As someone who is perpetually on the go—both as a travel writer and a mom of twins—I’m always on the hunt for timeless wardrobe staples that combine comfort, style, and versatility. Enter the Spanx AirEssentials half zip and AirEssentials wide-leg pant: two oh-so-cozy loungewear staples that can be worn separately or as a matching set.
I know what you’re thinking…Spanx? Loungewear? Yes, really. While the brand was initially known for its shapewear and undergarments, it has since expanded to offer a wide range of clothing—from denim and slacks to dresses, jumpsuits, and tennis skirts suitable for any occasion, be it the gym, the office, a long-haul flight, or, in my case, frequent trips to the pediatrician. I like to think of the AirEssentials set as a more elevated take on pajamas—though unlike pajamas, these are acceptable to wear outside my apartment. Best of all, you can (barely) tell I had less than five minutes to get dressed.
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The half-zip sweatshirt stands out for its ultra-warm and seemingly weightless construction, which will keep you comfortably warm (read: not sweltering) for hours on end; as such, it’s an especially great pick for chilly plane rides. Plus, it’s ideal for layering courtesy of its oversized fit, which is why I often wear mine with a tank top underneath. Another bonus: It comes in 12 color options, from black and navy to violet and red.
How it’s held up
After more than a year of wear—including on both shorter domestic and long-haul flights—the set has held up impressively well. The fabric is just as soft as when I first took it out of the box, even after frequent washing and regular wear. According to Spanx’s website, the pieces should be washed inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble-dried on low heat. If I’m honest, I’m often too busy with work and mom life to follow those exact instructions—but I haven’t had any issues with wrinkling or pilling. I have noticed some shrinkage after repeated washes, especially in the sweatshirt. That said, I’ve since ordered another top in a slightly larger size, which actually works well since I prefer a more oversized fit rather than a boxier, cropped one. So if you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up.
How I style it
The sweatshirt pairs just as easily with the matching pants as with my go-to leggings and joggers, but when I want a more coordinated look, I reach for the wide-leg pants—a favorite for their loose, on-trend silhouette and buttery-soft feel. Since I’m fairly short (5’4″ on a good day), I often struggle to find wide-leg pants that hit at the right length (they never look quite as good once hemmed), so I especially appreciate that these come in three lengths—petite, standard, and tall—which meant I could skip a trip to the tailor. The adjustable drawcord waist offers a customizable fit and, unlike other pants I own, it doesn’t get twisted in the wash. I usually wear them with sneakers for a sportier look or platform slippers for a cozy-chic vibe, and they’re available in 10 colors.
What’s new from Spanx
Both the wide-leg pants and half-zip sweatshirt I raved about above are part of Spanx’s AirEssentials collection, well-known for its ultra-soft, buttery fabric that feels silky-smooth against the skin. The drapey material also features four-way stretch, allowing it to move with you rather than weigh you down. Spanx has recently expanded the collection with its new AirEssentials French Rib pieces—and they are my current obsession.
The AirEssentials French Rib collection is a slightly dressier take on the brand’s signature ultra-soft fabric. The new pieces use the same lightweight spacer material the line is known for, but feature a subtle ribbed exterior that gives them a more polished feel. I’ve been living in the French Rib Cardigan—it’s just as comfortable as the original AirEssentials style but looks noticeably more put together than a sweatshirt. Lately, I’ve been pairing it with wide-leg jeans for a cute everyday outfit that still feels comfortable enough for travel. The ribbed texture also makes the pieces more versatile, easily transitioning from lounging at home to hopping on a flight to heading out to dinner.
In addition to the cardigan, the collection includes several other staples, including French Rib versions of the half zip and wide-leg pants mentioned earlier, along with a very on-trend barrel-leg pant and a sleeveless jumpsuit, which I’m especially excited to wear once the weather warms up. It looks and feels like the kind of effortless, one-and-done outfit that’s perfect for travel days.
