The Resurgence Of Men’s Sweatpants?
Introduction
The London Olympics played a huge part in establishing sportswear as a major trend throughout 2012, and these sporting influences have been well chronicled on FashionBeans across the last two seasons. From a breakdown of the key sportswear pieces for SS12 to an AW12 sports luxe update, we’ve been on the ball throughout (so to speak).
However, one previously disregarded item that has roots within the world of sport has made a quiet resurgence in this climate of sporting awe. Despite being tarnished with an awful reputation over the years due to the so-called ‘chav culture’ and other social stigmas, are sweatpants for men now – gasp – wearable?
Before we start, and you scroll manically to the comments section, we should state that regular readers will already know that here at FashionBeans we encourage you to develop a refined, timeless and classic wardrobe that will transcend fleeting trends and seasons. For the majority of well dressed men, sweatpants will never be a consideration, and may even verge on blasphemy – but every piece has a time and place.
We will not be trying to persuade you to insert sweatpants into outfits where you would traditionally wear chinos or jeans. We will, however, be showcasing a number of ways you can style them in a modern way, for a variety of scenarios. Whether you choose to invest in, or avoid, sweatpants after this article is, of course, totally up to you.
With that out of the way, let’s get started…
How To Wear: Sweatpants
Men’s Sweatpants Lookbook
Look One
Sweatpants are (and always will be) a casual piece. They are the ultimate in cool comfort, so keep the rest of the outfit suitably dressed down – but most importantly, not sloppy – for a day of errand running or just laid back lounging.
A t-shirt and some stylish knitwear is the way to go here, and a jacket or coat can easily be layered over the top if the temperature isn’t on your side. The key to a successful sweatpant based look is your choice of footwear and the break of the trousers. You do not, under any circumstances, want the sweats to be pooling around the hem and drowning your shoes.
