BEYOND SWEATPANTS

Words: Daniël Geldenhuys | Images: SDR Photo

Since fashion design aims to reflect the world and circumstances in which it is created, the rise of resortwear should come as no surprise. In the "Before" times, tailoring was experiencing a massive resurgence with streetwear designers updating their aesthetics by adding more formal, structured elements. Then the world went into lockdown and we all pulled on our sweatpants, logged off Zoom and broke out a hoodie and a glass of whatever was left and legal. Now, as the world cautiously reopens and renegotiates the conditions of social interaction, our dress codes updated accordingly as well.

Right now, resortwear feels just right. It’s built on a foundation of comfort, taking certain queues from loungewear and electrifying them with a sense of carefree opulence. Craving a lavish getaway? Resortwear steps up to the occasion with photogenic pieces primed for exotic settings, even if that setting is a socially distanced pool party down the road.

Fans of South African designers will know the resortwear aesthetic comes naturally: think Laduma Ngxokolo’s casual occasion pieces for MaXhosa Africa and Mzukisi Mbane’s sunny outlook for Imprint. SA’s last two fashion weeks, a digital SA Menswear Week in July and AFI’s Cape Town Fashion Week in March, show plenty home-sewn takes on the trend. The answer is yes, there is style beyond sweatpants that doesn’t compromise that laid-back comfort we’ve grown accustomed to. This is what it looks like.

The matching top and shorts set is here to stay. It’s that easy-to-wear look everyone will be buying into this season, so make sure yours stands out by reflecting a piece of your personality.

Tracksuits can work for an occasion on occasion, provided they’re injected with an energetic print. MaXhosa smartly styles track pants with a luxurious bomber, while Masa Mara’s take on the trend includes the obligatory African-summer sunhat.

This season designers deconstruct the classic suit into something much less restrictive. Madagascan Eric Raisina and MaXhosa render theirs in silk and wool respectively, capitalising on comfort.

Pyjama elements, manifesting as silky textures at XM Creations, and robe elements at Urban Zulu and Lucky Luke take you straight from your socially-distanced event to your bed without a second thought, just in time for curfew.

Too formal for the tracksuit category, but too casual to be a suit, these are separates designed to live together. The most fashion forward of in-betweeners.

Whether you’re a beach boy or prefer life by the pool, these looks are designed for any occasion involving a body of water – and probably an Instagram post.