Loungewear You Can Leave the House In: Working From Home and Travel
Good loungewear has one job: to feel as easy as pyjamas while looking as though you made an effort. That matters more now that so many of us work from home some of the week, take video calls at short notice, or spend long days travelling. Here is how to build a small set of lounge pieces that works for all three.
Start with fabric
Loungewear sits against your skin all day, so fibre matters more than cut. Look for:
- Soft, breathable fibres such as micro modal, TENCEL™ Lyocell, Pima cotton and alpaca, which stay comfortable through a long day without feeling clammy.
- Some weight and drape. A fabric with body hangs well and looks deliberate. Very thin jersey tends to look like sleepwear.
- Good recovery. Knees and seats that bag out by lunchtime undo the whole look.
If you are new to these fibres, read What is TENCEL™ fabric? and Modal vs Micro Modal.
The pieces that do the work
A knit with structure
A knit with a collar or a defined neckline reads as "dressed" on a video call. Our Ribbed Lounge Jumper has a polo collar and deep V-neck, in a Pima cotton and baby alpaca blend made in Peru, in blue or natural.
A wide or relaxed trouser
Wide-leg trousers look more considered than joggers and are just as comfortable. The matching Ribbed Lounge Trousers turn the jumper into a set, which is the easiest way to look put together with no thought at all. For something lighter, the Micro Modal Yoga Trousers move well and come in black or navy.
A smooth base layer
A fine, fitted top under the knit keeps you warm without bulk and looks neat if the jumper comes off. Try the Roll Neck Micro Modal Top or the Long Sleeve Scoop Neck T-shirt.
Something for the evening
A soft top with a collar, like our Shawl Collar Top in TENCEL™ Lyocell, bridges the gap between the working day and the sofa.
Three easy outfits
| Occasion | Outfit |
|---|---|
| A day of video calls | Roll neck top, Ribbed Lounge Jumper, Ribbed Lounge Trousers, simple earrings |
| A long journey | Long sleeve scoop neck, yoga trousers, a cashmere neckwarmer or alpaca scarf, trainers |
| A slow weekend | Lounge set with bed socks indoors, plus a coat and boots if you head out |
Travel tips
- Layer rather than bulk up. Planes and trains swing between hot and cold. A base layer, a knit and a neckwarmer cover every temperature.
- Pick one colour family. Navy, natural and grey all mix together, so every piece works with every other piece.
- Choose fabrics that pack well. Soft knits and jersey roll small and shake out without needing an iron.
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