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Over the years, my New Year’s Eves have evolved quite a bit. I used to spend hours searching for the perfect New Year’s Eve dress—the one that would make me feel like a million bucks and look fabulous in every photo. (Because of course there would be photos—I had big plans and high hopes for the ball drop.)
These days, if my boyfriend isn’t playing a gig, he’s asleep before midnight, leaving me to our leftover Chinese food, the champs and a giggling Anderson Cooper. (If you know, you know.)
Needless to say, as my New Year’s Eve plans have evolved, so, too, have my fashion choices. Basically? I go full-on slob in my warmest, coziest loungewear.
As with everything else in my closet, however, not just any old pair of sweats will do. I’m quite particular about what I couch-rot in. It can’t be too tight: Any ultra-wide elastic bands that might cut into my sides or remind me that I actually have a waist while I’m shoveling in my leftovers are out. I like things to be oversized, but not so oversized that the sleeves or pants legs get in my way. And being that I’m perpetually cold, I need some serious warmth.
Texture is also super important—crisp cottons make me gag—and while I don’t always follow my own rules, I prefer my loungewear to look somewhat put together, despite its underlying sloppy nature.
These aren’t items I document a lot, and if you ever saw me in them, you’d understand why: I tend to wear them when I’m looking my absolute worst. That depressing fact aside, they’re still some of the most-worn pieces in my wardrobe, and I like to give credit where credit it due.
Whether you, too, prefer a comfy NYE on the sofa to a too-packed bar and the silent hope and prayer that you’ll find a ride home, or you simply need some new a new pair of lounge pants, I’ve got you covered.
These are the chicest, most comfortable pieces of loungewear I’ve found (and tested ad nauseam from my couch, bed, you name it).
The Best Women’s Loungewear
- Most Durable: Vuori Performance Joggers
- Most Comfortable: Outdoor Voices Wide-Leg Pants
- Most Put-Together: Cozy Earth Studiolite Crewneck and Wide-Leg Pants
- Best Matching Set: Zelle Ultrasoft Crew Sweatshirt and Ultrasoft High-Waist Pants
- Warmest: Nordstrom Cashmere Lounge Top and Pants
- Best Basic: The Laundry Room Essentials Jump Jumper
- Best Value: Quince Supersoft Fleece Hoodie and Wide-Leg Pants
1. Vuori Performance Joggers
Best Value
- Sizes: XXS to XXL
- Material: Recycled polyester and elastane
- Machine washable? Yes
I was gifted these Vuori lounge pants by my former editor-in-chief in 2021. Heading into 2026, I’m still wearing them every chance I get. Honestly, I’m surprised I haven’t worn out the ass by now—I must’ve washed them 1,000 times (and I’ll continue to wear them until I do). Beyond their proven durability, they look presentable enough to leave the house in without anyone batting an eye, and they also happen to be comfy AF. There’s just something magical about the “Dreamknit” fabric—it’s soft, yet stretchy, and slimming, but not tight. It’s an absolute treat to put these on, and after wearing them for four years, I can confidently say that they’re worth every penny of their near $100 price tag.
2. Outdoor Voices Wide-Leg Pants
Most Comfortable
- Sizes: XXS to XXXL
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Machine washable? Yes
The only pants I love slipping into more than the Vuori joggers mentioned above are my Outdoor Voices wide-leg pants. Somehow, Outdoor Voices took Vuori’s dreamknit and one-upped it with its cloudknit fabric, which feels like actual heaven sliding onto your skin. The company sent me a pair years ago, and like the Vuoris, they’ve held up beautifully—maybe even better, without a pill or fade in sight. I usually put them on the second they come out of the dryer—they’re that good.
3. Cozy Earth Studiolite Crewneck and Wide-Leg Pants
Most Put-Together
- Sizes: XS to XXL
- Material: Polyester, rayon, French terry spandex and modal and spadex
- Machine washable? Yes
I have never met a Cozy Earth product I didn’t like. It’s sort of like a gateway drug: One day, you’re innocently splurging on a pair of socks that Oprah recommended. The next thing you know, you can’t imagine letting any other sock ever touch your foot again … or using any other towels … or sheets … or loungewear. The only downside? It’s usually pretty pricey, which is why I was so excited to see this chic little crewneck and wide-leg pants on sale post-holiday. I snatched up the matching black set, but you could absolutely mix and match the pieces: They’re the type that just kind of look effortless, no matter how you style them.
4. Zelle Ultrasoft Crew Sweatshirt and Ultrasoft High-Waist Pants
- Sizes: XS to XXL
- Material: Modal, polyester and spandex
- Machine washable? Yes
These pieces aren’t not quite as high of caliber as the mentions above—you’ll definitely notice the difference in the softness and the longevity. For the price point, however, it’s a nice, thick, warm set that will not get the job done, but look damn good doing it. I like it enough to consider picking one up in another color.
5. Nordstrom Cashmere Lounge Top and Pants
Warmest
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Material: 100 percent cashmere
- Machine washable? No
I don’t have this exact top and pants, but I do have a very similar cashmere lounge set by Nordstrom that makes me feel like a rich woman. It’s super soft, but more importantly, it’s super warm (I sweat wearing this fabric in Florida), making it the perfect pick for a chilly winter’s eve. My only complaint about this one is the care—it’s cashmere, so no washing machine here. (Womp, womp.)
6. The Laundry Room Essentials Jump Jumper
Best Basic
- Sizes: XS to XL
- Material: Cotton and polyester
- Machine washable? Yes
My favorite sweatshirt right now is this Airplane Mode one I got from Revolve, but since it’s nearly sold out, I present you with the next best thing—the non-graphic version. While I do love the Airplane Mode graphic, that’s only one small part of the brilliance of this sweatshirt. It’s the perfect length for wearing with biker shorts, Diana-style (read: almost long enough to fully cover your cheeks) and the fleece inside is incredibly cozy. Best of all? It’s got THUMBHOLES. Squee!
7. Quince Supersoft Fleece Hoodie and Wide-Leg Pants
Best Value
- Sizes: XS to XL and 1X to 3X
- Material: Tencel modal, recycled polyester and spandex
- Machine washable? Yes
This set is the least pricey of the bunch, but not quite as streamlined as the rest. I tend to reach for it when I’m cold, since it’s on the warmer side. Little details, like the extreme softness of the cuffs on the hoodie, also stand out.
What loungewear can you not live without? Tell me in the comments below.
Xo, Nicole
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