Loungewear Fabrics for All Occasions
With the whole “work-from-home vibe” taking over, there’s this constant chatter about wanting to be comfy yet not sacrificing that “I’m a professional that has it together” look either.
Enter 👉🏻loungewear
It’s been our go to since everything went a little haywire in 2020 and this phenomenon it’s like a whole mood now. We’re talking everything from PJs that double as office wear to upper class lounge outfits for those virtual happy hours. The secret sauce? It’s all about the fabrics you choose, and how you style them!
Loungewear: bridging the gap between Netflix binging and Zoom call chic since 2020😉
I don’t know about you, but I am HERE for this trend and I’m currently writing a petition to allow sweatpants in the office too, I’m just saying. Okay, I’m not really…but someone should!
We just added a new selection in rich, super-saturated colors, combining the durability of wool with the flexibility of spandex in a cozy jersey knit. This fabric embodies an understated elegance, and is perfect for creating timeless pieces that you can wear for so many different occasions.
I’m going to break this blog down into a few different loungewear categories, and share our top tips and fabric recommendations to accommodate each style.
Dust off that sewing machine, and let’s dive in.
Loungewear for Sleep:
Picture this: your favorite sheets (freshly washed, we’re dreaming here so it could be true!), that soft luxury of cotton that lulls you into dreamland or the year-round coziness of flannel embracing you. Envision being wrapped inside your silky smooth Bamboo Knit sheets and drifting off into the most comfortable rest of your life.
Now, imagine that comfort surrounding you no matter which way you toss and turn in the bed, and even following you in the morning as you sip that first cup of coffee in your breakfast nook. ☕
This can be your reality, if you incorporate those luxurious fabrics that are on your bed, into your own sleepwear masterpiece Your sheet preferences could be the blueprint for your comfiest sleepwear sewing project yet!
But what are the best fabrics to use for these cozy creations? I’m so happy you asked!
- Knits:
- Ribbed knits are comfortable and have great stretch. You may prefer the soft hand of bamboo or rayon rib knits, or feel cozier in a cotton rib knit, but either option you choose will provide a comfortable and flattering set that will have you looking forward to winding down for the night.
- If you love a traditional pajama bottom and button up look but enjoy the soft feeling of knit on your skin, consider a rayon jersey knit as the perfect blend of style and comfort.
- Wovens:
- Double gauze is a treat for sleep because it is so soft against the skin and the wrinkles are a “feature” of the fabric! Can I get a heck yes for clothes I don’t have to worry about ironing?! 🙌🏻
- Silk sleepwear is a great choice for sewing projects throughout the year, offering a unique combination of coolness to the touch with amazing insulating properties. And is it just me, or do you feel like royalty when you go to sleep in silk pajamas?!
- Quilting cotton is a popular choice for year-round pajamas, and gives you a chance to bring extra color and your unique style with fun print combinations. For a softer drape, choose cotton lawn or voile, and if you prefer a crisper feel, consider a cotton poplin as your go to quilting option.
Sleepwear Patterns to Explore:
The Maeve Nightgown Sewing Pattern, by Seamwork – This knit nightgown was designed for both comfort and style. Semi-fitted with a scooped neck, built-in shelf bra, and flattering princess seams. This is an Advanced Beginner pattern.
Pipit Loungewear Set DIGITAL Pattern – Common Stitch. – The Pipit Loungewear Set is the perfect timeless staple your wardrobe has been waiting for. Take it from night to day if you please, the rules are blurred when it comes to this set.
The Lexington Pajamas PDF Pattern Set – Sewing and the City– The Lexington pajamas have a timeless sporty 90’s inspired silhouette, with a feminine vibe that gives you confidence when you wear it. The trousers and shorts have a relaxed fit featuring an elastic waist, and the trousers have optional elastic at the lower leg openings to fit your preferred style. And…it has pockets! Need I say more?
Active Loungewear:
Activewear + me = best friends.
-Did I just come from the gym?
-Am I heading to the gym?
-Am I about to lounge and watch Netflix all day but appear as if I am headed to or just came from the gym?
—-No one will ever know!
If you love a good “ready to hit the gym in a flash” look, it’s time to whip up some gear that’s comfy inside and outside Planet Fitness.
Quick tip: when it comes to perfecting the active loungewear fit, Spandex is the real MVP.
Without further adieu, here are my top fabric recommendations for creating your activewear look:
Knits:
- Performance polyester fabrics offer the latest in fiber science, and the fabric description will usually state if the fabric is intended for wicking moisture. Aim for opaque coverage for leggings and bike shorts, and make sure you check the weight (gsm/oz) of the fabric to make sure you don’t have any “peek-a-boo” wardrobe malfunctions when you are hitting that downward dog 🧘🏻
- Merino wool is a fantastic fabric choice because it wicks moisture and has antimicrobial properties. Sew your base layer from merino wool and top if with a performance polyester for the best of both worlds!
If you’re looking for even more resources for sewing your own activewear, be sure to check out Melissa Fehr’s guide to sewing activewear fabrics or grab her book “Sew Your Own Activewear” for a deep dive and some pattern blocks to get you started on making your own “mom on the go” pieces.
The Most Flattering Activewear Patterns:
Virginia Leggings Sewing Pattern | Megan Nielsen Patterns – A sewing community favorite! Create the ultimate pair of basic leggings with elasticated waist. This pattern features multiple mix and match options including, narrow and wide waistbands, five inseam options, cuffs, and full length to biker style shorts! Sewalong and tutorials are available on Megan’s blog as well.
Spruce Tank 12-32 pattern – Cashmerette Patterns – The Spruce Tank is a sleek workout top, featuring princess seams, V-neck or crew neck design options, and an easy fold-over elastic finish. Grab yourself the PDF pattern for this one today, and thank yourself later when you’re running errands in style.
Arlo Track Jacket – Printed Pattern: The Arlo Track Jacket is fitted without being tight and comes with three length options. It is the type of zip-up you can wear on its own in fall and under a warm coat in winter. Talk about the perfect transition piece! This is a unisex pattern and looks great on all gender expressions. This is an intermediate pattern but is achievable by the confident beginner if you’re up for a challenge that is sure to pay off if you get it right!
For Lounging at Home:
We’ve chatted about fabrics and patterns for your work day and even your workout, but what about those go to cozy clothes you change into as soon as you get home and you’re ready to cuddle up on the couch with a good book or your favorite show?
What is that go-to comfort outfit when you’re home?
-Sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt?
-Biker shorts and a hoodie?
-A light and cozy robe?
Whatever your choice may be, these are some of the absolute best fabrics to use to achieve that cozy, lived-in feeling that gives you that taste of home all day long.
Knits:
- Sweatshirt fleece is probably the most classic choice. It’s cozy, easy to sew, and works well for matching sets that are the rage right now. You truly can’t go wrong with this fabric choice when it comes to comfort and ease of sewing.
- Ponte. Compared to other knit fabrics, Ponte is relatively stable and holds its shape nicely – which means it can work really well with some sewing patterns that are designed for woven fabrics.
- French terry is a year-round fabric because it regulates temperature and is soft against the skin. You will love the drape of a Bamboo-Cotton blend as you’re catching up on the latest episode of your favorite show!
Wovens:
- Linen is a year-round fabric that we all simply adore. Linen lounge pants or a day robe add a versatile layer to dress up your wardrobe and the light weight of the fabric make it the perfect layering or transition piece.
- Cotton boxy tops can be perfect for your Zoom call and are a simple staple piece that you can add a blazer or cardigan to if you need to head out the door quickly!
The Best Transition Loungewear Patterns:
With a short-sleeved drop-shoulder top and relaxed-fit cropped pants (with pockets!) this set is the ultimate lounging staple! This is a pay what you want pattern, but remember, these small businesses can’t continue to offer these types of deals without your continued support!
The Lucy Jumpsuit Sewing Pattern, by Seamwork– A simple and chic jumpsuit epitomizes cool style. Create this jumpsuit in a knit fabric, and you have a stylish garment you won’t want to take off. The Lucy Jumpsuit works for both lounging and wearing for weekend errands.
Parker Ponte Pant Sewing Pattern – Style Arc – These pants are easy to sew and wear with their pull-on elastic waist and cuffed hem. Ponte is the ultimate fabric to wear when traveling as it has you arriving looking fresh and unwrinkled! This is an Advanced Beginner pattern.
Blackwood Cardigan » Helen’s Closet Patterns – The Blackwood Cardigan is a cozy and versatile addition to your wardrobe. Designed with layering in mind, it has minimal excess fabric in the front and a close fit around the neck and shoulders. Its fitted shape and extra-long sleeves make it perfect for wearing under jackets and vests, while also looking stylish over tank tops and dresses. The Blackwood is intended to be worn open and is not designed to close at the front which makes it the ultimate layering staple for your wardrobe.
With more of us embracing the work-from-home life, our loungewear sewing journey isn’t just about comfort anymore. It’s about combining your lifestyle with your personal style, and bringing what makes you unique into your everyday wardrobe, no matter what the occasion.
From handmade joggers on your Zoom call, to rocking a self-stitched hoodie during movie night, the possibilities are as endless as your creativity.
So turn on that sewing machine, pour yourself a cup of your favorite tea, and let’s get to creating!
Are you ready to level up your loungewear game, sewing squad? Let me know below! ⬇️
Stay cozy, friends.
