Recently, new dress codes have even been defined for staying at home. We are often told that we should not stay in pajamas at home because it leaves us in a state of comfort and sleepiness. However, the meaning of comfortable men's clothing is currently being redefined.
It is a fact that, especially when working from home, what you wear is related to both functionality and fashion. Many questions have arisen about this, but the most common one is: can you really live in total comfort without just wearing pajamas, underwear, or those old t-shirts you’ve had stored away for years?
The answer to that question can be found in what is now known as “loungewear” or “athleisure.”
Redefining comfortable men's clothing: What are Loungewear and Athleisure?
Although generally we are talking about comfortable clothes for being at home, both are different and serve specific purposes, so it is important to clarify part by part what loungewear and athleisure are.
Despite their similarities, they have a few differences. For example, when we talk about loungewear, we are referring to clothes for being at home, mainly used for sitting, resting, or relaxing. It is important to note that we are not talking about pajamas; these clothing pieces are distinct and casual, with which you can take a couple of power naps and stay indoors.
A plus of these garments is that they are elegant enough to go unnoticed outdoors, while also being practical enough to wear when running nearby errands that don’t require full formality.
On the other hand, athleisure is much more suitable for physical activity as it is designed and conditioned for high-performance activities, specifically for physical training. Unlike loungewear, these pieces are intended for physical activity and not for lying down resting on the sofa.
In general, athleisure was used by men with busy schedules who lived working from one place to another and didn’t have enough time to go to a gym. But since remote work became normalized, many men have started opting for these comfortable and aerodynamic garments consisting of pants, jerseys, and slippers or sports shoes.
Pieces That Make Up Comfortable Men's Clothing
Although these clothing pieces constantly vary, there are fabrics that are suitable for loungewear and athleisure.
Sportswear requires materials that specifically condition the human body by either insulating it from the cold or absorbing sweat. This commonly requires the use of lycra and spandex. Also, fleece and ultralight jersey are ideal for mixing.
For this type of clothing, cotton is not recommended. Although it is the ultimate comfortable fabric, it absorbs sweat and moisture and retains it. Another disadvantage is that it absorbs odors almost instantly.
Unlike athleisure, loungewear is simpler clothing where the use of cotton, silk, and cashmere is allowed. Also, during cold months, it tends to be combined with thermal and flannel clothing.
Because these clothing pieces are comfortable in every sense of the word, they can also be combined with a style of t-shirts very similar to those of the pajamas, which means it is essential to stock up on nice and soft shirts; long-sleeved, open-neck, round-neck jerseys, and at least one hooded sweatshirt.
Meanwhile, sportswear t-shirts tend to be sleeveless, but it never hurts to add a hooded sweatshirt for layering and extra insulation.
When it comes to pants, for homewear we must carefully consider those that are real, fully wearable in outdoor environments but that do not lose their purpose of providing comfort. Therefore, pants with elastic, drawstrings, or a single-button closure tend to be included.
Because we need pants suitable for outdoor use and comfortable at home, the woven fabric should be lighter and more fluid than conventional pants, and sometimes the hems will be folded or tapered around the ankle with elastic.
In the case of sportswear, pants are usually tracksuit bottoms or joggers. They can also be higher-performance spandex, making them super practical and useful for more casual alternatives.
Anomalies in Comfortable Men's Clothing: Dressing Gowns
Yes, we have been talking about comfortable clothing with t-shirts, pants, hoodies, sportswear, and more, but another garment that is part of the redefinition of what we know as comfortable clothing for men is dressing gowns.
They may seem like something a man would never wear, but the day he gets one, there’s no turning back. This particular garment can be found in any type of fabric; from terry cotton to linen, silk, satin, or fleece.
Additionally, they are extremely convenient to wear and cover up when in a hurry or just out of the shower. Also, if more warmth is desired, it is recommended to add an extra layer on top of it.
Shoes to Complete the Home Look
When wearing comfortable clothes at home, the classic slippers are always the preferred pieces for relaxing at home. They are practical, comfortable, and specifically made for being indoors and relaxed.
It is worth noting that we are not talking about giant slippers shaped like animals or cartoons, which, although a fun option, it is recommended to choose simpler and more elegant ones that match the subtle aesthetic we have been explaining.
But if slippers are not your style and you prefer a fresher look for both indoors and outdoors, a good pair of loafers is also recommended. While these shoes are mainly for outdoors, they work indoors due to their ease of use.
Of course, for athleisure, nothing beats a quality pair of sneakers to match the clothing and to be much better equipped. These can vary greatly in design, and you can choose from very minimalist to more colorful and patterned options.
Note that for this type of footwear, it is always recommended to choose those with rubber soles as they provide traction, shock absorption, and will last much longer.
Finally, Socks
We can’t talk about shoes and overlook socks. Here, it is very likely that you will simply choose to be without shoes in your own home, so socks become the main focus on your feet.
For this, merino wool socks are perhaps the best choice because they are extremely comfortable and practical. This material breathes easily, regulates foot temperature, and is extremely comfortable.
Suggestion
When organizing your wardrobe and shopping to be comfortably at home, everything must be carefully planned. From the garment, its type of woven fabric, the cut, and even the colors.
People, besides being sensitive to touch, are also visual, so for being at home, it is recommended to maintain a palette of sober colors that convey calm and well-being.
From El Búho Nocturno, we encourage you to try our pajamas and thus understand how you can sleep and be at home comfortably and elegantly.