Jumpsuits and playsuits: how to choose

How to choose jumpsuits and playsuits

Begin with the line you want to live in. A jumpsuit gives you one piece from shoulder to ankle; a playsuit applies the same idea with a shorter leg, which suits warm days and a more compact silhouette. In our collection, the jumpsuits move between loose wide legs, straight legs and slim ribbed knits, so the first decision is how much volume you want through the leg and how defined you want the waist.

The waist is the next decision. A high waist and wide leg, as on the High-Waist Wide Leg Jumpsuit, create a long column; a matching belt, as on the V-Neck Sleeveless Belted Jumpsuit, draws the eye to a precise point. If you prefer a closer line, a ribbed knit slim fit follows the body without the need for a belt. Necklines range from V shapes and narrow straps to zip fronts, so choose the one you will feel comfortable in for the length of time you plan to wear it.

Fit matters more than any single detail. Read the size chart for each piece and, if your measurements fall between two sizes, choose the larger of the two measurements; one of our product pages notes that its sizing runs one to two sizes smaller than US and EU standards. Take your usual size only if you prefer a closer fit. A loose cut can be taken in your usual size for a relaxed line, or sized up when you want more ease.

For a playsuit, apply the same questions to a shorter leg: check the rise, the waist and how the shorts sit when you sit down. The principles of neckline and fabric remain the same.

Materials, details and fit

The fabric determines how the piece falls and how much ease you feel. Cotton and linen, as in the Button-Detail Sleeveless Wide-Leg Jumpsuit, give a dry, natural hand and a medium weight that lets a wide leg fall; hemp is part of that main fibre. Smooth polyester, as in the High-Waist Wide Leg Jumpsuit and the Pleated V-Neck Straight-Leg Jumpsuit, holds shape and drapes without clinging. A cotton-rich blend with 30% to 50% cotton, as in the Striped Cotton-Blend Slim Jumpsuit, has a smooth, dry handfeel with enough structure for a close cut.

Stretch changes the fit. The Stretch Unitard Jumpsuit with Spaghetti Straps uses an 83% nylon and 17% spandex knit that is light and springy; the Long-Sleeve Zip-Front Fitness Jumpsuit uses 80% polyester and 20% spandex with a lightly brushed inner face for warmth and a smooth outer surface that wicks moisture. The V-Back Sleeveless Yoga Jumpsuit uses 78% nylon and 22% spandex for a close, supportive blend. A touch of spandex in the V-Neck Sleeveless Belted Jumpsuit gives fluid drape and enough give to sit, walk and travel through a long day.

Look at the closures and construction. A front zip can be set where you want the neckline, as on the Sleeveless Zip-Front Stretch Jumpsuit, which also has a smoothing panel across the stomach and a seat cut to lift and round. Buttons down the front of the Button-Detail jumpsuit add quiet detail; a matching belt on the V-Neck Sleeveless Belted Jumpsuit marks the waist. Adjustable straps on the Stretch Unitard Jumpsuit let you set the neckline where it sits best, and the V-Back Sleeveless Yoga Jumpsuit opens a V-shaped back.

Fit should follow the fabric. A loose waist and wide leg fall away from the body rather than clinging; a slim ribbed knit follows the figure. Where a piece has pockets, check that they lie flat before you wear it; a zip should run smoothly from neck to waist. The medium weight of the cotton and linen cloth gives the wide leg its fall, while a 300g ribbed knit has a light presence under a jacket.

How to style them

Start with the shoe and let the hem do the rest. A wide-leg jumpsuit with flat leather sandals keeps the line easy for warm afternoons; the High-Waist Wide Leg Jumpsuit is described with flat leather sandals, and the Pleated V-Neck Straight-Leg Jumpsuit works the same way. For a more grounded evening look, add a jacket and boots to a stretch piece, as suggested for the Stretch Unitard Jumpsuit.

If the piece has a belt, fasten it at the natural waist and smooth the knot flat so the fabric falls cleanly below it. A matching belt on the V-Neck Sleeveless Belted Jumpsuit does this without introducing a second colour. Keep jewellery small and deliberate: a slim earring or a fine chain will not compete with buttons, pleats or a V neck.

For studio or gym pieces, wear them as the single layer they are designed to be. The Long-Sleeve Zip-Front Fitness Jumpsuit can be zipped to the collar for a clean line or eased down for breathing room at the neck; the Sleeveless Zip-Front Stretch Jumpsuit lets you set the front zip from neck to waist. Add a light jacket for the walk home and keep the rest simple.

Colour can carry the outfit. Black gives polish to the V-Neck Short-Sleeve Straight-Leg Jumpsuit, while a solid colour keeps pleated or wide-leg shapes continuous from neckline to ankle. If you choose a print, such as the vertical stripes of the Striped Cotton-Blend Slim Jumpsuit, let the stripes be the detail and keep the accessories quiet.

Care and storage

Always begin with the care label on the piece, because the fibre blend decides what the fabric will tolerate. Wash less often than you think you need to, air the piece between wears, and spot-clean small marks with a cloth. For stretch knits, use a cool wash and avoid a hot dryer, which can stress the elasticity.

Dry knit and ribbed pieces flat or hang them with support so the weight does not pull them out of shape. Fold the Ribbed Knit Slim Fit Jumpsuit and the Wide Leg Knit Cotton Jumpsuit rather than hanging them by the straps. Smooth polyester and cotton blends can be hung on a padded hanger, with the legs straightened so creases fall out.

Close zips before washing to protect the teeth and the fabric around them, and fasten belts or store them flat with the piece. Keep sharp jewellery away from fine straps and open backs. Store away from direct sunlight to keep colours even.

For travel, roll soft knit pieces or fold them along the leg line, and keep a zip-front jumpsuit at the top of the case so it can be shaken out and worn soon after arrival. A light press on a low setting, according to the care label, will settle a hem without flattening texture.

Standout pieces

• Button-Detail Sleeveless Wide-Leg Jumpsuit: Buttons run down the front and the cotton and linen cloth, with hemp in the main fibre, gives the wide legs their fluid fall.
• High-Waist Wide Leg Jumpsuit: A high waist sends the wide, straight legs into a clean column, while smooth polyester drapes without clinging.
• Stretch Unitard Jumpsuit with Spaghetti Straps: Adjustable straps and an open back meet an 83% nylon and 17% spandex knit that stays opaque in motion.
• V-Neck Sleeveless Belted Jumpsuit: A matching belt shapes the waist above straight legs, and polyester with a touch of spandex gives a fluid drape.
• Long-Sleeve Zip-Front Fitness Jumpsuit: The zip runs from collar to waist, and the 80% polyester and 20% spandex knit has a brushed inner face for warmth and a smooth outer surface that wicks moisture.