What does leisurewear mean?
Leisurewear means casual, comfortable clothing intended for relaxing or taking part in leisure activities rather than for work or formal occasions. It commonly includes items such as sweatshirts, tracksuit trousers, casual T-shirts, shorts, and lounge clothing, though no single style is required. The term emphasizes the setting and purpose of the clothing: something can be casual without being specifically leisurewear if it is primarily designed for everyday use, and it can be leisurewear without being suitable for exercise. In British and American English, leisurewear is usually treated as an uncountable noun, as in the phrase 'dressed in comfortable leisurewear.' It is related to, but broader or narrower than, several other clothing categories. Casualwear can be worn in many informal daily situations, while leisurewear is more specifically associated with relaxation. Sportswear is designed for sport or exercise and may also be worn as leisure clothing, but its primary function is athletic.
nounCasual clothing worn for relaxing or leisure activities rather than for work or formal occasions.
- Clothing that is comfortable and suitable for relaxing or pursuing leisure activities, especially when worn informally rather than for work or formal occasions.
"She changed into comfortable leisurewear before spending the afternoon in the garden."
"The resort's shops sell swimwear, sandals, and other leisurewear."
"He arrived at the casual café dressed in light leisurewear."
Leisurewear made dressing for downtime its own fashion category.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leisurewear come from?
Leisurewear is a modern compound formed in English from leisure and wear, both of long-standing English origin. The noun leisure developed in the Middle English period and ultimately came through Old French from Latin otium or otiosus, associated with ease, freedom from work, and inactivity. Wear in the compound is an older English word denoting clothing. The compound became established during the 20th century as clothing for casual recreation expanded as a distinct part of everyday life.
How leisurewear is actually used
The word is normally used as an uncountable noun. It is chiefly used in British and American English and generally denotes clothing for relaxed, informal activities rather than athletic performance.
Easily confused with leisurewear
Casualwear is the broader category of clothing suitable for everyday informal settings, while leisurewear specifically refers to clothing worn for relaxation and leisure activities.