John Lennon had the right idea when it came to loungewear beyond the sofa
At this glorious fallow time of year, nightwear (for day, too) really comes into its own
John Lennon had the right idea. Granted, it was his Bed-in protest against the Vietnam War, but you have to agree that he looks mighty comfortable. And it’s at this glorious fallow time of year that nightwear (for day, too) really comes into its own.
That doesn’t translate as slovenly, far from it. Proper loungewear is just as considered and beautifully made as anything else in your wardrobe – former Savile Row tailor Olivia Francis has even made it her mission to apply the rules of tailoring to her loungewear brand Hamilton + Hare (taking 18 months to come up with the perfect pair of pants, for example). Great pieces should feel like a pleasure, and a sensory experience because they are so up-close and personal. Brushed-cotton dressing gowns, silk pyjamas and little touches like shearling-lined slippers make a quiet night in truly appealing.
Loungewear lovers to inspire you? Noël Coward is the obvious one, never without a velvet smoking jacket. Then there’s Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman in 1958’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – she in a virginal-white nightgown, he in rumpled pyjamas.
Or think Marilyn Monroe stripped of the pin-up make-up, candid and vulnerable in soft PJs. Loungewear has become part of everyday life in recent years, amplified by Covid lockdowns. Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and La DoubleJ have all created pyjamas and robe-style jackets designed for wearing beyond the sofa.
Small businesses to watch out for include David Gandy’s Wellwear and Desmond & Dempsey, as well as Hamilton + Hare, all specialising in beautifully made at-home attire. It’s been a difficult year, so take advantage of this lull to hole-up in cosseting clothes before 2023 gets going.
Try these...
Left to right: Cashmere hoodie, £119, Marks & Spencer; cashmere trousers, £250, Chinti & Parker; merino rib skirt, £325, Joseph
Left to right: Wool blend dress, £310, Rodebjer; merino blend cardigan, £49.90, Marni x Uniqlo
Left to right: Wool overshirt, £175, A Day’s March; heavyweight cotton joggers, £35, Kin at John Lewis
