Lusiana Hamidun
In an era where life often feels like an endless to-do list, even casual social interactions necessitate WhatsApp polls, making moments of genuine rest feel like a rare luxury. This pervasive sense of being constantly "on" has paved the way for a new sartorial category that champions a more analog approach to living: "restwear." This burgeoning trend signifies a conscious shift towards prioritizing comfort and well-being, moving beyond the confines of traditional sleepwear and even the more casual associations of loungewear.
The term "restwear" was notably introduced by the British retailer Marks & Spencer to describe garments designed for "the moments around bedtime, a leisurely morning, a quiet afternoon, and the relaxation in between." While sharing similarities with pajamas in its use of soft materials and relaxed silhouettes often featuring drawstring details, restwear distinguishes itself with a more intentional purpose. Unlike loungewear, which can be closely associated with passive activities like binge-watching television or endless scrolling on smartphones, restwear advocates for a more mindful engagement with downtime. It represents a deliberate choice to prioritize personal well-being and a conscious effort to disconnect from the incessant demands of modern digital life.
This growing emphasis on intentional rest is not merely a fleeting fashion trend but a reflection of a broader societal reevaluation of how we allocate our time and energy. For years, the prevailing narrative has been one of constant optimization – pushing to achieve more in every aspect of life, from fitness routines and sleep quality to dietary habits and daily schedules. This relentless pursuit of peak performance has, for many, led to a sense of burnout and an urgent need for genuine respite.
A recent collaboration between Mirror Water, a body care brand founded by Estée Lalonde, and Rise & Fall, a lifestyle brand, exemplifies this shift. In observance of Global Wellness Day, the two entities organized an "intimate evening of rest and recovery" featuring sauna sessions at ARC, Canary Wharf. The event offered nine classes focused on contrast therapy, a practice known for its physiological benefits in promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. This initiative underscores a growing recognition that true rest requires dedicated time and specific practices, moving it from the periphery of our busy lives to a central focus.
"We’ve spent the last decade optimizing everything. Exercise, sleep, diet, step count, even our daily calendars. Everything felt like it needed to be monitored and improved," commented Natalie Hasseck, Creative Director at Rise & Fall. This sentiment resonates with a significant portion of the population who have experienced the pressure to constantly enhance their lives. The relentless pursuit of self-improvement, while often well-intentioned, can inadvertently create a new form of pressure, leading to a feeling of inadequacy if one doesn’t consistently achieve peak performance.
Hasseck further elaborated on the underlying sentiment driving the restwear movement: "I think we’re starting to see a pushback against that mindset. People don’t always want another new life hack. They want permission to just stop for a moment. For me, restwear is part of that. It’s clothing for the moments when you are not trying to be the best version of yourself." This statement encapsulates the core philosophy of restwear – a rejection of the hyper-productive ethos in favor of embracing imperfection and finding solace in moments of quietude. It’s about creating an environment, both internally and externally, that allows for genuine decompression.
The definition of "restorative activities" is inherently personal. Estée Lalonde shared her perspective: "For me, true rest is anything that takes me out of ‘on mode’ and reconnects me with my body." She provided examples of her own restorative practices, which include simple yet profound rituals such as applying Mirror Water’s Smooth Body Oil after a bath, attending a yoga class, or taking a leisurely walk with her dog in the woods. "True rest is a practice," she emphasized, highlighting that it is not a passive state but an active engagement with activities that promote inner peace and physical well-being.
Considering this evolving understanding of rest, the choices made regarding post-work attire become significant. If the typical response to "what do you wear when you get home from work or close your laptop at the end of the day?" is jeans, workout leggings, or sleepwear, it suggests a missed opportunity. Even if these hours are filled with domestic responsibilities like preparing dinner or assisting with household chores, the attire worn can still influence the mental and emotional transition from a work-focused state to a more relaxed one.
The transitional period between the demands of work and the quiet of sleep is a valuable window of opportunity. Embracing clothing that facilitates a calmer state of mind can profoundly impact this transition. Marks & Spencer, for instance, has introduced summer restwear collections that include comfortable boxer shorts, cotton sets, and lightweight cami tops designed to feel almost weightless when worn. These pieces are crafted with breathable fabrics and relaxed fits, ensuring maximum comfort without compromising on a subtle sense of style.
Swedish brand CDLP offers a different interpretation of restwear with its range of knitted jersey dresses. These garments are designed to be lightweight and gently contour the body due to a subtle stretch in the fabric. Their understated elegance makes them versatile enough to be worn outside the home should a spontaneous relaxed session on the sofa evolve into an impromptu gathering with friends, perhaps over a Paloma. Similarly, Rise & Fall’s Aegean dress, fashioned from a transparent ramie gauze, offers an effortless and adaptable piece that can be worn in various casual settings, blurring the lines between comfort-focused attire and subtly chic ensembles.
"Sometimes, it’s enough for something to just make you feel comfortable," remarked Natalie Hasseck, articulating a key tenet of the restwear philosophy. This sentiment champions the idea that functionality and emotional comfort should take precedence over performative aesthetics or aspirational dressing. In a world that often pushes us to project an image of constant success and achievement, restwear offers an antidote, encouraging authenticity and self-acceptance.
Hasseck humorously described Rise & Fall’s offerings as "soft goods," though not in the conventional retail sense. "I mean things that make life feel a little bit softer. Cashmere, bed linens, towels, dresses like these. We’re constantly being offered products that promise a better version of ourselves. When sometimes, it’s enough for something to just make you feel comfortable." This perspective highlights a growing desire for tangible comforts that contribute to a sense of well-being, moving away from the pressure of self-optimization towards the simple pleasure of feeling at ease.
The implications of this trend extend beyond mere fashion choices. The rise of restwear signifies a broader cultural shift towards acknowledging the importance of mental and emotional well-being. As individuals actively seek ways to de-stress and recharge, the clothing they choose becomes an integral part of their self-care rituals. This could lead to a greater demand for brands that prioritize sustainable materials, ethical production, and designs that genuinely contribute to comfort and relaxation.
Furthermore, the concept of restwear challenges the traditional boundaries between different types of clothing. As garments become more versatile and comfortable, the need for highly specialized attire for specific activities may diminish. This could foster a more minimalist approach to wardrobes, where versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes are valued. The rise of restwear, therefore, is not just about what we wear, but also about how we choose to live and prioritize our well-being in an increasingly demanding world. It’s a quiet revolution, clothed in comfort, advocating for the fundamental human need to simply be, and to rest.
