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Based on discussion in the Wardrobe Oxygen Community on Facebook and in the comment sections of recent articles here on Wardrobe Oxygen, as well as discussions with friends, there's a vine where folks want to be comfy, cozy, yet look chic this holiday season. The desire for elevated sweats, chic athleisure, and loungewear appropriate for social situations is strong in 2024, and I'm here to share my favorite elevated sweatsuits, athleisure sets, and loungewear for us grown women to look polished but also be comfortable all season long.
Elevated Sweatsuits, Athleisure, and Loungewear for Grown Women
This collection of elevated sweats shows that you can be comfy and chic this season and that luxe loungewear can be stylish and size-inclusive. Know this is only a sampling of what is available this season; I am just sharing some of the highest-rated from you and my friends, as well as my personal favorites from brands I know and trust. This list is in alphabetical order, and each one shares the sizes available.
Athleta Forever Fleece
Chico's Zenergy
Zenergy is a collection from Chico's that offers seasonal athleisure, activewear, and loungewear in sizes 0-20/22, occasionally with petites and different inseam lengths. Depending on the season, Zenergy can be lightweight UPF separates perfect for pickleball and summer activities or machine washable cashmere blend, refined knit, and scuba pieces begging to be worn while sipping tea next to a roaring fireplace.
I own a lot of Chico's Zenergy, and I especially love this brand for its cozy elevated alternatives to sweats that are comfy but so chic you can wear them to a holiday party or hosting Christmas dinner as well as rushing to the mall for last-minute gifts or meeting a friend for lunch.
This year, Chico's offers many printed and embellished separates in the Zenergy collection, adding interest, sparkle, and drama to cozy loungewear without looking hokey. It feels elevated and elegant, not quirky art teacher (there's nothing wrong with quirky art teacher; it's just not necessarily the vibe for all).
CozyEarth CityScape
is well-known for its awesome bamboo bedding, but it also has an apparel collection with a large and raving fanbase. And the CityScape collection of loungewear is by far the most popular and the most elevated.
Made from 60% Modal, 24% Cotton, and 16% Recycled Polyester, the CozyEarth CityScape collection is available in women's sizes XS-XXXL. Always available in almost dozen neutrals and soft shades, for holiday CozyEarth offers limited edition rich colors perfect for the season.
Garnet Hill Essential Washable Cashmere
If you're looking for ultra soft and cozy luxury that is also easy care, you must check out the Garnet Hill Essential washable cashmere collection. While there are only a few tops and one style of joggers, these pieces are highly rated for comfort, durability, and fit.
Available in sizes XS (0/2) to XL (16/18), the Essential washable cashmere from Garnet Hill comes in soft heathered colors that are timeless and styles that can go from the couch to coffee, looking great with jeans and cords. Some reviews suggest sizing up in the pullovers if you desire a more relaxed loungewear vibe.
Garnet Hill's machine washable cashmere joggers and coordinating pullovers are 100% SFA-certified cashmere which means it is produced in a way that adheres to high animal welfare standards and is traced through the supply chain from herders to final product. (License No. TJ4545-SFA)
Lou & Grey Signaturesoft
Lou & Grey used to be a separate company that focused on fabric and comfort, but in 2020 began being sold exclusively at LOFT online and in stores. Per the original creative director explaining the brand name, "Lou" has a cool, tomboyish quality and "Grey" has a soft, welcoming feel. And Lou & Grey continues to be a destination for some of the softest, quality knits for lounging ("stay"), travel ("away"), fitness ("play"), and more.
Along with traditional sweatshirts, sweatpants, wide-leg pants, and hoodies in classic neutrals, Lou & Grey's Signaturesoft collection often carries dresses, jumpsuits, seasonal prints, stripes, and fun colors.
Spanx AirEssentials
While Spanx is primarily known as a brand for waist-whittling undergarments, the label has expanded in recent years to include highly-rated apparel in sizes XS-3X. And when it comes to Spanx apparel, it is best known for its AirEssentials Collection, which is elevated loungewear separates in super-soft, premium fabric.
While this collection always comes in neutrals like black and gray, each season Spanx offers new colors. And this season, Spanx has added some metallics to the mix that are just as soft, comfy, and easy care as the originals.
Universal Standard Ponte
Duuuuuude... have you seen the latest collection of ponte separates from Universal Standard? In sizes 00-40, this collection is as comfy as yoga pants but can be elevated enough for the boardroom. While the collection has plenty of ponte pants, dresses, and blazers, there are also some elevated easy-care separates perfect for hanging out at home, chilling with friends, or being cozy and chic all weekend long.
And now Universal Standard carries matching ponte bomber jackets to coordinate with the side-stripe Stephanie pants for a super chic tracksuit effect. Dress it up with a turtleneck and boots, dress down with sneakers (or slippers), and a comfortable knit base layer. This is a perfect travel set, thanks to the zipper pockets on the jacket and the bounce-back stretch of ponte. All the colors are great, but I am partial to the navy with the vermillion and black side stripes (works with navy, black, white, red, and ivory in a three-season color and textile).
Varley DoubleSoft Knitwear
is a fashion brand best known for its DoubleSoft knitwear. Super soft, smooth and cool to the touch, DoubleSoft is lightweight and breathable but holds up beautifully to wear and washing. Available in sizes XXS/2 to XL/12 with some pants in lengths, this may be the smallest size range of all my offerings in this post, but I had to share because this collection has a cult following.
The Varley DoubleSoft collection is minimalist chic, in neutrals and soft colors inspired by nature. Made from 72% Viscose, 23% Polyester, and 5% Elastane, this collection is machine wash gentle and dry flat, but it looks and feels extremely luxe and elevated. The fit is true to size, but a lot of the items are designed to have an oversized or generous fit.
Varley is a brand found at many online retailers like Anthropologie, , , and , with the greatest selection of styles and colors on the Varley brand website.