Nowadays, especially when working from home, what you wear has as much to do with functionality as with fashion, perhaps more than at any other time in recent history. But, how can one live in total comfort without simply walking around in underwear, a pair of worn-out shorts, or nothing at all?
The answer could lie in what is known as "loungewear for men" or "athleisure."
What is Loungewear and Athleisure?
It is necessary to clarify the differences regarding what is classified as loungewear and athleisure. Some people may think that the terms are synonymous, and in some ways they are; but there are differences that should be understood.
In fact, it is quite easy to distinguish between the two, as the lounge element in loungewear automatically indicates that this clothing will be used for sitting, resting or relaxing. It will not necessarily be changed for pajamas, but they are comfortable enough to take an energizing nap and stay indoors without doing so as well.
And these pieces are elegant enough to wear outdoors and go run any nearby errands that don't require formality.
Athleisure, on the other hand, is more suitable for physical activity and these pieces are generally made from high-performance fabrics, as they are essentially workout clothes. One should think of an exercise routine rather than working from home when wearing garments of this category. When wearing athleisure, it is more likely that one is exercising rather than lying relaxed on the sofa.
In general, this was a common activity before the pandemic, men with busy schedules who had no time available to attend a gym, but since remote work began, it has become quite common to use these comfortable and pleasant garments consisting of pants, sweaters, and slippers.
Essential Pieces of Men's Loungewear
Although there are indeed some crossovers, there are also specific fabrics for loungewear and materials for athleisure.
For example, the kings of the loungewear combo are cotton, silk, and cashmere. During the colder months, it is also necessary to wear some thermal and flannel clothing.
Sportswear also requires materials that specifically keep out the cold while absorbing sweat. This commonly means lycra and spandex. Lightweight fleece and jersey are ideal for layering. Cotton, although it absorbs sweat and moisture, also retains it. However, cotton also absorbs odors relatively instantly, a notable disadvantage.
Comfort combines with style in sleepwear t-shirts, which means stocking up on nice t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts with open collars, crewneck sweaters, and at least one hoodie or sweatshirt to mix and match will always be an excellent choice.
Sportswear t-shirts are usually designed sleeveless, made specifically for exercising. But you can also add a hoodie for layering and extra insulation.
Normally, loungewear includes pants with an elastic waistband, drawstrings, and a single-button fly (or no fly). The bottom part of sleepwear should not be confused with the bottom part of pajamas (although you can also lounge around in pajamas).
For this loungewear or everyday clothing, one must think of pants, real pants, that can be worn in outdoor environments outside the home. The woven tends to be lighter and more flowing than typical pants, and sometimes the hems will be folded or tapered around the ankle with elastic.
Sportswear pants are usually sweatpants, sweatpants or joggers. But they can also be higher-performance spandex. They are very practical garments suitable for many casual options.
Dressing Gowns
Robes (or men's robes) may not seem like something the average man today should have, and in fact, they are not. However, once you find the piece that suits you best, it is very likely that wearing this garment will become a necessity, and more than one man will wonder how he ever lived without it. This particular garment comes in all kinds of fabrics, from terry cotton to linen, silk, satin, or fleece.
They are convenient to use when you need to cover up quickly or just out of the shower. A nice dressing gown can also make your rest even more comfortable by adding an extra layer of warmth. You might even want to have a variety of robes on hand, depending on the circumstances, for a better appearance.
Match Shoes
Practical, comfortable, and expressly made for indoor use, slippers are the ideal footwear for relaxing. We are not referring to those oversized monstrosities shaped like animal paws, or with plush animals sticking out at the front; although these can be fun, it would be better to choose slippers that are subtle, elegant, and made of excellent materials, such as full-grain leather or thick cotton uppers.
If slippers are not enough, a good pair of moccasins can suit your personal style at home. Although they are primarily an outdoor shoe, moccasins can be worn just as easily indoors. They are easy to put on and take off and always look good. A tip: if you plan to wear moccasins instead of slippers, make sure to reserve them strictly for indoor use. This will prevent possible contamination from the outside world.
Now, when it comes to wearing athleisure, nothing beats a pair of sneakers. You can choose from sleek and very minimalist designs to sneakers with cool accents inspired by the original sports shoes of the great global sports. The rubber soles provide traction, shock absorption, and will support you during long periods of use.
A note about Socks
It is possible that one might prefer not to wear any type of shoe when relaxing at home. That is when a pair of good socks, nice, clean, and of quality, comes into play.
The merino wool socks are perhaps the most comfortable and practical ones to have for these cases. The material breathes easily, regulates the temperature of the feet, and is extremely comfortable. You can also opt for a pair of white sports socks that, similarly, will keep you warm and always look good.
When assembling wardrobes of loungewear and sportswear, it is important to keep in mind that these styles are about comfort and ease. One should try to avoid loud, flashy prints or colors that are too bright and may overstimulate. It is recommended to stick to subtle and moderate tones. Loose or very loose garments should also be avoided. Yes, it is about comfort, but not about looking sloppy. Instead, one can opt for "tailored" pieces that complement the body shape without revealing too much.
That is why we advise you in what we are experts. If what you want is pajamas to feel comfortable at home and sleep well. Visit our website El Búho Nocturno where you will surely find it.