Buying guide for best loungewear for men
When you’re relaxing after work or on your days off, comfort is of the utmost importance. That’s why it’s natural to reach for soft, flexible clothing that’s easy to wear around the house, in bed, or on the couch. No matter where you choose to relax or recline, make sure you’re wearing comfortable loungewear.
Loungewear is designed with a relaxed fit, making it conducive to sitting, stretching, or napping. Some sets are lightweight and breathable for comfort in warm weather. Others are made of thicker plush materials to keep you cozy in colder weather. You can also buy individual pieces of loungewear, such as fleece pajama bottoms.
Wondering which loungewear you should choose? There are countless options on the market, and to make your decision a simple one we’ve compiled this buying guide to help you.
Key considerations
Sets
Loungewear sets consist of two pieces: a top and a bottom. Some sets have tops and bottoms of identical colors or prints. Other sets pair a solid piece with a patterned piece, such as a plain blue shirt with blue plaid bottoms.
Loungewear sets are cost-effective and serve as great gifts, but they’re not without their drawbacks. Not every individual wears the same size in tops and bottoms, which means some loungewear sets won’t fit. It’s also common for loungewear to have high-quality tops but low-quality bottoms, or vice versa. Unfortunately, this means one piece will surely outlast the other.
By the piece
Just the bottoms: Many men buy loungewear bottoms separately. These shorts or long pants are easy to match with almost any plain cotton T-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie. Jersey or flannel bottoms, for example, are perennial favorites for loungewear since they’re both soft and versatile.Waistbands vary considerably among these and can be drawstring, elastic, or both.
A common concern consumers have about loungewear bottoms is the cut. It’s not unusual for wearers to size up, especially if they prefer a roomier waistband or seat area. The inseams of the bottoms are somewhat inconsistent, and shorter men may need to shorten or hem them.
Just the top: Perhaps the least popular buying option for loungewear is to invest in just the top. For some wearers, their own cotton T-shirts or undershirts suffice. On the other hand, oversize loungewear shirts appeal to some men. These reach to the knee or mid-calf, and given their length, these shirts are often worn without bottoms.
Adult onesies
With the popularity of novelty loungewear, the adult onesie deserves a mention. Also called pajama jumpsuits, footed pajamas, or feeties, they’re typically designed with warm, plush materials for cold-weather wear. Some onesies have attached slipper feet, while others have ribbed ankle hems.
While they appear incredibly cozy, sizing is very hit or miss with adult onesies. Manufacturers often use unisex size charts, which aren’t always accurate. Some wearers complain that adult onesies are cut too short in the seat area, which ends up being uncomfortable while sitting.
Features
Materials
Cotton: The most popular material for loungewear is cotton or cotton blend. Not only is it breathable, but cotton also gets progressively softer with each wash. Unfortunately, cotton is prone to shrinking.
Polyester: Polyester is a popular option for loungewear because it’s colorfast and doesn’t shrink. It also holds up incredibly well to repeated washing. It’s not as breathable as cotton, which can cause some wearers to sweat.
Fleece: Fleece is used for cold-weather loungewear. The blanket-like material is lush and super soft. However, fleece has a tendency to mat or thin with repeated washing.
Flannel: Flannel,a cozy blend of cotton, wool, and other materials, remains a favorite fabric for loungewear. While it’s usually considered ideal for cold-weather wear, many men wear flannel bottoms year-round. Unfortunately, flannel washed in hot water can shrink.
Silk: Best known for its luxurious, lightweight finish, silk is by far the softest option for loungewear and is ideal for all seasons. It can be challenging to care for silk loungewear, though, since stains are nearly impossible to remove. It’s also recommended that you dry-clean silk as opposed to washing it by hand or in the machine.
Satin: Satin has a shiny, cool finish that’s smooth and buttery. While satin loungewear can look expensive, it’s very affordable. However, some wearers complain that satin is too smooth because it causes them to slide around on furniture.
Care
Most loungewear is easy to wash and doesn’t require special care or handling. With that said, the detergent and washing process you use determine how long the loungewear will last.
Check the tags on loungewear and you’ll see many pieces are safe to put in the washing machine and dryer. But harsh detergents and high-heat drying cycles can damage the material, causing it to shrink, lose color, or even warp. For that reason, it’s recommended that you wash loungewear with color-safe detergent in cool water. Hanging the pieces to air-dry will also prolong their lifespan and preserve fiber integrity.
Tagless
A popular trend in loungewear for men is tagless garments. It sounds like a small detail, but tags can irritate those with sensitive skin or other dermatological issues. This loungewear has the care instructions and other information printed on the inside of the waistband or collar.
Accessories
Slippers: UGG Scuff Slippers
Relax in style by pairing your loungewear with comfortable slippers like these best sellers from UGGS. Their cozy sheepskin lining and suede shell keep feet toasty.
Robe: Alexander Del Rossa Fleece Robe
Add another layer of warmth and comfort with a robe like this full-length hooded design. It’s available in six colors and five sizes, including big and tall.
Men’s loungewear prices
Loungewear for men costs between $10 and $150, mostly based on quality and the reputation of the manufacturer.
Inexpensive: Budget-priced loungewear costs between $10 and $30. This loungewear includes mostly individual pieces, but you can find some sets in this range. Some pieces are well made and soft, particularly at the top of the bracket, while those at the lower end can be poorly made.
Mid-range: This loungewear costs between $40 and $80. This range includes a wide variety of individual pieces, sets, and adult onesies. They’re generally well made, and many are manufactured by leading sleepwear brands.
Expensive: High-end loungewear costs $100 and up and mostly consists of high-quality sets. These are made with premium materials like organic cotton, silk, or satin. Some sets even come with bonus pieces like a robe or slippers.
Tips
- Size up for loungewear onesies. Onesies are notorious for running small, which is why it’s recommended that you buy a size larger than you normally wear.
- Invest in a few sets. If you come across a loungewear set you like, invest in more than one. Assuming they’re from the same collection, you may even be able to mix and match the pieces.
- Sew buttons to the ends of drawstrings. Keep the drawstring of your loungewear bottoms from disappearing into the waistband by sewing a button to each end.
FAQ
Q. I’m a big fan of only one piece of a loungewear set. Should I buy it anyway?
A. Absolutely. If it’s comfortable and you’ll enjoy wearing it over and over again, it’s well worth the money. Many consumers admit to buying loungewear this way, especially if they already have a favorite shirt or bottom. Rather than getting rid of the extra piece, you could save it to wear for cleaning the house or home improvement projects since you won’t be upset if it gets stained or ripped.
Q. How do I keep the logo from fading on my loungewear?
A. Generally speaking, it’s recommended that you wash garments with logos inside out in cool water and color-safe detergent. Never place them in the dryer, even on low. The heat will eventually dry out the logo, causing it to crack and fade.
Q. Does loungewear really make a great gift, or is it kind of impersonal?A. It depends on how well you know the recipient. If he’s already a fan of loungewear and has similar sets to the one you’re considering, he’ll probably enjoy the gift. On the other hand, if you’ve never seen him wear loungewear, or if he prefers to relax in athleisure clothing, it’s probably not an ideal gift.
