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I’ll admit it – I used to feel sloppy and unproductive if I wasn’t dressed in jeans + a nice top or a dress (probably a habit left over from my Corporate America days). Back then, I thought getting fully “dressed” was the secret to staying motivated and productive. But now, as a mom with two young kids, my priorities have shifted. I’ve embraced athleisure for its practicality and have even gotten on board with loungewear. The right pieces make me feel comfortable and put together, which is a lifesaver when juggling everything from playtime to work to errands (here are some great work-from-home outfit ideas).
So, what is loungewear?
Loungewear is clothing specifically designed for relaxation and comfort, typically worn at home or during casual, low-key activities. It bridges the gap between pajamas and everyday wear, offering soft, cozy fabrics and relaxed fits while being presentable enough to answer the door or even run a quick errand.
Unlike activewear (which is geared toward workouts) or athleisure (which blends sporty and streetwear styles), loungewear prioritizes comfort above all else. Think joggers, sweatshirts, matching sets, wide-leg pants, and soft tees or tanks made from breathable materials like cotton, modal, or fleece.
Here’s a guide to my favorite cute loungewear outfits for women, plus my top brand picks for must-have matching sets, joggers, and more.
The Best Loungewear for Women (that’s still cute)
From joggers and hoodies to luxurious pajama sets, here are some wardrobe staples to build your loungewear collection:
Joggers and Sweatpants
Joggers combine comfort and a tailored look with their tapered fit, while wide-leg sweatpants offer a relaxed, breezy vibe. Look for fleece, organic cotton, or cashmere blends for ultimate softness.
Loungewear Sets
Matching sets are polished, easy, and versatile. No effort is required to look pulled together. And pulled-together is key since I’m on Zoom calls and work from home – here’s everything I have in my home office.
Hoodies, Sweatshirts, and Sweaters
These are staples for lounging and casual outings, perfect for layering.
My Top Picks for Matching Sets
Spanx AirEssentials Matching Set
My #1 pick for a cozy, high-quality lounge set is the SPANX AirEssentials Matching Set. It’s buttery-soft, flattering, and somehow manages to look polished while feeling as cozy as pajamas. The wide-leg pants drape beautifully and give you that relaxed yet elevated vibe, and the crew neck top is just as comfortable – perfect for lounging or running errands. The lightweight fabric is breathable and easy to wear year-round, making it a go-to for looking put-together without sacrificing comfort.
The nice thing about SPANX AirEssentials is that there are a few different cuts and styles in the same fabric, so you can mix and match the styles a bit without sacrificing comfort (or fashion, of course). You could opt for this quarter-zip pullover to pair with the wide-leg pants or even go with a more tapered pant.
If you get just ONE lounge set, get something from the AirEssentials line since it’s insanely soft – exactly what you want from loungewear – but it fits well enough to make it appropriate for wearing outside your home.
I have a small top and petite XS in bottoms (but I wish I’d done petite small, so size up if you’re on the fence. (BTW, this would make a great gift for new moms! See my new-mom gift guide here).
Nuuds Slinky Rib Wide-Leg Pant and Top
I was gifted a pair of Slinky Rib Wide Leg Pants and a matching tee + hoodie from Nuuds last year, and continue to be obsessed with the set. The material and fit is effortlessly chic, has a minimalist aesthetic, and the feel of the fabric is so nice. I also appreciate the tight fit of the tee for such a flattering look (assuming you have the right bra!). The slinky ribbed material of the pants drapes beautifully.
This set is not heavy but also not too thin, so I recommend it as a great year-round set (whereas the SPANX set is definitely more suitable for colder weather). I wear a size XS in the pants and a small in the top and hoodie.
Set Active Loungeset
Another brand I love for loungewear is Set Active. I have their Heavy Cotton Easy Pants and Lightweight Sweats Classic Crewneck, and they’re the perfect oversized set. The top is an airy cotton fabric and the pants are a heavyweight cotton fabric. These aren’t as silky as the Spanx set but more of a lightweight sweatsuit material.
I have a small in both pieces but an XS would have worked a little better since they are already oversized.
Frank & Eileen Carmel Travel Set
Yes, it’s called a travel set, and while I find it perfect for preschool drop-off and even running errands after, it’s also the ideal loungewear if your have guests coming over and want to be comfortable, but not too homey if you know what I mean. I wear the Carmel Travel Set constantly, and if you’re pairing it with sneakers, I shared my favorite white ones here. I’m not surprised I love it this much considering all of Frank & Eileen’s pieces are so good and you should at least have on in your closet.
Pact Airplane Bon Voyage Set
The Pact Airplane Bon Voyage Set has quickly become one of my go-to loungewear picks. Like the Frank & Eileen Carmel Set, it’s cozy for relaxing at home but polished enough to wear out without feeling underdressed. I also grabbed the mock neck tank to throw under the cardigan. I recently discovered the brand, and I’ve been so impressed with the quality and design. The set has that effortless, elegant look that makes it perfect for travel days, coffee runs, or just feeling put-together while staying comfortable.
I’m wearing an XS in the Airplane pants and cardigan and a small in the mock neck tank.
Abercrombie Matching Sets
Abercrombie makes shockingly great loungewear with their active line YBP, which stands for Your Personal Best. I don’t have many of their sets, but I have the YPB neoKNIT Wide Leg Sweatpants and matching YPB neoKNIT Half-Zip, and I love both. I love that Abercrombie makes their pants in multiple lengths because I’m 5’1″. The short length is great on me. I wear the short length in Abercrombie denim too, which are some of my favorite jeans.
Other brands of loungewear I like:
Can You Wear Loungewear Outside?
It depends. Some loungewear looks more like pajamas with sheer, delicate fabrics, and some look more like athleisure with sweatsuit material and tailored fitting. The former is best for staying in but if you want loungewear that can be worn outside the home, opt for ones with slightly thicker fabric or some styling details, like the Abercrombie or Spanx picks.
Tips for Styling Loungewear
1. Accessorize: Add a structured bag, clean sneakers, and simple gold jewelry for an elevated look.
2. Stick to Neutrals: Opt for shades like beige, black, or gray to keep your outfit polished.
3. Layer Up: A long coat, hat, and scarf can instantly transform your loungewear into a chic ensemble by making the outfit look intentional, not sloppy.
Final Thoughts
Loungewear isn’t just for lazy days anymore—it’s a must-have in any wardrobe, offering the perfect mix of comfort and style. I’d love to know if you have a favorite lounge set!
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