Bodies

The 10 Best Loungewear Pieces to Upgrade Your Wardrobe

Words by Stacey McLachlan

  • Paper Label. Photo by Eva Grace.

    Paper Label. Photo by Eva Grace.

  • Okayok. Photo by Mark Binks.

    Okayok. Photo by Mark Binks.

  • Aleur. Photo by Annaliese Feininger.

    Aleur. Photo by Annaliese Feininger.

  • Kotn. Photos courtesy of Kotn.

    Kotn. Photos courtesy of Kotn.

  • Soft Focus. Photo by Vai Yu Law.

    Soft Focus. Photo by Vai Yu Law.

  • Odeyalo. Photo by Maxyme G. Delisle.

    Odeyalo. Photo by Maxyme G. Delisle.

  • Free Label. Photo by Thomas Bullock Photography for Free Label Clothing.

    Free Label. Photo by Thomas Bullock Photography for Free Label Clothing.

  • Franc. Photo by @megfolkinga.

    Franc. Photo by @megfolkinga.

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There may not be a reason to toss on a Hillary-style pantsuit each morning right now, but living in a sleep tee isn’t exactly ideal for our mood or productivity, either. So we’re splitting the difference and embracing mindful loungewear: pieces that are comforting and soft, but don’t sacrifice style and substance.

The perfect self-isolation capsule collection should be cozy enough for hanging around the house, but chic enough to keep on for your Zoom call—and these designs from indie fashion labels tick all the boxes.

The Sophisticated Romper

Smash + Tess

A cinched waist and tortoiseshell buttons keep the flowy, short-sleeved Jane Romper from Smash + Tess in that sweet spot between flattering and comfortable. When we’re able to leave the house again one day (one day!), this piece will easily transition to out-in-public casual with the addition of a strappy sandal or slim sneaker.

The Cozy Kimono

Think of this drapey Palm Jacquard Kimono from Paper Label as the sophisticated cousin of the bathrobe. Tossed over your pyjamas or jeans (you’re living today!) and a tee, the silky texture and jacquard palm print add a layer of effortless elegance.

The Next-Gen Sweat Suit

If it’s got “suit” in the name, it must be appropriate for work, right? We’re ready to pull on the high-waisted Prima Joggers with the matching cropped Mia Sweatshirt from Okayok and log into that morning video meeting in style. A little tailoring goes a long way to make this sweatsuit sleek, not sloppy: we’re charmed by the detailed stitching down the back, on-trend dropped shoulders, and side-seam pockets.

The Turtleneck Tee

Aleur’s Dorset Top is having an identity crisis in the best way possible: it’s part t-shirt, part turtleneck, part raglan sweat, all teddy-bear soft. The oversized silhouette channels 1970s cool in a modern package.

The Super-Soft Stretchwear

Mary Young

The ultra-comfortable Ferris Short from Mary Young is made from bamboo rayon and elastane. (Soft and stretchy? Yes and yes.) And the Mustard hue adds a dose of cheer to this body-hugging athleisure staple—a critical ingredient for kickstarting creativity on those slow Mondays. (It is Monday, right?)

The Luxe Lounge Pant

Kotn

The Jersey Lounge Pant by Kotn is made from Egyptian cotton knit jersey, and manages to split the difference between structure and drape for a flattering fit. Pair it with the collection’s Cropped Jersey Tee for an on-trend (and wildy comfy) monochrome look. We could live in the Mauve set, but we wouldn’t fault you for grabbing a classic Black or Charcoal Melange option for a more formal lounging experience.

The New Power Suit

At this point it’s clear we’re a little obsessed with matching sets; there’s just something about a complete outfit that makes drapey home fashion feel put together, even if you’re wearing head-to-toe Tencel and haven’t showered in days. Case in point: the Lounge Kit from Soft Focus. The loose, slinky open-collar shirt gives a cheeky 1990s vibe to the super-soft, breathable, colour-blocked look. You’ve got the power.

The Not-So-Basic Sweatshirt

A little pop of colour on the cuffs and collar of Odeyalo’s Flamant Tricolor Sweatshirt takes this cozy cotton from basic to stylish. Perfect for chilling on the sofa and for clandestine sunset bike rides alike.

The Pretty-in-Peach Pants

These ethically-made Sunday Crop pants in Spiced Peach from Free Label are pleated and tailored with precision, but still look and feel cozy-casual. The flowy technical bamboo material drapes beautifully on all body shapes.

The Essential Joggers

The slim silhouette and tapered legs of Franc’s Slim Jogger Pant—available in hues like Penny, Burgundy, and Guava—elevate the boring sweatpant into a fashion essential. Whether you’ve actually bothered to go jogging or not isn’t anybody’s business.