We've all spent a lot more time at home this year than many of us expected. Until then I really hadn't put a lot of thought into what I wore at home. I didn't love the uniform of faded leggings and oversized t-shirts that had I had relegated to my "not really leaving the house" wardrobe, but I also didn't spend more than just a few hours in those pieces a day.
This year though, as staying home has become the new normal - comfy "pulled together" loungewear has proved to be my most enjoyed purchase. It looks like stay home style isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so I thought I's share my thoughts on the purchases I've made and the things I've learned.
Not all the loungewear wear purchases I made would fall under the "Sustainable" or "Ethical" fashion umbrellas. Just like other categories in these fashion areas, it's difficult to find size inclusive versions of the popular matching jogger and sweatshirt sets. But for this post I'm going to focus on 3 sets that would be more likely considered the closest to "better" under these terms.
Lets start with this Eileen Fisher set. Eileen Fisher is B-Corp Certified. B-Corp is a private certification that for profit companies can receive by maintaining a minimum score from an assessment of "social and environmental performance". This is why I'm going to classify them here as a better brand for sustainabilty and ethics.
This set is mid weight organic cotton jersey, perfect for year round wear. The jersey is smooth and slightly sketchy, but dense, giving the set a polished look and feel. This is the driftwood color, a perfect neutral taupe that works well with my whole wardrobe. Making the pieces easy to mix with others and dress up or down. It also comes in black, and white. I also have the jogger in white. The jogger is a high rise elastic waistband with drawstring. The pants have front pockets and are finished with rib trim at the waistband and ankle cuffs. I prefer the ribbed ankle cuffs as I feel it makes a pant look a little more finished. The top is a tunic length top, that also works well over leggings.
The next set I purchased was this Girlfriend Collective set. Girlfriend Collective is widely known for their sustainability efforts. Their most popular products are probably the leggings are made from recycled post-consumer bottles. Their website is packed full of statistics about their sustainability efforts. The brand is also one of the more size includes brands, sizing up to a 6XL. Girlfriend also has a take back program to recycle their clothing.
Made from 50% Texloop RCOT™ Recycled Cotton and 50% organic cotton, this is a true fleece set with a tick plush fleece interior. A high waisted, relaxed fit jogger made from a super soft blend of recycled and organic cotton. The jogger is also a high-rise fit with the adjustable drawcord internal on the waistband that ties inside. The pant has elastic ankle cuffs. I purchased the Crop Sweatshirt with this set. I am short waisted and the length hits right at my natural waist. The crop length is perfect for a casual from tuck into the high waist bottoms - a look I love.
I also purchased the Girlfriend R&R set. Made with 91% recycled polyester sourced from certified recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. The R&R material is soft, stretchy with a looser drape - think a cross between a tee shirt and athletic fabric. The jersey is lighter weight than that of the Eileen Fisher Set. The fabric has a treatment called "peaching" with gives is a brushed feel that is very soft. In my opinion this set is better suited to warm temps. It's leaving me well indoors too.
The last sets I'm sharing here are by Mate the Label. Mate is a "Clean Essentials" brand made sustainably in Los Angeles with non-toxic, natural and Organic materials.
I have been watching Mate the Label since last year, and they just recently expanded their sizing to include up to a 3X. I fall at the top of this range, in that my bottoms are a 2X. The extended sizing was also limited items in limited color ways.
This is the Sage color way -
The sets I have are made with 100% Organic Cotton French Terry. In Bothe sets I have the vintage inspired classic raglan pullover. The fit is relaxed, but not overly loose. The Classic Joggers are a semi fitted jogger featuring an adjustable waistband, with drawstring. The cuffs are ribbed knit for a clean finish.
I also have the Bone -
I am thoroughly impressed with these Mate sets. The French Terry is a beautiful medium loop Terry. The sets relax with wear, for ultimate comfort, but keep their shape well. They feel cozy but not too warm. They layer nicely due to the smooth French Terry exterior. The sets mix and match wonderfully too. I even shared a fun Reel with them on Instagram.
These sets have served me well this year, and I'm very happy with the additions to my wardrobe. If you're looking for some sets to get you through the next round of safer at home, or your just ready to switch up the leggings maybe one of these sets is exactly what you've been looking for.