THE JOURNAL
Ask a man to write down a list of wardrobe essentials in order of priority and chances are that loungewear will be found somewhere near the bottom. That is, if it makes the list at all. Even the most ardent pyjamas and robe devotee must admit that this is an entirely reasonable position for a man to take. The clothes we deem most worthy of investment are those that offer us value in return by helping to make a good impression.
But loungewear isn’t about being seen. Far from it: these are clothes that rarely see the light of day, let alone meet the eye of someone we might be hoping to impress (save partners, spouses and the occasional delivery driver). It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that loungewear has been relegated to the bottom rung of the menswear ladder, becoming a sort of knacker’s yard where faded tees, threadbare sweaters and old gym shorts go to die.
There’s an inescapable sense of irony to this, especially now in the post-Covid world. We spend an increasingly large chunk of our time in these clothes and yet we afford them far less consideration than the so-called “investment pieces” of our wardrobes, like the suit we might wear to a couple of weddings every year. But it doesn’t have to be this way, according to Benedict Browne, MR PORTER’s Style Director, who holds an altogether more bullish outlook on the category. “Invest, invest, invest,” he urges. “You can’t put a price on comfort and there’s nowhere worse to be uncomfortable than at home.”
But invest in what, exactly? Well, that’s where this guide comes in. Read on for a few tips on how to lounge in style.
01. Pyjamas are classic for a reason
Rather less popular now than in their mid-century heyday, pyjamas nonetheless remain a peerless choice for those who value an agreeable night’s sleep. Beyond comfort, the simple ritual of putting them on can also form part of a healthy sleep routine. “At their best, pyjamas should feel indulgent, almost meditative to slip into,” says Rachel O-Williams, Assistant Personal Shopper at MR PORTER. “The right pair invites you into the evening and makes you look forward to the moment you turn off the world.”
As for what constitutes the right pair, it’s all about material, Browne suggests. “You should be looking for a few components, such as a high thread count consisting of organic materials – cotton, silk and satin for year-round wear, wool and cashmere for winter, and linen for summer.”
In line with his wider investment philosophy, Browne recommends sticking with trusted brands over cheaper options found on the high street or in the back pages of a brochure. “Look to the established names that know what they’re doing,” he says. “Derek Rose is one of the best – though TOM FORD’s silk-satin sets are an indulgence that no one would turn down.”
02. Don’t underestimate the power of a good robe
Opt for soft, natural materials when choosing your robe, Browne says. He professes a particular fondness for cashmere at this time of year. “I love cashmere in winter as it’s more forgiving on my skin, which takes a battering in the cold,” he says. “I’ve got a beautiful, chunky, ribbed pure cashmere robe that I live in when at home these days. I’d save it in a fire before some of my bespoke suits.”
Cashmere isn’t the only option, and a well-stocked wardrobe should also contain lighter options for warmer weather. Missoni’s hooded towelling robes are a colourful and versatile choice. “Made from 100 per cent cotton, they strike the right balance of plush without being too heavy,” O-Williams says. For a more luxurious warm-weather option, she recommends the legendary Parisian tie-maker Charvet: “Its 100 per cent silk offerings are a masterclass in restrained style.”
03. It’s the little things
“Aesthetics at home are often overlooked, so even basic effort can feel like a win,” O-Williams says. As ever, it’s the small details that make a big difference, such as ensuring the colours in your outfit work in harmony. This needn’t mean donning a perfectly coordinated pyjama set. “They just need to look like they belong together,” she explains.
“Fit is what truly elevates a look,” O-Williams adds. “Your shirt and bottoms should feel tailored, like they were made for you.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Browne. “A good pair of pyjamas should be flattering but not all-consuming,” he says.
04. Dress for the occasion
Loungewear is the clothing category least beholden to the influence of fashion. And rightly so – far be it from any designer to dictate what you wear in the comfort of your own home. That said, there will be occasions when it is appropriate to put in a little more effort. Christmas morning, for instance, or a staycation at a countryside hotel. (You don’t want to be the worst-dressed guy at the breakfast buffet.)
These occasions are the perfect opportunity to try something new, says O-Williams. “Experiment with pattern, even if it’s not your go-to,” she suggests, before warning of the dangers of slipping into dreaded “novelty pyjama” territory: “Just keep it polished by limiting the patterns to two at most or stick to varying shades within the same palette.”