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