As someone who is perpetually on the go – both as a travel writer and a mum of twins – I’m always on the hunt for timeless wardrobe staples that combine comfort, style, and versatility. Enter the Spanx AirEssentials half zip and AirEssentials wide-leg pant: two oh-so-cosy loungewear staples that can be worn separately or as a matching set.
I know what you’re thinking… Spanx? Loungewear? Yes, really. While the brand was initially known for its shapewear and undergarments, it has since expanded to offer a wide range of clothing – from denim and slacks to dresses, jumpsuits, and tennis skirts suitable for any occasion, be it the gym, the office, a long-haul flight, or, in my case, frequent trips to the paediatrician. I like to think of the AirEssentials set as a more elevated take on pyjamas – though unlike PJs, these are acceptable to wear outside my home. Best of all, you can (barely) tell I had less than five minutes to get dressed.
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The half-zip sweatshirt stands out for its ultra-warm and seemingly weightless construction, which will keep you comfortably warm (read: not sweltering) for hours on end; as such, it’s an especially great pick for chilly plane rides. Plus, it’s ideal for layering courtesy of its oversized fit, which is why I often wear mine with a tank top underneath. Another bonus: It comes in 12 colour options, from black and navy to violet and red.
How it’s held up
After more than a year of wear – including on both shorter domestic and long-haul flights – the set has held up impressively well. The fabric is just as soft as when I first took it out of the box, even after frequent washing and regular wear. According to Spanx’s website, the pieces should be washed inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble-dried on low heat. If I’m honest, I’m often too busy with work and mum life to follow those exact instructions – but I haven’t had any issues with wrinkling or pilling. I have noticed some shrinkage after repeated washes, especially in the sweatshirt. That said, I’ve since ordered another top in a slightly larger size, which actually works well since I prefer a more oversized fit rather than a boxier, cropped one. So if you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up.
How I style it
The sweatshirt pairs just as easily with the matching pants as with my go-to leggings and joggers, but when I want a more coordinated look, I reach for the wide-leg pants – a favourite for their loose, on-trend silhouette and buttery-soft feel. Since I’m fairly short (5’4″ on a good day), I often struggle to find wide-leg pants that hit at the right length (they never look quite as good once hemmed), so I especially appreciate that these come in three lengths – petite, standard, and tall – which meant I could skip a trip to the tailor. The adjustable drawstring waist offers a customisable fit and, unlike other pants I own, it doesn’t get twisted in the wash. I usually wear them with trainers for a sportier look or platform slippers for a cosy-chic vibe, and they’re available in 10 colours.
What’s new from Spanx
Both the wide-leg pants and half-zip sweatshirt I raved about above are part of Spanx’s AirEssentials collection, well-known for its ultra-soft, buttery fabric that feels silky-smooth against the skin. The drapey material also features four-way stretch, allowing it to move with you rather than weigh you down. Spanx has recently expanded the collection with its new AirEssentials French Rib pieces – and they are my current obsession.
The AirEssentials French Rib collection is a slightly dressier take on the brand’s signature ultra-soft fabric. The new pieces use the same lightweight spacer material the line is known for, but feature a subtle ribbed exterior that gives them a more polished feel. I’ve been living in the French Rib Cardigan – it’s just as comfortable as the original AirEssentials style but looks noticeably more put together than a sweatshirt. Lately, I’ve been pairing it with wide-leg jeans for a cute everyday outfit that still feels comfortable enough for travel. The ribbed texture also makes the pieces more versatile, easily transitioning from lounging at home to hopping on a flight to heading out to dinner.
In addition to the cardigan, the collection includes several other staples, including French Rib versions of the half zip and wide-leg pants mentioned earlier, along with a very on-trend barrel-leg pant and a sleeveless jumpsuit, which I’m especially excited to wear once the weather warms up. It looks and feels like the kind of effortless, one-and-done outfit that’s perfect for travel days.
