What does loungewear mean?
Loungewear is clothing intended to be worn while relaxing, especially at home. Such garments are generally made from soft, comfortable fabrics and have a loose, informal appearance. The category may include pajama-style tops and trousers, robes, sweatpants, sweatshirts, slipper-like footwear, and coordinated matching sets. Although loungewear is closely associated with private domestic life, it can also refer to outfits worn for travel, leisure, or increasingly, casual work. The word combines “lounge,” suggesting relaxation, with “wear,” indicating clothing. Unlike pajamas, which are traditionally associated with sleeping, loungewear is broader in use and emphasizes comfort and relaxed activity rather than bedtime in particular. In contemporary usage, it can also carry a fashion-oriented implication, especially when a coordinated set is stylish enough to be seen outside the home.
nounClothing designed to be comfortable and informal, especially for relaxing at home. The term can refer to such clothing generally or to a complete outfit, such as a matching top and trousers.
- Clothing worn for relaxing at home, typically soft, loose-fitting, and informal.
"She changed into soft loungewear and settled down with a book."
"The hotel provides complimentary loungewear in every room."
"Loungewear has become increasingly stylish as a choice of casual travel clothing."
Loungewear is normally a mass noun, though “loungewear items” and “loungewear sets” are used when individual garments or outfits need to be counted.
"The store sells loungewear, pajamas, and lightweight robes."
Loungewear is the wardrobe equivalent of sinking into a sofa: clothes made for relaxing at home.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does loungewear come from?
Loungewear is a compound of “lounge” and “wear,” combining the ideas of relaxing and clothing. The word “lounge” derives from an earlier form associated with reclining or seeking comfort, while “wear” has long denoted articles of clothing. The compound became established during the 20th century, initially referring more broadly to informal or comfortable clothing and later becoming especially associated with clothing worn at home.
How loungewear is actually used
The term is primarily used for comfortable home clothing, although it is also sometimes used for relaxed outfits worn while traveling or working casually. It is normally used as a mass noun rather than a countable noun.