INTO THE CHILL ZONE
As we head into the bleak mid-winter, embrace the joy of all things cosy with soft, tactile fabrics and comfortably cut clothing ideal for a January recharge
So, it is all over now. Little Christmas is behind us, and we are facing into the long, bleak days of January. The only way to get through this interminable month is to be kind to yourself. Ease yourself gently into 2024 with a sustained regime of TLC and embrace the joy of hygge — that is the quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.
Yes it is still winter, yes your credit card is a fright and yes you feel down, so my advice is to snuggle down, chill out and embrace the art of luxury lounging until February signals the start of spring.
Loungewear is casual, comfortable clothing suitable for wearing at home, and a booming category. The global sleepwear and loungewear market is projected to reach US$22.3 billion by 2030, which is a lot of relaxing. Ever since working from home has become a de facto option (even part time), we have embraced comfort as never before.
The impact on our wardrobes has been huge. Since the pandemic I have heard so many women express the opinion that they just won’t entertain uncomfortable clothing ever again. The experience of being liberated from corporate dress codes for nearly two years has made many of us reluctant to ever don a suit, high heel, or underwired bra again.
Even as we have returned to the office more regularly this year, we have kept elements of our more relaxed Covid dress code back at our desks, so that we are increasingly mixing softer elements with more formal ones.
The ultimate loungewear wardrobe must be tactile, soft and ultra comfortable. No tight waistbands, chafing seams or rigid fabrics should infiltrate your lounging edit. Instead, pieces should consist of the softest, most soothing fabrics such as cotton, merino wool, cashmere, alpaca, mohair and even silk. Garments for peak languorous lounging include cashmere knits, cuddly cardis, ultrasoft tees and vests, hoodies, cotton or silk PJs, leggings and sweatpants, and sheepskin slippers. If you want to up your game, you could also consider a beautiful silk dressing gown/kimono and eye mask for some old Hollywood style glam.
There are so many brands offering dedicated loungewear collections that the choice is extensive and extremely tempting. High street stalwarts Marks & Spencer, Cos, Arket, Dunnes Stores and Penneys all have a snuggly selection to wear while laying low.
There are also many Irish brands making beautiful pyjamas from organic cotton, linen, bamboo and silk such as Cotone Collection, Jim Jams, Loom Irish Linen, the Ethical Silk Company, KDK, Moon and Mellow and Zzzana. Popping a colourful knit over your PJs adds a dash of colour and added insulation when January temperatures are still frigid. Cashmere socks are the finishing flourish for lazy days.
So swathe yourself in something sublimely soft and sensuous, slather your face in gorgeous skincare, light a scented candle and a fire, and pick out a great book. Then lie back and let time pass slowly by as you revel in the art of doing nothing with immense, lingering pleasure. Remember that idleness is an art, and that January was made for recharging our batteries not crucifying our bodies with gruelling fitness regimes.