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Athleisure and Loungewear: Dressing in the Age of Working from Home

Clothing affects our performance at work. Some studies show how wearing formal outfits can make people focus better at work. Yet, some contend that dressing comfortably at work increases a person’s productivity.

Clothing was also believed to define people’s stature at work. Terms such as white-collar and blue-collar are an example of this. When we label someone’s job as such, it affects our perception of the way we work with them.

Some believe that power dressing would make them more successful in the field. Some believe that dressing up like their “true selves” will allow them to feel productive. For others, uniforms show their identity at work.

Wearing casual at work: is it acceptable?

Many startups allow their staff members to wear shirts, denim pants, and rubber shoes. Meanwhile, other industries would prefer to have their workers in tailored suits. Regardless, appropriate clothing is relative to one’s field of work.

This was how the workplace worked pre-COVID-19. Some offices allowed casual Fridays or dress-down days. Yet, as a big percentage of the workforce now work from home, workwear has since taken a different form.

Since COVID-19 plagued the world, coronavirus lockdowns forced companies to close. Others have allowed their workforce to work from home. This new dynamic has changed the consumption and working habits of the people.

It is also tricky to determine which pieces are acceptable. Our work and home lives have merged, and power dressing became the last of our concerns. As long as we look (or feel) decent, we’d go for that choice.

Many have since ditched their formal office wear for more comfortable pieces. Others would still wear coats, but only during video conference calls. Some have invested in a different work from home wardrobe altogether.

Athleisure and loungewear: which is which?

Gaining popularity these days are athleisure and loungewear. These fashion trends were once activity-specific. Athleisure used to be for people who played sports or spent time at the gym. Loungewear was what we used when we want to feel fancy at home.

Athleisure and loungewear are both fashion and function. They look good, yet they’re easy to wear. Many minimalists love these fashion trends because it narrows down their choices of clothing.

Athleisure and loungewear are not the same. Yet, they can coexist in your work from home wardrobe. Their common denominator, however, is that they make you feel good as you work remotely.

Many people who go for athleisure are those who want to make fitness a priority while on lockdown. These are clothes that you can wear on a trip to the gym. These materials are made of performance fabric, which makes moving easier throughout the day.

For some, athleisure consists of a branded tracksuit. Others go for simpler, sweat-friendly shirts and shorts. To top off the look, athleisure fans pair their ensemble with comfortable running shoes.

Loungewear is for people who want to be more relaxed and calm while enjoying the indoors. It can be comfortable leggings paired with a cozy fleece sweater. Others would go for a trendy pair of pajamas for their loungewear.

Loungewear could also include scarves, jumpsuits, or coordinates (matching shirt and top). It’s also easier to top a cardigan over for a more put-together look. Stretchy bottoms and softer fabrics make a great loungewear set.

Are these fashion trends here to stay?

Big brands that offer athleisure wear, such as Lululemon and Nike, have shown a growth in their sales in 2020. This is despite the temporary closures of their stores due to COVID-19. By the end of the year, the shares of Lululemon and Nike have increased by 54% and 34% respectively.

Loungewear has also seen a similar trend. A sleepwear brand called Lunya is a perfect example. The brand, which was established in 2014, has seen growth in the past months.

Both loungewear and athleisure have allowed people to enjoy light clothing at home. Many of these brands also incorporate eco-friendly yet soft fibers in their products. This makes buyers want to buy more.

These figures show that people still find ways to be fashionable even in the midst of a health crisis. It can also be an indicator that the spending habits of people have shifted in this age. Loungewear or activewear can be the future of power dressing, but no one is too sure for now.

People working from home themselves know which fashion works for them. If it makes them feel powerful and productive at work, why stop them? Unless it offends anyone, athleisure and loungewear can be great work-from-home allies.

Meta title: Working from Home with Athleisure and Loungewear
meta desc: The pandemic has changed not just our working habits but our fashion choices, too. Power dressing may be a thing of the past now, thanks to athleisure and loungewear.

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