Well, here we are. Mid autumn, still spending copious amounts of time at home (I hope you’re all still staying home practicing safe quarantine measures) and chilling in our sweatpants. Prior to the pandemic I didn’t own a single pair of sweatpants because the luxury of living alone is being naked (or scantily clad) most of the time. Now it’s become a closet staple since I pretty much only leave to get food and check the mail.
While it’s tempting to buy the fast fashion version of loungewear staples because the garments are seemingly simple, there’s a lot of pros to buying the ethical version. For starters, if you’re going to be wearing them more often (thank you Covid) investing in quality makes sense in terms of costs per wear. Here are some of my favourite go-to brands for loungewear.
Free Label
Image via Free Label.
Size inclusivity? We love to see it. Free Label delivers with sizes XS to 4X in all of their small batched manufactured goods. Not only do they cater to a diverse range of body types, you can feel good about support ethical and sustainable fashion. Free Label creates their own custom blended fabrics to ensure each piece is made sustainably (think 100% cotton, bamboo rayon, linen and deadstock fabrics!)
My favourite piece is the Andie Bra ($89), which is long enough to provide additional coverage if you want to wear it as a crop and can be worn two different ways with either a high neckline or v-neck. It also compresses without ever smushing my tatas and I love the thicker straps for additional support and coverage.
Pure Balanxed
While I may not have attempted the tie-dye trend at the beginning of quarantine I am a fan of the look. Nothing says WFH wear like a head-to-toe tie dye look and Pure Balanxed offers just that, but with a twist. Each piece comes with a daily affirmation (this one is “I belong”) to remind yourself to be kinder to yourself and to others.
Did I mention that its a blend of bamboo, cotton and spandex designed to get softer with every wash? Trust me, this is a sweatshirt ($122) you’ll want to live in. They also make a kids version if you want to match with your little, which is frankly ADORABLE.
Encircled
Perfect for anyone who still has to go into the office but not ready to give up their comfort, Encircled has created your new favourite work pant, the Dressy Sweatpant ($162) – I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but trust me.
Made with eco-friendly modal which allows for a 4 way stretch that doesn’t bag out it. It also has a wide waistband to sit comfortably and pleats and pockets to give it the appearance of office appropriate.
In Soft Focus
I’ll be the first to admit that my initial apprehension to loungewear had to do everything with my perception that all loungewear is heather grey and boring. I didn’t want to dress like I was straight outta the 80s but Soft Focus changed my mind about a monochromatic look with their terry sets ($275 for a sweatshirt and sweatpants.)
Available in fun shades like ember, lilac and gold; this set looks like a pair of combat boots and a long trench away from y’all looking like a stylish “celebrities, they’re just like us” paparazzi photo on your coffee run.
KOTN
There is something to be said about the nostalgia in wearing a crest branded sweatshirt and I am loving the KOTN spin on it. In celebration of their 5th anniversary they released a limited edition of this mock neck ($90) that sold out in no-time. Due to it’s popularity it’s back, slightly more cropped with a brushed interior for extra softness.
While I don’t have this particular sweatshirt, I do have some of the other KOTN sweatshirts and it’s one of those pieces that get better with time. Ultra plush it’s become my go-to when I need to throw something on post workout.
Red Sky
What is it about a waffle knit that instantly feels cozy AF? Designed for max relaxation, the Ray Bottoms ($70) from Red Sky is perfect for those who need loungewear to also move with them. The designer had an active bestie in mind when designing this elastic waist pant with stretch so you can lounge on the couch or do squats in them.
Also peep that price point! We love a budget friendly option.
Smash + Tess
When it comes to making a statement my go-to is always a printed pant and I am already getting my alarm ready so I don’t miss out on this collab (available October 28.) This is the second collab between Smash + Tess and Sarah Landry (@thebirdspapaya), the first selling out within 10 minutes!
This collab sees the return of the Jemma romper ($129) and a new 2 piece set featuring a PJ top and bottom ($73 each) that can be styled for every day wear. Have I already styled this pant 6 different ways in my head? Yes. Was I also the idiot who didn’t set an alarm and it’s already sold out in my size? Also yes.
Franc
Often times when I am at home I am wearing next to nothing when all of a sudden I have throw something on because someone is at the door for me. My go-to is usually a t-shirt dress because of it’s easy throw-on-and-go. I love the ease of a t-shirt dress and this one from Franc ($73) is no exception. I love that it has a side slit so it keeps it easy to move in and I find the length ultra flattering.
It’s minimalistic, it’s comfortable, it’s easy to wear and it’s made ethically in Canada, what’s not to love?
OKAYOK
For something a little bit more fun, check out OKAYOK. Designed thoughtfully in Toronto, this brand makes clothes for kids and grownups alike. With fun prints like Confetti or their newest Tough as Nails, each piece is just as much of a statement as it is cozy AF.
I am loving the tunic in the Tough as Nails print ($210) with a longer boxy silhouette and pockets along the seams. You read that right, POCKETS!
Maylyn and Co.
Loungewear doesn’t have to be all sweatshirts and sweatpants, it can also be soft silk sets made with Persian Silk, a plant based silk. Maylyn and Co. makes the dreamiest silk pieces you’ll never want to take off.
Listen, nothing makes you feel like a bougie rich bish than silky pjs. While it might be a while until I am able to enjoy hotel life again I can pretend to be in the lap of luxury in this vegan silk set ($293.)
