Our obsession with athleisure is more obvious than ever in winter. But it’s no longer traditional sports brands that we turn to for our off-duty favourites. Filling the gap in your wardrobe between pyjamas and knitwear, hoodies and sweats are the unsung heroes of cold weather dressing.

Materials matter; whether it’s boiled merino wool, organic slub cotton or bamboo-blend fabrics, comfort is king. And what your sweatshirt says (or doesn’t say) speaks volumes about your personal style. These brands run the gamut, some leaning into minimalism with low-key branding, others making themselves heard with tongue-in-cheek slogans and recognisable motifs.

Entire Studios
It’s been a big winter for the Entire Studios production team. The US and NZ-based brand launched its Ssense capsule in May and followed up with news of its Uniform range in mid-June. Proving the power of organic cotton, the label has crafted minimal yet high-quality basics in a range of silhouettes that are sure to become the building blocks of any wardrobe. From cropped and ribbed tanks to various hoodie silhouettes and new styles of sweatpant, the Uniform range comes in six palettes ranging from black to silver, charcoal, deep purple, sandy beige and brown.

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Maggie Marilyn
New Zealand label Maggie Marilyn is lauded for its sustainable approach to design. And while the brand might be most loved for its smart tailoring and feminine dresses, it offers a range of elevated basics that shouldn’t be dismissed. Organic cotton sweatshirts come in cropped and oversized iterations with embroidered logo details. And there’s a men’s collection that offers more relaxed fit and fleece-lined styles to choose from.

Buddy
Delivering seriously good basics is all in a day’s work for Auckland-based label Buddy. The brand launched in 2018 with one hero product: hemp T-shirts, but has recently expanded its collection to include slouchy hemp pants and long-sleeved tops too. With a baggy fit and charming colour palette (we particularly love the Boysenberry, Wasabi and Java shades), the Tee pants are just as comfortable as your favourite T-shirt – and saunter between elevated loungewear and versatile nine-to-five staple depending on how you style them.

Best Jumpers
What’s in a name? For Dylan Best’s slogan-loving leisurewear label, a lot. Best Jumpers took out the National Design Award earlier this year for its collection of Australiana sportswear. And the brand’s latest collection of crewnecks and hoodies doesn’t disappoint. Cut from Japanese vintage cotton terry, the made-in-Melbourne styles feature low-key logos, “No Worries” branding and wombat motifs.

Sir
Bondi-born label Sir launched in 2014 with an Instagram-only capsule collection. Since then, the brand has grown a loyal following for its dresses, tailoring and swim – but it also offers a quiet collection of loungewear for slower days. There is a classic, minimalist appeal to the oversized range of crewnecks and trackpants that currently come in ivory and black.

Boody
Boody’s collection of bamboo-blend loungewear is already a Broadsheet favourite. So when we noticed that the brand had launched a limited-edition collection of unisex sweats, our interest was piqued. Designed to be worn oversized, these butter-soft double-knit styles come in black, olive and sand colours. Choose the quarter-zip sweater or classic crewneck, and add the matching trackpants or shorts to your rotation for ultimate comfort.

Assembly Label
Assembly Label is a consistent favourite when it comes to easy-wearing essentials. And the Aussie brand’s off-duty range is no exception. From clean-lined logo crewnecks to quarter-zip fleeces and rugby-inspired jumpers, it caters to every corner of your cosy wardrobe.

PE Nation
Sydney-based athleisure brand PE Nation offers a collection of logo-led sweats for both women and men. Staying true to the brand’s technical approach to performance wear, pieces are mostly crafted from organic cotton with terry and brushed fleece finishes. Co-founder Pip Edwards says the company aims to level the athleisure playing field by bringing fashionable, functional garments to all kinds of people.

Pangaia
Pangaia rose to fame during the pandemic when its sustainable loungewear couldn’t stay in stock. The brand has recently launched its rainbow range of more mindfully made hoodies and trackies at David Jones. The collection includes organic cotton pieces, as well as those made from recycled cotton, cashmere and wool.

Camilla and Marc
Camilla and Marc’s range of loungewear is an investment in comfort worth making. Subtle logo styles, oversized hoodies and fashion-forward pullovers fill the collection. You can also currently get your hands on a limited-edition sweatshirt that signifies the brand’s commitment to raising awareness (and funds) for ovarian cancer. This year’s iteration comes in black and white with a unisex fit.

EM on Holiday
EM on Holiday has a relaxed state of mind that translates effortlessly across the Sydney label’s range of sweats. From signature hibiscus motifs to irreverent slogans these pieces will bring a playful energy to your wardrobe.

Commonplace
Kiwi label Commonplace leans into a retro sportswear vibe with its collection of logo-adorned sweatshirts and trackpants. Phrases like “Do More” and “Take Care” offer a positive state of mind for your daily dressing.

This article first appeared on Broadsheet on October 8, 2020 and has since been updated. Additional reporting by Stephanie Vigilante