Loungewear
Fashion Influence — how style shapes, and is shaped by, the people who wear it
Loungewear is loose clothing made for relaxing around the house, and it is not the same category as sleepwear, a distinction that matters even to customs officials. This guide explains the difference, the tariff classification behind it, and the lounge pants and lounge shirts that make up a set. The coverage stays product- and category-focused throughout.
Loungewear
Just in case you were not aware, loungewear is NOT the same as sleepwear.
Loungewear is loose clothing in which one can lounge. This type of clothing can be worn to sleep but it is primarily intended for lounging around the house and occasionally being worn outside.
It is not completely uncommon for someone to run out to a local retailer to grab some groceries in their lounge pants. But they most likely are not going out to the store in their nightwear such as a negligee. This is why nightwear / sleepwear is categorized differently than loungewear.
A major appeal of loungewear is its versatility & comfort. Although some people may classify these garments as sleepwear or nightwear it is important to note that loungewear and sleepwear are technically different. Loungewear can be worn to sleep but also as active wear during exercise and other day to day activities.
What is the difference between loungewear and sleepwear?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between “loungewear” and “sleepwear” according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The customs agency in the United States distinguishes sleepwear and loungewear are different. In HQ H140735, dated December 29, 2015, CBP added some definition to each term.
You can search for customs rulings about sleepwear or loungewear at the customs rulings page (to see the system in action type loungewear into the search at the top of the customs rulings page). Some of the relevant rulings will be as follows:
HQ 960797
-
https://rulings.cbp.gov/search?term=960797&collection=ALL&sortBy=RELEVANCE&pageSize=30&page=1
HQ 961936
-
https://rulings.cbp.gov/search?term=961036&collection=ALL&sortBy=RELEVANCE&pageSize=30&page=1
Please keep in mind that rulings get revised and their are multiple ruling that might be relevant in addition to the ones listed above. Be sure to consult with an expert and do NOT rely on information that we posted on this page. You must conduct your own full research. Learn more at https://rulings.cbp.gov/
Why does the classification matter to the fashion industry?
The classification can affect the duty rate that needs to be paid when importing merchandise to the United States. If the duty rate is higher, the clothing company will unfortunately charge a higher price to the retailer which in turn will charge a higher price to consumers.
Do lounge lizards where loungewear?
The loungewear we are discussing on this page should not be confused with clothing worn by a “Lounge Lizard”. The term lounge lizard is usually used to refer to lounge musicians. Its first appearance as American slang in 1917, "lounge lizard" has shown up in nearly every decade. A "lounge lizard" is typically depicted as a well-dressed man who frequents the establishments in which the rich gather with the intention of seducing a wealthy woman with his flattery and deceptive charm. The term presumably owes something to the cold and insinuating quality of reptiles or the fact that they are hanging out in establishments that are often references as lounges.
You may also want to learn more about boxer shorts which are acceptable for lounging around the house.
Fashion Products Fashion Products G-L Fashion Products L
Return to the Influence
Fashion home page.
What Counts as Loungewear
A loungewear wardrobe is built from a short list of garment types: lounge pants and lounge shirts, matching top and bottom sets, robes worn over them, and soft separates such as pullovers and cardigans in the same comfort-first fabrics. The common thread is construction — knit or softly woven fabrics, elastic or drawstring waists, relaxed fits and an absence of the structure found in day clothes. Garments are designed to be put on when the day's formal clothing comes off, and to stay comfortable through hours of sitting, reading, working at home or light household activity.
Versatility is the category's selling point. The same set that serves an evening at home can be slept in, worn for gentle exercise or stretched into a quick errand, and that range is exactly what separates loungewear from sleepwear in ordinary use: nightwear is cut and styled for bed, while loungewear is cut and styled for the whole of home life. Retailers merchandise the two side by side, but the labels, and the customs definitions covered in the guide above, keep them apart.
Common Questions
What is the difference between loungewear and sleepwear?
Loungewear is intended for lounging and can also be worn during the day and occasionally outside the home, while sleepwear and nightwear are made for sleeping. The United States customs agency also distinguishes the two terms in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Why does the loungewear classification matter to the fashion industry?
The classification can affect the duty rate paid when merchandise is imported into the United States. A higher duty rate raises the price charged to the retailer, which in turn raises the price charged to consumers.
Where can customs rulings on loungewear be checked?
United States Customs and Border Protection rulings can be searched on the CBP rulings site, including rulings HQ 960797 and HQ 961936. Rulings are revised and several may be relevant, so an expert should be consulted rather than relying on any single summary.