According to Google Trends data, searches for loungewear increased by 1,300% from early March to mid-April in 2020. Comfortable clothes are the new thing and there’s no wonder why as many people are spending more time at home due to either new working-from-home conditions, self-isolation or lockdown restrictions.
Comfort has overtaken style for the first time as we want to feel more comfortable and at ease in our home environment. The pressures of looking smart and stylish all of the time and wearing the latest fashion trends are no longer necessary.
Feeling comfortable in what we choose to wear can make us feel more empowered, relaxed and chilled. Comfortable clothing doesn’t always have to mean sweatpants or pyjamas, however. Continue reading to find out more!
There are lots of benefits when it comes to feeling comfortable in your outfit choices, which can be an advantage when working from home. Comfortable clothes can help you be more creative and productive with your time as you feel more relaxed.
The quality of your work can also improve as there are fewer distractions. You might even begin to enjoy your work more. Wearing comfortable clothing at home can also reduce stress, anxiety, and improve your mental wellbeing.
The type of fabrics, style and fit are key factors when choosing to wear comfortable clothing. For example, 100% cotton is a soft, natural, durable fibre that is more comfortable to wear than polyester, a synthetic fibre made from plastic, as it is breathable although it absorbs moisture.
Linen is another popular fabric often worn in warm climates as its breathability is excellent. It is highly durable but like cotton, it doesn’t wick away moisture or dry.
Silk is another natural fibre that is light in weight and breathable but also absorbs moisture. Merino wool on the other hand is breathable, it wicks moisture and can be used to make lightweight clothing.
If you are looking for breathable fabrics to help keep you cool in warm weather then opt for open knits, loose weaves, thin fabrics and fibres. According to this interesting article by REI, the more light that passes through the fabric the more breathable it is.
There are also moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials to help reduce sweat and help to evaporate moisture away from the skin. These fabrics are usually used to make activewear. If you prefer to relax on your sofa at home, then loose-fitting clothes are your best bet.
Discover our style inspiration and helpful tips when wearing comfortable clothing be it for work, study or when relaxing at home.
If you’re currently working from home then you may be interested in comfortable but professional clothing depending on the type of work that you do. You may need to find the right balance between looking presentable and not too casual, however tempting it may be to wear your pyjamas or dressing gown all day! You might prefer to make an effort and dress smartly to get yourself in the working mindset and feel at ease by setting the tone for the day.
Spending less time getting ready for work in the morning could give you more spare time to do activities you enjoy such as yoga or meditation.
When working from home, you might only be making an effort to dress smartly when joining a video conferencing call. Some people make an effort to dress smartly only on the top half of their body with a shirt and tie or a sweater, for example, while also wearing comfortable elasticated trousers and slippers as they cannot be seen in the video (unless they need to get up during the call)!
Now is a great opportunity to experiment and play around with your existing wardrobe by trying out different combinations for comfortable work-from-home clothes. A soft cotton shirt, a light knit sweater and a blazer over a t-shirt are good examples of working from home style. Remember that loose, stretchy and lightweight clothing works best.
Wearing bold and bright colours can also help to boost your mood especially if you’re feeling low and want to feel motivated. You can easily add a splash of colour by wearing bold and vibrant accessories including jewellery, neck scarves, headbands, neckties, socks and even flip flops!
Shop Men’s Accessories Shop Women’s AccessoriesLearn more about ‘What The Colour of Your Shirt says About You’ and ‘How to Style Your MTM Clothing Whilst WFH’ on our blog.
The saying ‘dress for success’ still applies when studying from home. Wearing pyjamas all day can make you feel more in the mood to sit and watch Netflix instead of writing an assignment. By getting ready for the day in the morning you can feel more positive, creative and proactive when studying online.
If you feel comfortable when studying from home then you are more likely to feel more focused with fewer distractions. You don’t need to worry about wearing the latest fashion trends anymore and can enjoy finding your own unique personal style instead.
Try wearing elasticated trousers or stretchy leggings rather than tight skinny jeans and ditch your hoodie for a lightweight sweater instead. You’ll know what feels right for you.
If you’re currently self-isolating or on furlough then you can easily wear whatever you feel most comfortable in at home from t-shirts to sweatpants, leggings, sweaters, hoodies, cardigans, shorts, slippers, and sandals.
There is great loungewear co-ordinate sets available that look more stylish and will make you feel less sluggish than wearing pyjamas and your dressing gown. They can easily be worn for exercising such as going for a walk or popping to your local shop to buy some groceries.
It’s important to look after yourself by trying to leave the house daily for some fresh air. Walking in nature can help to boost your mood and energy levels or if you’re isolating and cannot leave the house, a good home workout is excellent for maintaining a clear headspace. If you are feeling low, then comfortable clothing can make you feel more reassured and at ease.
To help you feel better you could make yourself a hot chocolate and settle yourself down on the sofa while wearing your comfortable clothing with a good book or even some knitting needles. You could even pamper yourself by painting your nails, running a hot bath and wearing a face mask.
A comfortable clothing wardrobe can consist of: nightwear, activewear, underwear, footwear, accessories and versatile loungewear. Clothing that feels soft, loose, lightweight, stretchy, cosy, cooling and quick-drying are all the best qualities that make for excellent comfortable clothing.
You might have a favourite comfortable t-shirt or a go-to pair of leggings. Don’t forget that even the type of underwear, socks and slippers you wear can make you feel instantly more comfortable at home. Wearing the right nightwear can make a big difference in getting a good night’s sleep too.
You don’t need to purchase new clothing in order to feel comfortable when working, studying or staying at home. Is there anything in your existing wardrobe that you could repurpose, alter or repair to make it feel more comfortable and suitable for daily wear?
Read our blog to learn ‘How to Upcycle Old Clothes’ to help save you money and protect the environment.
While you’re here why not take a look at Kitenge’s comfortable and brightly coloured clothing that can help boost your mood and energy when staying at home! Kitenge’s bold and unique African print clothing is tailored using soft and durable 100% cotton breathable fabrics.
Their popular and extremely comfortable African print trousers make great loungewear featuring an elasticated waistband and drawstring tie. Kitenge’s unisex African print trousers and shorts can be made to measure for the correct loose fit and length too.
Comfy, beautiful fabric of excellent quality. Surpassed my expectations.
For working at home style, you can feel creative in one of Kitenge’s colourful African shirts, in short, 3/4 or long sleeve lengths that will keep you cool in warm weather. Kitenge’s online made to measure shirts for men and women are lovingly handmade by their talented Tanzanian tailors for the perfect fit and additional comfort.
Shop Men’s MTM Shirts Shop Women’s MTM ShirtsWhen you purchase your first made to measure shirt you can get another one for free (use code: MTMFIRST)!
Learn more about Kitenge and how they are empowering Tanzanian tailors to improve their livelihoods one colourful handmade garment at a time.
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