Previously reserved for sweaty gym sessions and lazy Sunday afternoons, sweatpants have found their way into acceptable everyday wear. Casual is now king, and while in the past this fashion item would be frowned upon if worn out-and-about, they can now be styled as a chic and comfortable fashion statement.
Why have sweatpants become popular in recent years and how can you style them to be suitable for a wide range of occasions? From baggy sweatpants to flares and cuffed bottoms, we look at how to find and style the perfect sweatpants for you:
The rise of athleisure wear is a notable trend and there is now less distinction between sportswear and casual loungewear, both aim to be comfortable and practical. You can find athleisure clothes in all major fashion retailers; it is usually a part of their collection across all four seasons.
The shift towards remote and hybrid working has also gone a long way in boosting acceptance of sweatpants. Away from office dress codes, employees crave comfort and convenience from their outfit choices.
Here are some the most common types of sweatpants and ideas on how to style them:
Baggy sweatpants
A blast from the past… baggy sweatpants are a very popular choice due to their versatility and are very reminiscent of 90s fashion and streetwear style. They provide a relaxed and casual silhouette.
When wearing baggy sweatpants for an outing, thinking about proportions and how to make the outfit look well balanced is important. Therefore, you may wish to pair your baggy pants with a fitted t-shirt, either short or long sleeved depending on the temperature.
An oversized sweater or hoodie makes a good additional layer if required. High top sneakers look great with this style, or chunky boots are another great alternative for a retro look.
Cargo sweatpants
Cargos are back and have replaced the skinny jeans. Cargo sweatpants are a hybrid of the traditional cargo and embrace the traditional utilitarian design with the added comfort of a jogger.
A graphic t-shirt often pairs well with this style or a plain t-shirt in a complimenting color works well too. If you really want to lean into the urban style, a bomber jacket can be layered on top, or you might even want to consider a utility jacket.
Combat boots or chunky sneakers can help to tie either of these looks together.
Slim fit sweatpants
A slim fit version of the classic sweatpants can give a clean, minimalistic look. For a tailored look, you will want to ensure they fit well – they should not cling too tightly to your legs, and they should be ankle length.
A fitted hoodie or sweatshirt in a matching or complimenting shade can look understated yet sophisticated. In warmer weather, a simple white t-shirt will finish off the look. Paired with a simple piece of jewelry can enhance the look even more.
Footwear-wise, some sleek Chelsea style boots are ideal for day to evening outfits, or some classic sneakers will pair nicely too. Minimalist colors will look particularly smart and tasteful.
Athletic sweatpants
Although sweatpants are now widely accepted as casual fashion staples, they still have their place in the world of sport and fitness. This is due to their practicality and comfort.
Athletic sweatpants differ from other variants of the style as they are made from moisture wicking material, suitable for running and high endurance sport. These sweatpants are best styled with a simple gym shirt or hoody and your usual sports sneakers or walking boots.
Final thoughts…
When putting together an outfit with sweatpants, be sure to keep proportions in mind. Do not be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your own personal style and preferences. The right jewelry or cologne can really add your personality to your outfit so make sure to style it up.
Sweatpants are now loungewear essentials that everyone needs to own, when styled correctly they are fashion forward statement pieces that look and feel great to wear no matter what the occasion.
Varsha