Even before the Corona crisis hit, we were really starting to recognise the importance of home. Perhaps it’s the our knowledge of Hygge (the Danish word pronounced Hue-guh about creating all things cosy), perhaps it’s the Instagram lifestyle where everything now looks perfect both inside and outside our homes, or perhaps it’s the recent celebration of ‘self care’ and rest. Whatever the reason (albeit enforced through lockdown), nesting has become incredibly important lately. So important in fact, that there’s a whole new category of clothing to accompany the trend.
Not since the Juicy velour tracksuit has ‘loungewear’ been such a thing. This time round however, it’s stylish and chic as the herringbone throw on our sofas with luxury textures, and stylish, flattering cuts. Think Merino wool trackies, pure cotton T-shirts or 3 ply cashmere hoodies in subdued or bold printed colours.
With more and more of us working from home now we don’t necessarily want to sit around in 10 year old greying tracksuit bottoms, and neither do we want to necessarily wear our leggings all day post workout. We want comfortable without being slobby, relaxed but super chic and to celebrate our downtime (at last).
Here are our favourite brands doing great loungewear that are the wearable equivalent of a big hug:
NRBY
Having worked at the forefront of fashion for almost three decades, founder Jo Hooper has cleverly realised how our lives have changed – that we work more from home and don’t always need occasionwear or 9-5 suits. NRBY is ‘A response to the desire to be comfortable.’ With jersey jumpsuits, cashmere sweaters, loose cotton shirts, and jersey t-shirts in flattering styles, it’s the perfect wardrobe for home or travelling.
Chinti and Parker
Chinti & Parker do the finest luxury loungewear around. Specialists of innovative cashmere sweaters and joggers in stylish prints and forward-thinking colours, they are a dream to wear and most withstand the washing machine. With an inherent understanding of what women feel good in, founder Anna Singh and Rachael Wood create designs with a playful spirit whilst keeping craftsmanship and quality centre stage. Famous for their slogan sweaters, they also do fun quirky ranges such as their ‘Peanuts’ range last year. Top tip – get on their mailing list and look out for their sales where much of their stock is halved in price.
Wyse
About 6 years ago, Marielle Wyse founder of Wyse cashmere was frustrated by fashion. She wanted the perfect cashmere jumper but couldn’t find one that wasn’t boring and ill-fitting. And so she set about creating Wyse, with wearable, comfortable but always super stylish designs. With a whole section devoted to loungewear, she has transformed the humble jogger into something super luxe with cashmere and merino wool fabrics with quirky touches that you’ll be equally happy wearing at home as doing the school run.
The White Company
If you like simple, clean-cut clothing then you might want to try The White Company for loungewear. At the very relaxed end of the scale there are super soft, organic cotton T-shirts, vests and throw-on sweaters but there are also items like slim drawstring trousers which would look as good in the city as they they would at home on the sofa. With cashmere joggers and (our favourites) Organic Rib Cotton jersey shirts, there is a focus on comfort and understated style.
Main Image: Chinti and Parker Oatmeal Cashmere Rollneck Sweater
