With so many people spending record amounts of time at home, it’s natural that our shifting way of life has translated to our closets. Finding the best loungewear for women is more than just hopping on a trend—it’s about investing in clothing that feels like a respite from the world around us. If you’re working from home, upgrading your loungewear and athleisure collection might help you feel more put-together, even if that just means trading an old college t-shirt for a crewneck. If you’re commuting or spending long hours away from home, returning to a drawer full of elastic waistbands and comfy tank tops are the material manifestation of a sigh of relief.
Perhaps you’re looking for a pair of wide-leg sweatpants or an actually supportive bralette, or maybe you can’t shake the idea of a cashmere cardigan (same). In search of the best loungewear for women, we rifled through our own closets, tapped SELF staffers, scoured best-seller lists, and looked to some of our favorite brands to find luxurious loungewear at every price point for doing life in. Below you’ll find the best loungewear pieces split by tops, bottoms, undergarments, and more.
T-Shirts and Long Sleeve Tees
For layering, sleeping, or throwing on to run errands, an ultra-soft tee or two are essential. Loungewear that can double up as your best comfy pajamas are aways ideal. Onzie’s on-trend Om Top has an open back to zhoosh up an otherwise basic loungewear outfit. Richer Poorer’s luxe Sleep Tee has quickly become the first piece of sleepwear I reach for, but it also looks great tucked into a pair of jeans. Similarly, Girlfriend Collective’s boxy tee has a staple silhouette (and it’s made from recycled water bottles). Old Navy’s striped long sleeve tee, which comes recommended by a SELF staffer for working from home, adds color to an otherwise neutral clothing category.
Loungewear Sets and Jumpsuits
Buying into a two-piece loungewear set or a jumpsuit gives you the biggest bang for your buck—and makes getting dressed easy. Lunya’s indulgent temperature-regulating silk set comes recommended by SELF’s digital director. For a little bit of whimsy, look to one of the many cute (and affordable) tie-dye sets available on Amazon, or the electric orange cotton matching set from ASOS. Lighter jumpsuits like Commando’s are ideal for the spring and summer, while Brooklinen’s more structured option has a heavier weight.
Sweatpants and Joggers
Whether you’re looking for a classic pair of sweats or one with a more modern shape, brands aplenty have swaths for you to choose from. In the way of joggers, Outdoor Voices and Vuori have you covered. One SELF writer suggested that Vuori’s Performance Joggers are made with “angel kisses.” Richer Poorer’s classic high-waisted, fleece-lined sweatpants marry ‘90s gym apparel nostalgia with eco-consciousness and serious comfort (trust me, I own two pairs). And, depending on your budget, Everlane, Brooklinen, and Target offer stylish wide-leg pants if you want something more “formal.”
Leggings
Let’s not forget that workout leggings and yoga pants are the backbone of athleisure. And though they have increased in their sweat-wicking, compressive capabilities, you can still find plenty of options that are strictly for lounging. One SELF staffer is “obsessed” with Danskin’s ultra-affordable 7/8 leggings. And who can resist viral favorites like Aerie’s crossover leggings and Baleaf’s high-waisted pair? We’d be remiss to leave out the bestselling Zella leggings, which fly off Nordstrom’s virtual shelves every time there’s a sale.
Shorts
Whether you wear shorts all year long or just in the warmer seasons, adding a few more to your athleisure rotation can’t hurt. You’ll want to look for fabrics like modal or terry, as well as cotton and spandex for a more stretchy short. Added features like a drawstring waist create a more flattering fit, like J.Crew’s highly-rated terry cutoff shorts, which look just as good with a sweater as they do an oversized long sleeve tee. For bike shorts, Lululemon’s buttery soft Aligns have a barely-there feel and don’t roll up. Nike and Alo Yoga’s all-star casual shorts are cozy enough to add to your sleepwear rotation, too.
Bralettes
Loungewear is a lifestyle. So, then, wouldn’t you say it should extend to your intimates drawer? Ditching underwire is your first order of business, and these supportive options make it an easy feat for any cup size. For D+ cups lingerie, Parade’s waffle knit Scoop Bralette has thicker straps and a more supportive waistband, both of which have made it my personal favorite. Lively’s sweet triangle bralette was given high praise by multiple SELF staffers, along with Calvin Klein’s timeless cotton bralette. Richer Poorer’s high-quality option incorporates a sexier v-neck design (hello, mesh) without sacrificing function.
Hoodies, Cardigans, and Pullovers
For ultimate coziness, wrap yourself up in a cozy winter sweatshirt, cardigan, or fleece. On the lighter weight end of the spectrum, Madewell and ASOS have relaxed options that feel that an ideal middle ground between a sweatshirt and a long sleeve tee. Or perhaps you need something a little toastier for the season, in which case you’ll scoop up the Outdoor Voices beloved MegaFleece pullover or one of Patagonia’s timeless zip-up fleeces. For a more luxe choice, go for Lululemon’s Cashlu wrap, which feels like cashmere.
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Source: SELF
