As much as we enjoy donning our favourite blazers and straight-leg jeans to go to the office, our usual professional wardrobe is typically far less enticing when we’re working from home.
And with the predicted end of the coronavirus pandemic still some time away, our yearnings for comfortable clothing while working from home are arguably as mental as they are physical.
After all, in a time ravaged with uncertainty, it makes sense that we’d retreat into as much warmth and comfort as we can, with a change in clothing an obvious choice as we practise social isolation.
And while it’s tempting to shun your usual work uniform in favour of pyjamas, activewear or track pants, there is another solution: loungewear.
Beyond offering the comfort many of us are seeking as we hunch over our laptops at our dining tables (fixing posture is on the quarantine to-do list) while emailing our work wife that we miss her, they also deliver a sense of separation from our usual ‘inside clothes’.
This, in turn, creates a new kind of workwear, one that provides comfort without compromising on the polished, professional feeling we seek—and without encroaching on the work-free emotions we attribute to our usual ‘home clothes’.
Considering adding a loungewear edit to your at-home work wardrobe? From luxurious sleepwear you’ll want to wear out (when this is all over, of course) to sumptuous knits and elegant sets, keep scrolling for the best loungewear brands you can buy in Australia.
Lunya
Although they might describe themselves as “sleepwear for the modern woman”, Lunya’s collection of elegant washable silk basics, cocktail party-worthy pyjama sets and artfully billowing blouses and palazzo pants are certainly worthy of wear outside the bedroom. Model Emily Didonato and actress Yara Shahidi are both fans of the fans of the brand, and after one look at the label’s oh-so comfortable collection, it’s not hard to see why.
Washable Silk Set in Navy, $257 at Lunya.
Sleeper
Party feather-trimmed crepe de chine pajama set by Sleeper, $409.01 from NET-A-PORTER.
Leset
Calé
For those who like their loungewear with a ‘French Girl’ flair, consider Calé the answer to your sartorial cravings. Counting Gwyneth Paltrow and Taylor Swift amongst its A-list fan base, the label’s name comes from the French slang word for ‘comfort’, and that’s exactly what it delivers. The relaxed, wear-all-day silhouettes and buttery soft fabrics ensure maximum ease, while the unexpected cuts and textural details (seen notably on the brand’s signature ribbed tees) give it an elevated finish.
Beatrice Rib Short Sleeve by Calé, $165.97 at NET-A-PORTER.
Eres
‘Therapy’ nightshirt jumpsuit, approximately $1,605.46 at Eres
Jasmine and Will
Skin
Therese gathered silk-blend habotai pyjama top by Skin, $315, and tawny cropped silk-blend habotai pyjama trousers by Skin, $315, both from MATCHESFASHION.COM
Assembly Label
The Australian lords of classic basics understandably make some super soft, comfortable and chic loungewear, too. Choose from classic hoodies and trackpants, or the more elevated cotton-cashmere wide leg loungewear options. If you’re more of an at-home knitwear person, their range of oversized jumpers will suit.
Cotton Cashmere Jumper, $100 and Wide Leg Pants, $110
Ksubi
Yes, your favourite denim brand from the mid-00s now makes loungewear. The Ksubi collection is very lounge-to-street, with classic trackpant styles and neutral hues. The sweat shorts are a great trans-seasonal option for when it’s a bit too warm for a full tracksuit.
Ksubi 3 X 4 Klassic Crew, $159.95 and Trak Short, $139.95
Bec + Bridge
If you love Bec + Bridge’s sleek cuts and effortless style, you’ll love their new Lounge Edit, which features the perfect bike shorts for going between the shops and the work desk, plus a range of comfortable jumpers that look just as chic with lounge pants as they do with weekend denim.
Bec + Bridge Bea Knit, $320 and Jacqui Bike Short, $180
Hansen + Gretel
Another womenswear brand that has made an easy transition into loungewear alongside their party dresses and co-ords, Hansen + Gretel’s current tracksuits are the perfect blend between comfort and shape.
Dusty Jumper, $139, and Duke Trackpant, $139
Maeva
Maeva are a mix of sleepwear and loungewear, and have some genius concepts like lounge dresses and lounge jumpsuits, if you’re not a fan of the classic tracksuit look or feel. In summer, this is your go-to loungewear label.
Bed Threads
The Australian linen label renowned for their lush bedding also makes loungewear. Technically sleepwear on site, the pieces are created with their signature 100% French flax linen and the cuts are so sleek, you could wear the pieces to the office, no problem.
Bed Threads 100% French Flax Linen Top, $100 and Pants, $100
Rebecca Vallance
Rebecca Vallance may be known for her party wear, but the label has also created Sportif, a collection of stylish loungewear and sportswear in lush neutral hues. The cut of the jumpers means they’ll look just as laid-back chic with denim as they do at home.
Rafael Hoodie, $229 and Deporte Trackpants, $179
Looking to shop loungewear and sleepwear at THE ICONIC? You can use an exclusive discount code from here.