For about as long as men’s fashion has been a thing, style has often taken precedence over comfort and functionality. The past few decades, however, have seen the idea of comfort as an imperative gain momentum, becoming a top priority in the world of men’s fashion. Part of this has to do with more relaxed dress codes at workplaces but, increasingly, it’s also had much to do with a mainstream appreciation of relaxation and self-care.
Perhaps the biggest reflection of this ethos is the use of loungewear as everyday clothing, not just at home but pretty much everywhere else t-shirts and jeans are accepted. The rise of brands and fashion houses that produce both luxurious and comfortable pieces is a testament to the growing belief that relaxation at home should be just as stylish as the rest of any person’s lifestyle. That said, whether you’re a believer in the trend of loungewear as everyday clothing or simply want home outfits that will last you years, the clear choice is to pick better-quality loungewear.
Of course, you first have to know what loungewear pieces you need. Here are just some of the essentials that deserve space in your wardrobe:
Lounge Pants
A staple in any man’s loungewear collection, men’s lounge pants combine style with unbeatable comfort. To get these benefits, you’ll want to skip generic hypermarket and clearance bin offers and instead choose ones made with soft, breathable materials and manufactured to have a durable construction. Durability is key since it will allow you to safely wear your lounge pants when stepping outside for quick errands.
Shorts for Warm Weather
When the mercury rises, swap out your lounge pants for similarly high-quality shorts. The extra breathability and comfort make these perfect for summer days spent at home and for cooling off after a workout.
Hoodies
For crisp autumn days or evenings, a well-made hoodie is just the thing for giving you that extra warmth you need. They’re also ideal for layering over a t-shirt and pairing with lounge pants for everything from quick trips to the couch to long international flights.
Cardigans
Not everyone is into hoodies, and that’s fine. Thankfully, classic cardigans are still being made that will give you plenty of warmth with just a small touch of sophistication. Whether you’re having virtual meetings from home or simply relaxing with a book, a cardigan gives you the option to raise the style factor in your loungewear ensemble.
Robes
Nothing says luxury quite like a well-made plush robe. High-quality plush robes are often crafted from ultra-absorbent soft fabrics, making them ideal for wrapping yourself in comfort first thing in the morning or after a shower. Once you get yourself a particularly nice robe, you might never find yourself without one, especially on cold weekend mornings.
Sweaters and Pullovers
If you appreciate classic style, sweaters and pullovers might just be your thing. They can look quite professional when you’re working from home and aren’t out of place for enjoying a relaxed weekend. Make sure to grab one or two of these pieces so you have a more tailored option that you can use in less casual settings.
T-shirts
Quality t-shirts are versatile pieces that can easily go between lounging and general casual outfits. If you want to use a t-shirt for lounging, though, make sure that your arms can move freely and that there isn’t too much slop in the sleeves so that you can easily wear sweaters or button-ups over them. To get the most value, avoid poorly constructed ones and choose shirts that are both comfortable and designed to last.
Button-Up Pajama Shirts
Button-up pajama shirts aren’t just for the bedroom anymore. These days, they can be a solid alternative to traditional casual button-ups, providing a perfect balance of style and comfort. Whether you’re planning to use them at home or out and about, make sure to choose something that’s good quality so that you won’t have to worry about rips and tears.
Fuzzy Socks
For colder nights, a good pair of warm socks is the perfect way to round out a loungewear outfit. Find pairs that fit you properly so that you can wiggle your toes more easily.
Eye Masks
You may not realize how much you need an eye mask until you try one for yourself. A good-quality eye mask won’t easily slip off while you’re sleeping and are just plain better at blocking out light, helping you fall into a much deeper sleep. If you travel often, a good eye mask might also just become your favorite travel companion.
Room Shoes and Slippers
Lastly, no loungewear collection is complete without a pair of comfortable room shoes or slippers. Whether you’re lounging around the house or stepping outside for a quick errand, fluffy slippers give you that extra level of comfort and indulgence that you will always look forward to.
Kick Your Lifestyle Up a Notch with Better Loungewear
Given that we spend most of our lives at home, it makes perfect sense to invest in lounging clothes that aren’t just comfortable but also make us feel our very best. If you feel that you have to swap out your clothes just to pick up your mail or make a run to the coffee shop, getting loungewear that’s good enough to wear outside might make a significant improvement in your quality of life. In any case, you owe it to yourself to get loungewear essentials that boost your everyday routine.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What type of loungewear do you like? Why? What are your favorite brands for loungewear? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!