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Let's talk loungewear

Susie

Veteran

Yesterday was a major closet workday. Even though the temps are still warm, the calendar soon says October so I was ready to do a seasonal switch. I also did another round of purging and filled several bags for Goodwill. I also packed up a bag of 20 items to send to Twice for resale.

One area that I've neglected on previous purges is sleepwear and loungewear. For sleeping, I prefer shorts year round, with short sleeve tops for summer and long sleeves for winter. I need to add a couple long sleeve tops but I am ok with bottoms.

For lounge wear- for fall/winter- I have 6 bottoms so that's plenty. But I only have 2 tops and both are pink. I never wear pink so how did that happen?!

Loungewear has to of course be comfy but I want it to be reasonably attractive too.

Do you shop specifically for lounge wear or do you "demote" regular items? What kinds of tops do you wear? If you purchase lounge items, where do you find them? What are your thoughts on having outfits (this top gets worn with this bottom) vs more mix and match? And how many pieces make an adequate loungewear capsule?

Dressing

39 replies

Latest reply was from Susie

Sara L.

Veteran

I used to just demote items to lounge wear but I'm trying to specifically update my lounge wear wardrobe right now. I want stuff that's cute and not quite as schlubby/ratty as I usually wear. It's harder than I expected because I have to get over the mind set of "that's too nice for lounge wear".

Diana

Veteran

My loungewear is primarily demoted comfy dresses and some loose skirts and tops (also demoted). Nothing binding or stiff. I kind of hate wearing pants at home. =P I have maybe half a dozen old dresses, and maybe 3-4 old skirts and tops. And a couple of big sweaters or wraps. In my previous apartment, it was so warm that I hardly ever had to wear long pants if I didn't want to; we shall see how this new apartment turns out in that regard. I wear yoga pants or PJ pants if it's cold. With the exception of the yoga pants, I hardly ever buy things specifically as loungewear.

I sleep in sleeveless cotton chemises, or cotton pj pants + long sleeved cotton tee if it is cold.

kellygirl

Veteran

I always think about buying loungewear. I have some old sweat bottoms that I wear around the house on occasion. Most of the time, I just wear my casual clothes. I rarely change at home because I am usually on call until late in the day and I'm loathe to leave the house in anything but real clothes. I do have a zippered hoodie that I wear over my tops when I'm doing chores to prevent my shirts from getting stained. It seems I'm either in clothes, pjs or work out attire (which I only wear while working out--so worn only briefly.) I'm not sure if this is good or bad--casual wear=lounge wear. Hmm.

FlorenceFearne

My bottoms are all things bought specifically for lounge wear, and the tops are (mostly) demoted from my regular closet. But I wear mostly leggings/yoga pants/fitted track pants around the house and there's no way those would get worn outdoors. Conversely, I had a lot of cute graphic tees that were too juvenile for me, or big cuddly sweaters that were warm but unflattering - perfect candidates for lounge wear. And my most recent purchase came yesterday, when I bought a pair of fake ugg boots to wear as house slippers. I have to say, they're perfect.

Anonymous

I have no specific loungewear at all and I've never had any. I often just keep on what I have been wearing during the day if it's very comfy, or I change into my very old faded, soft bootcut jeans and an old tee. I often shower late evening and will get into my night wear and pop a dressing gown over and my fluffy slippers on.

FlorenceFearne

You know, I've always wondered how it is that some people have no lounge wear. I guess it depends on how comfy your day-to-day clothes are, and what your set up is at home?

I have a clingy little dog that always sits in my lap, so everything is in immediate danger of hair and drool. Plus I wear a lot of heels, very tight skinny jeans, bodycon dresses, leather, chunky jewellery - in short, clothes that are just not that comfortable. I cannot imagine trying to relax in that stuff. Add to that an underwire bra and a thong, and I can't wait to change into some comfy leggings and a sweater when I get home.

deb

Veteran

I do not have any lounge wear. I guess that is because my day cloths are comfy. When I am done for the day the PJ's go on. Typically flannel bottoms and a tee. Since I work from home so much, if I had lounge wear I would never wear anything else.

Anonymous

I totally agree with Deb. I work from home too and when I'm done and have had my shower at around 9pm, I get into my nightwear and watch some TV. To be honest though I have never seen the point in specific loungewear. I wear jeans a lot and none of them are really so uncomfortable that I have to take them off as soon as I am done working.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Apparently I have stages of lounging, as my BF refers to it, floppy, floppier, floppiest. At the moment I am floppy, having traded in my shorts for lounge pants, but keeping my cami I wore for errands on. Sleeping wear is floppiest.
I do buy lounge only items now. I also demote items to the lounge capsule. A few items go both ways from casual to lounge, mostly layer tanks and flowy maxi skirts.

MsMary

Veteran

I don't really have much loungewear. When I'm not on the injured reserve list like I am right now, I am at the gym every day after work so I just leave my gym clothes on until it's time for bed. I have recently upgraded my PJ wardrobe so it's all new and nice.

On the weekends I get dressed in my casual clothes. If I'm going out, even to the grocery store, I'll put on something cute (jeans or shorts and a cute top and cute shoes) and leave it on for the day. If not, I'll still get dressed. For example, today is a stay-at-home day and I'm wearing nice-enough-to-leave-the-house shorts and my beloved lightweight sweatshirt. And flip-flops. So I guess that's my version of "loungewear."

JulieJohn

Veteran

I live next door to family so they pop in from time to time, so I usually am dressed in serviceable, albeit, comfy clothes. MIL catches me in no pants sometimes. I guess that's my loungewear, no pants. I'm classy like that.

MsMary

Veteran

Julie, you are hilarious!!

I forgot to say the reason I get dressed in my casual clothes every chance I get is because I have to dress up for work, but my heart really belongs to "smart casual." So sometimes I have to invent reasons to wear my casual clothes or they wouldn't get worn at all!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I wear my most comfy pants & tees for lounging. I have one pair of track pants but they are for cleaning only.

For me not having specific lounging clothes has made me lift my game with what I wear at home - it feels great to feel ready to go out without changing.

Anonymous

I'm another who doesn't wear loungewear. I keep on what I have been wearing until time to go to bed. In the morning I might pull on a robe but usually dress for the day early. I may change clothes during the day, however. I also wear regular clothes for exercise too (well, jeans and a tee or Sweet Pea mesh top...washable.). I don't own gear or pj's. I do have 1 set of sweats for wearing if I'm down with the flu.

Anonymous

LOL, Mo. I'd not be amused by being thought of as "floppy" ...maybe less perky?

Diana

Veteran

I'm one of those people who's in loungewear the minute after she walks in the door. It's like close the door, kick off shoes, take off pants, take off bra. So basically everything that is binding or constricting comes off immediately. The only exception is if I'm going out again very soon.

Aside from comfort reasons, the other big reason I always change is because I usually cook when I come home (or if J is cooking, then I do the dishes). I am a klutz and spill a lot when I cook! (And I always end up splashing water on myself when I do the dishes). I don't want food smells and stains on my nice clothes OR on my pjs (no smelly clothes in bed please!). Since the loungewear is all demoted, easy care stuff, I don't care if that gets smelly or stained.

I think if I worked at home though, I'd probably be singing a different tune. Since I get dressed to go out every weekday and most weekend days, my wardrobe is getting plenty of use and I don't feel bad ditching the nice clothes when I come home for the evening.

minimalist

Veteran

Oh wow, loungewear is what got me thinking about having choices in what to wear, and it maybe being worth the effort of figuring it out. Pardon me for jumping in to a discussion before introducing myself. I want to read all 28 pages of introductions before adding myself, and that will take a while.

My boyfriend has a self-appointed "uniform" for workwear, and a wardrobe for loungewear. (We're both in software, so dress codes involve guidelines like wearing shoes to meetings.) He looks fine for work (better than I ever do!) but once home changes into loungewear and looks simply delicious. Colors are subdued, but bring out his best features, and everything fits really well. I, on the other hand, change into clean tech swag t-shirts/hoodies and worn leggings or boxer briefs that are too small for him. I did buy a maxi dress that's very flattering and fairly comfortable, but as soon as it gets cool, I throw a bathrobe or hoodie over it and there's no point. Not that I need custom polos and silk-lined heavy linen lounge pants like his, but there must be attractive, comfortable options for me as well. Like Diana, comfort is key for me, and I'm a klutzy cook.

Right now, I'm not at all motivated to improve my workwear (jeans, solid v-neck t-shirts, swag hoodies, clogs) except maybe swapping the hoodies for a decent casual jacket. Homewear, though? I'd welcome liberation from my loungeduds-from-freeboxes rut. Years ago, I had menswear-style PJs and lived in them, but I've determined that look is too boxy for me these days.

FWIW, zero pressure from the bf. I asked if he was sick of leggings, bc I'd heard other men complain that their gfs/wives were in leggings all the time, and he said "Dumb@$$es. I love seeing the shape of your legs!" So this style exploration is just for me.

Susie

Veteran

Welcome, Amy! Your BF sounds like a keeper

It was interesting to read all of these responses because of the wide variety of approaches to being comfy at home.

My main goal is to look presentable at home, both for the sake of my DH and to be able to answer the door or chat with a neighbor when I get the mail. And of course I want to be comfortable. I leave the house before 8 and usually don't get home until 6 or 7. So I am quite ready to switch to chill mode and changing clothes is part of the transition. And If I'm wearing nice pants and a nice top when I come home from work, I don't want to cook in them or curl up on the couch in them. Of course if I've got somewhere to go in the evening, I'll just stay dressed.

On the weekends, I certainly dress if am going out- even just for errands or grocery shopping- but for stay at home days I enjoy being in a sweatshirt and yoga pants or leggings and a tunic. So I am working on refining those pieces so that they all look nice.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Jeanie

Veteran

I have a ton of loungewear. I am a messy cook like Diana so at home its track or yoga pants with solid tees or Athleta type sweatshirt/hoodies. I find if I am in my gear type clothes I am more apt to get out and walk a few miles or jump on my bike when I get home and still look decent enough to go to the grocery store if needed. I live in a walking community so many people are dressed this way. For PJ's it's flannel bottoms, a white mens v-neck undershirt, and LL Bean shearling clogs. I could live in these clogs. I think they have pretty PJs in Garnet Hill and I fantasize about dressing in a lovely Eileen Fisher gown and cashmere robe but I'm sure I'd have pancake batter all other that cashmere robe in 2 seconds!

Lyn D.

Veteran

I am at home mostly, but after my last going out chore I usually change into something stretchy and comfortable. Sometimes it may just mean removing my belt and wearing a zip hoodie-style jacket over my top, with sox and slippers for warmth, other times track- pants as well.
Although I am a jeans-girl I prefer long T-shirt style night wear, and always short sleeved. Sometimes sleeveless if it is very warm.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Very timely question. It has started to cool off for winter here so I am thinking about lounge wear. I've never really purchased clothes specifically for this purpose but ordered a pair of lounge pants and a zipless hoodie from gap a few weeks ago to test drive and am thinking I will create a small lounging wardrobe for the evenings. I have a tendency to get cold on winter evenings regardless of how warm the house is at the time. II bought warm slippers a few weeks ago too. It was the comfy draped sweater that I saw here "felt like a hug" that got me on the roll now that I think about it.

Welcome Amy. Love the work guidelines.

Anonymous

I have a lounging capsule. Based on the comment section, there are not a lot of people that do this.

I do because I am a homebody who spends lots of money on clothes to be seen by others at work. I wondered why I spent so much money and then looked like shit all the time (during the evenings and weekends).

I calculated the percentage of time I spent at work, the gym, errands, casual, lounging, and going out. Then I calculated how much money I spent on each category. ALL my money was being spent on clothes for work. This explained why I always felt like I looked awful. My spending strategy was out of sync with my actual life.

I adjusted my spending to accommodate more casual and lounging items. Then using Angie's methods I developed small capsules. I look a lot better, but more importantly, I feel a lot better.

Laurinda

Veteran

I'm another one with no loungewear, or maybe 80% of my day-to-day clothes are loungewear. If I were sick with the flu I might wear sweatpants instead of jeans but that is a day or two per year.

qfbrenda

Veteran

I have cozy clothes that I wear first thing in the morning and right before bed. I sleep in a t-shirt, so I don't have pjs. I've worked on my loungewear capsule this year since some of it was falling apart. Here's what I have:

2 pairs yoga pants... also used for some workouts
2 pairs yoga shaped sweat pants
fleece pull over.... also part of hiking capsule
2 zippered hoodie's
knit bathrobe
various cotton t-shirts, mostly from Landsend and Target

alyssaisacat

(website)

I hate wearing pants at home but I have a room mate so I usually wear leggings and a big tee. I love the idea of having beautiful clothing specifically for loungewear but it's not going to happen any time soon. I have a pair of "boy pants" - men's pj pants - that I wear a lot but never wear to bed because they're too warm.

Louise

Veteran

I have dedicated loungewear which I purchased after opening the door to the postman in my pjs once too often late afternoon during school holidays!
I have a couple pairs of wide leg jersey pull on trousers from M&S and 2 soft cotton loose fit tops and a jersey cascade cardi. I also have various bits of M&S sportswear which failed the zumba sweat test! I generally only wear them if I know I'm staying in for the day, school holidays and the odd weekend day. I usually get into my pjs soon after tea and my winter pjs are kinda loungewear- esque, stretchy trousers, sleep bra, l/s t and a fleece x

AviaMariah

Veteran

I wear a lot of demoted items for loungwear but have been thinking I should stop this practice and buy specific items since poor DH see's me 90% of the time this way. I too change almost as soon as I come home. I'm a messy cook, I've got dogs/cats and a 10 month old. And I'm just messy.

rachylou

Veteran

Tunics and leggings are my lounge wear. I don't do much lounging tho.

Echo

Veteran

Diana said what I was going to say. That is, I cook and clean while I am at home, and I do dishes. That means that invariably, I am going to get cooking smells and water splashed on whatever I am wearing, Especially if I am sauteing onions or garlic, I won't wear the clothing I had on out in public. When I can smell the cooking smells on myself, I have to assume others can smell them, too.

But I also have to agree with Florence in that the clothing I have on all day is generally not comfortable enough that I would want to curl up reading in it. It isn't particularly awful (otherwise I wouldn't wear it), but it isn't loungewear.

Unfortunately, my loungewear is old sweats and old t-shirts. Definitely not acceptable to be seen in in public. I need to step up my game as far as loungewear goes, but everytime I think about it, I wonder why I should spend more on better looking clothing that is going to get water, cooking smells and potentially spills on them!

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