YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Loungewear Semantics

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Loungewear Semantics https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:57:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1574075 Tue, 20 Oct 2015 13:31:22 +0000 Anonymous 1574075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, point taken Angie. Angie on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1574046 Tue, 20 Oct 2015 11:44:42 +0000 Angie 1574046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie, I do. Anne, the differences in lifestyle, pajama style and state of mind play a great role here as you just demonstrated. You love a robe - I don't. I'm ready to get into my loungewear just before supper (or just after supper) - and go to bed late. And YES. My loungewear looks like pjs. See. It does make sense.  anne on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573946 Tue, 20 Oct 2015 04:36:33 +0000 anne 1573946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, thanks for chiming in. I hope this indicates that your arm is improving!  I love your pithy statement "the need for loungewear depends on your lifestyle, pajama style and state of mind". You have spoken elsewhere about not liking robes, and that is of course a big difference between us (I love mine, don't have a dog, and love putting off dressing for a little bit after having my morning shower) And really your loungewear is pretty close to my pyjamas - in winter anyway. Because my bedroom is colder I wear trackpants and a long sleeve tee to bed (and if it is even colder I'll wear a jumper or sweatshirt over that.) I think the point of my minor quibble with the "loungewear" terminology is that I too "want to wear floppy comfies when I relax at home at night (get out of work clothes). It improves my state of mind." - It is just that I want to do that THE MINUTE I walk in the door from work.  And at that point there is several hours to go before lounging around can be done solely. As Smittie said "If I'm ready to lounge, it's 10 p.m.". Also in my case between 6 and 10 there will quite likely to be non-family people at my house, and I don't feel comfortable in  trackpants or polarfleece (I don't really like my polorfleece much anyway, but it is so functional). So I've been building up my cozy casual capsule for this. It inclues leggings with a tunic jumper (for winter) cropped leggings with a tunic length top, knit maxi skirt with a long sleeve fitted tee. I did find that the open neck poncho I'd bought for this capsule isn't practical for doing anything in - it is more of a pure lounging item. Just wanted to say that I do have moments of "lounging" before late at night. eg reading to my children and putting them to bed or  a few minutes checking my phone or the paper. But if I have to wash up afterwards then I need be be dressed well enough to do that (in terms of not drapy etc). Rachylou  I relate to your saying "I'm busier at home than at work...". I work outside the home 4 days a week, and I've had to take steps not to be completely exhausted by all the things I try to fit in on the 1 day "off"! Anonymous on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573664 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:16:29 +0000 Anonymous 1573664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know how anybody could have come up with the term, "loungewear" because who really lounges for long enough to warrant a dedicated capsule? If I'm ready to lounge, it's 10 p.m. and I'm in my PJs. I like "Home clothes" :-) Currently, my home clothes capsule needs a big revamp. My home clothes are a sorry collection of painting clothes or Christmas presents. I don't feel bad in them, but I feel I owe it to myself to look like a put in an effort.  I'm thinking that a cotton-based, sporty look would be best for home.  So jogging pants, and sweatshirts, but nice ones, that match. Angie on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573637 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:16:15 +0000 Angie 1573637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anne, the need for loungewear depends on your lifestyle, pajama style and state of mind. Some think it a waste of time - others like me wear lounge clothes every day.  My pajamas - tiny tee and boyshorts - are NOT loungewear appropriate.  And I don't wear robes. Find them very uncomfortable and impractical. So I have to wear loungewear first thing in the morning over my pjs to take doggies out. I also want to wear floppy comfies when I relax at home at night (get out of work clothes). It improves my state of mind. But if I'm relaxing at home during the day - I wear casual clothes and not loungewear.  I hope this makes sense.  anne on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573553 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 07:08:52 +0000 anne 1573553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another point. My cosy casual capsule, has lots of overlap with my casual capsule - but some important ommissions. The biggest of these is jeans. I'm quite likely to wear jeans on my day off (I only work 4 days), or on the weekend. But I almost never put them on in the evening.  On casual fri  I often wear jeans too, and then I may not get changed as soon as I arrive home but sit down straight away to have a meal with (interns from church plus family). But once they leave, and I've dropped my DD12 at Youth Group, I'd be inclined to break out the pjs if we aren't going anywhere. (And it must be a sign of my advanced age that I love a Friday night at home, with a fairly early night - I'm often in bed before DD gets home from Youth Group at around 10!) anne on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573552 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 06:59:58 +0000 anne 1573552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting reading! Manny - I don't do much cleaning, just sweeping and tidying (I have a cleaner come once a week) - though I do iron occasionally  and  I put away *lots* of groceries. I probably should dust my also large collection of books but I rarely do! I do spend hours washing up and always wear an apron, even when wearing home clothes. I enjoyed reading your post about what you wear at home. I am thinking of getting some t shirt dresses myself for summer. Sally  - when I was a SAHM (not that you are one) I didn't change in the evening either. I did change a bit between home and going out - footwear usually, and an outer layer  - I'd take off my home sweatshirt- material jacket and put on a more fitted one, for example. I also regularly wore my home clothes to bed (and still do on occasion!) Greyscale - we called them our "home clothes" though actually we often just wore our uniforms all day. But your play clothes are a very specific set! Fascinating! Astrid - you are right of course, I can call things whatever I want!   I think part of me is attracted to that flowying loungewear though - you know those drapy sets etc, or ultra glamourous sort of pyjama looks. I just don't think they are practical for my life. Astrid on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573547 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 05:51:36 +0000 Astrid 1573547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also have "play clothes" as Greyscale termed it. I wear those for cleaning, but I do everything else either in my normal clothes or my lounge wear. Lounge wear means for me jogging pants, a tee and usually one of my pullovers. I think I can do almost everything around the flat wearing that combination. I probably wouldn't buy something that is so delicate it can only be worn to sit in the couch... But I think you don't need to have lounge wear if you don't want to. If "being at home clothes" and pajamas plus dressing gown are better for you, stick with that! Greyscale on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573539 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 04:49:06 +0000 Greyscale 1573539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I was a kid we changed into "play clothes" after school, so that's what I still call it. I have a drawer full of jeans and tees that are sturdy and fit well yet are somewhat expendable, for things like helping friends move or working in my art collective's workshop. It's funny, now that I think about it. My play clothes have a distinct style compared to my actual clothes. They fit the dominant aesthetic of my group: black skinny jeans, stompy boots, fitted black tees and hoodies. Overall it's got a bit of a punk edge. My actual clothes - for work, socializing, wandering around the city - have more fluid fits, interesting silhouettes, etc. It's not that my play clothes are more basic - I'm semi-consciously trying to fit the group, which includes some women with amazing punk style. Interesting to reflect on how my presentation changes depending on who I'm around. Sal on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573509 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 01:47:31 +0000 Sal 1573509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess it so much depends on your lifestyle and climate. I work from home so some days I don't get changed in the evening - I cook dinner in my day clothes.  Other days when I am more dressy in pencil skirts or dresses I may throw on some yoga pants/a casual dress/jeans etc once I get to 5pm or so.   I rarely have a day that I am home all day, and I rarely have a day that I am in the office all day.  And because I certainly don't like changing all the time I just make sure my clothes are versatile enough to cover most scenarios. Hard core cleaning and gardening get the worst clothes of all :) Anonymous on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573330 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 15:10:01 +0000 Anonymous 1573330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ... Maneera on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573287 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 11:02:44 +0000 Maneera 1573287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can totally relate. I don't 'lounge' at all at home. Or I do, but only once we have eaten and the dishes are put away. Since that happens late at night, by then I'm already in my sleep wear. (I go for a long evening walk in athletic wear and come back home, shower and change into sleepwear, eat food & watch tv - then sleep). Things get even more difficult for me since I work from home. What you would call 'loungewear' or 'cosy wear' is basically my everyday wear! And while I do like to look pulled together, my key need is to be 'comfortable'. On weekends, I'm even busier around the house. You mention washing & baking, but there are so many worse chores to do! Like washing loos, cleaning tiles, dusting my 1000 books! I also do ironing, setting cupboards and grocery shopping and I absolutely cannot wear anything flowy, light in colour, or made with delicate fabric around the house. Nothing I wear is baggy, torn or faded. Yet, my loungewear is all about comfort and comprises of sturdy fabrics. In summers, it's short or jogger like pants (with elastic waistbands) worn with tshirts. In winter, it'll be fleece lined track pants/yoga pants or dark denims worn with sweaters. Summer on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573282 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 10:03:51 +0000 Summer 1573282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know what you mean, Anne.  We all have such different lives and wardrobe needs that lounge-wear items vary from person to person.  For you, changing into pyjamas late in the evening makes perfect sense. For many years most of my days have been spent at home: I'm now retired, but previously I worked mostly from home.  These days, unless I'm going out, I'm usually in practical jeans and a sweater or tee because I'll be working around the house or garden, or walking the dog.  Once all the chores and activities are done, and before preparing the evening meal, I change into nice but comfortable clothes such as stretchy trousers, a jersey top plus drapey cardigan.  Many of the tops will be demoted items from my smart casual capsule, but they're still things I love to wear, and nothing is baggy, worn-out or faded.  For me, it's an opportunity to wear something nice and elegant each day as much as being cosy and comfortable. Adelfa on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573263 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 06:42:38 +0000 Adelfa 1573263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The first thing I do when I get home is walk the dog. It's also the last thing I do before I go to sleep. So my "lounge wear" is more like jeans and a tee, jacket if necessary. Nothing too flowy or cozy. rachylou on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573257 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 04:26:09 +0000 rachylou 1573257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I totally relate. I don't lounge. I'm busier at home than at work... Anonymous on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573224 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 02:42:13 +0000 Anonymous 1573224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Anne. It seems my loungewear is really a cosy capsule. I change the minute I enter the house into something really soft and cosy that I can answer the door in, if necessary. There is some overlap between my cosy wear and sleep wear. This is interesting. I have "work" capsules, "sleep" capsules, "athletic" capsules, "casual" capsules, and now, "cosy" capsules.  Thanks for helping me with the clarification. Realizing that it is really "cosy" that I seek will help me in future buying decisions.   ETA:  I do have a number of different capsules that fulfill different roles in my life.  I have devoted the most time and money to my "work" capsule. I am genuinely tired of that capsule and want to play with other capsules in my life.   What I want is a capsule that I can change into the minute I come home that "envelops" me with comfort.  I take off all my jewelry.  I put my hair back and up.  No makeup.   Yet, I still want to pick up the mail, answer the door, fix dinner, run errands (although I usually do those on my way home from work, wearing my work clothes), but I also want to be able to lay around and watch TV in comfort.  This is a very new capsule for me.  I have never before defined anything like this.  In the past, I came home and changed into "whatever."  And it showed.   I want to devote time and energy to my "cosy" capsule.  I think it will be quite small because I am very comfortable wearing repeat outfits at home.    anne on "Loungewear Semantics" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/loungewear-semantics#post-1573213 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 02:02:14 +0000 anne 1573213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been following with interest the recent discussion on loungewear, particularly Sterling's posts. I have a barrier in my mind when it comes to the term "loungewear". To me this connotes items worn by doing activities like; snuggling up on the lounge to read or watch TV, watch a fire or leisurely breakfasts. What it doesn't match for me is the items I also do in my "home" clothes - washing up, baking, sorting washing etc. And these (the first 2 anyway) are not best done in flowy items. I often find myself changing into a polarfleece jacket because it is closer cut and machine washable. Since my solely "loungewear appropriate" activities only take place in the evening after 9:30 or, (depending on when the guests leave) later, and maybe an hour on  weekend mornings, why not just wear my pajamas and or dressing gown (or robe as most of you would call it?) But I do like to change the instant I get home from work (where I wear fitted, tailored items), and get into my "cosy casual" capsule - knitted items like leggings, a maxi skirt, and knit tops. I've been building up this capsule that is decent enough to be seen by the people who we have visiting most nights of the week, and okay for popping out to pick the kids up from activities. Anyone else relate to my semantic hangup?