Karl Lagerfeld once said: “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.” Yet - and not to disrespect the opinions of legends past - we doubt that the former Chanel creative director ever encountered a flu like the one gripping London at present. You best believe, I’ve been in trackies for nearly two weeks now.
While we take great pride in meticulously curating our in-office attire, there is nothing fashion editors love more than coming home, stripping off the pristinely starched JW Anderson shirts, Y2K denim and vintage designer jackets in favour of something squidgier.
Kitten heels boots are eschewed for fluff-tastic slippers as soon as we get through the door, while yesterday’s blowout is whipped up into a pineapple bun. A sight to behold, truly.
© Sleepless in Seattle
An unpopular opinion perhaps, but sometimes I feel the most confident in my slouchies. I love to cloak myself in my XL Sandro hoodie that has been my closest comrade throughout many winters, and slip into my baggiest pair of oversized joggers for at-home mooching and errand-running. Much to l'horreur of Mr Lagerfeld, I'm sure.
© Imxtree
Yet, there’s nothing better than sinking into a plush new hoodie, fleece-lining still intact and safe from over-washing, or a pair of fuzzy socks to see you through the cooler seasons - lurgies, breakups, makeups, girls’ nights and everything inbetween.
Consumers seem to think so too, with Google searches in the past week for the term ‘best loungewear for women’ up by 110 percent in the past week, and ‘victoria secret loungewear’ up by 60 per cent - no doubt thanks to the brand’s annual spectacle that took place last weekend.
© Getty
Shoppers are seemingly craving a more refined approach to loungewear style, with ‘elevated loungewear’ up by 50 percent across the month. Cue cute cotton co-ords and designer ensembles that channel the off-duty celebrity stereotype, preferably spotted making a matcha run at Erewhon.
From luxury layers to high street must-haves, the Hello! Fashion team has rounded up the leisurely loungewear pieces we’re shopping for in time for the cosy season to take hold.
H! Fashion's loungewear picks for 2026:
Clare Pennington, Editor
- Top: UltraFleece Hoodie, £69.95, GARAGE
- Bottoms: UltraFleece Straight Leg Sweatpants, £54.95, GARAGE
- Slippers: Wendy Slipper, £59.99, HEY DUDE
"If it's comfy - it's got to be pink. I want to look and feel like a marshmallow while I lie horizontal on my sofa bingeing Christmas movies and shovelling crisps into my mouth. And worst case, if I need to pop outside to pick up extra snacks, I won't look too embarrassing should I run into someone I know."
Tania Leslau, Fashion Features Editor
- Top: Airbrushed Horse Baseball T-Shirt, £275.00, STELLA MCCARTNEY
- Bottoms: Loose Track Pants, £155.00, DIESEL
- Slippers: Faux Fur Ballet Slipper, £55.00, THE WHITE COMPANY
"Since seeing Daisy Edgar-Jones wear this Stella McCartney top during her latest press tour, it’s been etched into my brain. Despite the cliché that fashion girlies aren’t the sporty persuasion, I like to channel an Eighties track athlete in cotton when lounging at home. As a taller human, I’m always on the hunt for extra-long, wide-leg bottoms to mooch around in, and these Diesel options fit the bill. As for footwear, you can’t beat a furry slipper from The White Company - particularly when it comes with a matching hot water bottle."
Molly Saunders, Creative Lead
- Top: Ezra Slim Fit Long Sleeve, £68.00, REFORMATION
- Bottoms: Needles Trackpants, £230.00, SEVENSTORE
- Socks: Ultra Soft Alpaca Plain Bed Socks, £22.00, PAIRS
"I like my loungewear to extend beyond the front door without feeling as though I’m wearing my PJs on the high street on a Friday lunchtime. These Needles track pants have been in my basket for the longest time (hint hint, Mum), and I love the balloon leg. Paired with a long-sleeved top – this season, I’m loving purple – it’s a look that proves you can never be cosy if you’re not warm. Finally, fluffy socks: these might just be the answer to not having to pack away my Tabis this winter."
Jade O'Rourke, Social Media Manager
- Top: Seekers Knit Hoodie in Husk, £65.00, SISTERS & SEEKERS
- Bottoms: Seekers Knit Sweatpants in Husk, £50.00, SISTERS & SEEKERS
- Slippers: Goldy Shoes, £109.00, DUNE
"Nowhere does comfy quite like Sisters and Seekers. I’m obsessed with this knitted tracksuit – the knit gives it a slightly more elevated feel while retaining all the cosiness of your favourite loungewear. Plus, there’s something about a co-ord that makes you feel instantly put together, even when you’re glued to the sofa. And these Dune mules look so comfy – perfect for throwing on when I need to head out without sacrificing the snug vibes."
Lauren Ramsay, Deputy Digital Editor
- Top: Devon Jumper, £170.00, WITH NOTHING UNDERWEAR
- Bottoms: ContourSoft Straight-Leg Leggings, £50.00, LOUNGE
- Socks: Snuggle Socks, £22.00, THE WHITE COMPANY
"I already have so many tracksuits, so I’m going for slightly more elevated pieces this season. I love leggings because there’s no waistband digging in after a big lunch, and a wide-leg silhouette adds an extra touch of comfort. I’m also into the idea of investing in a wool jumper, and together they make the perfect cosy-but-presentable outfit so I’m ready for any visitors who decide to turn up at my door unannounced. For me, no cosy outfit is complete without a pair of fluffy socks (my floor is laminate - need I say more?)"
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