The Rise of Restwear: How to Style Your Pyjamas for the Outdoors
There was a time when wearing your pyjamas outside meant you’d either given up or you were doing a very quick coffee run you hoped no one would notice. But now, thanks to fashion’s ever-evolving trend cycle, it has a new name: restwear.
Restwear is exactly what it sounds like — clothes that feel like something you’d wear to bed, but are intentionally designed to be seen outside. And before you ask: no, this isn’t just loungewear rebranded. Basically, loungewear is what you wear to stay in. Restwear is what you wear when you want to feel like you’re staying in (while very much being out and about).
There is, however, one condition: you can’t actually roll out of bed and wear your PJs, robe, slippers and all, because there’s a fine line between looking trendy and questionable.
What Actually Counts as Restwear?
Restwear includes items such as:
- Boxer-style shorts paired with oversized shirts
- Matching cotton or linen sets
- Lightweight button-downs
- Whimsical, floaty house dresses
- Pyjama-inspired striped pants with relaxed tailoring
The common thread is softness and movement, with enough structure to still look like you have your life together.
Styling inspo via @sukuhome and @victoria__pinchuk.
Styling Tips for Restwear
Here are some examples of how to style restwear:
- An oversized PJ shirt styled with jeans and sandals
- A pointelle top worn with linen bottoms
- A slip dress worn with ballet flats
- A matching knit or cotton stripped set worn with sneakers and a trench coat
Styling inspo via @theamyclark and @f_filipafernandes.
The Best Restwear Pieces to Shop Now
If you’re looking to nail the restwear trend without turning heads for the wrong reasons, here are some of the best pieces to consider:
Target Cosy Rib Notch Collar Top and Wide Leg Pants, $30 each
Image: Target.Resting Cotton Jules Long Sleeve Shirt, $120
Image: Resting.Seed Heritage Stripe Shirt and Pant PJ Set, $119.95
Image: The Iconic.Chouchou Intimates Primrose Long Sleeve Shirt, $85
Image: THE ICONIC.Papinelle Olivia Pointelle Long Sleeve Henley Top, $139.95
Image: Papinelle.Sleeper Party Pajamas Set with Detachable Feathers, $608
Image: Sleeper.Hank & Hera Lauren Nightdress Long White, $179.95
Image: Hank & Hera.Hommey Long Sleeve Shirt, $99
Image: Hommey.Suku Wildflower V Neck Top, $230
Image: Suku Home.Resting Flannelette Ari Long Sleeve Shirt, $95
Image: Resting.Adidas Originals Wide Leg Leopard Satin Pants, $120
Image: THE ICONIC.Adidas Originals Leopard Satin Shirt, $170
Image: THE ICONIC.Atmos&Here Melody Pointelle Cami & Pants Pyjama Set, $79.99
Image: The Iconic.VRG GRL Eloise Maxi Dress White, $169
Image: VRG GRL.Cotton On Body Cotton Lace Trim Babydoll Cami Set, $29 (down from $59)
Image: The Iconic.Hank & Hera Renae Slip Nightdress Long Navy, $229.95
Image: Hamk & Hera.Auguste The Label Charlotte Mini Skirt, $189
Image: Auguste The Label.Piyama Libby Lounge Set, $109
Image: Piyama.Suku Pearl Lace Raglan Long Sleeve Top, $200
Image: Suku Home.Hommey Cotton Cashmere Pant, $129
Image: Hommey.Rolla’s Pointelle Classic Tee, $69.95
Image: The Iconic.Cotton On Body Cloud Soft Flannel Wide Leg Pants, $39.99
Image: The Iconic.
More Style Advice and Shopping Recommendations
For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, check out the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast, or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.
At , we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about, too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.
Feature image: Instagram @paigecarmichael, @alliedaisyking, @georgeyhenshall and @georgeyhenshall.
