The Comeback of Comfort in Fashion

Once upon a time, fashion was synonymous with pain—think sky-high stilettos and rib-crushing corsets. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has flipped. Comfort is no longer a guilty pleasure but the main character in the fashion world’s plot twist. This era is all about outfits that make you look chic without making you suffer, proving once and for all that style and comfort can coexist.

Image Source: Instagram/ekaco

The Rise of Comfort: From Pandemic Pajamas to Everyday Chic

The pandemic didn’t just change how we work; it changed how we dress. With Zoom calls replacing boardroom meetings, loungewear became the MVP of our wardrobes. But as we ventured back into the world, our love for comfy clothes refused to stay home. According to a 2023 McKinsey & Company report, 68 per cent of consumers said ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to uncomfortable outfits, prioritising comfort over traditional notions of style.

Even in India, the shift was palpable. Cosset Clothing’s Shriya Suri puts it best: ‘Comfort has undoubtedly been at the forefront of what women look for in functional clothing pieces. In the future, we are anticipating a rise in comfortable wardrobe classics as opposed to trend-based fast fashion.’ The rise of brands that champion slow living and timeless designs has cemented comfort as more than just a trend—it’s a movement.

Image Source: Instagram/cosset.clothing

Stylist and sustainable fashion enthusiast Ekta Rajani agrees, ‘I think today, fashion offers a lot of options even for people seeking style and comfort. At one point, I’m not sure if the range was this big but I feel like today the range is big because comfort is as much of a relevant trend within the cycles of fashion.’

Comfort Isn’t Just a Trend

Comfort isn’t a fleeting fad; it’s the future and also rooted in India’s sartorial past. ‘We believe that co-ord sets have always been around in India - for decades, women have been donning kurta-sets that feature coordinating pants, which has then familiarised them to a more westernised version of the same. Co-ord sets happen to lie in the sweet spot between looking put together and feeling comfortable & content. And thus, we believe that the lookout for comfort has made people more welcoming towards co-ord sets on a larger scale,’ adds Suri. Cosset designs include a generous offering of matching shirt and trouser co-ord sets in solid colours.

Shriya Suri in Cosset | Image Source: Instagram/cosset.clothing

The comfort shift is also rooted in sustainability. Comfort aligns with slow fashion’s ethos, encouraging quality over quantity. The rise of capsule wardrobes—where fewer, versatile pieces dominate—is a testament to this mindset. Algae-based textiles and bioengineered fabrics are just the beginning of what’s possible when comfort and eco-consciousness collide.

Bridging Comfort and Style

Let’s bust a myth: Comfort doesn’t mean sloppy. From tailored co-ord sets to baggy jeans styled with sharp blazers, the marriage of comfort and style is giving us the best of both worlds. As Saphed’s founder Shirin Salwan highlights, ‘It’s not just sacks of fabric but elegant cuts and hues that complement the Indian body type.’

It’s impossible to discuss how to balance comfort and style without looking at Ekta Rajani’s style. Always impeccably dressed yet undeniably at ease, Rajani has cultivated a way of dressing that strikes the perfect harmony between the two. For her, aesthetics and comfort hold equal weight—something she has consciously evolved into over time. ‘I’ve had a shift in perspective,’ she reflects. ‘I realised that style goes beyond fashion; it’s an extension of one’s lifestyle and personal taste.’

Ekta Rajani | Image Source: Instagram/eksters

So, how does one master this balance? I ask her, and her answer is immediate, refreshingly simple: trial and error, hits and misses. There’s no exact formula, but isn’t that the beauty of fashion?

As we move forward, one thing is clear: Fashion doesn’t have to hurt to make a statement. In the era of comfort, we’re all kings and queens of our own cosy kingdoms.

Key Trends Redefining Comfort

Co-ord Sets: Matching Made Easy

The coord set is the answer to our lazy-yet-fashionable prayers. Effortless and put-together, these matching ensembles scream ‘I’ve got my life together’ without breaking a sweat. From relaxed linen sets to India’s indie brands crafting breezy, artisanal co-ords, these pieces have redefined what it means to look polished.

Image Source: Instagram/saphedliving

Baggy Jeans: The Anti-Skinny Revolution

After years of being squeezed into skinny jeans, we’ve collectively exhaled. Baggy jeans are back, and they’re bringing all the Y2K vibes with them. Pair them with oversized shirts or crop tops, and you’ve got an outfit that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is couch-friendly. The rise of baggy jeans is proof that we’re done with discomfort disguised as denim.

Relaxed Tailoring: Boss Energy, Minus the Blisters

Tailored suits aren’t going anywhere, but they’ve had a serious makeover. Oversized blazers, drawstring trousers, and flowy silhouettes have turned traditional power dressing into a comfy affair. Think Bottega Veneta’s slouchy suits or Indian designers like Anavila creating effortless ensembles for work and play.

Athleisure 2.0: Beyond the Gym

Athleisure isn’t just for morning jogs anymore. It’s for coffee runs, casual Fridays, and even brunch dates. The global athleisure market grew by 7 per cent in 2022. These days, leggings with pockets and sweatshirts with panache are wardrobe essentials.

Natural Fabrics: A Breath of Fresh Air

Say goodbye to synthetic fabrics that make you sweat and hello to linen, organic cotton, and bamboo blends. Saphed, a brand rooted in natural linen, nails it with breathable materials and chic cuts that flatter the Indian body type. As Saphed’s founder Shirin Salwan notes, ‘Style doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, itchy and uncomfortable fabrics and tight fits don’t work for everybody and how you feel in any outfit defines how confident you are.’

Image Source: Instagram/saphedliving

Ekta Rajani also recommends a few brands and stores that seamlessly blend comfort with style. Label Rama, a remarkable discovery, and 11.11, known for its sustainable practices and distinct aesthetic, top her list. Another must-visit is Flame in Goa, a store celebrated for its impeccable cuts and effortlessly chic styles.

Ekta Rajani in 11.11 | Image Source: Instagram/eksters

Iconic Fashion Moments Where Comfort Ruled

The Met Gala 2023: Forget corsets and impossible heels. Stars like Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet turned heads in relaxed, gender-fluid ensembles that married comfort with couture.

Copenhagen Fashion Week 2024: A mecca for minimalist, sustainable fashion, this event spotlighted relaxed silhouettes and comfy materials, proving that hygge is as much about clothes as it is about candles.

Indian Designers on Global Stages: Péro’s relaxed handloom ensembles and Vaishali S’s airy designs brought Indian craftsmanship to the forefront without sacrificing ease.