Recently, new dress codes have been defined even for being at home. We are often led to believe that we should not stay in pajamas at home because it keeps us in a state of comfort and sleepiness. However, currently, the meaning of men's comfortable clothing is being redefined.
It is a reality that, especially when working from home, what you wear has to do with both functionality and fashion. Many questions about this have arisen, but the most predominant one is: can you really live in total comfort without simply wearing pajamas, underwear, or those old t-shirts that have been stored away for years?
The answer to that question can be found in what is now known as "loungewear" or "athleisure."
Redefinition of men's comfortable clothing: What is Loungewear and Athleisure?
While in general terms we are talking about comfortable clothing for being at home, both are different and serve specific functions, so it is necessary to clarify part by part what loungewear and athleisure are.
Although they are similar, they have a few differences. For example, when we talk about loungewear, we are already talking about clothing for being at home and that will mainly be used for sitting, resting, or relaxing. It is important to note that we are not talking about pajamas; these clothing pieces are distinct and casual with which you can take a couple of energizing naps and stay inside the house.
One plus of these garments is that they are elegant enough to go unnoticed outdoors, while also being useful enough to wear when running any nearby errands that do not require full formality.
On the other hand, athleisure is much more suitable for physical activity as it is designed and tailored for high-performance activities since it is specifically for physical training. Unlike loungewear, these pieces are intended for physical activity and not for lying down and resting on the couch.
In general, athleisure was used by men with tight schedules who lived working from one place to another and did not have enough time to go to a gym, but since telecommuting started to become normalized, many men began to opt for these comfortable and streamlined garments made up of pants, sweaters, and slippers or athletic shoes.
Pieces that Make Up Comfortable Men's Clothing
Although these pieces of clothing constantly undergo variations, there are fabrics that are suitable for loungewear and athleisure.
Sportswear requires materials that specifically condition the human body, either by insulating it from the cold or by absorbing sweat. This commonly requires the use of lycra and spandex. Also, fleece and ultralight jersey are ideal for combining.
For this type of clothing, the use of cotton is not recommended. Although it is the most comfortable woven par excellence, it absorbs sweat and moisture, and also retains it. Additionally, another disadvantage is that it absorbs odors almost instantly.
Unlike athleisure, loungewear is simpler clothing where the use of cotton, silk, and cashmere is allowed. Also, during the cold months, it tends to be combined with thermal and flannel clothing.
These pieces of clothing, being comfortable in every sense of the word, can also be combined with a style of t-shirts very similar to the pajamas, which means it is essential to stock up on nice and soft shirts; long-sleeved, open-collared shirts, round-neck sweaters, and at least one hoodie.
While sports t-shirts tend to be characterized by having no sleeves, it never hurts to add a hoodie for extra layers and insulation.
When we talk about pants, for loungewear we should carefully consider those that are truly usable in outdoor environments but do not lose their mission of providing comfort. Therefore, pants with elastic, drawstrings, or a single-button closure tend to be included.
For the same reason that we need to think about pants to wear in outdoor environments and be comfortable at home, the woven should be lighter and more fluid than that of conventional pants, and sometimes the hems will be folded or sharp around the ankle with elastic.
In the case of sportswear, the pants are usually sweatpants or joggers. They can also be high-performance spandex, making them super practical and suitable for more informal alternatives.
Anomalies in Men's Comfortable Clothing: The Dressing Gowns
Yes, we just talked about comfortable clothing with t-shirts, pants, hoodies, sportswear, and more, but another garment that is part of the redefinition of what we know as comfortable clothing for men is robes.
They may seem like something a man would never wear at all, but the day he comes to have one in his possession, there is no turning back. This particular garment can be found in all kinds of fabrics; from brushed cotton to linen, silk, satin, or fleece.
Moreover, they are extremely convenient to use and cover up when in a hurry, or just out of the shower. Also, if more warmth is desired, it is advisable to add an additional layer on top of it.
Shoes to Complete the Home Look
When it comes to wearing comfortable clothes at home, the classic slippers will always be chosen, as they are the favorite pieces for relaxing at home. They are practical, comfortable, and specifically made for being indoors and relaxed.
It is worth noting that here we are not going to talk about giant slippers shaped like animals or cartoons, which, although they are a quite fun option, it is recommended to choose simpler and more elegant ones that match the subtle aesthetic we have been explaining.
But, if the slippers are not that style you want, but rather to maintain a fresher style for both indoors and outdoors, a good pair of loafers is also recommended. While these shoes are primarily for outdoors, they work for indoors due to their ease of use.
Of course, in the case of athleisure, there is nothing like a quality pair of sneakers to match both the clothing and to be much more comfortable. These can vary greatly in design, and you can choose from a very minimalist one to more eye-catching prints and colors.
Note, for this type of footwear it is always advisable to choose those with rubber soles as they provide traction, shock absorption, and will last much longer.
Finally, the Socks
And it's that, we are not going to talk about shoes and we will let the socks pass. Here, it is very likely that I will simply choose to be without shoes in my own house, so the stockings become the protagonist on the feet.
For this, merino wool socks are perhaps the best choice because they are extremely comfortable and practical. This material breathes easily, regulates foot temperature, and is extremely comfortable.
Suggestion
When you go to organize your closet and shop to be comfortably at home, everything needs to be coldly calculated. From the garment, its type of woven, the cut, and even the colors.
People, in addition to being sensitive to touch, are also visual, so to be at home, it is advisable to maintain a palette of sober colors that convey calm and well-being.
From El Búho Nocturno we encourage you to try our pajamas and this way you will understand how you can sleep and be at home comfortably and elegantly.