Is anything more relaxing than a quiet day at home, curled up on the couch with a good book or sewing up a storm? Today’s theme is: What to wear lounging around on a lazy day?
1. Absurdly Cute Pyjamas
Some clothes are just so ridiculous and fabulous and adorable that smile while wearing them. For me, footed pyjamas (aka. onesies) fall into that category. How could you not do a happy dance as you zip yourself into head-to-toe colourful fleecy goodness?
Now, I will admit that store-bought onesies are never going to fit well – but who cares? We’re sewists! Jalie 3244 offers footed and footless versions for children, men, and women. It is designed for fleece with 30% stretch, but I think a think cotton-lycra knit or stretchy interlock could be perfect if you’d find fleece too warm.
Jalie patterns are well-drafted and easy to sew. If you want a challenge, you can make the pattern your own like Tanit-Isis did on this amazing Pikachu onesie she made for her daughter. Alternately, keep it simple with a fabric that speaks for itself, like this version made in fleece inspired by the iconic Canadian Hudson’s Bay stripe!
Jalie 3244 goes up to a 50″ bust, and a 53″ hip.
2. Cosy Knit Layers
My all-time favourite lounge clothes are leggings, and my favourite leggings pattern are the Cake Espressos! You use your own measurements at waist, hip, knee and ankle to connect a dot-to-dot pattern that is just the right size and length for you. I was a pattern tester for the pattern, so I timed myself taking measurement and mapping out my custom pattern: 8 minutes! I’ve made at least 15 versions since then. My fellow CSC-editor Michelle has also made Espressos, which you can read about here.
The key to making great leggings is 4-way stretch fabric. After all, think how much the fabric has to stretch both vertically and horizontally when you sit or bend. For lounge clothes, I’d go for a cotton-lycra or a nice thick rayon or bamboo knit. Scuba can also make great leggings that give a smoothing effect, but I’d recommend adding some length in the crotch rise and leg length to compensate for the 2-way stretch fabric.
On top, I’d layer a snug tank (like the Greenstyle Lille Racerback, which comes with options shelf bra for a little control) or a loose tee (like Simplicity 1062). Extend the top to a dress length if that makes you more comfortable! The Seamwork Oslo cardigan would be perfect for chilly weather. Pure cosy comfort.
Espresso leggings go up to a 54″ waist. The Greenstyle Lille Racerback goes up to a 47″ bust. Simplicity 1062 goes to a XXL, and the Oslo cardigan runs up to size 3x.
3. Secret Pyjamas
Does anyone else ever worry that someone will drop by and catch you in your loungewear? When in doubt, I’d go for “secret pyjamas”: garments so comfortable they feel like pyjamas but look like “real” clothes! We’ve reviewed a bunch of cute knit tunic options, like Butterick 6101, the Blank Slate Denver tunic, and Paprika Patterns’ Jasper sweater.
You could pair them with leggings or with the kind of slim-cut pull-on trousers that Style Arc designs so well. I’m a fan of the Style Arc Elle pattern myself (here’s my most recent version) but the April Ponte Pant would be another great option!
Paprika Jasper and the Blank Slate Denver tunic go to a 49″ bust; Butterick 6101 goes to a XXL. Style Arc Elle pants and April Ponte Pant go to a 50″ waist and 60″ hip.
What do I wear on a quiet day at home? I love sewing loungewear, so I’ve got plenty of options! Here’s just a few:
Left to right: Mission Maxi tank dress, scuba Espresso leggings, Hudson pants, and Jalie hoodies!
What do you wear when you have a lazy day at home? I’d love to hear your pattern recommendations or see your makes!
After reading this, I decided to finally buy the espresso template/pattern. If it doesn’t work for me, I figure my daughter (who loves leggings and finds RTW hard to fit her) might be an excellent solution.
I hope you enjoy it! I’m clearly a big fangirl!!!
The Kitschy Coo Lady Skater is total secret pajamas. I’ve made three in lightweight jersey for hot days & one in super-thick sweatshirt fleece for cold weather. So comfy, & I’ve definitely just gone to bed in them when I’ve been too tired to change into real pajamas.
LOL – I’m so glad I’m not the only one who falls into bed wearing “secret pyjamas” instead of real pyjamas sometime! 🙂
Awesome Gillian. I love your style! I need to test out the mission maxi – you look gorgeous in it! And maybe the Oslo cardi – both of those are now added to my pattern wish list! Thank you for a great review of comfy patterns!
I LOVE the Mission Maxi! Like, may be my most loved pattern ever. Jalie has a really similar maxi dress/tank pattern that seems like a solid option. You need one or the other in your life! (Leila came to visit me years ago and traced it one morning… and she’s been making Mission maxi’s ever since!)
Thanks for clarifying Secret Pajamas. I always wondered what they were!
Glad to help! 😉 Thank goodness secret pyjamas are socially acceptable these days – we are the comfiest generation!
No onesie for me! Age fixes that?. Oh well slim stretchy pants are great. I love the Elle and barb from stylearc too. I tried the espresso leggings once. Just me but I prefer the other two instead. I just bought the pattern of the year, Jalie Elenor pants. Need to get going on them. So much to sew and so little time!
I’ve been so tempted by the Jalie Eleanores… but I’m scared the rise is lower than I like, so i just keep sewing Gingers. I’ll look forward to hearing what you think about them!
I think I need a Pikachu onesie.
Don’t we all, when it comes own to it? (I’ve always refused to wear pyjamas at school on pyjama days, because it’s hard to find pjs I can look professional is… but if I had a super cute onesie that actually fit, I just might wear it!)