Image via Complex Original
The evolution of sweatpants for men in the world of fashion over the past few years has been astonishing. At one point men's sweatpants were relegated to indoorwear that shouldn’t be seen in public, like a shower cap or ankle monitor. But now? Every label worth its shit in cotton has skin in the game. Why? Because athleisure is at its peak and there’s nothing more ahtleisure-y than sweatpants.
The great thing about this evolution is the myriad of choices; from plain to tie-dye, slim joggers to baggie, streetwear to luxury, affordable to “oh, you RICH rich.” If you are a fashion enthusiast of any sort, there’s a good chance your perspective of sweats has changed over the last five years. Here are the best sweatpants to buy right now.
Noah Paisley Lounge Pants
The most elite cool dad brand in the game has made quite possibly the coolest cool dad sweatpant of all time with this amalgamation of floral and paisley. These need only apply to those who’ve been through it all and have, like, just dealt with it, you know?
Buy it now at SSENSE, $170
Colorful Standard Organic Sweatpants
While “sustainably made” has definitely lost its luster over the past year or so due to the litany of brands abusing the shit out of it, you certainly cannot beat a pair of garment-dyed organic fleeceback sweatpants for only $69. Nice.
The North Face 95 Retro Denali Pants
The North Face 1995 Denali jacket is one of the most iconic pieces of outerwear to ever be deemed “streetwear.” What you youngins may not know is that their sweatpants of the same ilk are equally as cozy, equally as warm, and equally as ill.
Snow Peak Alpaca Knit Pants
Not sure who needs to see this, but these shits are knit in Japan out of wool and alpaca fleece. That would be like if you sat your overheating laptop on your lap the entirety of the day. But without the annoying buzzing or the threat of testicular cancer (It’s a myth, fellas. Relax.)
Buy it now at Snow Peak, $147
Nike Made in Italy Sweatpants
While Nike has been doing their Made in Italy line for quite some time, it’s finally getting its just due thanks to these incredible tapered fit, jacquard joggers made of fabrics you can only get in Italy.
Buy it now at Notre, $150.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Track Pant
No matter what you think or have to say about the man’s creativity (or lack thereof), the way that Virgil Abloh has reinvented the Louis Vuitton brand has been extremely interesting, at the very least. The overindulgent use of the iconic LV monogram is intriguing, especially when textured on a loose-fit track pant.
Buy it now at Louis Vuitton, ($1,190)
Stone Island Cotton Fleece Garment Dyed Sweatpants
A trailblazer in technical garmentry that doesn’t look like shit, Stone Island Cotton Fleece Sweatpants don’t necessarily have all the bells and whistles their outerwear typically does, but you’re certainly not compromising the craftsmanship. Also, please do not cut the tag off.
Buy it now at Haven, ($298)
Noon Goons Blue Icon Lounge Pants
Unlike its namesake, the goonery of these sweatpants is at a minimum. And while most un-elasticated hems can come off very LFO-Summer-Girls-type beat, these lounge pants are very authentic off-duty punk surfer who’s drinking a 40 with the homies in the park.
Buy it now at SSENSE, ($170)
Stussy Grey Stock Fleece Sweatpants
A classic streetwear brand with a classic take on sweatpants at a classic price. Stussy should consistently be your go-to for streetwear basics, and their Stock Fleece Pant is no exception.
Buy it now at Complex Shop, ($65)
Kapital Leopard-Print Fleece Drawstring Trousers
Kapital has been having loads of fun and the Americana-inspired Japanese brand is going to continue pushing the boundaries, with or without your support. Exhibit A; these leopard print fleece trou are insane...ly great, and if you’re trying to step outside-the-box on your next pair of lounge-y trou, look no further.
Buy it now at Mr Porter, ($285)