Loungewear Revisited

These four loungewear essentials have been redefined and refined to bring sophistication to your at-home wardrobe.

by Lindsay Samson

Aug 24, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has us spending more time at home than ever and it’s wildly easy to succumb to the lockdown blues. Less human interaction, disrupted routines; it all has an enormous effect on our frame of mind. So, you buy a fresh vase of flowers to inject some life into your home and improve your mood. Or, in an effort to make the space brighter, you paint the walls white. But perhaps it’s time we look beyond our home decor and also consider the garments we choose to live in. After all, these can make as much of an impact upon our psyche as our space does.

Ever heard of the term Enclothed Cognition? It's a pretty interesting concept; one used to describe the effect that our clothes can have on various psychological processes. These include our emotions, our attitudes, how we see ourselves, and even our interpersonal interactions. Think about how you feel when dressed in a uniform of sorts; words like ‘authoritative’ and ‘organised’ likely spring to mind. What about when you don a crisp, tailored suit? ‘Professional’ and ‘powerful’, no doubt. As for loungewear, well, that’s the baggy T-shirt you pull over your head as soon as you walk through the front door, right?

Not exactly. According to sleepwear and loungewear expert, Jeni Doherty, loungewear typically consists of more sophisticated, tailored-looking pieces that are a step up from tracksuit bottoms and sweatshirts. “A loungewear wardrobe consists of coordinating separates like tees, tanks, jackets, a gown, pants or capris that you can mix and match,” she says. “It fits more body-consciously than pajamas and is often made from modal or cotton blends; sometimes fleece, too.” In essence, loungewear is that sartorial middle ground between comfy sweats and chic, ready-to-wear attire. They’re clothes you can easily slip in and out of, the ones that are immensely comfortable while also happening to be incredibly beautiful. Keen to switch up your at-home ensembles? Here are our four must-have loungewear pieces. Shop the full collection, here.

Photo: Barah Jumpsuit. Courtesy of Kiko Romeo

The Jumpsuit

Timelessly cool and the perfect trans-seasonal piece, today’s jumpsuit is a far cry from it’s early iteration. First created in 1909 as a functional garment for parachuters, today the jumpsuit is an effortless addition to a stylish, modern wardrobe as well as being a comfortable sartorial solution. Hand-dyed in Nairobi by local artisans, the slouchy, utilitarian style jumpsuits by Kenyan label Kiko Romeo are an easy solution when you’re struggling to decide what to wear. Available in a variety of on-trend tie-dye styles (from white and blue to rusty-red and navy) and a warm, butterscotch shade of yellow, they feature button or zip fastening, side and patch pockets, as well as an internal adjustable elastic that allows you to adjust the silhouette as you choose. Easy to throw on, the jumpsuit needs little accessorising; it’s commanding enough to speak for itself.

Photo: Dipo Print Bomber Jacket. Courtsey of Kahindo

The Bomber Jacket

The Bomber Jacket is something that will never go out of style, but forget it’s tired, heavy duty form; the new bomber jacket is rendered in vivid colors, comes in a variety of eclectic and exuberant prints, and is soft enough to throw over whatever you’re wearing while you relax at home. The purple and orange bombers by Kahindo are the perfect addition to your stay-at-home look, instantly adding a little flair to even the simplest of attire. Created in collaboration with ReFushe, a Kenyan community organization that supports refugee women, they’re fashioned from a soft cotton blend, feature a custom tie dye print, and are lent an unexpectedly playful element via their balloon sleeves. If tie-dye isn’t your thing, go for the Dipo Print Bomber; made from a soft-to-the-touch Japanese fabric, it’s hypnotic, abstract print was developed exclusively with Nigerian artist Dipo Doherty and will easily brighten up an otherwise dull day at home.

Photo: Navy and Green Kimono. Courtesy of Studio 189

The Kimono

In the realm of luxe-loungewear, a loose-fitting, flowing, kimono is king. The epitome of opulence, it’s difficult not to feel like royalty while you’re swanning around in a gorgeous, delicate piece that beautifully swishes around your ankles. Cut to drape gracefully across the body, Studio 189’s silk version is a masterclass in craftsmanship. Its deep shades of navy and green evoke images of dense, tropical jungle, while its self-tie belt allows you to easily style it as you see fit: worn alone or thrown over something form-fitting. Alternatively, try the dramatic Zane and Jafar cover-ups by Nigerian-Canadian designer Andrea Iyamah. Made from chiffon, it features mesmerizing multicolor digital prints and, when paired with the matching pants, will make you feel like you’re next in line for the throne—even when all you’re doing is relaxing on your patio.

Photo: Red Mandevo Street Pajama. Courtesy of Taibo Bacar

The “Street Pajama”

We all know there are days that you’re simply not up to getting out of your pajamas, so it’s a good thing that nightgowns, satin pajama shirts and matching sets form part of the growing sleepwear micro-trend. Billowy and unrestricting, today’s sleepwear-inspired garb may be the stuff of dreams, but they’re far too pretty to wear for actual sleeping. Take the glammed-up pajama sets by Taibo Bacar; they’re a dreamy delight and a fierce fashion statement, one that’s both perfectly put-together and ready for lounging. Nothing like the snug, flannel pajama set you reserve for biting winter nights, the Mozambican designer’s Street Pajama set comes in a bright, energizing red, as well as a soft, rosy pink. Pair them with a pair of understated slip-on mules in a neutral shade or try it with a comfy, classic sneaker. Complete with a nature-inspired print and faux feather cuffs that are lined with delicate diamante, this loungewear piece is the picture of casual refinement.