredient or gearing up for a long flight, loungewear is often the perfect fit.
But what is loungewear exactly? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know about loungewear, including different types and trends, as well as the best occasions to wear it.
What Is Loungewear?
Let’s start with the basics: What is loungewear, really?
Loungewear is comfortable clothing that’s stylish and versatile, often made of relaxed fabrics. As more and more people prioritize comfort in their clothing, loungewear has risen in popularity. In fact, research shows that more than 80% of people prioritize comfort—ahead of both cost and style—in their clothing choices.
It should come as no surprise then that the loungewear market is rapidly growing. Recent figures show that retail sales of loungewear around the globe have grown by over 50%—to more than $37 billion. This means that today, you can expect to see plenty of fabrics, styles and brands to choose from, especially when compared to just a few short years ago.
Aside from comfort, some of the key characteristics you’ll find in loungewear include:
- Breathable fabrics – While loungewear can be made of a variety of fabrics, keep an eye out for pieces made with modern-tech polyester. It’s often blended with other fabrics to create ultra-comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, which is perfect for loungewear.
- Loose fit – Loungewear is never restrictive. Instead, it offers a relaxed fit, ideal for effortless movement whether you’re stretching, lounging on the couch or whipping up a quick meal.
- Versatility – Versatility is a cornerstone of loungewear. You should be able to easily transition from relaxing at home to running errands or answering the door for unexpected guests. Our expert tip for enhanced versatility? Look for loungewear pieces that can be easily mixed and matched, or worn on their own.
- Style – Loungewear can range from casual basics to more elevated pieces, yet it should always feel stylish and composed. While silhouettes can be slouchy, you can also find loungewear that’s more fitted.
Keep in mind that there are distinctions between loungewear, sleepwear and athleisure. As the name suggests, sleepwear is primarily for sleep, and it typically lacks the versatility and style of loungewear. Meanwhile, athleisure is designed to be worn for workouts and might be more tight-fitted.
Types of Loungewear
When digging into the question “what is loungewear,” you’ll find that loungewear comes in a variety of styles, making it easily customizable to your personal comfort preferences and lounging activities.
And remember: While loungewear can be worn as pajamas, pajamas are not your only option when it comes to loungewear.
Tops
Starting with loungewear tops, you have several comfortable options to choose from, including:
- Blouses – Fashionable yet breathable, blouses are perfect for when you want to elevate your loungewear look.
- Sweatshirts and hoodies – The ultimate in cozy comfort, sweatshirts and hoodies are ideal for cooler days or snuggling up with a cup of tea.
- T-shirts and camisoles – Great for layering under sweaters or cardigans, or for wearing solo during warm weather lounging.
Bottoms
When it comes to loungewear bottoms, your options include:
- Joggers – With elastic waistbands and tapered legs, joggers offer both enhanced comfort yet chic style.
- Sweatpants – Similar to joggers, sweatpants offer a more relaxed fit and can be made of thicker, warmer materials.
- Wide/straight pants – Loungewear pants that have a wide, straight leg are known for their breathability and comfort.
- Shorts – Perfect for warmer weather lounging or outdoor activities like gardening or reading on the patio.
And here’s a bit of great news for you: Both bottoms and tops are often sold as sets so you can effortlessly put together your loungewear looks.
Dress a.k.a Lounger
If you’re looking for head-to-toe luxurious comfort, look no further than these Women's Loungers by Softies. Listed as one of Oprah’s favorite things from 2017-2023, these loungers are essentially dresses that come in a range of ultra-cozy lengths and designs.
Stylish yet functional, loungers are ideal for curling up on the sofa or working from home.
Outerwear
Loungewear is so inclusive and versatile that you can even find outwear in the category. For example, you can throw on an exquisite robe when you want to be swaddled in plush fabrics. You can also choose a breezy summer robe when the weather changes or a lightweight bed jacket.
Cardigans are another excellent example of functional-yet-comfortable outer loungewear. When you have on a soft, airy cardigan, you can tackle your day feeling blissful and at ease.
Miscellaneous
Thought we were done? Not quite yet. There are also plenty of miscellaneous pieces that fit into the loungewear category.
For example, shawls provide you with elegance and practicality, and they work just as well around the house as they do at lunch with your girlfriends. And of course, no at-home loungewear look would be complete without the perfect pair of slippers to keep your feet warm and cozy all day long.
Loungewear for Different Occasions
Loungewear isn’t just for lazy Sundays. The versatility and designs of loungewear allow you to embrace comfort in a variety of situations. Just consider these different occasions:
- Working from home – Comfort is key for a productive workday at home. Consider donning a jogger set or leggings paired with an ultra-soft t-shirt or cardigan. You can even choose pieces in neutral, matching colors to curate more of a professional look (especially during those video calls).
- Relaxing – When you’re unwinding at home, loungewear is your best friend. You can wear a luxurious lounger to spend time on the couch or dive into the pages of a new book.
- Running errands – Loungewear can be easily made errand-ready, especially with a touch of effort. For instance, you can elevate your joggers with a composed blouse or t-shirt, then layer with a denim jacket.
- Going on casual outings – Hosting a game night or meeting friends for lunch? Loungewear can handle it. Choose a matching set for an instantly elegant look, or pair comfy shorts with your favorite flowy top.
- Traveling – Whether you’re hitting the road or hopping on a long flight, loungewear is the ultimate travel companion. You’ll feel comfortable, yet look presentable.
Trends in Loungewear
As we mentioned, loungewear has come a long way in recent years, and there are definitely some loungewear trends you can keep an eye on. For example, one trend is inclusive sizing, which studies reveal is in demand by shoppers. Today, it’s common to find loungewear in a range of sizes, including up to 3X.
What are some other trends in the cozy-yet-stylish world of loungewear? It appears that sustainable fabrics are on the rise as consumers look for more eco-friendly options in their clothing. Data reveals that the sustainable fabrics market is expected to increase by more than $22 billion between 2022 and 2027, thanks to a “high demand for sustainable fabrics.”
And of course, one of the most important trends to watch in loungewear is style. From trendy sets to sophisticated silhouettes, today’s loungewear choices are ever-evolving, allowing you to easily integrate your personal style into your selections.
Wear the Finest Loungewear
If you’re looking for perfect loungewear pieces that are both stylish and buttery-soft, look no further than Softies. Our luxury loungewear is made of the highest-quality materials, so you’re guaranteed to be cozy and temperate. What’s more, with our elevated and classic looks, you can choose loungewear pieces to meet your every need.
Shop Softies today to start building your luxurious new wardrobe.
