Loose-structured pants, untailored tops and baggy-fitted clothes fall under one category recognized by most: loungewear. Unlike other garments, loungewear provides an easy outfit fix when dressing up is not a choice.
Slipping into a relaxing outfit seems easier than planning an attire — at least for me. While loungewear pieces are meant for comfort, indoors and other non-serious activities, they provide a nonchalant attitude and freedom from conventional dress codes.
Whether you're looking to upgrade your working-from-home look or rush to the nearest bodega, editors and experts share their favorite basic attires, (which aren't basic at all) that exude elegance even when off-duty.
What is loungewear? | Best materials for loungewear | Best loungewear for women | How we chose | Meet the experts
What is considered loungewear?
According to celebrity fashion stylist and published author Kim Appelt, loungewear is "all about comfort meets style." Appel says, "Think soft joggers, cozy sweatshirts and chic knit sets. Linen loungewear is my favorite in the summer, including sets of matching shirts, pants and shorts."
What are the best materials for loungewear?
Appelt recommends choosing loungewear made from "high-quality cotton, jersey, linen and cashmere. These materials offer comfort, breathability and a touch of luxury."
When it comes to cold weather, you want to opt for merino wool, according to Tandy Avery. This fabric is a moisture-wicking and helps to keep sweat away from the skin. Also, polyester blends are also great for loungewear pieces.
Loungewear approved by editors and experts
Stretch with ease: Felina Athletic Pocket Leggings
- Very soft
- Feature side pockets
- Not ideal for running
Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 15 | Material: 71% polyester, 29% spandex
Though this pair of leggings is under the activewear section, I (Espinal) use these for lounging. Due to the elasticity, I would not recommend these for running. But they're a great pair to wear indoors and do low-impact workouts. The side pockets are deep enough to place your phone and the leggings feel super cozy. Also, they're a great everyday essential for your mundane activities.
Not so basic: Garage Clothing Estelle Longline Tee
- Looks luxurious
- Not see through
- Tighter fit
- Size up for looser fit
Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: | Material: 92% cotton, 8% spandex
"Who knew a T-shirt could be so flattering?" asks associate producer Audrey Ekman. This one is simple yet tailored properly for someone who needs a well-made basic.
"I’m super into this short sleeve style from Garage — a few reviewers say they have the top in multiple colors and I’m probably going to follow suit and grab it in a few more neutral shades. Super easy basic to throw on this summer and beyond!"
Cropped but classy: Organic Basics Algae Life Naked Rib Crop Scoop Top
- Sustainable fabric
- Double-lined
- Cropped style can be short
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 3 | Material: Algae
This recently-launched top is another favorite by Ekman for its sustainability factor.
"Sustainable fashionistas, this one’s for you! I’m obsessed with how buttery soft this top is. It’s really flattering and double-lined so it’s not see-through (my pet peeve with loungewear!), and the gorgeous colors were created with Algae dyes, which is better for the environment than traditional dyes," says Ekman.
Coziness unlocked: Under Armour Women's Rival Terry Oversized Hoodie
- Feels lightweight
- None according to editor
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 3 | Material: 80% cotton, 20% polyester
Associate editor Kamari Stewart loves this sweatshirt which she encounters no potential drawbacks. "This set has become the thing I most look forward to putting on when I get home. Nothing makes you feel more put together than a matching set (these are the shorts) and I love this one because it’s comfortable, perfect for lounging at home but also suitable to wear outside if I need to run to the store really quickly," says Stewart.
"It’s lightweight and perfect for summer as well. So when I wear it at home now, I’m not sweating my life away. I would buy this set in every color."
Sets for days: Birdy Grey Pauly Oversized Hoodie and Shorts Set
- Breathable
- Feels lightweight
- Shorts run small
Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 3 | Material: 30% cotton, 70% polyester
Commerce editor Amanda Fama loves this one for its lightweight construction. "This has quickly become one of my favorite loungewear sets!"
"The sweatshirt is baggy and comfortable, but it’s so flattering that I’d likely wear it out with a pair of leggings or jeans. In fact, I have worn this set to run some quick errands and it’s been super cozy. I have it in dark mauve, but I’d love to buy one in moss green eventually," adds Fama. Plus, you can monogram the set and add a touch of personality.
Airy construction: Spanx AirEssentials Crew
- Very soft and lightweight
- No need to iron
- Relaxed fit
Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 13 | Material: 47% modal, 46% polyester
The brand's light-as-air fabric definition lives up to its name. When I received this pullover, I was so excited to wear it all fall/winter season. The fabric feels extremely soft yet lightweight, plus it doesn't require steam or iron work. With a silky feel and a relaxed fit, this crew neck has become my go-to piece to pair with slacks and denim.
Layer effortlessly: Alo Accolade Crew Neck Pullover
- Feels soft and cozy
- Runs big
Sizes: XXS-2XL | Colors: 8 | Material: 65% cotton, 35% polyester
"This is my favorite sweatshirt hands-down," says commerce writer Danielle Murphy.
With a cozy material and lightweight construction, this is a piece meant to layer and even wear by itself. "I don’t even like calling it something as plain as a sweatshirt because it looks, feels and fits like something way more luxurious. Mine is perfectly oversized and has that on-purpose slouchy look that’s so on-trend. I also can’t overstate how soft it feels," adds Murphy.
Relaxed luxury: Whitney Linen Infinite Chains Linen Shirt and Resort Pant
- Feels luxurious
- Very soft
- High price point
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 1 | Material: 100% Linen
This expert-recommended set can be worn in bed or outside. Appelt opts for this one for its luxury design and linen-made construction. The set can be worn separately with denim or a T-shirt, plus it features a unique print with a chain-inspired motif that exudes luxury.
How we chose
We asked our editors at Shop TODAY for their favorite pieces to lounge and relax at home. We also selected those garments recommended by our experts, including pieces that fit the requirements for loungewear. We did not include pieces that fall into the sleepwear category.
Meet the experts
- Tandy Avery is the head of production for Luxome, a brand that offers bedding and apparel.
- Kim Appelt is a celebrity stylist and published author of "Style for Everybody".
