Editor’s Note: We reviewed this article on September 23, 2023. As per our editorial policy, we are constantly updating our content, to make sure it reflects the best of the best when it comes to beauty, wellness, and fashion. We want to assure our readers that we still stand by our recommendations, which we do.
If there’s any trend from the last few years that is officially here to stay, it’s loungewear. Though many may have thought that cozy sweatpants and hoodies were going to be early pandemic staples, athleisure and loungewear seem to be sticking around for good. It’s easy to imagine why, too. I mean, who doesn’t like to be comfortable all day long? And this isn’t a trend that’s just for one type of style or body type, either. If you happen to be a plus size shopper, you’ll probably be pleased to know that the plus size loungewear market has more options than ever.
Whether you’re planning to pair your joggers with a structured blouse, or you’re already scheming about wearing a leather blazer over a crop top and bike shorts set, loungewear options are available at virtually every price point, (almost) every size, and there are more styles on the market every day. And, yes, you should own some, too.
“Loungewear is a wardrobe essential. It's important to have a range of options to match the season,” Gianluco Russo explains.”Loungewear is all about comfortability, so ensuring your selection matches the season is important. I always suggest having a range of pieces you can keep casual and dress up, including matching sweat sets—my personal favorite—maxi and slip dresses, and of course, a sampling of different joggers and leggings that fit you comfortably.”
To narrow down your search, here are the best plus-size options to shop from right now, from joggers to cardigans.
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Best Jogger: Old Navy High-Waisted StretchTech Cargo Jogger Pants
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These affordable joggers have four pockets (handy!) and over 2,500 5-star reviews. With an incredible size range as well as tall/petite options and multiple colorways, it’s hard to go wrong with these Old Navy joggers.
Price at time of publish: $40
Material: 88% polyester, 12% spandex | Colors: In The Navy, Raisin Arizona, Wish Bone, Black Jack, Nautical Twilight, Date Palm, Terrestrial Green, Ancient Forest | Size Range: XS-4X (plus tall and petite)
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Best Hoodie: Athleta Retroplush Hoodie
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Introducing the most classic hoodie you’ll ever find. Made with a soft stretch fleece lining, brushed interior, and a front pocket, this hoodie is as classic as it gets, and it’s available up to a size 3X.
Price at time of publish: $89
Material: Cotton, polyester, and spandex | Colors: Tawny Rose, Black, Bluff Grey, Shasta Purple | Size Range: XXS-3X
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Best Knit: Naadam Cashmere Ribbed Sweater
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It’s harder to find classic, well-made cashmere pieces in plus sizes, but Naadam offers a wide variety of their pieces up to 3X, including this classic crewneck ribbed sweater.
Price at time of publish: $150
Material: 100% Mongolian cashmere | Colors: Oatmeal, Raspberry Pink, Navy, Black | Size range: XXS-3X
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Best Set: Nap Loungewear Cotton Track Set
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Just looking at this cozy cotton set will most likely make you want to settle in for a night on the couch watching Netflix, but it’s cute enough for any casual occasion. With 30 different colorways available, this set will fit into your current wardrobe effortlessly, no matter what your style is.
Price at time of publish: $139
Material: 75% cotton, 25% polyester | Colors: Cloud, Kimberley, Lemon Grass, Submarine, Army Green, Greenland, Lemon Yellow, Pastel Yellow, Ivory, Cream, Black, Coral Orange +more | Size Range: XS-XXXL
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Best Pajamas: Stars Above Plus Size Short Sleeve Pajamas
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Odds are you’ve probably heard someone talk about Target’s Stars Above loungewear line. It's known for pieces made of buttery soft, breathable fabrics, and these short-sleeved pajamas are no exception. With more than 1,500 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars, these pajamas are a solid sleepwear option.
Price at time of publish: $22
Material: 95% modal, 5% spandex | Colors: Rose Pink, Light Pink, Light Beige, Black, Gray, Navy | Size Range: 1X-4X
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Best Sweatpants: Girlfriend Collective 50/50 Classic Jogger
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It doesn’t get much better than Girlfriend Collective’s size range. With multiple colorways and thousands of positive reviews, these sweatpants will likely be your new go-to lounge pants (but they’d look cute for errands, too). Another plus? They’re 100 percent biodegradable.
Material: 50% Texloop RCOT™ Recycled Cotton, 50% organic cotton | Colors: Canyon, Ecru, Forest, Lagoon, Vapor, Taro, Orchid, Bluejay, Heather Grey, Sycamore, Tulipwood | Size Range: XXS-6X
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Best Onesie: Savage x Fenty Hooded Onesie
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This onesie from Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty loungewear and lingerie line looks like the kind of thing you put on and then never, ever take off. It only comes in a few colors, but the size range (and reviews) are solid.
Price at time of publish: $95
Material: 58% cotton, 37% polyester, 5% spandex | Colors: Darknight Grey, Platinum Grey, Hunter Green | Size Range: XS-4X
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Best Leggings: Athleta Salutation Stash 7/8 Tights
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There’s a reason these leggings sell out again and again and again. They are that good. Compressive enough to survive the toughest workouts (without the waist rolling down) and soft enough to lounge in for hours, these leggings are worth adding to your closet up no matter what your lounging habits are.
Price at time of publish: $109
Material: Powervita™ fabric | Colors: Dusk Violet, Tawny Rose, Reef Green, Spiced Cabernet, Navy, Black +more | Size Range: XXS-3X (plus tall and petite)
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Best Top: SKIMS Soft Lounge Tank
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Kim Kardashian seems to know what she’s doing with these SKIMS Lounge Tanks, as they have a ton of positive reviews.Plus its versatile enough to dress it up if you're wanting to easily wear it out of the house, too.
Price at time of publish: $38
Material: 91% modal, 9% spandex | Colors: Taupe, Copper, Camel, Talc, Sienna, Heather Grey | Size Range: XXS-4X
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Best Duster: Nadaam Cashmere Duster Cardigan
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Looking to invest in a more luxurious loungewear piece? You can’t go wrong with this Naadam Cashmere Duster Cardigan, which is available up to size 3X (but is pretty versatile given the silhouette).
Price at time of publish: $350
Material: 100% Mongolian cashmere | Colors: Chocolate Brown, Black | Size Range: XXS-3X
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Best Sweater: Madewell Donegal Lawson Crop Pullover Sweater
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This sweater is the perfect balance between fitted and oversized, perfect for lounging at home or going out on the town. Plus, the cotton used in this style is part of the Better Cotton Initiative, a nonprofit that aims to improve cotton production across the globe to “benefit both farmers and the environment,” according to the brand. BCI teaches farmers things like how to use water more efficiently and care for the soil.
Price at time of publish: $70
Material: Cotton, hemp, and silk | Colors: Bright Ivory, True Black | Size Range: XXS-4X
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Best Robe: Printfresh High Horse Reversible Quilted Robe
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It’s hard to find a size-inclusive robe that’s pretty to look at, but Printfresh managed to create just that with the High Horse Reversible Quilted Robe. What’s more, every unique pattern they offer is stunning. It’s the perfect robe for fall, winter, or anyone who loves to wrap up in a robe year-round for ultimate relaxation.
Price at time of publish: $248
Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: S-6X
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Best Shorts: Girlfriend Collective Snooze Shorts
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These Girlfriend Collective lounge shorts have all the things going for them that Girlfriend is known for: size-inclusivity, on-trend colors, and ultimate comfort. Plus, they pair with the other Girlfriend lounge pieces perfectly, making them easy to mix and match.
Material: 50% Texloop™ RCOT™ Primo Recycled Cotton, 50% TENCEL™ Modal | Colors: Agave, Moonstone, Dusk, Canopy, Dawn, Chamomile | Size Range: XXXS-6X
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Meet the Expert
Gianluco Russo is a fashion and culture writer, plus-size fashion expert, and the author of The Power of Plus, a book that examines the way size-inclusive fashion has changed women’s relationships with their bodies, and how plus-size fashion is integral to the future success of the industry.
What to Look for in Plus Size Loungewear
Prioritize Needs
When shopping for loungewear, it’s best not to overthink it. To narrow down your search, focus on the criteria that are most important to you and go from there. Do you value sustainability over affordability? Vice versa? Does a trendy piece sound better to you than a classic staple item or the opposite? Once you know what’s important to you, it’s easy to focus on what you want your closet to look like.
Fit and Fabric
“The two most important qualities to look for in plus-size loungewear are fit and fabric, Russo explains. “Loungewear should fit like a glove and make you feel comfortable to move around. Analyzing fit will allow you to determine whether the garment will restrict your body or enable it. Look at the waistband and cut of the fabric, and always try it on when possible.”
Russo also suggests considering the materials. “Oftentimes, fast fashion brands produce loungewear in fabrics that tear easily or cause discomfort,” she says. “Ensure that whichever pieces you choose are in a fabric that will last more than one season, and that won't make you sweat one minute into putting it on.”
Versatility
When in doubt, though, go for neutral colors. A gray hoodie, for example, is a piece that you can wear with sweatpants at home, but will also pair with a leather blazer, oversized denim, or patterned trousers. A bolder color might be fun, too, but it’ll limit the versatility of the piece in the long run.
FAQ
What is loungewear?
Loungewear is apparel that prioritizes comfort and is meant to be worn both for relaxing at home and in public for non-formal occasions. It can even include sweatshirts or tracksuits meant for lounging. To keep things simple, think of loungewear as the cozier, softer alternative to athleisure. While athleisure is athleticwear that you can wear in non-athletic settings, loungewear is lounge clothing that you can wear in non-lounging situations.
How do you look cute in loungewear?
“The great thing about loungewear is that it often doesn't need to be styled,” says Russo. “Because of loungewear's casual nature, there's little additional thought that needs to go into styling such pieces. For a more casual and comfortable look, loungewear can be styled with sneakers or flats, denim jackets, and baseball caps. Elevating a loungewear ensemble is an exciting adventure.”
As Russo also points out, you can even take some direction from a “Kardashian-esque” style and pair a sweatsuit with some chunky sneakers or booties and some bold black sunglasses and designer accessories—but that’s only one option.
“For colder months, pairing loungewear with trench coats and heavier overcoats is a comfortable yet elevated look,” Russo suggests. “The best part of loungewear is how easily it can be spiced up with the help of just a few accessories.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Olivia Muenter is a fashion commerce contributor for Byrdie, and she has been published in Refinery29, Bustle, Fashionista, Glamour, and Woman’s Day, among others. Her search for this piece covered retailers of all types. For criteria, she evaluated customer reviews, size range, versatility, and design.
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