Opinion | For the love of loungewear
Let’s be clear: I love loungewear. It’s been a star-crossed lover of mine for many years. I am not one of those fake fans who just started to live in sweatpants and sweatshirts because of the government quarantine. My love goes way back.
As long as I can remember, I never liked the idea of dressing up. Sure, every once and a while I would put on a fancy dress and heels. I’d enjoy it for a split second – but my feet would start to ache, I wouldn’t be able to breathe because my dress was so fitted and don’t even get me started on the loads of foundation and false eyelashes thrown on my face. All I would think about was going home and throwing on a loungewear set and curling up on the couch. Of course, getting dressed up can be exciting, but if you were to give me a pair of sweats and a fuzzy blanket, I would be set for life.
I feel like most people can relate to me on this topic, but many do not feel so passionately as I do about loungewear. My bedroom drawers are stuffed to the maximum capacity with sweatshirts — maybe over 30 in total. Many are adorned with logos of my favorite T.V. shows, decorated with flowers along the sleeves and who could forget about the obscene amount of Chapman and sorority sweatshirts in my posession. The bottom drawer is where my collection of sweatpants resides. There are too many to count, but if you’re curious about my top picks, they include fuzzy aqua pants with Olaf the snowman, another pair with Snoopy and Charlie Brown giving snuggles and finally, my personal favorite — lavender cotton pants filled with sleepy sheeps ironically counting sheep.
Hopefully you can begin to understand why this love is very important to me. But, here’s my problem. Everywhere on my social media feed now I see people talking about how great it has been to wear nothing but sweatpants and hoodies who have never talked about it before on their platforms. How could people not realize this? While I am thrilled that millions across the country have come to this revelation, I am frustrated that many will give themselves the title of “Loungewear Connoisseur” without the required credentials.
Yes, I may be biased, but loungewear is the best form of clothing. Not just because it is basically my wardrobe, but because of how it can help reveal your true colors. When I put on my sweatpants, I feel comfortable as if I am on a cloud. I’m willing to share the sides of me not everyone sees. Loungewear can show your true self without the distractions of high heels and fancy jewelry. Now everyone can experience how powerful a simple hoodie can make you become closer with those around you and allow you to see yourself for who you truly are — with the added bonus of being cozy as hell.
Loungewear has been by my side through everything. I wear it to class, to the grocery store, out with friends, now I practice social distancing in it — I wear it practically everywhere within reason. Step aside newcomers: the Loungewear Connoisseur is here and ready to take the crown. And don’t worry, you’ll get there soon.