Best loungewear for summer, to remain comfortable and cool

Laze stylishly in the summer sun

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Free People
Tania Leslau2 minutes ago
ES Best

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There’s an emphasis placed on dressing daintily for summer. Crochet-trimmed smock dresses, ethereal midi skirts and sleek halterneck tops hog the spotlight each year when the British sun finally makes an appearance.  

Yet sometimes a snug lounge set is required for days mooching at home, pottering in the garden, or blissful shade-bathing in the park.  

Naturally, summer loungewear is lighter with airy fabrics such as linen and organic cotton at the top of the agenda. You only have to look to social media with stars like Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber championing covetable summer snoozewear for all to see. 

Brands designing around bohemian moodboards such as Free People, Anthropologie and Toast are saturated with nonchalant cool-girl pieces. Collections span boyish boxer shorts to throw on playsuits and striped co-ords in warming earth tones for the off-duty dresser.

That’s not to say one can’t look elegant while lounging. You may have noticed a certain influx of pinstripes in recent months, catalysed by cult labels like Damson Madder and Mango. Charming summer sets taking inspiration from traditional sleepwear have materialised in the form of shirt-short co-ords, putting preppy on the agenda for those needing new loungewear this season. 

Unlike hibernation station winter garb, many summer-ready loungewear pieces can double as going-out attire. Throw on some pyjama-style cotton shorts, a kitsch graphic T-shirt and a pair of brown cowboy boots and you’re a certified TikTok fashion girl. It’s that easy. The ongoing pyjama-as-outwear trend means that your old pair of pink gingham bed trousers are now your most prized sartorial asset in time for summer.

On the other hand, you might simply want new loungewear to see you through summer. Whether you’re staying put in London or jetting off to sunny climes, there’s nothing an injection of linen, crochet or lightweight cotton can’t fix. 

Discover the best loungewear for summer and exude effortless chic during days away from the desk. 

Shop now

Balzac Paris Gabin Ecru and Red Polo Shirt

Balzac Paris

Transform into a cream dream with a dose of Parisian chic. Balzac Paris’ ethereal crochet set is ideal for balmy days when a light layer is needed. Matching trousers available here.

Buy now£125, Balzac Paris

free-Est Malibu Surf Sweater Co-Ord

Free People

Whether you’re mapping the streets of a sun-soaked Italian village or mooching in the garden at home, this striped set will make for a thrown-on, cool aesthetic. Large stripes in chocolate and grey colourways and an oversized fit offer a sense of boyish charm.

Buy now£78, Free People

Cou Cou Intimates The Bodysuit

Cou Cou Intimates

Cou Cou Intimates is an underwear brand to have firmly on your radar. Feminine pointelle designs are married with classic neutral colourways to create durable intimates to stand the test of time. Each adorable piece is finely crafted from 100 per cent certified organic cotton, which is kinder to your skin and the planet.

Buy now£68, Selfridges

Mango Striped Cotton Shorts

Mango

Cut from 100 per cent cotton, Mango’s crisp, limited edition shorts are a loungewear must-have. Pair yours with the matching shirt available here and channel a Zendaya-approved tenniscore look.

Buy now£79.99, Mango

Toast Gingham Linen Patch Pocket Trousers

Toast

Sprinkle some girlish gingham into your summer wardrobe. Pair Toast’s linen trousers with a simple white tank top and let the garment take centre stage. Also available in red.

Buy now£130, Toast

Rixo Bobbie Cotton Pyjamas

Rixo

They may be known for their occasion-ready dresses, but with high temperatures on the horizon (fingers crossed), Rixo has gone down a decidedly more casual route.

The label has a glorious summer loungewear collection made up of breezy frocks and shorts sets made from comfortable breathable cotton. Perfect for work or play, choose from paisley, floral and gingham prints in cool summer hues.

Buy now£165, Rixo

H&M Cotton Boxer-Style Shorts

H&M

Tap into the ongoing obsession with boxer shorts and turn out a true It-girl style moment. H&M’s affordable shorts can be worn out and about or while mooching at home. No need to steal your boyfriend’s anymore.

Buy now£11.05, H&M

Deiji Studios + NET SUSTAIN The 03 Washed-Linen Shirt and Shorts Set

Net-A-Porter

Sink into linen luxury. Deiji Studio’s consciously crafted set is the peak of loungewear. Available in a range of earth-tones from brown to beige, the lightweight co-ord is a must for fashion fiends.

Buy now£217, Net-A-Porter

Hush Santorini Striped Trousers

Hush

A favourite of Scandi-style influencers, easy-breezy, pink stripe trousers are a summer essential. Pair yours with some Birkenstock Bostons and a baby tee for a true Gen-Z look.

Buy now£69, Hush

Nobody's Child Navy Towelling Co-ord

Nobody's Child

Terry cloth is the ultimate summer lounge fabric. Keep an easy-wear navy set on standby for plan-free days and revel in the unparalleled comfort of this Nobody’s Child preppy two-piece.

Buy now£39, Nobody's Child

Free People Maggy Mae Co-Ord

Free People

Radiate sartorial joy in some sunshine Sixties-inspired hippie drip. Free People’s Maggy Mae co-ord features vibrant citrus-hued blooms and a soft cotton-blend with a babydoll-inspired top and matching shorts.

Buy now£140, Free People

Stacy Keyes Striped Crochet Shorts

Stacy Keyes

Beach-ready and bed-ready, these striped crochet shorts are set to become a covetable companion for the warmer weather. A pull-on fit and soft-touch cotton construction feature. 

Buy now£48, Anthropolgie

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