Join Me on My Dive into Sweatpants
Dear Reader,
I decided something: this Winter will be my season to embrace sweatpants.
I decided this for several reasons.
One, it’s cold outside. Warm-cozy is my greatest priority these days.
Two, I’m pregnant, and elastic waistbands sound ultra-appealing for all the expansion that happens during pregnancy. I imagine most people—pregnant or not—appreciate a forgiving waistband, yeah?
Three, I decided sweatpants can actually look really F-ing cool. Months ago, my eyes adored this photo that Megan Alida Strachan posted where she elevated her sweats with a luxury knit,loafers, and a cocktail ring. Simple, but brilliant.
No longer are the days where sweats are considered grunge (I mean, would there be pairs that sell upward of $1,000 if that were the case?).
In 2024, sweats are chic (I say this objectively, not because I’m cold and pregnant). Needless to say, I’ve been eyeing and buying a variety on the market.
My main considerations when I search for good sweats:
Pockets. Actually not even a consideration — I need pockets.
Leg. Wide leg vs cuffed ankle — I can appreciate both, but feel the wide leg can fly to be a bit more elevated (especially in black).
Colorway. A heather gray, a cream, or black is always good and safe. Lately, though, I’ve been intrigued by an evergreen hue and brown to pair with knits.
Material. Warm fleece, lightweight terry, a luxe cashmere blend… there’s room for all, IMO.
Sharing some of my favorite finds and buys below — I highly recommend pairing with a ballet flat or a loafer.
LE BON SHOPPE’S BALLOON
Starting with my favorite of all the sweats: the Balloon pant by Le Bon Shoppe. I got the thicker Terry fabric, which retails slightly higher than the original cotton.
Why my favorite? First, these almost feel wide-legged with a generously-sized elastic ankle that is the least bit restrictive, but has just enough cuff to pass for track pant. A balloon pant, indeed.
Also these are extra-special with two side seams, a thicker-than-average waistband, an ideal cotton weight with a classic heather gray hue.
As intended, these fit a bit large, are extremely comfortable, and have pockets (win).
MATE THE LABEL SWEATPANT
More slim-fitting than the balloons above, Mate’s quintessential style has a slimmer leg with tighter cuffed ankles, a drawstring waist, and yes, pockets. Highly recommend the coordinating Oversized Sweatshirt too (my first love).
Almost forgot to mention: Mate has the coolest neutral colorways (particularly dig the croissant, mushroom, and forest).
KOTN WIDE LEG
Years ago, I worked with Kotn, a Canadian brand, and discovered it’s a real solid label — great quality and styles for the best price tag.
Felt called to get their Wide Leg Sweatpants simply because they reminded me of the NYC Wardrobe x Hailey Berber style, but at a much letter price (though I do like Hailey’s zipper ankle).
Others that compare to NYC Wardrobe’s for a better price: these by SKIMS, these by REF, and these by Madewell.
JENNI KAYNE SATURDAY SWEATPANT
I worked with Jenni Kayne for years, so naturally, I accumulated a few pairs of their Saturday sweatpants. The style is nice and versatile, but if pockets are important to you, move on. Also note the terry is light-weight, so perhaps a better option for Spring/Summer.
Intrigued by JK’s wide leg Marina, but still — no pockets!
DONNI SWEATPANT
Similar to Jenni Kayne’s above, but with a higher-waist and with pockets, the Eco Terry Pant is super cool (love the espresso colorway option!).
Very intrigued by the Sweater Jogger, along with the Ribbed Simple Pant for a wide-leg option (the lesser-priced option of Loro’s pretty penny version).
TOTEME TRACK PANT
We’re teetering luxe lounge territory with Toteme’s cotton-cashmere blend track pants, but the beauty here is hard to dismiss.
Elevated, yet uncomplicated. Particularly digging the seam detail down the front and back of the leg, the whisper draw string, and pockets (obv). There’s a bit of elastane in the cashmere, which I so appreciate.
LORO PIANA
We’ve entered full luxury mode as we say hello to our friend Loro Piana.
Seemingly, there’s a lounge-adoring clientele for Loro, because holy goodness, their cozy pant selection is super expansive and quickly sell out.
In all honesty, it would be hard for me to justify these price tags, simply because I am the least precious person in my sweatpants, and there are many good alternatives for a fraction of the cost (e.g., Toteme’s above compare to these, and Donni’s ribbed compare to these, etc.).
That said: I am fortunate and work with luxury brands that share and care, and I was able to try some Loro Piana lounge(this cashmere top with the matching shorts)! Undeniably, the quality is grossly gorgeous and incomparable (strongly feel Loro is on par with The Row’s craftsmanship).
All for now, but it’s only January — I’m sure there’s more sweats to come.
Talk soon,
xx Megan