The Best Lounge Wear for a Retreat to The Man Cave

With social distancing, working from home, and home-schooling kids, it hasn’t been at the top of our list for pressing issues to address. But over six weeks into the age of coronavirus, we feel that it’s time. What’s a dude to wear while lounging around at home? We know, sweatpants and boxers are often the response. But it’s time to level up, guys. When social distancing results in a retreat to the man cave, our ace correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a list of the best luxury lounge wear for men – and some books he might like, too.

luxury lounge wear for men 

When social distancing first started, we knew there would be an immediate need for a loungewear refresh – and some book recommendations. If you have to hunker down at home, you need attire and reading material that’s fit for purpose.

And guys, we didn’t forget about you. We knew you’d probably be happy in that old t-shirt (the one your partner has been trying to give away for a while now).

But almost two months into the lockdown? We need to tell you that maybe it’s time to refresh your look just a bit (even if you did wash that ragged tee more than once in the past four weeks).

the best luxury lounge wear and books to cozy up with right now

Taking inspiration from some of the newest book releases (and some classics too), here is our men’s lounge wear edit of the coziest and stylish outfits, pajamas and accessories for the stay-at-home crew.

1. HOME OF THE BRAVE

We’re all in this together…though we might have different reactions. Such is the reality of this diverse nation that defies a singular mythic story.

One such thought provoking account is American Harvest: God, Country, and Farming in the Heartland by Marie Mutsuki Mockett. Returning to her family’s seven-thousand-acre wheat farm in the panhandle of Nebraska from bohemian Carmel, California, Mockett accompanies a group of evangelical Christian wheat farmers on a journey through the rhythms of rural life.

The Compton Cowboys: The New Generation of Cowboys in America’s Urban Heartland by Walter Thompson-Hernandez paints a unique and unexpected portrait of an urban community of African-American men and women who continue the rich legacy of black cowboys in American culture.

Denim is a mainstay in most American wardrobes. This Hudson Jeans oversized workshirt ($225) is the answer to looking good without trying too hard. Or consider wrapping Alanui’s cardigan ($2,820) depicting one of America’s most famous landscapes, Joshua Tree National Park, over these King and Tuckfield lightweight cotton-silk pjs ($457).

Junya Watanabe’s patchwork t-shirt ($400) is a visually interesting update to a classic white tee. Pair with Oliver Spencer’s drawstring striped shorts ($113) or Hanro’s plaid lounge pants ($150) and cozy suede moccasins ($110) from Ugg.

2. GAME DAY

In the absence of any game days, reading about sports and iconic athletes can help replace the void.

Blood Sweat & Chalk: How the Great Coaches Built Today’s Game by Tim Layden details the who, what and how behind football’s biggest moves and obscure plays. King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero by David Remnick gives us a rich portrait of one of the greatest athletes and influential personalities of our time.

These athletic-inspired looks are relaxed and comfortable without veering into that decade old t-shirt and short from your college team.

Todd Snyder’s white rugby sweatshirt ($138) is grownup and smart, crafted from 16oz French terry. Similarly, his olive washed hoodie ($158) is cut with a slim modern fit to keep you looking pulled together. As the weather warm, switch over to Reigning Champ’s elevated logo t-shirt ($66) or French label Hemen Biarritz’s refined organic cotton vest ($51). Effortless bottoms from Gramicci’s cargo green and black technical shorts ($92) to John Elliot’s boucle shorts ($348) to Reigning Champ’s black sweat pants ($134) promote ease of movement whether you’re warming up or settling back down.

3. NATURAL WONDERS

Those who love the great outdoors– whether you’re a mountain and forest guy or a surf and waves dude, are totally not OK with this mandatory stay-inside edict. We get it. Although there is no adequate replacement for being out in nature, these books are an adventure in their own way.

Noé Álvarez‘s memoir, Spirit Run: A 6,000-Mile Marathon Through North America’s Stolen Land, recounts his four-month-long journey from Canada to Guatemala with Native American runners through mountains, deserts, and cities. Those who are drawn to water will love Into the Planet, Jill Heinerth’s intimate account of cave diving into an Antarctic iceberg to the ancient watery remains of Mayan civilizations.

Reminiscent of blue skies and turquoise waters, this Polo Ralph Lauren sweatshirt ($122) and track shorts ($104) is our favorite color right about now.

For exotic, jungle vibes, check out Endless Joy’s printed shorts ($294) inspired by Bali’s lush landscape coordinated with Pringle of Scotland’s striped jumper ($305). Desmond & Dempsey’s leafy pajama top ($135) and bottom ($125) are perfect for lazy afternoons as is Marrakshi Life’s soothing bathrobe ($349). Guanábana’s navy espadrilles ($131) are handmade in Spain, and the perfect lightweight shoe. These neon Balenciaga slides ($275) do the trick too.

4. ALTERNATE REALITY

It’s hard not to feel like we’re living in an alternate universe. Sometimes going further down the proverbial “rabbit hole” can paradoxically bring perspective to the moment.

Check out nature writer, Robert Macfarlane’s non-fiction masterpiece, Underland: A Deep Time Journey. It’s an epic exploration of the Earth’s underworlds: Norwegian sea caves to the depths of the Greenland ice cap to the catacomb labyrinth under the city of Paris. Fiction lovers might finally have the time to tackle Haruki Murakami’s lyrical tome, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, which explores Tokyo’s netherworld and the intersecting lives of a bizarre group of characters who will implant in your memory.

We’d like to imagine the abyss as a spectrum of distorted color, expressed perfectly in this season’s tie-dye trend. It can be beachy and casual like Pharrell Williams x Adidas’ matching multicolor tie dye t-shirt ($75) and shorts ($90). For more psychedelic intensity, consider The Elder Statesman cashmere sweater ($1,397) in an orange and turquoise ombre or Brain Dead’s fiery cotton jumper ($120). Pair Palm Angels’ acid yellow and black track pants ($740) with Off-White’s alien graphic tee ($302) if you’re feeling a bit more ominous.

Hide the bad at-home hair cut with a retro Van’s baseball cap ($25) part of the ‘SK8-HI Forever’ collection, which references the brand’s iconic high-top skate shoe. For feet, we couldn’t choose just one pair of tie dye socks. Whether it’s the green and black Off-White version ($100) or Stussy’s rainbow colors ($74), you can’t go wrong.

5. POP ART

Tired of all the politicians and scientists on the news feed? Retreating and finding inspiration in artists’ unique lives and perspectives could be a welcome respite from the constant refresh.

Check out esteemed art critic Blake Gopnik’s definitive biography, Warhol, on the artist in all his depth and dimensions. Or an oldie but goodie, Phoebe Hoban’s vivid biography Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art, on controversial painter, Jean- Michel Basquiat, set in a vividly rendered 80’s New York City downtown scene.

The graphic and subversive quality of Fendi’s ‘Bag Bugs’ t-shirt ($618) and Paul Smith’s floral t-shirt ($295) make getting dressed a little more fun in the morning. Pair with the trendy drop crotch silhouette of Byborre’s track shorts ($354) or Thom Browne’s elevated, tapered track pants ($990). For chilly mornings before the coffee has kicked in, consider Supreme’s yellow cotton hoodie ($365).

We love the retro 1970s appeal of Café du Cycliste’s skate stripe socks ($17) and the completely original and modern look of Pharrell x Adidas NMD Hu Trail sneakers ($1,185). Don’t forget the reading glasses as you’re sinking into your favorite reading chair. Gucci’s black acetate square frames ($387) would flatter any face shape.

the best luxury lounge wear for the man cave

There you have it! You’re likely a pro at this social distancing by now- might as well look the part, too! We hope this makes the thought of social distancing and hibernating feel at least a little more enticing. Stay healthy and safe out there.

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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