Loungewear is no longer just for lazy days at home – it’s become a universal fashion trend. From toddlers to active 70-year-olds, everyone is embracing this cozy yet stylish apparel. “Pajamas and lounge sets, inspired by J. Crew, Ralph Lauren and Skims, are showing up everywhere, from retail and travel and resort to colleges,” says Tori Novosel, director of marketing at Bella+Canvas, adding that pajama sets and silky fabrics are standouts in home loungewear. “They’re comfortable but carry an air of luxury.”
Pajamas and loungewear took off after COVID-19, with more people working from home and leaning into comfortable, laid-back styles. “This trend remains, with versatile, comfortable pieces in high demand across multiple sectors,” says Andrew (AJ) Dickson, senior category director at PCNA, PPAI 100’s No. 3 supplier. He notes that media, IT and educational institutions particularly favor these relaxed styles, appealing to modern preferences over traditional professional attire.
The key to pajama or loungewear looks is versatility, from layering to oversized elements. “These styles can be dressed up or down,” says Stephanie Bennett, senior merchandising manager at Charles River Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 37 supplier. Loungewear should meet the ideal intersection of oversized while still looking stylish, she adds. “While everyone has a different way of styling loungewear, we see people wearing it while working from home, traveling or running errands.”
Loungewear has become a staple in Gen Z and millennial wardrobes, and Novosel predicts continued growth in the coming years. “Many people mix blazers or trench coats with sweat sets and sneakers, whether at home or on the go,” she says. “The unisex category is the fastest growing at retail, and as awareness of gender neutrality increases, brands and retailers increasingly seek versatile, unisex designs.”
End buyers are drawn to features that provide comfort and durability. “Key elements, such as elasticized waistbands, drawstrings and sueded fleece in loungewear pants, are trendy for their balance of comfort and function,” Dickson adds. Color-wise, he sees neutrals remaining popular, complemented by modern accents like navy, gray, white and earth tones.
HXD decoration, a technique combining embroidery and digital transfers to create a durable emblem, is also gaining popularity in loungewear. “You can deliver a premium product without adding weight or bulk, ensuring comfort against the skin,” Dickson says. “HXD adds a 3D texture and dimension to logos, creating a bold, high-impact appearance. Applying HXD in non-traditional locations such as the shoulder, hip or sleeve enhances elevated, cozy styles with a sophisticated touch without compromising comfort.”
And while people of all ages care about sustainability, Gen Z and millennials are especially inclined to prioritize eco-friendly practices and giveback programs. “The use of eco-friendly materials such as BCI cotton, recycled polyesters and bluesign-certified are important factors,” Dickson says.
No two Camden Crew Neck Sweatshirts are alike, thanks to a dyeing and snow-wash process that gives each piece a one-of-a-kind, lived-in look. Made of 100% corded cotton sweatshirt fabric, these relaxed styles for men and women fade over time for a vintage look.
Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, Gold / charlesriverapparel.com
The midweight, unisex Nantucket Crewneck Sweatshirt (shown in Ice Purple and Latte, left) Nantucket Pullover Hoodie (shown in Terra Brown and Navy, right) are “the softest sweatshirts you’ll wear,” says Alexis Shubin, marketing director at Lane Seven Apparel.
“I’m obsessed – they’re incredibly cozy and warm without being too thick, making them perfect for year-round wear.” The classic crewneck is crafted from a plush, textured knit and features ribbed cuffs and waistband. “This style looks like a sweater, so you can step out without feeling or looking like you’ve been lounging all day,” Shubin says. The hoodie features a lined fleece hood, a kangaroo pocket, ribbed cuffs and waistband and flat dyed-to-match drawcords.
Lane Seven Apparel / PPAI 630869, Standard-Base / lanesevenapparel.com
The Unisex Roots73 Canmore Eco French Terry Hoodie, with modern dropped shoulders, a kangaroo pocket and a hidden interior phone pocket, is comfy, stylish and eco-friendly. “This hoodie is made with a blend of soft organic cotton and recycled polyester French terry in a bluesign-approved facility and certified by Global Recycled Standard,” Dickson says. “We donate 1% of sales from our sustainable collections to support environmental nonprofits through a partnership with 1% For The Planet.”
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
The Maplegrove Roots73 Fleece Hoody, available in men’s and women’s styles, provides the perfect layer on a cool day. “This is a standout piece with its plush, low-shrink jersey-lined design for staying cozy yet stylish,” Dickson says. The Maplegrove features a hidden security pocket to keep your valuables safe. With shaped seams and a tapered waist, the women’s hoodie offers a sleek, feminine fit.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
Nothing says “comfort” like the Paddlecreek Roots73 Fleece Sweatpants, made from sueded fleece, in men’s and women’s cuts. These stylish, cozy sweats feature an elasticized waistband with a drawstring and side welt pockets.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
The Unisex Sponge Fleece Drop Shoulder Sweatshirt (shown in Vintage Brown and Kelly) is a classic pullover crewneck sweatshirt in comfy, super-soft sponge fleece designed for warmth and breathability. This classic loungewear piece features a unisex retail fit, an on-trend drop-shoulder seam and ribbed cuffs and waistband.
Bella+Canvas / PPAI 304892, Silver / bellacanvas.com
The Unisex Sponge Fleece DTM Full Zip Hoodie, made from cotton/poly fleece, is a go-to comfort piece for any situation, with features like relaxed set-in sleeves with cuffs, an easy waistband and a roomy kangaroo pocket. Dyed-to-match drawcords, zipper and zipper tape keep this look on point.
Bella+Canvas / PPAI 304892, Silver / bellacanvas.com
The Unisex Sponge Fleece Straight Leg Sweatpants, made from lightweight, ultra-soft sponge fleece, is a relaxed, wear-on-repeat essential with an elastic waistband and dyed-to-match internal drawcord. A straight-leg fit gives this look major street appeal, whether lounging at home or heading out.
Bella+Canvas / PPAI 304892, Silver / bellacanvas.com
Rollender heads up New Jersey-based STRANDWriting Services.com.
