Hey lockdown friends, how’s it going? The same as last week? Yeah, same…

Doesn’t it just feel like every week is the same as the last, and each day just blurs into the next? Or is my mind finally giving up haha?

With most of us working or studying from home, furloughed or looking after kids, we’re spending more time at home than ever before. Getting dressed in the morning probably feels less significant than usual, we’ve got nowhere to go apart from our daily exercise, getting some essentials from the shop or taking the bins out! Hardly a reason to make any effort.

To be honest I’ve mostly been wearing workout gear (leggings, sports bras and vests) in the hope that it will motivate me to workout and stay active at home. I’d say it’s been 40% effective so far as I have, on several occasions, found myself watching Netflix or TikTok videos in a full workout outfit. When I’m not wearing exercise clothes, I’ll just throw on a comfy top and either leggings or maybe culottes. I have not touched a pair of jeans since lockdown began – true story.

The trick is to find that balance between comfort and style so that you can feel good and look good! Easier said than done, right? Well, not necessarily… Over recent years we’ve seen more of a lean towards loungewear becoming more acceptable attire to wear not only around the house but out and about too. Jogging bottoms, sweatshirts, tank tops and slouchy tees are widely accepted as the new ‘staying-in’ uniform.

Now, this isn’t exactly new for us, but is it new to the fashion world. Loungewear used to be whatever basics you could pull together, usually mix and matched, and there were very few brands who would devote any resources to this type of clothing. But we’ve seen more brands catch on to this trend and now there is usually a ‘loungewear’ section on most fashion websites filled with all the comfy clothes your heart could desire. Coordinated loungewear seems to be especially popular, meaning that your whole outfit would be the same colour from head to toe. And the different fabrics have really expanded, from velour tracksuits to brushed cotton, soft fabrics are essential for loungewear.

As a vegan and someone who doesn’t support fast fashion, I was interested to see what offering there was currently for vegan, ethically made and sustainable loungewear. In terms of what to look out for if you’re looking for vegan loungewear, you need to check that there is no wool, silk or cashmere used, as these are sometimes used for this type of clothing. You should, if possible, only buy organic cotton or recycled cotton, as it’s much more sustainable than virgin cotton which uses huge amounts of water to grow as well as pesticides. The dye used in garments can also contain animal ingredients, so it’s important to look out for words like ‘vegetable dye’ to know that the product is vegan.

I spent the morning researching brand’s that are either 100% vegan or very nearly wholly vegan, that offer loungewear that you’ll want to wear in the house and everywhere else! I was actually pleasantly surprised by what I found, there seems to be a lot more variety than I would have assumed. So here are 5 brands who offer great loungewear, let me know what you think…

Vegan Outfitters

Vegan Outfitters are a lovely brand who make tank tops, t-shirts, hoodies all with funny and powerful slogans, whatever you’re in the mood for! Every purchase helps a rescued farm animal and all their clothes are made ethically, doing good for the planet, the people and the animals.

Astars

I spotted this Carter vegan suede set on the Astars website; joggers, t-shirt and hoodie, and absolutely loved it. It’s fairly rare to find vegan suede, especially in loungewear, but I really love this simple colourway and the different tones the fabric gives the clothing. They look lightweight so don’t assume you’ll be roasting in them in the heat, they are designed in Los Angeles after all, I’m sure they’ve accounted for the weather.

Pangaia

Pangaia is one of my all-time favourite brands (hopefully can buy something from them one day!) From seaweed fibre t-shirts and FLWRDWN (flower down) puffer jackets, to recycled cotton sweatshirts and joggers, these guys know how to use technology and nature in a powerful way. They have a range of joggers, t-shirts and hoodies in beautiful, subtle tones that are perfect to lounge around in and feel smug about your sustainable purchase.

Rapanui

Another one of my big favourites, Isle of Wight brand Rapanui are an ethical and sustainable brand that doesn’t use any animal products in their clothing. Their simple t-shirts, tops, hoodies, and shirts are great for both loungewear and for layering to wear outdoors.

Noctu (not 100% vegan)

Noctu are a nearly vegan brand (still sells lambswool hot water bottles – not ok!), but I wanted to include them as they’re a family-owned brand committed to using organic cotton (GOTS certified). They offer really gorgeous dresses, nightshirts, sweaters, jumpsuits, and joggers that make both ideal loungewear and nightwear – we love multipurpose clothing!

You can also get great loungewear second hand on Depop right now! Here are some loungewear looks you can buy for a bargain…