Elevated Sweatsuits, Athleisure, and Loungewear for Grown Women

Based on discussion in the Wardrobe Oxygen Community on Facebook and in the comment sections of recent articles here on Wardrobe Oxygen, as well as discussions with friends, there's a vine where folks want to be comfy, cozy, yet look chic this holiday season. The desire for elevated sweats, chic athleisure, and loungewear appropriate for social situations is strong in 2024, and I'm here to share my favorite elevated sweatsuits, athleisure sets, and loungewear for us grown women to look polished but also be comfortable all season long.

Elevated Sweatsuits, Athleisure, and Loungewear for Grown Women

This collection of elevated sweats shows that you can be comfy and chic this season and that luxe loungewear can be stylish and size-inclusive. Know this is only a sampling of what is available this season; I am just sharing some of the highest-rated from you and my friends, as well as my personal favorites from brands I know and trust. This list is in alphabetical order, and each one shares the sizes available.

Athleta Forever Fleece

I am a big Athleta fan. A favorite for high-quality fleece-lined leggings, the Athleta activewear in my collection lasts for years and years, performing and looking great. And Athleta is a favorite for high-quality sweats in its Forever Fleece collection.

Hoodies, jackets, joggers, sweatpants, and more, Athleta Forever Fleece is available in sizes XXS-3X with petite and tall options in select styles and sizes. Always offering classic colors like black, navy, and gray, Athleta also carries seasonal colors that are on-trend, fun, and coordinate with the rest of the Athleta collection that season to create a cohesive acthleisure collection. I also find Athleta Forever Fleece to match from year to year, so you can slowly build an elevated collection of fitness and lounge apparel.

While Athleta Forever Fleece pieces may look pretty commonplace, the quality of the fabric, the subtle design elements to add interest and great fit, and the durability is what makes this collection of sweats both a personal favorite and a highly-rated option from this activewear brand.

Chico's Zenergy

Zenergy is a collection from Chico's that offers seasonal athleisure, activewear, and loungewear in sizes 0-20/22, occasionally with petites and different inseam lengths. Depending on the season, Zenergy can be lightweight UPF separates perfect for pickleball and summer activities or machine washable cashmere blend, refined knit, and scuba pieces begging to be worn while sipping tea next to a roaring fireplace.

I own a lot of Chico's Zenergy, and I especially love this brand for its cozy elevated alternatives to sweats that are comfy but so chic you can wear them to a holiday party or hosting Christmas dinner as well as rushing to the mall for last-minute gifts or meeting a friend for lunch.

This year, Chico's offers many printed and embellished separates in the Zenergy collection, adding interest, sparkle, and drama to cozy loungewear without looking hokey. It feels elevated and elegant, not quirky art teacher (there's nothing wrong with quirky art teacher; it's just not necessarily the vibe for all).

CozyEarth CityScape

CozyEarth is well-known for its awesome bamboo bedding, but it also has an apparel collection with a large and raving fanbase. And the CityScape collection of loungewear is by far the most popular and the most elevated.

Made from 60% Modal, 24% Cotton, and 16% Recycled Polyester, the CozyEarth CityScape collection is available in women's sizes XS-XXXL. Always available in almost dozen neutrals and soft shades, for holiday CozyEarth offers limited edition rich colors perfect for the season.

The CozyEarth CityScape collection is not only available for women, but also men and children; would be a cozy and cute family matching set for the holidays and beyond!

Garnet Hill Essential Washable Cashmere

If you're looking for ultra soft and cozy luxury that is also easy care, you must check out the Garnet Hill Essential washable cashmere collection. While there are only a few tops and one style of joggers, these pieces are highly rated for comfort, durability, and fit.

Available in sizes XS (0/2) to XL (16/18), the Essential washable cashmere from Garnet Hill comes in soft heathered colors that are timeless and styles that can go from the couch to coffee, looking great with jeans and cords. Some reviews suggest sizing up in the pullovers if you desire a more relaxed loungewear vibe.

Garnet Hill's machine washable cashmere joggers and coordinating pullovers are 100% SFA-certified cashmere which means it is produced in a way that adheres to high animal welfare standards and is traced through the supply chain from herders to final product. (License No. TJ4545-SFA)

Lou & Grey Signaturesoft

Lou & Grey used to be a separate company that focused on fabric and comfort, but in 2020 began being sold exclusively at LOFT online and in stores. Per the original creative director explaining the brand name, “Lou” has a cool, tomboyish quality and “Grey” has a soft, welcoming feel. And Lou & Grey continues to be a destination for some of the softest, quality knits for lounging (“stay”), travel (“away”), fitness (“play”), and more.

The most popular knitwear from Lou & Grey is Signaturesoft. Made from 48% Rayon, 48% Acrylic, and 4% Spandex the fabric is super soft with a bit of bounce. In sizes XXS/0-XXL/18, the majority of Lou & Grey Signaturesoft separates are available in the full size range in Petites as well as Misses.

Along with traditional sweatshirts, sweatpants, wide-leg pants, and hoodies in classic neutrals, Lou & Grey's Signaturesoft collection often carries dresses, jumpsuits, seasonal prints, stripes, and fun colors.

Spanx AirEssentials

While Spanx is primarily known as a brand for waist-whittling undergarments, the label has expanded in recent years to include highly-rated apparel in sizes XS-3X. And when it comes to Spanx apparel, it is best known for its AirEssentials Collection​, which is elevated loungewear separates in super-soft, premium fabric.

While this collection always comes in neutrals like black and gray, each season Spanx offers new colors. And this season, Spanx has added some metallics to the mix that are just as soft, comfy, and easy care as the originals.

Spanx AirEssentials pants come in three lengths; the most popular AirEssentials Wide-Leg pants are available in Petite 28.5” (recommended for 5’4” and under), Regular 30.5″, Tall 33.5″ (recommended for 5’9” and above). These pants not only have a pull-on stay-put waistband but also a drawcord for a custom fit (and comfy adjustments after a hearty holiday dinner).

Universal Standard Ponte

Duuuuuude… have you seen the latest collection of ponte separates from Universal Standard? In sizes 00-40, this collection is as comfy as yoga pants but can be elevated enough for the boardroom. While the collection has plenty of ponte pants, dresses, and blazers, there are also some elevated easy-care separates perfect for hanging out at home, chilling with friends, or being cozy and chic all weekend long.

I have been a fan of the Universal Standard Stephanie pants for a long while. Heavier than jersey and more refined than sweats, these pants can be dressed up for work with a sweater or blazer but are so comfy and easy to care for; I also wear them for flights and am wearing a pair right now as I type this at home. Available in three lengths (27″, 30″, and 33″ inseams), there are solid versions with zipper front pockets and a higher rise, and my preferred fit, a pull-on style with back pockets and colorful side stripes.

And now Universal Standard carries matching ponte bomber jackets to coordinate with the side-stripe Stephanie pants for a super chic tracksuit effect. Dress it up with a turtleneck and boots, dress down with sneakers (or slippers), and a comfortable knit base layer. This is a perfect travel set, thanks to the zipper pockets on the jacket and the bounce-back stretch of ponte. All the colors are great, but I am partial to the navy with the vermillion and black side stripes (works with navy, black, white, red, and ivory in a three-season color and textile).

Varley DoubleSoft Knitwear

Varley is a fashion brand best known for its DoubleSoft knitwear. Super soft, smooth and cool to the touch, DoubleSoft is lightweight and breathable but holds up beautifully to wear and washing. Available in sizes XXS/2 to XL/12 with some pants in lengths, this may be the smallest size range of all my offerings in this post, but I had to share because this collection has a cult following.

The Varley DoubleSoft collection is minimalist chic, in neutrals and soft colors inspired by nature. Made from 72% Viscose, 23% Polyester, and 5% Elastane, this collection is machine wash gentle and dry flat, but it looks and feels extremely luxe and elevated. The fit is true to size, but a lot of the items are designed to have an oversized or generous fit.

Varley is a brand found at many online retailers like Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Evereve, and Shopbop, with the greatest selection of styles and colors on the Varley brand website.