The Definitive, Ugg Boot-Free Guide to Wearing Sweatpants and Looking Good
The jury seems to be eternally out on the subject of sweatpants (and/or yoga pants). Are they comfortable or just lazy? Acceptable or a huge no-no? I used to think they were horrible things, pretty much equivalent to going out in your pyjamas... but then I bought a pair. I needed something easy to change into after going swimming, and they seemed to be the logical answer, and I was instantly converted to their wonders.
I can still understand why people turn up their noses at them, but they are so incredibly comfortable. And, after a bit of experimentation, I've also come to the conclusion that it isn't impossible to look good in them - they just have a bad rep, mostly because of their horrible associations with bling and Ugg boots.
So I decided to come up with a list of tips for making sweatpants look acceptable (maybe even nice), in the hope that more people will overcome their prejudices and give comfort a chance!
DON'T:
Wear Uggs with sweatpants.
Pretty pretty please with a cherry on top? I know lots of people who like them, but I see no charm whatsoever - they're just lumpy lumps of ugly in my eyes. Wear them around the house all you want, but leave it at that!
Buy sweatpants with anything written across the bum.
Do I really need to elaborate?
Buy anything made of velour.
They look cheap, tacky, and tasteless. And also trendy in a bad way.
Wear old, dirty, raggy sweatpants.
Not in public, anyway. Treat them with the same respect that you would your other clothes. If yours have gone beyond social acceptability, then you can grab a new pair for a grand total of €8 in Tesco. Not exactly bank-breaking for a lot of people.
DO:
Buy pants that fit.
For God's sake, try them on before forking over the cash. Just because they're stretchy doesn't make them one-size-fits-all. If they're too big they'll look like saggy elephant-skin, and if they're too small they'll be the least flattering item of clothing you've ever owned.
Find a pair with a nice cut
Personally, I despise the ones with elasticated ankles, and I think most people agree. The best rule is probably to stick to your favourite style of jeans, and look for a pair of sweatpants with a similar cut, whether that's flared, bootcut, or straight-legged.
Embrace the casual look.
Sweatpants will never be dressy things, and if you don't accept that then you'll just end up looking trashy and awful. Pair them with t-shirts and other such comfy items and let your casual side show.
Colour coordinate.
Casual doesn't instantly mean effortless. If you're aiming for style here, then treat your sweatpants like you would any other trousers and build a colour scheme around them.
In conclusion, love the sweatpants, I say! When worn properly they are your friends, not your enemies.
But what do you think?
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But what do you think?
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13 comments:
Yes! Perfect! I wouldn't do them every day, but on those occasions when you just have to wear them (especially on THOSE days, you women know what I'm talking about), you definitely CAN pull them off - your tips are perfect :)
Ok I have strong feelings about tracksuit pants! I hate them and think they are strictly for the gym only. Wearing them out is like forgetting to get dressed. But saying that I did buy a pair of yoga type pants recently for the gym and was surprised at how comfy they were and not that ugly and unflattering either! And I have worn them around the house a few times now. Still I just don't think I would ever be comfortable wearing them in public, its just not my style!
hey just found your blog, and its great! would you like to trade links?
personally, my sweats only come out for the gym...
I don't think I could work sweat pants, but I do wear a pair of brown yoga pants quite often. They have a wide band at the top, and are cropped but really loose at the bottom. Super comfy, and they look really well under a light Summery skirt, they look good with bed hair, sunglasses, and a funky bag
I am in LOVE with od school sweatpants (the kind we used to wear in gym class with the elastic band bottoms) so I am always on a quest to find way to make them more wearable in the outside world (as they are usually at-home & gym only). I have found that even with the old-school sweats you can pull them off with the same tips you offered up in this post. Definitly needs to be a sportier look and pushing the elastic hem up the leg a little to show off some ankle combats the bulky shapelessness of the look.
See, I use my wide leg white linen trousers when I wan't to slob around (yay for tailoring). Or my hot pink thai fishermans trousers (to the next level) Just as comfy, slightly less guilt inducing.
actually, i mainly use dresses, because then i don't even have to think about coordinating anything with anything. lazy bliss
Could not agree with you more! I do have to say that at times I am guilty of a few of the don'ts but hopefully I follow the "Do"s more often than not.lol.
I also <3 Sweat Pants
I always find it strange when people turn their nose up at sweatpants, but embrace the baggier, more shapeless varieties of harem pants.
Sweatpants = Slippery slope to style hell. ;)
This is such a fun post. I am so glad that you listed buying sweatpants with something written across the bottom area a don't. That is a trend that severely aggravates me. :)
I love this! Lovely blog!
I like the elastic ankled sweatpants better for the mere fact that they are able to be scrunched up to let a little calve show and it helps with the weight of the fleece constantly wanting to pull down from the waist..Cant seem to find the elastic ankled type anywhere..Any suggetions? Jo
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