Do you want to be stylish yet comfortable while relaxing at home? Or do you need an outfit that’s neat and practical to visit an airport lounge but also super comfy to sleep in during a long-haul international flight? Meet the loungewear style for modern men.
We all have those moments when we need stylish yet relaxed clothes. With an increase in casual and athletic clothing options for men, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices for men’s loungewear.
In this installment of our series on dress codes for the modern man, we bring you a guide to men’s loungewear. And no, we are not talking about the pajamas you would never dare to leave the house wearing.
We give you the definitive guide on everything you need to know about loungewear.
When to wear it? Check.
What is considered loungewear? Check.
Common questions about men’s loungewear? Double-check.
By the time we’re through, you will be fully informed on all there is to know about loungewear attire for men.
Feel free to skip ahead to the section that you’re most interested in right now:
- Defining loungewear for men
- The perfect loungewear look for the modern gentleman
- Loungewear rules to guarantee success
- Four loungewear brands men need to know
- Frequently asked questions
The modern loungewear look for men
Welcome to our loungewear style guide for the modern man.
Some clarifications first: what is modern loungewear for men?
Here’s the deal. There’s a lot of confusion around loungewear. We get it. It’s confusing trying to figure out what’s sartorially acceptable to wear in public and what you should probably leave at home.
A brief history of loungewear
With the rise of active and leisurewear brands such as Lululemon and Outdoor Voices, as well as high fashion clothing from Adidas and Nike, a new style era has arrived. Yoga pants started showing up not just for women but also for men and have become common outside of the yoga studio. The Adidas Ultraboost tops our list of the running shoes we have tested, and our review explains why.
This shift in casual standards outside of the house changed how we dress for all kinds of occasions. Thus, the athleisure niche was born as a category of fashion that is both stylish and functional for the modern gentleman. This category includes modern loungewear as well as athletic wear. For now, we are focusing on the loungewear portion of the athleisure niche.
It is now common to see fashion loungewear in the street, on planes, and at the grocery store. The rules for what to wear while out and about have changed. Fashion companies have adapted by creating collections that are very comfortable to wear but also look smart. Think joggers with a slim fit and a smart-looking fitted jacket made in stretchable cotton.
As your lifestyle becomes more fluid, fashion loungewear is evolving to fit your needs. Loungewear is designed to work with the modern man’s life.
So, how do you know what loungewear to wear in public?
Now that we have established a brief history of loungewear and athleisure let’s discuss what is considered loungewear. We will begin by discussing what it is not. Loungewear is not pyjamas. It also isn’t jeans, which are a bit more formal than loungewear and less comfortable. Instead, loungewear for men is a casual attire that is highly comfortable and is also appropriate for leaving the house. Think dressy sweatpants, premium T-shirts, sweaters, and designer sneakers.
The perfect loungewear look for the modern gentleman
Knowing how to put together a loungewear look that is stylish can feel daunting. That’s why we compiled this guide to the best loungewear clothes for men and how to wear them.
For more on perfecting your look from head to toe, see our guides to the best fade haircuts and casual style for men.
Simple T-shirts made from premium fabrics
Every modern loungewear wardrobe starts with a simple t-shirt. The key to a great loungewear look is simplicity and high-quality fabric. Prefer muted tones with a few key details and pops of color.
ALPHA INDUSTRIES
UNFRM Alpha Ind Tee
We particularly like this olive tee from Alpha Industries, which costs $40. It is 100% cotton in a relaxed fit that sits at the hip, with a small Alpha graphic on the left chest and a larger print on the back. The muted olive works on its own with joggers or under an open overshirt.
Here are a few loungewear T-shirt alternatives for different budgets and styles, including a plain cotton jersey T-shirt from Loro Piana at $590:
Sweatpants that flatter
Selecting the right loungewear pants is essential to strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. Look for premium materials, such as cashmere, wool, or silk. And aim for joggers with tapered legs that flatter your form rather than disguise it.
POLO RALPH LAUREN
Loose Fit Track Pants
Polo Ralph Lauren offers these excellent premium loose-fit track pants. They come in navy blue and light grey.
And here are four other alternatives that strike the perfect balance between comfort and tailored fit:
High fashion hoodies
When you need a lighter top layer for your loungewear look, the natural choice is a hoodie. With so many hoodies available, which do you choose? Remember, you want your loungewear look to stay simple. Look for a plain hoodie with functional features.
SUNSPEL
Loopback Cotton Hoodie
The Loopback cotton hoodie from Sunspel is a zip-up in loopback cotton and costs $245. Sunspel first used loopback fabric in sportswear to wick moisture away from the body, and now uses it to trap warm air against the skin. It has a classic fit and ribbed cuffs.
Looking for something else? Check this bestselling budget option from Amazon Essentials. We also love these other premium hoodie alternatives:
Simple sweatshirts with standout details
For days when you want to leave the hoodie at home, try a simple crewneck sweatshirt to keep you warm. A sweatshirt with a logo or small details will keep your outfit looking effortless while remaining sharp.
J.CREW
Textured-Cotton Sweatshirt
This simple and affordable sweatshirt by J.Crew is all about the fabric. It’s super soft and comfortable on the skin yet looks and feels very premium. J.Crew’s special cotton thermal sweatshirt has a honeycomb texture that helps retain warmth while keeping it breathable.
Another option for a quality top is this wool-blend cardigan by Robert Graham. It’s the perfect piece of layering for your loungewear look. Super soft, lightweight, and available in three solid colors. Check also these other alternatives, including a loopback cotton sweatshirt from Sunspel at $205:
Comfortable yet chic sneakers
We have an entire post dedicated to tracking the best designer sneakers on the market today. To match your loungewear look, we recommend something simple and minimalistic yet crafted with quality premium materials.
Two brands we absolutely recommend at the moment for minimalist sneakers are Amberjack and Koio. Here’s our pick from Amberjack:
AMBERJACK
The Low-Top
The Amberjack Low-Top delivers comfort without sacrifice. It uses A-grade full-grain leather with a sheepskin lining, an EVA outsole with anti-slip rubber pods and a removable heat-activated insole. It costs $159 and comes in Honey (pictured), Chestnut, Ivory and Onyx, all easy to wear with loungewear.
For a dressier Amberjack, The Original is the shoe we wore for our hands-on review.
Koio is the other brand we recommend. Its Capri is handmade in Tuscany from black Italian calf leather, and Koio suggests wearing it with black joggers and a fitted crewneck sweater. It is one of three Koio sneakers we tried for our Koio review, with notes on fit and sizing for each.
Axel Arigato’s Clean 90 comes in leather on a stitched rubber cupsole, M.Gemi’s Palestra Uomo in soft suede on a lightweight rubber sole, and Amberjack’s Drift in ivory costs $149. Our writer Emma Treagus has worn the Clean 90 since 2020, and her review explains why it stayed a favorite.
Sports caps for modern chaps
No look is complete without the right accessories. A great accessory choice for a modern loungewear look is a sports cap.
ALPHA INDUSTRIES
Battlewash Cap
We like this simple cotton cap from Alpha Industries in black. It is garment-dyed and washed for a worn-in, vintage look, with an Alpha woven label at the front and a metal clasp at the back, and it costs $40. With a hat on, you don’t need to worry about your hairstyle when stepping out.
For a slightly more dressed up yet relaxed feel, check this baseball hat by Brunello Cucinelli. Acne Studios has an embroidered logo cotton baseball cap at $280.
The right bag for airport lounges and city wandering
Finally, if the goal of your look is functionality and style, you need a loungewear bag that can carry your essentials for a weekend getaway. A modern travel bag should accent your outfit while being highly functional and practical.
AWAY
Aluminum Edition Carry-on Luggage
Premium travel brand Away makes some of the smartest luggage on the market today, and this Aluminum Carry-On is the piece we particularly like. Its aluminum hard shell is sized to fit the overhead bin of most major airlines. It rolls on 360° spinner wheels and has Away’s interior compression system for packing.
If you prefer a soft backpack, Troubadour’s Apex Backpack combines interior organization with soft, contouring back straps, and the brand designed it for city commutes and travel. We tested it from the office to the boarding gate, and our hands-on review has the full verdict. This Amazon bestseller from Under Armor is a great everyday backpack under $50.
Loungewear rules to guarantee success
With every type of wardrobe comes a certain set of rules for looking your best. Obviously, your personal style comes from some of the personal choices in your look. But following these three essential rules will help master your men’s loungewear look.
1. Stick to the basics
Mastering simplicity is key to the modern loungewear look. A perfectly styled loungewear outfit is not about flashiness or crazy patterns. It’s about combining a few simple yet well-structured pieces and highlighting a couple of special details.
2. Stay away from too many bright colors
Speaking of keeping it simple, stay away from neon and bright colors in your athleisure looks. Stick to a modern, clean, and elegant look. That means muted tones and neutral colors.
If you want to incorporate some color into your outfit, try picking one colorful piece or detail. Keep everything else neutral and simple.
3. Go for a tailored look
The modern loungewear look is tailored. You want clothes that highlight your physique and craft a look that is flattering even when you’re comfortable and relaxing.
Choose pieces that fit you well. Don’t go for oversized t-shirts or baggy shorts. A well-styled guy should be able to look good even when he’s traveling or chilling at home.
Four loungewear brands men need to know
Choosing the right loungewear look is about curating and crafting a great ensemble from multiple pieces. Crafting a look like this means looking for pieces in all different places.
However, there are a few luxury athleisure and loungewear brands for men that have proven to offer quality pieces with a smart style.
Here are our top four loungewear brands for men:
1. Quince
Quince delivers premium loungewear at direct prices. Their Mongolian Cashmere Jogger, at $99.90, is a medium-weight cashmere knit with a tapered fit. The range also includes an Everyday Fleece Hoodie ($44.90) and a Bamboo Jersey Lounge Jogger ($42), so you can build a full lounge set from one brand.
2. Alpha Industries
We discovered Alpha Industries while searching for the best men’s bomber jacket on the market. We felt in love with them after discovering the range of high-quality items they sell. From comfortable pants to durable T-Shirts and simple hats, they have everything you need to complete your loungewear look at an affordable price.
3. Away
If loungewear to you is all about wearing something elegant yet functional when traveling, you have to check out premium luggage brand Away. Their luggage and backpack are smartly designed for the modern traveler. They are also elegant and come in a range of colors and materials to match your favorite travel outfit.
4. Ermenegildo Zegna
Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna has embraced loungewear attire. Their collection offers premium fabric and high-end design. In true loungewear spirit, their clothes are also versatile and functional. This is a luxury brand you won’t be afraid to wear when traveling.
Loungewear style: Our readers’ most frequently asked questions
Is loungewear the same as athletic wear?
Are jeans considered loungewear?
Is loungewear pyjamas?
Can I wear loungewear to work?
Where can I wear loungewear?
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