We talk, or rather write, a lot about minimalist and light packing here at HercTalk. I have personally become aggressive at eliminating items from my packing list to make my luggage smaller and lighter. But one thing I won’t leave behind no matter what is my trusty loungewear set that consists of one pair of sweatpants and an old but still comfy cotton t-shirt.   

Loungewear, which refers to clothes you typically wear when relaxing at home, is useful when you travel. So even as you cut down on the number of pants, shirts and shoes you pack, here are some reasons you should still carry loungewear on your trips.

1. Loungewear Makes It Easier to Relax in a New Place

The comfort I get from wearing my worn pair of sweatpants and t-shirt is not just about how soft and cozy they are; it also how they make me feel. They represent relaxation and calm. They make me feel more at home, no matter how far from home I am. 

One of the worst feelings is getting to your hotel room or Airbnb all tired but you have nothing comfortable to change into. Spending the evening in your travel clothes is not exactly relaxing. 

Packing a few pieces of loungewear makes your travel a lot more comfortable and gives you the energy to deal with the more tedious aspects of travel.   

2. Loungewear Can Double Up As Sleepwear

Carrying loungewear on your trips doesn't mean you have to add extra stuff to your luggage. You can still travel light while enjoying the comforts of loungewear. The trick is to get loungewear that can multitask. 

When I put on my sweatpants and tee, I don't take them off again till the next morning. They double up as my PJs. 

Technically, there is a difference between loungewear and sleepwear. Loungewear is usually more presentable and you can even wear it outside your home such as on errands or to a brunch. Sleepwear is designed mostly for sleeping in. It includes night dresses and pajamas. 

But there’s a lot of overlap between the two. There’s plenty of loungewear that’s perfectly fine as sleepwear. When you are shopping for travel loungewear, we recommend looking for a set that’s comfortable to sleep in, too. It will save space since you don't have to pack both loungewear and PJs.   

3. You Can Wear Loungewear Outside

Most loungewear clothes are smart enough to go outside with. You can further save space in your luggage by using your loungewear as casual wear for walking around town, exploring cafes and running some quick errands. 

The Best Loungewear For Travel

Here’s what to consider when choosing the best loungewear for travel. 

• Loose fit — good loungewear should fit you loosely to ensure you are comfortable. It can be a close body fit or baggy, as long as it doesn't constrict you anywhere
• Breathable — we recommend loungewear made from natural fabrics like cotton, silk, bamboo and wool as they provide the best breathability and sweat wicking. But high quality polyester loungewear can also be comfortable especially if you plan to spend most of your downtime indoors. 
• Soft — pick loungewear that feels soft against your skin. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin (go for natural fabrics since they are hypoallergenic). 
• Versatile — if you want to pack as light as possible, choose loungewear that you can sleep in and still wear when walking around town. If you already have your travel PJs (or prefer sleeping nude/in underwear), choose loungewear that’s smart enough to wear indoors and outdoors.  

You probably already have some good travel loungewear in your closet. Sweatpants, a comfy t-shirt, hoodies, jumpers and tights make for excellent loungewear. Basically, anything comfortable you wear at home. 

Don't forget to add some warm socks and a pair of sandals. Throw in some comfy lounge underwear as well for when you go outside. 

If you are looking for more stylish loungewear, you can get complete loungewear sets online including tracksuits, top and shorts sets, knit wear and more.