If there is one thing I do well, it is rest day. From the food, to always having a nice cup of tea ready, to being gentle with my body, to making sure my favourite blanket is warm and clean – I am very proud of my rest day set-up. But what really pushes rest day comfort over the edge is the clothes I am wearing. It has to be soft, it is usually oversized, and there needs to be zero fussing with it to make it cozy. Here are my picks for rest day apparel, with some bonus recommendations to really make the most of your next rest day.
The Sweatsuit Combo
In the winter time, having a warm sweatsuit not only makes rest day comfortable, but it also makes me feel like I am slightly more put together than just rolling out of bed and keeping my pyjamas on all day.
Rest Day Sweats Joggers
I am very picky about sweatpants. I don’t like a flared leg, I like a cuffed ankle. I also like an elastic waistband, but I don’t love having to manage strings. And of course, there has to be pockets. I would definitely upsize this one for maximum comfort and to avoid any issues with shrinking in the wash.
Rest Day Sweats Hoodie
To round out the sweatsuit, you have to get the matching oversized hoodie. It gives an effortless, comfortable vibe to the whole rest day. And when they are matching, it feels a little more acceptable to go out and run errands in this outfit. Throw on an oversized leather jacket, and you actually have an effortlessly cute ‘fit for spring or fall.
Rest Day Slides
If there’s one thing that really makes my rest day complete, it is have a quick and easy pair of slides that I can easily take on and off when I need to run the recycling downstairs or pop out for an errand.
These slides are an affordable option, and you can get them in so many colours, they are the perfect addition to your rest day wardrobe.
Summer Rest Days
In the summertime it gets really warm and humid here, so as much as I would like to be able to wear my sweatsuit, I would overheat and that is just not the comfortable vibe I am going for. So here are my summer rest day essentials.
Cotton Underwear
This may have come out of left-field but having a good pair of cotton underwear is really important for your health during the summer time. When temperatures get warmer, we invite the possibility of things like yeast infections. Having a good breathable pair of underwear means every part of you in taken care of on your rest day.
Cotton Shorts
Although a cozy pair of sweat-pant material shorts is great for a summer rest day, sometimes those can be too warm. So I opt for a lighter cotton pair to make sure I am comfortable but not too warm.
Everyday Seamless Sports Bra
I really don’t love having a shirt on in the summer, so the less clothes and restriction the better. Which is why this seamless sports bra is my choice amongst all of the sports bras that GymShark offers. I am not looking for compression, or straps that may cut into my shoulders. I just want something that keeps the girls in place and is comfortable to hang out in.
Chill Short Sleeve
Now of course, if you want to cover up so you can go run your errands, then having an easy oversized T is such a great option in the summertime.
I really wanted to optimize comfort here, so I’ve selected this chill short sleeve from Alo Yoga. The quality is excellent, and the shirt is just weighted enough that you feel light and airy, while also feeling comfortable.
Stripe Crew Sock
Crew socks are very in right now and I think the look with a pair of comfortable shorts and oversized T is such a cute rest day look.
These stripe ones are available, but GymShark also has different designs, colours, and multi-packs so check those out if you are not into this specific design.
More Rest Day Essentials
So now that you have your perfect winter and summer rest day outfits organized, it is time to get into all of the other ways you can treat yourself to the most restful rest day possible.
Epsom Salts
These are really great for relaxed the muscles after a tough week of workouts. Just add them to a warm bath, soak and relax.
Foam Roller Set
Rest day should also always include some stretching or form of muscle release. A set like this includes everything you need to release muscles big and small.
LED Face Mask
I have just recently jumped on the LED face mask train after speaking to my esthitician about them. These add a bit of luxury and self-care to your rest day. This particular mask has the most reviews and a 4.4 star rating on Amazon, and is mid-range for price based on what’s available on Amazon. There are more expensive options, but this is a great starter mask.
Skincare Routine
I have recently started to use the Caudalie Vinoperfect moisturizer and it is amazing what a high-quality skincare product can do for your skin. When you skin looks healthy and glowing, you feel healthy and glowing. Doing little things to further increase confidence and self-esteem on your rest day is always a good way to spend the day.
Greens Supplement
While enjoying your rest day, you’ll also want to make sure you are refueling and getting in as many high-quality nutrients as you can so your body is ready for the next day of exercise.
Self Tanner
Something else that I love to do on my rest days is self-tan. I am so protective of my skin and so I very rarely get a natural tan these days because I am always wearing sunscreen. However, I still want to glow, so Bondi Sands is my go-to self-tanner.
Rest days are so important. I wrote a whole article on why you should be thinking about planning your rest and rest days, so after your get your rest day essentials sorted, check out that article to learn more about why rest days are so important.
Riley Pearce 
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