Leisurewear

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Attire specifically made for informal occasions that prioritizes comfort and a laid-back aesthetic
2. Clothing intended for informal settings that emphasizes ease and a relaxed style
3. Apparel created to be comfortable and suitable for non-work activities or downtime

Etymology: Leisurewear is a plain compound: "leisure" joined to "wear" in the sense of clothing, the same "wear" that appears in "menswear" and "sportswear." The second element has an older history than it might seem. "Wear" descends from the Old English "werian," which meant to clothe oneself, and it traces back through Proto-Germanic to a Proto-Indo-European root that also gave rise to words for putting on garments. "Leisure" came into English from Old French "leisir," from Latin "licere," meaning "to be permitted," so the idea underlying the word is freedom from obligation. Joining it to "wear" produced a term for clothing chosen for time when one is free from work or formal duties. The "-wear" suffix itself is productive: English has created many similar compounds on the same pattern, so the word follows an ordinary, transparent formula rather than a single notable coinage.

Synonyms: casual wear, athleisure