Sweatpants get a bad rap, sartorially speaking. Sure, they’re nowhere near as suave as a proper pair of trousers and, at their worst, they can make an otherwise stylish guy look like an overgrown frattie. But there is a time and a place for a great pair of sweats in every man’s wardrobe. Especially now, as most of us are homebound and erring on the side of leisure, superlative loungewear is key.
Sweatpants offer a respite from tailored trousers—the yin to their yang. On the weekend, after hours, at home—there are plenty of occasions when comfort trumps polish. But just because you want to bask in the pleasures of stretch fabrics and elasticated waists doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Subtle construction tricks can lend sweats and track pants a more tailored attitude, while fine materials like merino wool and cashmere can take them to luxurious heights. From lounging on the couch to grabbing a coffee, these are ten options you can wear with confidence.
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Satisfy ‘Spacer’ Stretch Gabardine Pants
Image Credit: Moda Operandi French brand Satisfy specializes in streamlined activewear, so these pants can handle a workout. The stretch gabardine fabric, slightly more structured than your average track pant material, and pin-tuck pleats running down the legs give these pants a polished appearance that belies their comfort—only you’ll know they’re essentially sweats.
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Ka/Noa ‘Adrian’ Cotton Jogging Trousers
Image Credit: Ka/Noa These are a Made-in-Italy riff on classic grey sweatpants, cut from an exceptionally soft yarn-dyed cotton fleece. Where most sweats can appear lumpy and shapeless, these have a flattering tapered leg with plenty of room in the seat.
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Polo Ralph Lauren Interlock Track Pants
Image Credit: East Dane Ralph Lauren is an OG of sportswear—he pioneered the marriage of fashion and athletic attire and is still a master of it. These trim pants in a heavyweight cotton jersey feature side stripes and zipped cuffs, nodding to active pursuits, but have a sleek silhouette that can go beyond the gym.
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Burberry ‘Huntley’ Jogger Pants
Image Credit: Nordstrom When it comes to lounging, is there anything better than being swaddled in cashmere? We didn’t think so. Burberry’s fuss-free joggers are woven from a velvety blend with a hint of stretch in a timeless camel hue—who knew loafing could be so elegant?
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Corneliani Wool Blend Jogging Pants
Image Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue With a zip fly, welt pockets and belt loops, these could easily be mistaken for proper trousers. But closer inspection reveals loungewear perfection: Corneliani’s jogging pants are knit from a wool blend for all the ease and flexibility of conventional sweats.
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Ermenegildo Zegna Tech-Merino Wool Joggers
Image Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue Zegna began as a textile mill, so the brand is a leader in innovative fabrics. One of its inventions is Tech-Merino, a breathable, moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating material with all the softness of Merino wool. Undeniably comfy and machine-washable, these pants are as luxe as they are effortless.
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Palm Angels Classic Track Pants
Image Credit: Ssense In a vivid red technical jersey, Palm Angel’s track pants are a streetwear staple. Their straight-leg silhouette is complemented with graphic side stripes and pin-tuck pleats for that authentic warm-up suit look—get the matching jacket to make a real statement.
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Alanui Cashmere Blend Track Pants
Image Credit: Nordstrom Indie Italian brand Alanui does knitwear with a playful, laid-back attitude—exemplified by these track pants in a plush cashmere-cotton-silk bouclé. The slightly nubby texture and sumptuous material make for stylishly decadent off-duty attire.
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The Row ‘Olin’ Track Pants
Image Credit: Matches Fashion Elasticated cuffs are something we general advise against—the results don’t usually flatter most men. But these sweats, in a cotton jersey that’s smooth as suede, are cut with wider legs so the cuffs just pool around the ankle. It all adds up to a look of easy, effortless chic.
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Wixson ‘Xeno’ Cashmere Pant
Image Credit: Wixson Paris Inspired by motocross pants, Wixson’s slim-cut joggers have a rock’n’roll attitude. But don’t be fooled by their rugged look—knit in a fine worsted cashmere, these are soft and supple as it gets. Cool and cozy? That’s a winning combination.
