'Sadwear': fashion's new name for lockdown dressing
Meet the new pandemic dressing trend.

Lockdown dressing just raised its game with 'sadwear', a trend that's going viral and articulates our new attitude to at-home fashion.
The New Year has brought with it a fresh way to reveal our frustrations over social distancing and the mundanity of our working from home wardrobes. Our clothes it seems are now the most vocal expression of our emotions and we no longer care who's privy to them over Instagram or Zoom calls.
Living in ratty sweats or even our best leggings seven days a week is enough to get anyone down, which is why 'sadwear' is resonating with so many of us. Coined by Esquire magazine's style director Charlie Teasdale, it can be used to characterize clothes that "make us feel better when we're sad, specifically born out of the existential ennui of lockdown".
So despite its moniker, 'sadwear' is actually a mood-booster and encompasses comfortable items for home and the occasional trip to the supermarket.
- The best shapewear pieces of all time - hardworking heroes that smooth, lift and sculpt
- Best jeans for women that you’ll wear again and again
- Best winter coats for women to see you through a cold spell in style
Sweatshirts are your obvious go-to for 'sadwear' - but make it fashion by choosing a brand like Ganni (its 'Have a nice day!' motif sweatshirt is sadwear at its best) or the Frankie Shop's Vanessa shoulder-padded version.
Ugg boots are back on the agenda, too, bridging the gap between slippers and outerwear. Meanwhile, cashmere sweatpants is another item we can't seem to get enough of and Zara's knitted wool versions are proving equally as popular.
What's even more joyous is that there's no wrong answer here - the prerequisite for 'sadwear' as detailed in Esquire is whatever the item, it just needs to make the wearer feel good.
'Sadwear' is also the polar opposite of what New York Times' Reyhan Harmanci, has described as 'hate-wear' - which refers to clothes deemed "neither stylish nor particularly comfortable, yet constantly in rotation". That'll be the aforementioned ratty sweats then.
Of course, 'sadwear' can never compete with the succour of a kickass pair of heels and a night out, but we've got to get our feel-good factor from somewhere these days. So go on treat yourself - even if that coveted athleisure piece comes with the type of elasticated waist your grandma would approve of.
-
What color suits me? How to pinpoint the most flattering shades for you
Looking through your wardrobe and asking, what color suits me? Enter our expert guide on the best color matches for your skin tone.
By Lauren Hughes •
-
International Women’s Day: shop with a cause with these brands’ charitable initiatives
To honor this global holiday, we've created a curation that reframes shopping as an effective vehicle for systemic change
By Dominique McIntee •
-
Here’s how to flatter an hourglass body shape
Everything you need to know to make the most of your hourglass figure...
By Jess Beech •
-
Figleaves' bestselling Juliette bra is now on sale for only £13
The Figleaves Juliette bra is one of those that is known for being a stellar underwear choice - and it's now available at a steal
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
These Barbour jackets have had a fresh spring update to help elevate your daily walks to Kate Middleton level
The perfect seasonal update
By Lydia Swinscoe •
-
Shoppers say these high-waisted leggings are the softest they've ever owned — and they're now 45% off in Amazon's deal of the day
With over 50,000 reviews, these fan-favorite leggings could make a great addition to your closet
By Dominique McIntee •
-
This Marks & Spencer ribbed loungewear set has shoppers obsessed with its soft and cosy fabric
This M&S cosy loungewear set is perfect for eating chocolate eggs in comfort...
By Selina Maycock •
-
What to wear with black jeans: classic outfits that will take you from desk to dinner in style
Wondering what to wear with black jeans? Here are the style tips every fashion lover should know about mastering the trend
By Kate McCusker •