The Best Loungewear for Cozying Up at Home

The Spar Joggers are what I toss on when I go on a Zoom meeting or I'm filming a video. They look more professional than sweatpants but are just as comfy, if not more. They're extremely soft and fit well, though make sure to tie up the drawstrings; one of mine is already stuck in the waistband. The stretchiness means they're good for workouts or bike rides (if I ever stop lounging on the couch), and I found the moisture-wicking to continuously keep my legs nice and cool. The best part is how pristine they look all the time. They hardly pick up any lint or dog hair (unlike other sweatpants I tried), and they rarely show a crease. It's almost like they know they're going on camera. —Julian Chokkattu

28 percent nylon, 59 percent polyester, 13 percent spandex

I usually hate the way Henley's look on me, but this one from Public Rec got me to reconsider. Most of what I've tried before is usually too tight, but this one sits perfectly on my shoulders and doesn't cling. I also like how long it is (in my opinion, the longer the shirt the better). The Pima cotton is really soft, but more impressive is how breathable it feels; it's almost as though someone is continuously blowing cool air on me. Best of all, it's still in great shape after several months. Public Rec sent me the Heather Silver Spoon color, which is a bit drab. Try navy or burgundy. —Julian Chokkattu

69 percent Pima cotton, 23 percent Tencel, 8 percent spandex

This is one of the first purchases I made at the start of the pandemic (priorities, right?), and they quickly became my go-to pair. The inner is so soft it feels like I'm floating on a flock of sheep. The fit is nice, though they could stand to be a tad longer for my 6'4" frame, and the ribbed cuffs keep them snug. The paper accents on the drawstrings are a nice touch, preventing them from getting stuck in the pants. Perhaps the best praise? My girlfriend wore (stole) my pair so often she ended up buying her own. It's made with the environment in mind too, consisting of sustainably sourced organic cotton, recycled polyester from plastic bottles, and Tencel lyocell, which is made from wood pulp. And for every item sold, Tentree plants 10 trees around the world. —Julian Chokkattu

55 percent organic cotton, 26 percent recycled polyester, 19 percent Tencel Lyocell

Of the many T-shirts I've tested, nothing comes close to the level of comfort, structure, and simple aesthetics of the Classic Essential Tee from Tomorrows Laundry. It's incredibly soft to the touch, wraps around your body without hugging it too tight, and—even after dozens of washes—has held up perfectly. I especially like its length (long shirts rule), and the various colors it comes in. 

If you end up liking the shirt, check out the brand's French Terry Pullover Hoodie ($165). It's really expensive, but it fits my 6'4" frame well and is structured without being too boxy or skin-tight. It's also held up over multiple washes. —Julian Chokkattu

100 percent cotton

I didn't expect to like the Jaspe Fleece Hoodie so much. At first glance, it looks as though it hugs the body too much, but I was wrong. It's not too tight, not too lose, allowing for a slim-fit look that's stylish and comfortable. And oh is it comfortable. The fleece inner is super soft, and it works great layered under a jacket when I'm walking my dog. Pair it with the Jaspe Fleece Joggers ($79), which are equally comfy and warm, to complete the look. —Julian Chokkattu

85 percent cotton, 15 percent polyester

A colleague said I was trendy for wearing Teddy Fresh's Color Block hoodie. I'll take her word for it! It's a pretty comfy hoodie, though a bit more rigid and form-fitting, thanks to the ribbed cuffs and waistband. That said, I do feel cool wearing it. I love the mix and match of colors, and nicest of all, it has some of the best pockets I've ever used—you get two separate ones at the front instead of the typical kangaroo pocket. If you prefer one solid color, I like the brand's Classic Fleece Pullover Hoodie, which isn't as stiff and feels a bit easier to lounge in. 

I've tried a few items from Teddy Fresh, from fleece sweatpants ($70) and its supremely thick socks ($36) to a sweater and even a dog hoodie I forced on my K9 (the latter two items have since been discontinued). That seems to be the biggest issue I've come across—items quickly sell out. I've liked everything so far, so if there's an eye-catching design you see on the site, you should snag it fast. —Julian Chokkattu  

100 percent cotton

These are basically a superior version of those raggedy ol' gym shorts you used to wear at home all the time. They're extremely breathable, soft, and stretchy. Perfect for lounging on the couch or an hour on the treadmill at the gym. I suggest tying up the drawstrings when you toss these in the wash, as there's a chance they'll get stuck in the waistband. —Julian Chokkattu

85 percent nylon and 15 percent spandex

★ Another Great Pair of Shorts: D.RT's Deep Lounge Short ($45) are—as the name suggests—better suited for lounging than anything else, but they excel at that function. They're made of 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester and are wonderfully soft and stretchy, with deep pockets.

If the Every Day Short weren't $68 a pair, I'd replace every one of my old gym shorts with them. These are some seriously attractive shorts, and they come in a variety of colors to boot. The faux front fly gives them a sleek look, plus they're soft and stretchy. Unlike the D.RT and Pair of Thieves shorts above, these are well-suited for a walk to the park to lounge with some buddies. The zippered pockets on the sides and two pouches on the back make 'em the most versatile too. —Julian Chokkattu

88 percent nylon, 12 percent spandex

This sweater is so comfy I took it with me on a road trip around Iceland to keep me warm as we napped in the car. The relaxed fit, paired with the dusty gray color (appropriately dubbed “smoke”), gives it a timeless look, and the inner fleece offers it a fair bit of cushiony padding. The cuffs, waistband, and collar are all ribbed, but the elasticity isn't tight at all, so it feels like the whole sweater just drapes over your shoulders. It's wonderful. There are slightly different versions in pink and white. —Julian Chokkattu

Unspecified cotton and polyester blended fleece

This bright hoodie isn't supremely soft, nor is it superbly flattering, but in a product category oversaturated with velvety fabrics and curve-hugging silhouettes, it still stands out. It's oversized and semi-stretchy, with a thick hood and structured wrist cuffs. The slouchy fit and roomy front pocket sort of make me feel like a bridge-dwelling goblin, but the styling is Gen Z-approved, and the hoodie is the perfect companion for long video game sessions—aka every day since March 2020. It keeps me warm, and the color has stayed steadfast through multiple washes, even when I blatantly disregard the washing instructions. 

Pangaia has an intensive focus on sustainability; the brand uses environmentally friendly dyes, recycled fabrics, bio-based packaging, and other strategies to ensure products are ethically produced. You might also like its glossary to help people understand the sustainable materials it uses. —Louryn Strampe

50 percent recycled cotton, 50 percent organic cotton

I was not really a turtleneck person until I donned this one from Muji. As the name suggests, it's really not that itchy at all, and the ribbed turtle neck keeps my neck super warm when I step out into the cold. The material is soft, though I suggest layering with it outdoors, as the knit isn't super tight; on a particularly windy day, I could feel the chill seep in. I recommend sizing up (I'm usually a size large, but the XL fits me better). Otherwise, it's quite warm, lengthy, and if you pair it with a tweed jacket, you'll have to start reading a book by the fireplace. —Julian Chokkattu

Note: The women's version is made of the same materials yet is slightly different from the men's—we haven't tried it.

50 percent cotton, 50 percent polyester

This hoodie is incredibly soft. The CloudKnit fabric is thin and stretchy, and it fits closely to your body without feeling constricting or stifling. I've worn it on cool summer nights, bitterly cold winter mornings, on long car rides, and to sleep. It's been fantastic at regulating my body temperature in all of those situations. The front pocket is roomy, and the thumb holes are a big plus. The only thing I don't love is the slightly cropped fit, since the hem tends to ride up on me. (This could be attributed to my specific measurements.) If you're hunting for a roomy, oversized hoodie, this isn't the one for you, but it is a great option for something more stylish than the average sweatshirt. 

The coordinating All Day Sweatpants are also super comfortable, with deep pockets and a flattering fit. However, they run a bit long, so keep that in mind if you're short like I am. —Louryn Strampe

94 percent polyester, 6 percent spandex

This buttery-soft hip-length hoodie is made from Lululemon's proprietary Nulu fabric. It's snug—you may want to order a size or two up—but it doesn't feel too tight or constricting. It keeps its shape through multiple wears, and it doesn't get loose throughout the day. Despite the fabric being thin, the hoodie still keeps me warm, and it wicks away sweat efficiently enough that I've worn it while working out. 

The little details make a big difference—I'm a big fan of the thumb holes, the hidden zipper pockets, and, of course, the Cuffins. Some of the reviews left on the product listing mention pilling, but I haven't experienced any loss of durability in my extensive testing. —Louryn Strampe

81 percent nylon, 19 percent Lycra elastane

The best part of comfy clothes is wearing them for way too many days in a row. The Numi Signature is the best undershirt I've tried, helping me wear sweaters and hoodies for longer between washes. It's thin, warm, comfortable, and invisible under clothing. The absorbent underarm gusset prevents sweat stains, and the sleeves are seamless so they won't show under sweaters. I also appreciate the reversible neckline. —Louryn Strampe

90 percent Tencel lyocell, 10 percent Lycra

Whether you consider the Continental Set to be "clothing" very much depends on personal preference. The shirt is relaxed and boxy, and the pants sit low on your hips. On me, these loudly scream “pajamas,” but I still can't wait to wear them on a plane. The fabric has a tendency to wrinkle and rumple, which adds to the "just rolled out of bed" look (and might not be great for your 9 am Zoom meeting). —Louryn Strampe

100 percent superfine cotton

I know it’s a men’s hoodie, but I’ve been obsessed with finding this exact retro styling and colorway in a hoodie since seeing Domhnall Gleeson wear one in Run. This is the exact hoodie you’d wear if you were taking off across the country with your long-lost lover, too. It has about a zillion different pockets, and one of them is even waterproof if you have an SD card or matches you want to protect. 

Probably my three favorites are the pen pocket, the sunglass loop, and—the best one of all—the drink pocket on the back so I can put my beer in it and walk around hands-free. Finally! I can stop wearing cycling jerseys to parties! If you’re a woman, I suggest sizing up for maximum “borrowed from Domhnall” vibes. —Adrienne So

100 percent BCI Cotton

Full disclosure: I'm a sucker for anything hyper-feminine, which is partially why I find the Mighty Company's loungewear collection so delightful. It's difficult to find loungewear that's both girly and of good quality, and this sweater checks both boxes. The contrasting cuffs stay put throughout the day, and the cropped hem looks great on everybody. The colors have stayed true throughout testing, and the French terry is both comfortable and breathable. The fabric is well-suited to all climates, and I appreciate being able to lounge in cozy clothes that don't look frumpy.

I also love the Glitter Shorts—they stay put, don't feel too tight on my belly, and coordinate with my favorite face mask (made by the same company). —Louryn Strampe

100 percent cotton French terry

Loungewear options are seemingly endless. We've tried tons, but not everything deserves a spot above. Here are some of our older favorites and other items we don't like as much as the recommendations above. 

Public Rec Go-To Crew for $54: This is similar in comfort and length to the Public Rec Henley above. It's not too tight and has a cooling sensation, thanks to its breathability. I just wish there were more color options. 69 percent Pima cotton, 23 percent Tencel, 8 percent spandex

Feat BlanketBlend Hoodie for $128: This pullover hoodie has a wonderful cut; it's oversized but not too tight or too loose in any one area, and the neckline doesn't feel suffocating. The color selection is trendy. I also liked the big kangaroo pocket. Proprietary BlanketBlend fabric

Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging for $78: These are good for workouts, but they're comfortable enough to wear on lazy days. We recommend them in our Recycled Products Buying Guide. The colors are bright, and the fabric, while thin, is durable. 79 percent recycled polyester, 21 percent spandex

Aerie Happy Henley Everyday Polo Sweatshirt: WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano says this oversized sweatshirt is comfy (she specified in all caps). It's oversized for that perfect "boyfriend" look, and the collar adds a nice touch, making it pair better with jeans or leggings than a normal baggy hoodie would. 86 percent cotton, 14 percent polyester 

Recess Windows Crewneck for $60: Beverage company Recess makes different styles of these comfy crewneck sweatshirts. I'm fond of the Windows-inspired design—it has a neat '90s vibe, and the graphic design isn't too busy. The neckline stays put, the cuffs don't get warped, and the weight is perfect for lounging. 100 percent cotton

BraveHoods Yoga Tunic for $50: This tunic is a great length. I enthusiastically believe in the “leggings as pants” movement, but most comfortable tops aren't long enough to cover your rear. This one is. It's a little snug, so consider sizing up. The graphic detail is unobtrusive, and the oversize hood makes me feel like I'm in Assassin's Creed (in a good way). BraveHoods donates its clothing to kids with cancer and their siblings; for every item sold, another is donated. 100 percent cotton

Nadaam Cashmere Sweater for $75: This sweater is a good option for days when you want to feel comfortable without looking sloppy. Admittedly, I don't have enough firsthand experience with cashmere to wax poetic about how this compares to more expensive pieces. What I do know is that it's supremely soft, has a great hip-length fit, and keeps me warm without overheating. Fair warning, though: It's a magnet for pet hair. 100 percent cashmere

Cupshe Weekender Set for $40: This affordable set strikes a great balance between comfort and style. It definitely gives off pajama vibes, but it can pass for real-world clothing when paired with sneakers or a jacket. It's good for travel since it packs down small. The shorts can be worn high or low on your waist. 80 percent Polyester, 15 percent Rayon, 5 percent Spandex

Birdies Robin Slides for $95: These vegan shoes require a bit of breaking in before they reach peak comfort levels. They quickly became my favorite dry-weather slippers, though note that the soft crossover faux fur isn't very constrictive, which leads to a sort of shuffle when traversing longer distances than from your bed to the fridge.

Pig and Blanket Merino Wool Hoodie and Joggers for $149 (each): At $149 for each individual piece, I think this hoodie-and-jogger set is too expensive for everyday wear. That doesn't make it less comfortable. Merino wool fans will love how snuggly the fabric is, and the bottle green color is unique. The set is also available in dove grey. I especially like the hoodie—the joggers were fine, but the ankles loosen up throughout the day. 100 percent Merino wool

Brooklinen Bushwick Pant for $90: I could wear these unisex pants every day. They're just loose enough to feel roomy without being baggy. The deep pockets don't let anything escape, and the drawstring stays put within the waistband. They're definitely sweatpants—there's no pretending otherwise—but they're flattering enough that I don't feel too sloppy wearing them out in public. 47 percent cotton, 47 percent modal, 6 percent spandex

Monos Kyoto Long Sleeve and Pants for $95: This unisex sweater and pant combo is really baggy, which I love. Yet the two outline my body really well without looking shabby or boxy. Definitely too-cool-for-school vibes. The only thing I didn't like is the elastic cuffs on the sweater, as they're a bit too tight. 95 percent cotton, 5 percent Spandex

Ugly Christmas Sweater for $40+: Everyone loves a good ol' ugly Christmas sweater. You probably won't wear these many other times of the year, but the brand has tons of different designs to choose from (I went with the Pizza Planet Sweater from Toy Story. It was surprisingly comfy and flattering on my body. 60 percent cotton, 40 percent acrylic

There's no point in donning loungewear if your skivvies aren't cozy too.

Bombas All-Purpose Performance Socks for Men and Women for $17: These thick, comfortable socks fit snugly and keep your toes toasty while still remaining breathable. They provide just the right amount of cushioning, and they don't slip off or twist around. I've worn them while working out, but they perform well regardless of what you're doing. 80 percent polyester, 20 percent cotton

Teddy Fresh Split Color Socks 3-Pack for $36: Socks should be a statement piece. Swap the drab black or gray socks for a pop of color! That's why I love these ones from Teddy Fresh, but they're also really plushy and soft. I've come back from long walks and left them on, partly because I was too lazy to take them off, but also because I liked how they felt on my skin. 100 percent plush-combed cotton

Brabar Everyday Bra for $36: Finding a good, comfortable bra is overly complicated and frustrating. This one is supportive and affordable, and the size range is pretty inclusive. The straps stay put, and the removable pads don't add a weird shape. Figure out your size here. 92 percent nylon, 8 percent spandex

Lululemon In Alignment Bra for $68: While many declared 2020 the year of “the death of the bra,” I (Adrienne) still wear one. Lululemon is famous for its incredibly soft, wicking fabrics (I rub my face on them like a kitten), and the In Alignment is no exception. It has a simple design, with none of the complicated, floofy straps that many yoga bras seem to think are mandatory. It’s also a good compromise between being comfortable enough to wear all day and providing enough support. Mine fit true to size, according to the website. You can book a virtual fitting appointment if you’re not sure. 81 percent nylon, 19 percent elastane

Richer Poorer Classic Bralette for $34: This is another super-comfortable everyday bra. It's supportive and soft, but thin and unlined, so it's better suited for weekend lounging than family dinner. The adjustable straps stayed put on my shoulders, which run on the slimmer side, but I'd advise ordering a size up if your breast shape ever results in quad-boob. 48 percent modal, 48 percent cotton, 4 percent spandex

Skims Plunge Bralette for $44: This bra isn't the most supportive or modest, but it is very comfortable. WIRED testers were even able to nap while wearing it. The fabric is soft, and the band is sturdy, making it a good pick for quarantine lounging. Note: While the band runs a bit tight, the straps are only partially adjustable, so you'll want to consult the size guide to find your best fit. 91 percent modal, 9 percent spandex

Tommy John Second Skin Underwear for Men and Women ($22 and up): The fabric these are made of is amazing. It's soft and cooling, and so thin that you don't feel like you're wearing anything. The styles stay put, too, so you won't have to deal with wedgies or awkward lines. 90 percent non-pilling micro modal, 10 percent spandex

If nothing caught your eye, here are tips to keep in mind when shopping for comfort. Amber Williams, a textile science lecturer at Utah State University, says fit, elasticity, color, and aesthetics are important, as these factors can really have an impact on how you feel wearing clothes, but you also want to make sure you're wearing fabric that regulates your body temperature.

Go for natural fibers.

Cotton regulates body temperature really well. It insulates and keeps you warm on cold days and absorbs sweat to keep you cool in the summer. You can also look for fabrics that draw out body moisture if you often feel clammy. It's a process called wicking, and it speeds up the evaporation of body moisture. Fabrics like Tencel, lyocell, bamboo, and blended wool will wick moisture away. Merino wool is another good choice; Williams says it does all this and won't shrink when you wash it.

Look at the materials.

If the clothes you're looking at are made of polyester or nylon, see if they use Coolmax yarn, as it's known for its moisture-wicking capabilities. Many of these terms are trademarked fabrics (you'll likely see them on higher-priced items), but generic versions may include words like “moisture management” or “wicking,” which you can find on product descriptions online or on the clothing label if you're shopping in-store. For polyester, Williams says to see if it's infused with silver or some other antimicrobial finish. The fabric is known to hold onto body odor, and those finishes can help prevent that.

Follow any care labels.

The quality of yarn matters—cheaper clothes tend to use lower-quality yarn; they won't last as long, and they pill faster (the tiny balls you see on clothes after washing them a few times). A higher price doesn't always mean better-quality yarn. For expensive clothes with lots of patterns or colors, brands may use the same lower-quality yarns to keep the manufacturing cost down. The trick, according to Williams, is to wash whatever you buy the right way. Does the shirt's label say to hang dry? Do it! "If you just read your care labels, you can make that $20 shirt you're wearing in college last," she says.