Ask a Stylist: What is Appropriate Loungewear for Men?

*This post contains affiliate links

​If you live on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio, you may have seen my monthly fashion column in the Plain Press newspaper, where I write about fashion and style and cover local news stories. This month I am celebrating my one year anniversary writing for them and I recently received an email containing my very first write in "Ask A Stylist" question!  With vacation packing on his mind, Oliver asks:
​
What is right and best to wear inside the hotel and inside the hotel suite?

The short answer is loungewear; something comfortable and presentable enough to wear around the hotel room, down the hallway for an ice run, and in the morning for continental breakfast. Bonus because these items are all comfortable enough to sleep in and can perform double duty as casual weekend separates as well. Stock up on the following pieces for home and while on vacation:

via GIPHY

​T-shirts
Round up as many comfortable t-shirts in a variety of colors and styles that you can afford because they will come in handy for summer time casual wear, but are perfect for lounging around the hotel in. You can choose from cotton or cashmere, but pay attention to the cut. If you like looser boxier fits go for a scoop neck, but if you prefer a slimmer style then try it with a crew or v-neck line. If you are unsure, try both of them on in a store and see which one looks the best on you. Not just for your hotel stay, these tees will also look great with shorts and jeans if you choose them correctly. 

Sweaters
A lightweight sweater like a long sleeve tee, henly or thermal are great for those of us who get chilly at night or maybe your room has a balcony that you want to sit out on. A slim but not too tight fit is flattering and you can jazz it up by choosing styles with prints, patterns, zippers and pockets which is great for fashion and function. If you are unsure of what colors to get, stick with a classic navy, gray or black and you can't go wrong.

Trackpants
Look for a slim fit and tailored trouser style with adjustable drawstrings and pockets with zippers in order to keep a room key and anything else you need secure. Have fun and go for a pair with contrasting colors, prints or even your favorite team logo and wear them with one of your simple tees or sweaters.

Sweatpants
Seemingly the easiest of all loungewear, the sweatpant can be tricky if you don't get the fit right! A slim contoured fit always looks more pulled together than a baggy shapeless style and will look like you actually made an effort to look "presentable" while on vacation. Go for silk, cashmere or cotton depending on your level of comfort and budget.

Pajamas
Don't mistake a good pair of pajamas for being old fashioned and stuffy! A classic answer to loungewear and an exercise in personal style, there are so many choices and combinations like plaids and stripes, pastel jacquard and colored piping that you can't go wrong! Pants should be relaxed and light and don't be afraid to pair them with one of your tees or sweaters for a high-low casual look

Slippers
Yes, you can pack your Nike or whatever other sportswear slides that you have, but why not go for an upgraded woven, velvet or suede loafer type of slipper? Add a splash of color with purple, green, plaid or graphic designs, but whatever you do- say no to packing the dinosaur head, Bart Simpson shaped, roaring, belching novelty slippers that look best at home and no wear else! 

The best thing about this loungewear is the fact that all of it can be sourced at any and every price point, so splurge wherever you see fit. Also, your family will thank you for leaving the shapeless oversized "dad" tees and basketball shorts at home- and after seeing how good you look- hopefully in the recycling bin.

Hopefully this guide helps you, but if not and you feel like you need specific one on one shopping or styling advice- please don't hesitate to email me ladysilk@thehouseoffly.com! Do you have a fashion or style question? Leave a comment or email me to get your answered...