10 Pairs of Sweats
From classic and drop crotch to sporty shorts and fleece robes, a new era of design-forward sweats has arrived
Whether you choose to recognize it or not, it’s happening—sweats are having a moment. From the cozy boy and goth-ninja menswear movements of seasons past to the tech-sweat-driven warm-up fashions of fall, sweats are now as likely to be seen in SoHo and on streetstyle blogs as with ice cream stains on a dorm room floor. To take a look at some of the many options currently on the market for what we hope is a good bit of down time in the final weeks of the year, we’ve rounded up 10 sweats in every style from classic, technical and sporty to fashion-driven and home-specific.
Raised by Wolves
You just can’t argue with simple, heather grey sweats, and the medium-weight Sunday Sweatpant by Raised by Wolves are just that. Made entirely by hand in Canada, with a thick elastic ankle-band and ribbed waist, these basic drawstring sweats are made for lounging tough. Find them from Flat Spot online for £110.
Roots
It doesn’t get much more classic than the Pocket Original Sweatpant from Toronto-based Roots. Made of a cotton and polyester fleece blend salt and pepper fabric, these puppies are as comfy as they get. Available in black pepper and straight black, the plain pocket sweats sell for $64 from Roots online.
Isaora
One of our favorite brands pushing the limits of urban-inspired technical apparel, Isaora knows a thing or two about functional, attractive design. Here, their Life Victory sweatpants combine a heavy-gauge poly-knit with Italian 100% cotton fibers for a more flexible, durable fabric. Additionally, you’ll find two waist pockets, a single rear snap-secured pocket and ribbed ankle cuffs with a “micro-drop crotch” for extra comfortability. Made in NYC, the Life Victory sells for $160.
Battenwear + Pilgrim Surf Supply + Beams
Another collaboration of epic proportions—at least to the menswear market—NYC’s Battenwear and Pilgrim team up with renowned Japanese retailer Beams to create a wonderful pair of fleece bottoms. While they’re not technically sweats, for all intents and purposes they serve the same purpose. Inspired by 1970s fleece jackets, the multicolored pants are 100% polyester fleece and made in America. Find the Galaxy pants for $198 from Pilgrim Surf Supply.
Nike Sportswear
Always on point in fashion-forward athletic gear, Nike Sportswear is a true leader in the wearable-outside-the-house sweats world. The USOC Tech Fleece 1.0 is as much a track warm-up as it is a pair for lounging around the house. The stretch waist and brushed-fleece interior is undoubtedly comfortable, while the 65% cotton and 34% polyester composition proves the pant to be built for movement. Side and back pockets make it one of the more practical options as well. The US Olympic Committee Tech Fleece 1.0 sells from Nike Sportswear for $110.
Outdoor Voices
Similar in fit to the USOC pant, the aptly named Warmup Sweatpants from Outdoor Voices are athletic by nature—so much so that they sport a “keep running” graphics on the right calf. A gathered elastic waistband is kind to those of us in varying levels of fitness, and tapered leg with ribbed cuff keep things modern and clean. Available for £95 from Couverture & The Garbstore.
P.A.M.
Melbourne, Australia’s Perks and Mini is a staple in the fashion-oriented creative community, celebrated for their keen sense of original style and disregard for convention—all of which we can see in the Duplo Pant. The drop-crotch sweats feature accentuated 3D pockets and a thick elastic waist and cuffs, making them equally perfect for lazy mornings at home and late night dubstep shows. Find the Duplo Pant in a range of colors from Someday Store online for $196.
Damir Doma
The Prama Sweatpant from Damir Doma’s current FW 13/14 Silent collection is a drop-crotch, elastic waisted pant with a “very unique cut.” The A-shaped legs and compounded outer pockets give an unconventional look, while the 100% cotton fabric grounds the pants, making them more wearable. If there was ever such a thing as avant-garde sweats, the Prama might be it. Find a pair for $402 from Vrients online.
Norse Projects
Of course it’s difficult to outdo a classic pair of sweatpants, but the Ro Sweat Shorts from Danish label Norse Projects come close. While the concept of short sweats might seem a bit silly, an afternoon spent in a pair will quash all doubts—especially if you happen to live in a city like NYC where many apartments lack the ability to control heat, often making homes warmer in winter than summer. The 100% cotton Ro Sweat Shorts are made in Europe and are available directly from Norse Projects for $120.
Reigning Champ + Club Monaco
One can’t even think about high-quality sweats without considering Canada’s Reigning Champ. The renowned athletic wear maker recently teamed up with retailer Club Monaco for a capsule collection, and the hooded Robe is by far the prize piece. Handmade in Canada, the belted cotton fleece robe is the ultimate winter housemate. Find it from Club Monaco for $195.
All images courtesy of their respective retailer
