The UK Is Facing A Shortage Of Loungewear Thanks To Covid, So Here’s What To Buy While You Can

You’re sorted for autumn loungewear, right? Trainers for the 10K (or, more likely, the school run), a knitted set for the sofa, a cashmere hoodie for outdoor dinners? If not, you might want to get your skates on - and sharpish. According to an article in The Guardian, loungewear is about to become a victim of its own success, as a spike in demand over lockdown leaves retailers struggling to keep up with orders.

Remember the first time you heard the expression #WFHFit? What about your inaugural fitness class with Joe Wicks? Both are first lockdown clichés that helped fuel the demand for trainers and leisurewear, as we found ourselves swapping suits for sweatpants, and finally getting to grips with fitness. According to The Guardian, retailers have tried to remedy the situation for autumn by ordering additional supplies, but their efforts have been thwarted because of factory closures in countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Luckily for consumers, there’s been such a boom in loungewear that there’s still plenty to satisfy one’s comfy craving without things turning desperate. Thanks to Katie Holmes, the infamous ‘bradigan’ still has legs for autumn as every high street retailer has rushed to jump on the cashmere bandwagon. Tracksuits have also come into their own, with fashion editors gravitating towards the candy colours (and sustainable credentials) at Pangaia. Ganni has also just launched a environmentally-friendly loungewear line called Software. Finally, Birkenstock’s Arizona sandal is one of this year’s biggest success stories, but for autumn, consider its backless clog with chunky socks.