How To Style Sweatpants 2022 To Look Gorgeous

Rosemary October 26, 2021 | 16:43

Have you had sweatpants in your wardrobe? If yes, follow our easy ways to mix sweatpants with other items to look fashionable.

How To Style Sweatpants 2022 To Look Gorgeous. Photo The Guardian

Sweatpants may have once been something to wear to bed or to lounge around the house in, but that's no longer the case — and the runways and street style of celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Kylie Jenner are proof.

You can easily dress sweats up and make them look a lot more stylish than you ever thought they could be, creating an outfit you can rock just about anywhere.

Sweatpants: Hot Trend

One of the hottest trends in recent years has been athletic wear. Nowadays, people are wearing items like running pants into the office on casual Fridays! While this may be shocking to those of us with more classic tastes, athletic wear as a fashion option is now very mainstream. You can see it in the office, in the gym, and out on the street. However, when shopping, It's important to know the differences when comparing joggers vs sweatpants.

If you’re choosing between joggers vs sweatpants, it’s important to pay attention to form and function. Even if you’re just going to the store, you want a look that’s comfortable and looks great. You might wear joggers if you’re walking dogs with a friend, while sweatpants may be better for a rooftop party where it may be a touch chilly. Knowing the difference between sweatpants and joggers can help you plan your style more effectively.

Are Joggers Sweatpants?

In short, the answer is no, joggers are not sweatpants. Joggers and sweats each have distinct features. Here, we’ll break down the joggers and sweatpants difference you should know.

What is the difference between sweatpants and joggers?

When answering whats the difference between sweatpants and joggers the easiest answer is style. Typically, joggers are more fashion-forward and sweatpants are more functional. That said, let's take a closer look at what sets them apart from each other.

Joggers are athletic wear that are usually worn while running. Joggers usually have these features:

Elasticized or cuffed ankles Front pockets A tapered cut/fit with relaxed hips, that becomes slimmer down the legs Full leg length Fabric: usually a cotton/polyester blend

Another important difference: sweatpants usually are made of thicker material than joggers. Sweatpants are designed to encourage sweat, while joggers are designed to keep the legs cool while jogging. This is important to note when comparing joggers vs sweatpants.

What to Look for When Buying Joggers and Sweatpants

It can be really, really hard to shop for these styles. Athletic wear has been hot since the 70s – first, with the jogging boom, then with figures like Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Lee rocking sweats and athletic wear. After that, hip hop culture carried these looks into the mainstream. However, we have a few guidelines that will help you narrow down your options when buying both.

When Shopping for Sweatpants

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The best sweatpants are 100% cotton. Sweatpants are designed for physical exertion; they are designed to soak up sweat and breathe. However, different styles of sweatpants have different thicknesses of fabric. How useful sweats are will depend on how you’ll be wearing them – you may want to get specific sweatpants that match an activity or outfit you are planning. For example, dark and heavy sweatpants with a hoodie may be ideal for a jog in the park during the fall. Alternatively, thinner, lighter colors may work for hanging out with friends.

Some nice style options include wearing sweatpants with a nice matching jacket or wearing a pair of heels or boots with your sweatpants

General Tips for Sweatpants

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The key is to find a style that suits you. If you are short in the leg opt for a tapered pair without an elasticated cuff, like Reiss’s needlecord joggers. These can be rolled up as required. If you are petite, go for a fitted waist without pleating as that creates an excess of bulky fabric. Try Paige, J Brand and River Island. Also worth considering is Sweaty Betty’s Gary Luxe, as they come in short and regular lengths. Keep footwear the same colour to draw the eye down. If you are long in the body, a high waist will balance your figure. Consider French Connection, or Serena Bute’s silky, flowing styles. For a curvy silhouette, try Asos and Karen Millen’s curve ranges.

Swap jersey for satin to elevate your look. The Arkin by J Brand, and Me and Em’s espresso pair are super-slick. Be bold and choose a print. Hush does camo and leopard options, as does Anthropologie. Zara has faux leather in three shades, including a deep red that’ll work for socially distanced drinks. For full partywear Pinko has a pair with all-over gold sequins and Wyse London has launched Ath-Disco lurex and stripe styles.

How to style sweatpants to make you trendy

Choose sweatpants that are fitted rather than baggy

If you're looking to dress up your look, the fit of your sweats can make a huge difference. Baggy sweats may be cozy, but they can be more difficult to dress up.

On the other hand, fitted pairs, like leggings or joggers, will be easier to style. Pick a pair that fits well and feels comfortable.

Color-Match The Outfit

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Matching colors in outfits plays a big role when it comes to putting outfits together. Whether you’re bright and bold or perhaps you prefer subtle tones, getting the hues of your outfit right makes a difference.

This is where matching sweats can be handy. Picking a pair of comfy sweatpants with a coordinating sweatshirt can save time when putting an outfit together and will always match.

Go for bold colors if you’re trying the matching look. Having one bright sweatpants outfit will look stylish and keep you comfortable at the same time – everyone’s favorite feeling. Key colors to try out this year are green shades and sky blue. These are bright and bold for the summer.

Go For Neutrals With Sweatpants

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Not everyone is a fan of bright colors, so if you wince at the thought of a bold sweatsuit, we understand. Instead, going for a minimalist color can still be very effective.

Greys and beiges can be good options if you want a more subtle sweatpants look. You can experiment with adding a pop of color to these outfits via accessories or shoes if you wish to, but keeping them monotone is also a great style idea.

When you’re wearing neutrals, it can be easier to pair a heel or boot with the sweatpants outfit. As the colors aren’t too bright, accessories can be played in. Essentially, you won’t look like a hot mess.

Get The 2000s Look

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The Y-2K look (or the 2000s style) is making a massive comeback in 2021. From thrift stores to online re-selling platforms like Depop, these sweat sets are everywhere.

The iconic Juicy Couture sweatpants are a particular favorite, with many influencers donning the velour tracksuit in all colorways. Wearing a full velour sweatsuit has never been more stylish, showing that you’re ahead of the trends and embracing the off-duty model look.

Pairing these comfortable trousers with a matching hoodie is excellent, but many have started to pair the sweats with bodysuits and crop tops for an evening ensemble. Think Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. This look is all about throwing it back to the start of the millennium.

Wear them with high heels instead of sneakers

The quickest way to dress up a pair of sweats is to change up your shoes. Pumps or other types of heeled shoes will automatically elevate your look and, from there, you just have to pick a stylish top and the right accessories.

Go Big With Coats Or Go Home

If you are looking for sweatpants that can be worn day to day or for a city trip, go for a neutral pair and combine them with an oversized coat. This is a formula that always results in a stylish look, keeping you looking casual yet stylish every time.

Great coat options to pair with sweats are elongated denim jackets, trenches, and even puffer coats. These all feature unique cuts and different textures, so play around with what feels good to you. Trainers are a great way to finish the look-off. These can be another way to incorporate some extra color into the look too.

Layers can be a great way to add a statement to this outfit. Try finding a cross-body back or an intricate necklace to add dimension to the look. While the sweats aren’t the star of the look, it’s a great way to style them for a day out.

Add A Slouchy Knit

For some of us, comfort is the number one priority sometimes. A slouchy knit can be your best friend when it comes to comfort and style. Whether you go for a cardigan or jumper, it’s up to you, but getting something slouchy and oversized is perfect.

If you opt for an oversized knitted jumper, try tucking the front into your sweats in a french tuck style. Pair this look with some boots and a leather jacket, and suddenly you’ll be ready to leave the house without sacrificing your comfort or squeezing into some jeans.

Try Metallic Tones

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Sweatpants can absolutely be worn in the evenings, and not just in front of the tv! Going for a pair of sweats in a metallic fabric is a great way to experiment with fashion, and it will add bolder looks to your wardrobe.

While these metallic sweats may not be as slouchy as a standard pair of sweatpants, they have the same cut and won’t be tight like a pair of jeans. These are best paired with a neutral or black top. Keep the rest of the outfit plain and let the pants do all of the talking.

We recommend a high necked black polo or a simple off-the-shoulder black top with some stilettos for a perfect date night sweats look. A necklace or clutch that matches the color of your pants will complete the look perfectly!

Take Them To The Office

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If you’re still unsure how to make sweatpants formal, we’ve got your back. With a blazer and heeled boots, you can take your favorite pair of sweats and make them office-ready in no time. This is also the perfect formula for a zoom call, business on the top and sweats on the bottom.

Mix a tailored blazer with a casual top and sweats. Make sure to tuck the top into the sweatpants as leaving it hanging out can look too slouchy. Finish the look with some heeled boots, but also make sure to turn the hem of the sweatpants up for a cropped style.

This is a great business casual look, perfect for a casual office day or drinks with friends. It may seem like a foreign idea if you tend to avoid sweats until your day off, but it’s 2021, and more people are embracing the casual style than you may think!

Pair them with a trendy coat or blazer

Instead of reaching for a sweatshirt when heading outside, wear your sweatpants with a blazer or coat that will immediately make them look more put together. Think: a belted trench, a leather jacket, or a more casual denim jacket.

The coat will give the sweats a more dressed-up feel than a sweatshirt might.

Experiment With Tie-Dye

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We can’t talk about sweats without mentioning the tie-dye phase that all influencers had in 2020. Though it was popular last year, this trend is still popular now – plus it’s easy to do at home if you feel creative!

Matching tie-dye sets are a key look at the moment. They match, they incorporate bold color and pattern, and they don’t sacrifice your comfort! Though you can buy these online from most fashion stores, you can easily do this trend at home with some plain sweats and dye.

We particularly love all of the pastel-colored sweats. Try wearing a matching set for a spring-summer look that is Instagram-ready. You can also pair a band tee or a cropped tee with some tie-dye bottoms for a street-style ready look. Have fun with color!

Benefits of wearing sweatpants while exercising

Burning Calories

Sweatpants increase body heat, causing you to become hot and sweat more quickly during your routine. It takes extra calories to cool your body down when you sweat, so the additional heat caused by sweatpants can help you burn a few additional calories. The additional caloric expenditure is a small one, though, so you won't see much difference in your results simply because you wear sweatpants.

Wicking Away Moisture

Even if you wear sweatpants to stay warm, you'll probably start sweating at some point during your routine. No one wants to walk around with sweaty legs, and sweatpants can help wick away moisture, keeping you cool and dry. Choose sweatpants made of material specifically designed to wick away moisture and steer clear of heavy fabrics that absorb moisture, such as fleece.

Protecting Your Skin

When you exercise outside, you probably notice only the sun that hits your face and your chest. But your legs are just as vulnerable to sunburn as any other part of your body, and sweatpants can help you avoid a sunburn. They'll also save you time if you don't want to worry about sunscreen. In muggy weather when mosquitoes are out in full force, the pants will protect your legs from nasty bites, and if you exercise in natural settings or high grass, your pants will provide you some protection from ticks, spiders and thorny bushes.

Keeping You Warm

Sweatpants are designed to help keep you warm when the temperature is less than ideal. But the warmth isn't reserved only for your skin. Sweatpants trap heat close to your body and can help you warm up your muscles more quickly. It's much safer to exercise warm muscles than cold ones. Theoretically, then, sweatpants might help you reduce your risk of injury, particularly if you tend to avoid warm-up routines.