How to Make Sweatpants Look Stylish

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In recent years, sweatpants have made the jump from sofas and gyms to public life. People are increasingly happy to head to the store or even out for meals with friends in their sweatpants. Partly because of the athleisure revolution, partly because of changes in attitudes toward comfort since the pandemic, and partly because you can get some really stylish sweatpants these days! However, a lot of sweatpants fans would still prefer their favourite pants to look a bit more put together - stylish enough to work in a wider variety of situations. Luckily, this isn’t too hard to do! Here’s a guide to making sweatpants look stylish.

Start with the sweatpants

The brand and style of sweatpants you choose can make a big difference. For example, sweatpants from SKIMS are designed to be fashionable and will always be more stylish from the get-go than a pair of cheap joggers from the bargain bin.

Try to pick a pair with a clear shape, and check the fit from every angle. Look at where the waistband rests, how much room you have through the leg, and where the hem reaches. Leave stretched waistbands, sagging knees and heavily pilled pairs at home.

Think about the rest of your wardrobe when choosing a colour. If you regularly wear black coats and white trainers, grey or black sweatpants give you several straightforward combinations. Choose a pair you can wear with clothes you already own rather than buying additional pieces around them.

Choose the right fit

Check the shape through the leg before you buy. With tapered sweatpants, you get a narrower ankle and can show the whole shoe - great for making a statement with your footwear. Straight-leg styles, on the other hand, give you more room through the lower leg. If you prefer a wide leg, choose the length carefully and keep the hem off the ground.

Look at the waistband when you choose your top. With a high-waisted pair, you can tuck in a T-shirt or shirt and leave the waistband visible. You can also wear a shorter jumper if you prefer more coverage around the middle. For lower-rise sweatpants, try several top lengths and choose one that reaches the waistband comfortably.

Choose colours from your existing wardrobe

Open your wardrobe before you buy another pair. Look at the tops, coats and shoes you wear most often, then choose sweatpants in a colour you can pair with several of them. 

You do not need an exact colour match for a monochrome outfit. Wear charcoal sweatpants with a lighter grey jumper, for example. If you want to introduce a stronger colour, choose one top or accessory in that shade and keep the other pieces neutral.

Or, if your style is a bit quirkier, pick sweatpants in bright colours and patterns that make a statement!

Choose a jacket or coat

Put on the sweatpants and your chosen top before trying outerwear. Check the full outfit in a mirror and compare a few jacket lengths. With tapered sweatpants, you might choose a straight wool coat that reaches below the knee. With a high-waisted pair, you might prefer a shorter denim or leather jacket that leaves the waistband visible.

Pay attention to how much fabric you are wearing around the waist and hips. If you choose loose sweatpants and a long jumper, adding an oversized coat can leave you with more volume than you want. Try a straighter or shorter outer layer instead.

Match your shoes to the trouser leg

Choose your shoes according to the width and length of the trouser leg. With cuffed sweatpants, you can wear trainers, loafers or ankle boots without covering much of the shoe. With straight or wide legs, check where the hem reaches once you have your shoes on.

Wear clean trainers if you want a neater everyday outfit. Check long hems after wearing them outdoors, particularly in wet weather. If the fabric regularly touches the pavement, you probably need a pair with shorter legs.

Choose the top according to the proportions

If you wear loose sweatpants, try a fitted T-shirt, vest or bodysuit on top. You can tuck it into the waistband or leave it untucked according to its length. This will create an interesting and stylish contrast. With narrower sweatpants, try a looser jumper or sweatshirt if you want more volume on top.

You can also wear a matching sweatshirt. Put both pieces on and check where the sweatshirt ends. If it covers the waistband and upper leg, try tucking in the front or choose a shorter top if you want more definition around the waist.

Use your usual accessories

Accessories are style essentials. Wear the bags and jewellery you already use with casual outfits. If you usually carry a leather shoulder bag with jeans, try the same bag with sweatpants. If you regularly wear hoops, a watch or a necklace, keep them in the outfit.

Look at yourself in the complete outfit before you leave. If you dislike the proportions, change one piece rather than adding more. You can style sweatpants in the same deliberate way you style jeans or casual trousers: choose a pair that fits you properly and wear it with clothes you already like.