Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation once said, “We need to remember what’s important in life. Friends, waffles, and work. Or waffles, friends, work.” As I ate my delicious waffle this morning in the dining hall, I reflected on how the pandemic changed our lifestyle. Home workouts became the new norm, and athleisure started trending. But not everyone became a superstar athlete over quarantine. A lot of people took an alternate route, including myself. Lounging around became a blessing after such stressful times. We prioritized relaxation—no one can ever have too many comfy ‘fits. As I sought the comfort-food feeling of waffles, I desired to wear something that was just warm and fuzzy. One fabric popular in loungewear is waffle knits.

Waffle knits can keep you cozy in any season. Typically developed from natural cotton, these knits feel like fluffy clouds in the sky. Waffle knits are great for daily use, whether you’re chilling on your living room sofa with a morning cup of coffee or out to the library to drop a book off, because the material is light and durable. When layered, it swaddles you like a baby wrapped in a warm blanket. 

So, what exactly is a waffle knit? It’s a textile that is woven in a gridlike pattern of minuscule squares. This openness makes the material breathable. Waffle knits were first used as textiles for industrial cleaning due to their durability. Their purpose changed when the knit became a great in-between layer for clothing, as it is thicker than merino knit, yet lighter than cable knit.

Waffle knits are versatile and soft to the touch. Some might be skeptical about wearing the fluffy material because it can feel like you are wearing pajamas instead of legitimate clothes. However, waffle knits are the best of both worlds: they feel as luxurious as they look. But when it’s a frigid winter day and you don’t want to leave the comfort and warmth of your bed, this thermal fabric provides the perfect layer to brace the cold. They’re specifically designed to insulate your body heat. The versatility of the waffle knit is immense: there are waffle knit tees, bralettes, beanies, sweaters, biker shorts, and sweats.

Waffle knits can be found at almost any retail store, whether in individual pieces or matching sets. Some of my favorite waffle knits are from Aerie (especially their waffle joggers), Gap, and Urban Outfitters. Look to companies like L.L.Bean and Gap for more sustainable options, as they have policies to manage water use and utilize eco-friendly materials in garment production. Gap’s waffle knit beanie is made from 60% organic cotton.

While the world slowly goes “back to normal,” the desire for comfort isn’t disappearing any time soon. Waffle knits are a timeless style because they’re not only cozy but also practical. As loungewear and comfy clothes prevail, I hope you enjoy waffle knits a waffle lot.