STYLE OPINION

How to look good in loungewear

14 November 2018

The universal problem that loungewear has faced for many years is the close association it has with slobbery and gluttony. Harsh – maybe – but also true. The issue is that many men and women all over the world have, for far too long, used loungewear as an excuse to not get dressed properly, to grab the nearest (and potentially dirtiest) pair of joggers and hoodie or pyjamas that they can find, without giving it much thought and definitely without thinking about the sartorial consequences of wearing such an outfit thing in public. But in recent years, the perception of the tracksuit and loungewear as a whole has changed, with everyone from Hugh Jackman to Kanye West and even Barack Obama bringing it to the forefront of fashion. The issue, though, is task of dissociating it with the bad rap that it’s had for decades, elevating its status into something stylish and more socially acceptable – which is where we step in.

When it comes to loungewear, it’s best to view it as two separate entities: the first should come with careful consideration and the view that you’re dressing it up the same way as you would your suit for work – with thought, style and sophistication at the forefront. The second is slightly less important: while you should still take the time to think about what you’re wearing, you’ll mainly be dressing for yourself in the comfort of your own home, so you can afford to be a little more slack.

Dress it up

The key with getting this side of the loungewear game right is to treat it like a proper outfit that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen in. Right now, that means wearing trousers that don’t fall down the second you put them on; throwing away anything that has holes or resembles something you might have worn before you learnt how to do laundry; picking a neutral colour that can be paired with something slightly more elevated and smart. Opting for a cuffed ankle is an instant way to add sophistication, and pairing it with a classic zip top, hoodie or chunky knit and your favourite trainers will complete the outfit, raise the bar and look good everywhere from the cinema to a pub session or a relaxed dinner with friends.

Dress it down

If you’re after something slightly more relaxed that you can lounge about at home in, it’s time to invest in decent, comfortable – but stylish – pyjamas. A checked pyjama trouser is a classic option that’ll never go out of style and can be paired with anything from a simple basic, such as a T-shirt or crewneck jumper, to an on-trend piece like a thick borg hoodie. Playing with patterns and colours from the comfort of your own home is a good option if you’re looking to experiment with your everyday outfits but if you’d rather steer clear of pattern, an open hem jogger in a neutral colour is the perfect option. Ignore all previous connotations with a matching pyjama set and don’t be afraid to pair it with a hoodie, long-sleeved T-shirt or sweater in the same colour.

The men in this article and the outfits that they are wearing are not affiliated with Next.co.uk in anyway. All images from Getty.