Whilst loungewear may have become the tedious uniform of two years spent in and out of lockdown, now we’ve had a break from wearing it on the daily, it seems to have recovered its appeal as an alternative to our day-to-day wardrobes.
And, really, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of wearing a comfortable yet stylish two-piece - whether it’s classic pyjamas, a sweatshirt-and-shorts combo or even a full tracksuit. The good news? Since brands were forced to enter the world of loungewear during the pandemic, the offering from luxury brands, independent labels and high street stores has become elite.
The first rule - whichever set you choose, it needs to be comfy. From a crisp cotton poplin to a slubby jersey, a textured linen to a cosy merino wool, you need to make sure it’s constructed using a fabric you could happily wear all day long. After this box is checked, it’s time to move on to aesthetics.
You can err on the casual side of a hoodie and track pants or lean in to versatile pyjama sets with smarter design details like a camp collars or a boxy silhouette - either way, nearly every option in our edit can be worn both in and out of the house.
Whether it’s a co-ord you’d wear to the supermarket after slobbing around on the sofa all day or a matching set that can be easily elevated for an evening look on holiday, if you choose a design you’d wear in public you’ll get more bang for your buck compared to those that you’d only wear within the four walls of your home.
They don’t need to be worn as a full set, either. Whether that means layering a t-shirt or vest beneath an open shirt, wearing a tracksuit hoodie with jeans and a blazer or smartening up a pyjama shirt with some black trousers, if you choose well, your set can live a life outside of its original intended purpose.
Keep scrolling for the best.
Tekla Striped Organic Cotton-Poplin Pyjama Set
If you’re not yet familiar with Copenhagen-based sleepwear specialist Tekla, you’re in for a treat. Offering a timeless and expertly made range of loungewear, bedding and homeware, you’ll want the entire range.
A distinctly inside-outside set, you could lean into the cosy aesthetic with fluffy socks for a lazy day on the couch or elevate it with leather sandals for an evening dinner on vacation.
Buy now, Mr. Porter
Calvin Klein Organic Cotton Lounge T-shirt and Pyjama Pants
A brand that needs no introduction, Calvin Klein’s selection of pyjamas and underwear is one of the best on the market.
If you’re partial to a pop of colour, this red two-piece is the set for you. Even better, it’s crafted from a super-soft organic cotton so you’ll never want to take it off.
T-shirt, £35, pyjama pants, £45
Buy now, Calvin Klein
Soon To Be Announced Essentials Logo Tracksuit
As someone who’s tried many a loungewear set, it means a lot when I say my favourite is from Soon To Be Announced.
A perfectly weighted hoodie that’s not too hot and not too cold, it fits perfectly, and is brimming with vintage collegiate appeal thanks to the subtle logo detailing and sporty fit.
A compliment magnet, it’s the perfect post-gym attire for guys who like to stand out in the crowd. Our top tip? Invest in both the shorts and the track pants so you can wear it whatever the season.
Hoodie, £119, and track pants, £107
Buy now, Soon To Be Announced
Raey Organic cotton jersey sweatshirt and shorts
You can count on Matches’ own brand Raey for elevated basics in contemporary silhouettes and premium fabrics - as proven by this matching sweatshirt and shorts. Paired with a simple, oversized white t-shirt, it’s a set that will take you from the sofa to the shops in both comfort and style.
Sweatshirt, £150, and shorts, £175
Buy now, Raey
Sunspel Merino Zip Hoodie and Track Pants
Merino wool boasts an impressive list of nigh on magical credentials. Naturally, it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer - and boasts antibacterial qualities too - so this set is perfect for all-year-round wear.
Heritage label Sunspel is an expert in elevated basics, so it’s guaranteed this tracksuit will be finished to the utmost quality. Now, all you need is one of the label’s famously perfectly fitting t-shirts to layer underneath.
Hoodie, £275, track pants, £235
Buy now, Sunspel
ASOS DESIGN woven pyjama set with long sleeve shirt and trousers in brown stripe
For loungewear that gives you good bang for your buck, from pyjama sets to tracksuits, ASOS has you covered.
Thanks to the revere collar and the versatile, neutral stripe, this shirt would look just as good with jeans as it does with the matching pyjama bottoms. A wallet-friendly investment that will see you far beyond the realms of the bedroom.
Buy now £30.00, ASOS
Boss Logo-Embroidered Zip Up Jacket and Track Pants
Known for its quality tailoring and stylish underwear, Boss’ top drawer selection of loungewear deserves a moment in the spotlight, too. With a comprehensive range of colours and silhouettes, all at great prices, you’re sure to find something that suits you - whether you want to wear it out and about or just in the comfort of your own home.
Our favourite is this khaki set, which features contrast piping and embroidery for a sporty feel - ideal for a post-workout look.
Jacket, £59, and track pants, £49
Buy now, Boss
Arket Linen Shirt and Shorts
A summer staple, everyone needs a quality linen co-ord in their loungewear arsenal - and Arket’s offering is unrivalled on the high street. All made using 100 per cent linen, the selection of shirts, shorts and trousers exudes summer nonchalance - just take a look at Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley to see what we’re talking about.
This black set is lightweight, breathable and cut to a relaxed fit for optimum comfort. Sleek and stylish, the monochrome look will take you from your bed to the bar in an instant.
Buy now, Arket
Desmond & Dempsey Men’s Cuban Pyjama Set The Jag Print Green
Desmond & Dempsey’s instantly recognisable jag print will inject a touch of 50s glamour into your loungewear wardrobe - and will certainly turn heads whether you’re wearing it to a summer BBQ or for a summer’s day in the park. Cut to a boxy silhouette with a camp collar and tonal buttons, it’s an unique, elevated two-piece that should be going straight in your basket.
Buy now £165.00, Desmond & Dempsey
Ron Dorff Ribbed Tank Top Irregular Stripes and Boxer Shorts
On the skimpier side, luxury loungewear label Ron Dorff’s vest and boxer shorts are perhaps best suited to house-bound endeavours - unless you’re feeling particularly frisky.
It doesn’t get any comfier than a well fitting tank and boxer shorts. Worn with jeans layered on top, with the boxers slightly on show, you’ve got yourself a new daytime look, too.
Tank top, £45, and boxer shorts, £36
Buy now, Ron Dorff
CDLP Home Shirt & Trousers
Swedish brand CDLP use sustainable fabrics to create its collection of underwear, loungewear and sportswear - and this pyjama set is no exception.
Made in Portugal using tencel lyocell, a fibre derived from certified renewable wood source, it’s lightweight, flows beautifully and boasts a rich lustre for an elegant feel - which is only bolstered by the satin piping on the waistband and collar.
A sophisticated set for any discerning gentleman.
Shirt, £218, and trousers, £180
Buy now, CDLP
