For women over 50, it’s all about comfortable clothes. I don’t know about you, but I am long over the high heels, tight suits, scratchy uncomfortable bras, “flattering but frustratingly uncomfy” styles… I’m over it all. We have earned the right to comfortable clothes, and if you have a chronic pain or fatigue issue (as so many women over 50 do, me included) then it’s even more important. In my journey with autoimmune pain conditions and fibromyalgia, I have done the work tracking down clothing brands, styles, fabrics, and yes, a few little tricks to finding comfort clothing that makes you feel like you are getting a warm hug for your beautifully aging self.
Now mind you, I am a girl who loves style too. Although I am at home in a flannel shirt and jeans hiking in the woods, I also love to look fashionable, not frumpy. Sound like an oxymoron, fashion-forward clothes that are comfortable too, and that aren’t super expensive? Nope. Here are the clothes I own, wear, and love. And, a few comfort clothing tips as well!
Note: I only recommend products I would use myself. If you purchase items through the links on my site, I might earn a small commission from the retailer. This is at no cost to you and does not increase your price for the item. Money earned from these commissions helps keep The Middle Girls running! Thank you for your support!
Comfortable Clothes How-To
- Choose soft, breathable fabrics that drape well. Cotton, rayon, tencel, modal, bamboo. I rarely buy anything with polyester and never anything with nylon in it.
- By the size that fits well, not the size you want to be. First of all, every manufacturer is different in how they size clothes, so the number is meaningless. But if you buy jeans too tight, you will always feel uncomfortable in them. Add muffin top, and add emotional discomfort too. At the same time, clothes that are too large will only make you feel larger than you are every time you look in the mirror. That isn’t comfortable either. Try them on, and look for things that skim the body in a flattering way, but don’t bind, pull or rub you the wrong way.
- Try a personal shopper service like StitchFix. You can specify your need for comfort clothing that has some style, a personal stylist picks things out based on your preferences, not the stores, and you only keep what you want and send back the rest. Your stylist will have access to so many more brands and comfortable clothing lines than you can imagine. You might even find some new favorites that way! I have found them to be really good at picking out what I want, just based on my input, but also adding some unexpected pieces that became my new favs as well.
- Buy from stores that have free returns or exchanges. Don’t settle for clothes that aren’t comfortable. Always have a way to send them back. Because what is comfort clothing to one woman might not work as well for another.
Comfort Clothing Brands
So some of the most comfortable clothes I own are the loungewear from Loft’s Lou & Grey Signaturesoft line. I have had several of my basic pieces for 3 or 4 years now, and they are still amazing. Made of a super soft fabric, this is the exact outfit I climb into at the end of a long day, or on a rainy Sunday where I just want to snuggle in. Also, you get 15% off your first order if you sign up for their newsletter. Watch for the pop-up form when you visit the site. My favs? (Don’t get me wrong, there are sooo many more pieces I have my eye on! If it says Signaturesoft, I want it!)
I live in this sweatshirt and pants. You have never felt anything so cozy and soft. I have it in black and grey.
Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Sweatshirt
Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Sweatpants
This top is great for wearing over leggings. The v-neck is flattering and the rib knit trimmed arms keeps the top from looking too oversized.
Lou & Grey Ribtrim Signaturesoft V-Neck Top
Ah, Quince. Luxury goods at reasonable prices. What took them so long? Here is their mission statement- “Our mission was simple—create products of equal or greater quality than the leading luxury brands at a much lower price. Because we believe quality should never be a luxury.” Also, free shipping and returns!
Their joggers are my go-to for casual wearing around town. They are super soft, not tight anywhere, and they drape in the most fashionable way. These look amazing with white sneakers!
Also a huge win at Quince?
They have affordable washable silk, cashmere, leather, and even home goods and jewelry now! The silk looks very expensive, but is not, and no dry cleaning! The Tencel fabrics are so soft, the cashmere so soft, and have I mentioned they have cotton too? I have two of the dresses and a top I love for when I want to dress up just a little bit, but still be in comfortable clothes.
This Quince dress is super soft and a very flattering cut to drape over your midsection without clinging to it.
Tencel Jersey V-Neck Long Sleeve Midi Dress
This silk blouse feels so lightweight, but I pair it with everything. I can tuck it into jeans, or shorts or wear it with a pretty skirt. Perfect basic piece in a high-end fabric. That is kind of the epitome of comfort clothing to me! Great for work as well.
Washable Stretch Silk Reversible V-Neck Blouse
Pact has the most comfortable clothing pieces that are also super flattering for women over 50. They based their company on producing certified organic cotton pieces, and what’s better than cotton for comfort? My daughter is a busy Mom, and she loves Pact. Easy to clean when the baby spits up on her, comfy enough to spend the day running after little ones, but also cute enough to wear out to dinner. She turned me on to Pact clothing, and I am so glad.
Ok, this is the set. And it’s not just for travel! A matched set of expensive looking cotton loungewear is my dream outfit. You can dress this up or down, and it is so, so comfortable. My daughter is in love with their dresses and skirts. Next, I have my eye on their sweaters! Comes in seven different colors and sizes up to 3x. BTW, you can also order them separately, but why? 😉
Ok, I know. This looks like a place where you buy outdoor clothes at first glance. Great for people who live on a ranch or farm, but for you? Uh, yes. Why? Because their basic tees are well made and have heavier weight fabric than the cheap ones you get at the department store. They are soft and comfortable, with no tags. And their flannel? Flannel can be really fashion forward my friends. Pair it with some leggings, white tennis and a baseball cap and you have a winning outfit! Also, they make a point of creating clothing that is a little bit longer over the backside, which is something I think many of us over 50 girls appreciate. Here are the exact pieces of comfort clothing I own from Duluth. Oh, and 20% off your first order, look for it at the site!
Ok, it covers my butt, is a heavyweight flannel so it will last, and is such a comfy layering piece.
Women’s Longtail T Elbow Sleeve Scoopneck
I wear these tees multiple times a week. They are a good weight, not thin, and the elbow sleeves cover my upper arms. I can layer over them as well. I have had these tees for 2 years now and with how much I wear them, I have seen no signs of them wearing out! I have four colors!
Ok, my next two suggestions are higher-end, but worth every penny. Let’s start with Bluesalt. Stylish, comfortable clothes for work, going out, or just being your fab self at home. Their wrap is the closest thing to cashmere I have ever felt. And guess what? They will send you a free scarf so you can feel the fabric yourself! Just download their app onto your phone or tablet, add your chosen scarf to the cart, and use XOSCARF in checkout. BTW, it’s worth $40, free!
I know this comfortable clothing brand sounds a lot like the last one, but that’s just a coincidence. Summersalt sells super soft, super comfort clothing that has been seen in Vogue, InStyle, Glamour and yes, on Oprah’s Fav Things list! Their claim to fame is their sizing. According to their website, “We used 1.5 million measurements from 10,000 women to get it right, so you get that instant confidence boost every single time.” All I know is that they make comfortable clothing that is flattering and high quality. If I had unlimited funds, I would shop there all day long. But until that happens, this is my very fav piece of theirs. I mean, have you ever seen a classier looking sweater? (Oh, and vertical stripes, visually slimming!)
The Luxe Cashmere Blend Two-Tone Button Neck Sweater
Comfort Clothing – Pajamas
My pajama choices are Oprah picks as well. But I also have a more affordable option for those of you on a tighter budget.
Softies clothes are amazingly soft… Go figure? This is my fav PJ set from them.
Natalie – Classic V-Neck PJ Set
And Oprah’s Fav- This is the only polyester piece I am recommending, and it’s only because it is made in such a luxury way that it is undeniably comfortable. Hence the name Marshmallow!
Solid Marshmallow V-Neck Lounge Set
These bamboo pajamas are my favs! They also have a short pair for summer. Affordable and so freaking soft ladies! And the white trim creates a high-end look as well.
Bamboo Jersey Long Sleeve Pajama Set
Comfortable Clothes Need Comfortable Bras
So having Fibromyalgia means that my skin is very sensitive. Standard underwire bras are torture for me, and even a bra that feels soft to start with, will cause me to rip it off at the end of the day feeling every seam and strap. But seamless bralettes didn’t give me enough lift and shaping. And let’s face it girls, most of us wouldn’t be mad at a seamless bra that actually lifted as we age. I found one.
Evelyn & Bobbie bras were created by a woman, and she holds patents on her wireless lift system. These are now the only bras I wear. When you order, follow their recommendations for your size. As they mention, the bra will feel snug at first, but will adjust to your shape within a wear or two. And you will be shocked at the lift, support, and shaping you get, with not one seam. They also have a tank version which I love, as it gives you a touch of shaping in your tummy area too.
For larger busted ladies, the Beyond Bra may be a better choice. I own one (wanted to try it!) but because it has traditional adjustable bra clasps, I just prefer the seamless one. For someone without Fibro, it may be perfect!
These are the two I wear, every single day. They come in lots of colors too! (And the tank, too!)
The V-neck version
So if you are a woman 50+ in need of comfortable clothes, here you go. I’ve done the research (and by research I mean ordering, trying on, returning… repeat 100 times 🤪) and am only recommending brands I know, use, wear, and trust. I hope you find something that makes your days full of more comfort! We ladies over 50, we deserve it!
Feel free to share this post with others who might also love to know my favorite picks for comfortable clothes!
Sign up for updates and your free copy of 10 Best Inspirational Quotes for Women 50+.
I think you will also love my posts on Best Mascara for Women Over 50 and Best Primers for Mature Skin (That won’t leave you cakey or crepey!)!
Also visit my Freebies page, where everything is… well, free!
Back to the Blog for more great articles!
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment