Loungewear does not necessarily have to be a tracksuit. If you prefer to wear a polo, soft trousers or a cardigan at home, you can use the same clothing for working from home, an errand or a visit. Comfort depends mainly on fit, fabric construction and what you find pleasant.
Why not a tracksuit at home?
What you wear at home does not have the same effect on concentration or mood for everyone. The choice is mainly practical: if you want clothing in which you sit comfortably and can do a video call or an errand without changing, then a smart polo with comfortable trousers can work well.
What makes loungewear polished?
- A pleasant feel. Lyocell, modal, viscose, cotton and wool can all be comfortable, depending on yarn and construction.
- A colour you like wearing. Olive green, charcoal, brown and grey combine easily, but other colours work just as well.
- A fit in which you move freely. Regular-fit, slim-fit and relaxed-fit can all be suitable.
- Enough room to move. Stretch can help, but is not necessary if the cut is comfortable.
The polo as a base
The olive green Edmund and charcoal Theodore are both regular-fit fine-knit polos. Edmund has a quarter zip, Theodore an open polo design. The brown Montgomery is slim-fit and currently comes with the size advice to go one size up from your usual.
The trousers with a brushed inside
The coffee brown Frederick has a brushed inside and a slim-straight fit. Whether it is comfortable enough for a whole day at home depends on your size and how you sit; so also try it on while seated.
A cardigan for the evening
For an extra layer, the beige Maximilian cardigan can work. The style is regular-fit and has a business sleeve cut. The cream Alistair is also regular-fit and, thanks to the piqué structure, gives a different look from Edmund or Theodore.
Working from home in loungewear
For a video call, what you wear above the table is mainly what is visible. A polo, shirt, T-shirt or sweater can all work, depending on your workplace. Bright colours and logos are not automatically distracting; above all test how the picture looks on your camera.
Colours that give calm
Olive green, charcoal, brown, grey and cream combine easily, but at home you do not have to stick to a calm palette. Choose colours in which you feel good.
Loungewear versus sportswear
| Item | Sportswear | Polished loungewear |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Cotton sports shirt or hoodie | Fine-knit polo or open polo |
| Bottom | Track pants | Trousers with stretch |
| Top layer | Hooded sweater | Cardigan in wool or knit fabric |
| Look | Sporty | More dressed-up or homely, depending on the combination |
Three lounge outfits
- The working day at home. Fine-knit polo with quarter zip, trousers with stretch, socks or leather slippers.
- The weekend. Open polo, trousers in coffee brown and a wool cardigan for the cooler hours.
- The Sunday evening. Softly draping modal polo with a cardigan, for a film or a dinner with friends at home.
Socks and shoes indoors
At home, wear socks, slippers or nothing on your feet depending on temperature and preference. For a quick errand, sneakers, loafers or other outdoor shoes are the logical choice.
Common mistakes
- Wearing clothing in which you cannot sit or move comfortably.
- Thinking stretch is necessary; a good cut without elastane can be comfortable too.
- Choosing clothing by rules instead of by what you find comfortable at home.
- Wearing clothing that is already worn out and has stains.
How to care for loungewear
Wash and dry each piece according to its own care label. The fine-knit polos in this blog mostly have a dry-flat recommendation. Let clothing air when washing is not yet needed. You can read more on our care instructions page.
For those who want more
See the Lounge collection for pieces chosen especially for home and a relaxed weekend. If you are looking for separate polos and trousers, go to polos for Men and trousers for Men. A bit of calm in your wardrobe starts with clothing that feels soft and looks good, even when nobody is looking.
Shop the look
Edmund: fine-knit polo with quarter zip, olive green melange
Theodore: fine-knit open polo, dark charcoal melange
Montgomery: softly draping modal polo, brown
Frederick: trousers with pleats and brushed inside, coffee brown
Maximilian: wool cardigan with business cut, beige
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, cream
Frequently asked questions
What is polished loungewear for Men?
That can be a fine-knit polo, soft trousers or a cardigan, but also a tracksuit. It is mainly about comfort and the look you find pleasant yourself.
Which fabrics are most pleasant at home?
That differs per person. Lyocell, modal, viscose, cotton and wool can all be pleasant; look at the complete garment and the fit.
Can I also wear loungewear during a video call?
Yes, if you choose a polo or open polo with a cardigan over it. That looks neat, even if you suddenly come into view.
How do I choose the right colour for home?
Choose colours you like wearing. Neutral shades combine easily, but are not required.
