How to put together a home set that does not look like nightwear

Short answer: Three things decide it. The colour has to be neutral, the cut needs a line, and the fabric has to drape. Get all three right, and you can wear the outfit when the doorbell rings without anyone thinking you just got up.

Colour first

Navy, grey, black and sand look like clothes. Pastels and patterns look like nightwear, however well they are made. If you start with a neutral colour, the rest is easier, because the pieces go together without much thought. See the range in bamboo loungewear for women.

Stick to one colour family

An outfit looks most coordinated when the top and trousers sit close together in colour. They do not have to match exactly. Grey trousers with a slightly lighter grey top look considered. If you want some contrast, let it come from a cardigan or a pair of socks.

A cut with a line

Trousers with straight legs and a top that ends at the waist or hip give a shape. Anything very loose in both places looks like pyjamas. It is enough for one piece to sit a little closer. Then the outfit has a line without feeling tight when you sit.

Fabric that drapes

A jersey that is too light clings and creases, especially when you get up from the sofa. A medium weight hangs down along the body and looks calmer. It is the same principle as with everyday dresses. See how the fabric falls in bamboo dresses.

A layer that lifts it

A cardigan or sweatshirt in the same colour family finishes the outfit. It also covers a top that is a little thin and keeps you warm on cool evenings. Choose one that is not too long, so the line stays intact. See bamboo sweatshirts for women.

A dress as an alternative

A home outfit does not have to be trousers and a top. A soft dress in a medium weight can be just as comfortable and looks finished straight away. With thick socks and a cardigan, it is ready for an evening at home, and it works if you need to pop out quickly.

Details that make a difference

Small things give nightwear away, such as large lace, bows and wide elastic cuffs at the ankles. A home outfit looks more like clothing when the edges are simple and the seams are clean. Also check that the trousers are not so long that they drag on the floor.

Two sets last longer

If you also sleep in the same outfit, it wears out twice as fast. Two sets, one for the day and one for the night, last longer than one used for both. It also makes washing easier, because there is always a clean set in the drawer.

Washing that keeps the colour

Wash at 40 degrees inside out and without fabric softener. Dark colours stay nicer when washed with other dark colours. Let the outfit air dry rather than using high heat in the tumble dryer, and it will keep both its colour and shape for a long time.

Frequently asked questions

Which colours look most like real clothes?

Navy, black, grey and sand. They read as clothing rather than nightwear and are easy to combine, so the pieces go together even when they were not bought as a set.

Can you use the same outfit to sleep in?

Yes, but then it wears out twice as fast. Two sets last longer than one used for both, and you always have a clean set ready when the other is in the wash.