The COVID-19 outbreak has not only changed the way we live but how we dress.
In response to mandated closures, many people have swapped professional attire and cubicles for pajamas and conference calls. But if you don’t want your time at home to feel like a never-ending PJ party, your choices for work-from-home wear are growing.
Instagram shows retailers, including several Pittsburgh ones, posting photos and videos of oh-so-cozy things to wear. The difference between WFH wear and traditional sweats is that this loungewear typically has more style, particularly on top, the part your colleagues can see on a videoconference. Last month, Walmart reported an increase in sales of tops, but not bottoms, as a result of more people teleworking.
“We definitely noticed an uptick in loungewear sales,” said Ayellet Rubinstein, owner and buyer at Rue Boutique in McCandless. “While we sell everything across the board, there is definitely a shift.”
While the shop has been closed since March 16, she’s continued to connect with shoppers through social media, email and rueboutique.com. On the website, she’s curated a clothing category labeled “quarantine comfies,” where shoppers can browse and buy sleek pullovers and joggers from California-made label Sol Angeles and others.
Before WFH wear started trending, Pittsburgh-based designer Kiya Tomlin was already craving comfortable clothing.
“I have a purple fuzzy pajama onesie that I live in at home. It is literally the first thing I put on when I walk in the door from work, no matter what time of day it is,” she said. “I had been wanting a ‘wearable’ version of that for a while, so I could actually feel that way all day.”
She created the “work-from-home onesie” from her signature bamboo/cotton blend of washable sweatshirt fleece. It come in latte or neutral gray for $195 at www.kiyatomlin.us.
Her the peep-shoulder tee and culotte pants are also bestsellers.
“I was actually surprised by the number of online sales we’ve made, even though everything is closed down,” Ms. Tomlin said.
Her Kiya Tomlin Work/Shop in Etna is temporarily closed. “I think people are getting used to working in comfort and are planning ahead to continue that level of comfort in their work setting once we head back toward normalcy.”
The WFH wear trend is catching on among men, too.
“I've seen an uptick in comfy, everyday clothing,” said Thomas West, who owns Trim Pittsburgh in East Liberty. “Hoodies, lightweight shirts and comfy shorts are always popular this time of year, but I think people are thinking more about what feels comfortable while working from home.”
Nevertheless, the temporary closure of his store and shift to online-only shopping at trimpittsburgh.com has made ordering difficult, he added.
“No one knows how long businesses will be shut down, and all we're told is 'indefinitely.' With statements like that, it's hard to make a plan for the future.”
Sara Bauknecht: sbauknecht@post-gazette.com or onTwitter and Instagram @SaraB_PG.
First Published: April 6, 2020, 12:00 p.m.
