Relaxing has never been so fashionable. This whole philosophy of “slow living,” 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 restwear, crafting well-designed garments simply to be at home, like a good pijama.
Men's Restwear
Made from soft cotton or exotic cashmere, and with impeccable tailoring and cut, some garments are so refined nowadays that men wear their sweatshirts inside and outside the house, with the right style, of course.
Neutral or traditional colors navy blue, black, white, and literally fifty shades of gray, are the homogeneous palette for the contemporary TV addict; delving into reds, purples, and greens for more sophisticated and silky items, as famous icons used to wear.
Sports Pants
Outside the realm of the jumpsuit, sweaters and sweatpants are the most potentially common and tragic loungewear for men; the need for comfort often proves detrimental to style. From top or bottom, the loopback cotton jersey is extremely comfortable, breathable, and the most affordable fabric for your sweatshirts (unless pure polyester is chosen, which is not recommended).
The most luxurious material of all? Wool, silk, or cashmere. And opting for a blend of one of these with cotton or a cheaper synthetic gives much-needed longevity to sweatshirts. And it increases the likelihood that they can be machine washed.
Sports Pants
For an adjustable fit, look for trackies with drawstrings and pockets, opting for zippers on these to prevent important memories from falling out and getting into sofa cracks. Think of tailored pants for the pant silhouette, slim and still not tight around the leg contours. Ribbed cuffs at the ankle give the bottom an additional refinement through tapering.
Like front pleats, to mimic suit pants, top it up. For more details, contrasting seams, contrasting cuff colors, and additional pockets (on the back or side of the leg) are recommended, as well as zippers that function as aesthetic decoration and have functional appeal.
Cool Sweaters
Like sweatpants, sweaters should be slim but not restrictive, and have functional points of interest: tapered cuffs and hems and ribbed necklines. Look for modern intarsia patterns and retro prints for sweaters (pattern mixing looks less childish on the top than on the bottom).
You can also opt to stick with navy blue, gray, or black, fail-safe for a minimalist style. Again, zippers and pockets add active details that look great and have a function.
Thermal Underwear
From briefs to long underwear (thermal underwear), underwear is a very personal decision. When buying underwear as loungewear, the following should be considered: find a pair that breathes well and provides support but is not too tight.
For the former, avoid satin boxers as they suffocate airflow. For a great all-rounder, opt for cotton, affordable and comfortable, with a bit of stretch when buying a blend with elastic fibers. And synthetics are better discarded; the intimate parts will thank you, especially in summer.
Cool and Comfortable T-Shirts
Once again, comfort is key. As loungewear, one should avoid worrying about the rules of folding the shirt. Nor should one worry too much about the T-shirt neckline. If you always opt for pure cotton, choose the yoke for a looser and longer fit or the round or V-neck for the standard slim to regular fit.
The collarless design of the T-shirt is also a simple and matched version of the pajama shirt. And, like the sweatshirt or jogger pants with cuffs, basic T-shirts are suitable for sliding into your daily fashion arsenal. Therefore, one must choose well-cut and colored shirts, also designed for outdoors, to maximize their value-use ratio.
Classic Dressing Gown
Dressing gowns are perfect for putting on after the 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 woven fabric for additional style and texture.
The cotton jersey is the most versatile: it provides 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 agree with a bit of a flashy dressing gown, opt for an intense red Jacquard or paisley with brown trim for a very European look.
Cool Pyjamas
Pyjamas 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 pyjamas 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 woven fabrics are, like the dressing, 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. The woven 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 small outdoor trips, like stepping outside the line or picking up the mail, the slipper is as luxurious as you want it to be.
The woven leather versions are at the most premium end of the spectrum, especially when made from calfskin, while velvet slippers with embroidered details on the toe are a luxurious option and an excellent way to add a subtle color: burgundy, forest green, or navy blue, to your otherwise neutral lounge look.
In today's scenarios where staying at home has almost become a new reality, looking good is not a luxury but a necessity.
Searching for suede moccasin models with fleece lining in the coldest months is recommended. Avoid novelty slippers; giant animal paws and Disney character heads are strictly prohibited.