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Karl Lagerfeld famously said that ‘sweatpants are a sign of defeat’. History doesn’t record what exactly the former Creative Director of Chanel thought about luxury loungewear, but as Lagerfeld believed ‘elegance is not about comfort’ I suspect he would have hated it.
However, I’m happy to respectfully disagree. I recently spent some serious money on fancy loungewear, and it was transformative. Self-care in its purest form. But this isn’t mere indulgence: spending money on clothes to relax in is a smart investment, as I’ll be wearing my new luxe tracksuit for years to come.
So I’ve found the five best loungewear brands, focusing on quality, fabric, cut and fit – to offer you pieces you can swan around in over the holidays. Go on, be selfish. Hibernate on the sofa in something that genuinely makes you happy (and that you wouldn’t be mortified to open the front door wearing). Especially this week, these will be the hardest-working items in your wardrobe.
ME+EM
Tracksuit top, £115, trousers, £135, and boucle knit, all meandem.com
Top & Trouser set
£250 ShopMarks & Spencer
A cashmere tracksuit, now that’s a classy way to relax. And the best place to find one? Yes, high street favourite Marks & Spencer. The selection is impressive, with six colour-ways and two trouser shapes: a tapered ankle-grazer or a wide leg. The real selling point, though, is that it’s all machine-washable, so you can curl up on the sofa and tuck into a chocolate orange without a second thought.
Hoodie, £130 and bottoms, £99, marksand spencer.co.uk
Pure Cashmere Zip Up Hoodie £130
Shop Pure Cashmere Tapered Ankle Grazer Joggers £99
ShopMamu
A new addition to the loungewear scene, Mamu is a family affair founded by fashion veteran Barbara Horspool, former Fashion Buying Director at The White Company and Jigsaw, alongside her daughters. It’s one you’ll want to know about. This organic stretch silk short set – I love the merlot colour – is great, and the pieces can be mixed and matched with a camisole top or classic drawstring trousers.
Pyjama set, now £150, mamudream.com
Merlot Washable Organic Stretch Silk Retro Shirt £85
Was £200
Shop Merlot Washable Organic Stretch Silk Shorts £55
Was £75
Shop The White Company
The original, and still one of the best. The White Company remains a go-to for everything cosy. This soft brushed silk camisole and trouser pyjama set is a little skimpy and better suited to warmer summer months. So, for now, wear it layered with a cashmere cardigan – heaven. The chocolate brown paired with blush pink is perfect. It’s not cheap, but remember, if you buy well you need only buy once.
Cardigan, £168, thewhite company.com
Luxury Cashmere Cardigan
Was £280
£168 ShopJaki
A recent find for me, and one you need on your radar. Not technically loungewear, but beautifully comfortable day pieces in a very classy palette – beige, cream and burgundy – shades that instinctively look more expensive. If you’re of the mindset that life is too short to wear clothes that restrict your movement or breathing, this is for you. This fine cashmere top works brilliantly as a layering piece, and the cardigan certainly shouldn’t be reserved for indoors.
Cardigan, now £104, top, now £78.40 and bottoms, now £94.40, jaki.co.uk
Mae Featherweight Boatneck Top £78.40
Was £98
Shop Relaxed Pants £94.40
Was £118
ShopCeltic & Co
If it’s cosy but chic knitwear you’re after, look no further. Celtic & Co pride themselves on using natural fibres, and the quality is unbeatable. This 100% lambswool jumper dress is exactly what you need for curling up in front of the television. Oh, and while you’re there, don’t miss their sheepskin slippers – essential footwear for days spent indoors.
Dress, £115.50, celticandco.com
Longline Slouch Dress £123.75
Was £165
Shop Sheepskin slippers £71.25
Was £95
Shop
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