Relaxing has never been so fashionable. This whole philosophy of the “slow life,” mindfulness, being still and in the present moment means seeing men relax more, recover after a long day at work, and even spend Saturday night resting on the sofa.
And because fashion is a spokesperson for current cultural trends, luxury brands are also turning to rest, crafting well-designed garments simply to be worn at home, like a good pajama.
Men’s Loungewear
Made from soft cotton or exotic cashmere, with impeccable tailoring, some garments today are so refined that men wear their sweatshirts both inside and outside the house, with the right style, of course.
Neutral or traditional colors like navy blue, black, white, and literally fifty shades of gray form the uniform palette for the contemporary TV addict; delving into reds, purples, and greens for more sophisticated and silky items, as famous icons used to wear.
Track Pants
Outside the realm of jumpsuits, sweaters, and track pants are the most potentially common and tragic loungewear for men; the need for comfort often comes at the expense of style. From top to bottom, loopback cotton jersey is extremely comfortable, breathable, and the most affordable fabric for your sweats (unless pure polyester is chosen, which is not recommended).
The most luxurious material of all? Wool, silk, or cashmere. Opting for a blend of one of these with cotton or a cheaper synthetic gives much-needed longevity to sweatpants. And it increases the likelihood that they can be machine washed.
Track Pants
For an adjustable fit, look for trackies with drawstrings and pockets, opting for zippers on these to prevent important items from falling out and getting lost in the sofa cracks. Think of tailored pants for the silhouette: slim and still not tight around the leg contours. Ribbed cuffs at the ankle add extra refinement to the bottom through tapering.
Like front pleats, to mimic suit trousers, go for a higher rise. For more details, contrast seams, contrasting cuff colors, and extra pockets (on the back or side of the leg) are recommended, as well as zippers that serve as both aesthetic decoration and functional appeal.
Cool Sweaters
Like track pants, sweaters should be slim but not restrictive, with functional points of interest: tapered cuffs and hems and a ribbed neckline. Look for modern intarsia patterns and retro prints for sweaters (pattern mixing looks less childish on top than on the bottom).
You can also stick with navy blue, gray, or black, fail-safe for a minimalist style. Again, zippers and pockets add active details that look great and serve a purpose.
Thermal Underwear
From briefs to long johns (thermal underwear), underwear is a very personal choice. When buying underwear as loungewear, consider the following: find a pair that breathes well and provides support but is not too tight.
For the first, avoid satin boxers as they suffocate airflow. For a great all-rounder, opt for cotton, affordable and comfortable, with a bit of stretch by choosing a blend with elastic fibers. Synthetics are best avoided; your intimate areas will thank you, especially in summer.
Cool and Comfortable T-Shirts
Again, comfort is key. As loungewear, don’t worry about shirt-folding rules. Nor should you worry too much about the T-shirt neckline. If you always opt for pure cotton, choose a wider cut for a looser and longer fit or a crew or V-neck for the standard slim to regular fit.
The collarless T-shirt design is also a simple, paired-down version of the pajama shirt. And, like the sweatshirt or jogger pants with cuffs, basic T-shirts are perfect to slip into your daily fashion arsenal. So choose well-cut, good-colored shirts designed also for outdoors to maximize their value-use ratio.
Classic Dressing Gown
Dressing gowns are perfect for putting on after a shower and are a comfortable outerwear option for a night at home. Most quality dressing gowns come with pockets and a belt for a secure closure and to shape the back, as well as a definitive shawl collar; sometimes made in a contrasting color or fabric for extra style and texture.
Cotton jersey is the most versatile: it offers comfort and quality, while a flannel and cotton blend will provide some extra warmth in winter. Want to spend some money? Silk adds an elegant element to loungewear. And if you’re okay with a bit of a flashy dressing gown, opt for a deep red Jacquard or paisley with brown trim for a very European look.
Cool Pajamas
Pajamas are meant to be a quirky representation of personal style. So play it safe in the bedroom—why not inject some pattern and color? For the classic gentleman, checkered or striped pajamas are big this season, in primary red, navy blue, white, or dark green, reminiscent of times when the aristocracy didn’t have to work.
Meanwhile, pastel jacquard fabrics are, like the dressing gown, more refined and springlike, some with colored trims on the edges of collared pajama shirts. For a modern style, a plain T-shirt and cotton pants, short or long, are stylish and easy (and a bit more attractive to the bed partner than formal pajamas).
Pants should be relaxed and lightweight, with loose elastic at the waist and ankle. Fabrics are more diverse: from pure silk to cotton or flannel and wool materials for the winter months.
Men’s Slippers
Slippers are at home as loungewear. Perfect for short trips outdoors, like stepping outside the queue or picking up the mail, slippers can be as luxurious as you want.
Woven leather versions are at the premium end of the spectrum, especially when made from calfskin, while velvet slippers with embroidered details on the toe are a luxurious option and a great way to add a subtle color: burgundy, forest green, or navy blue, to your otherwise neutral lounge look.
In today’s scenarios where staying home has almost become a new reality, looking good is not a luxury but a necessity.
Looking for suede moccasin models with fleece lining in the colder months is recommended. Avoid novelty slippers; giant animal paws and Disney character heads are strictly forbidden.