What to Wear With Sweatpants
Natasha Kirmse
Table of Contents
If Covid has taught us anything, it’s that the beauty of sweatpants has been underappreciated for too long. We understand that previously they were all about comfort, never about looks, but why should the two be mutually exclusive?
We believe that instead of being a matter of why you would wear them, it really needs to be about what to wear with sweatpants to make that look shine.
With a bit of care and planning, sweatpants can actually enhance outfits beyond casual comfort to a place of pure style and grace. From walking looks to business affairs, all it takes is the right combination of tops, bottoms, and accessories to make a look complete.
Once the ways to style sweatpants have been mastered, friends and family will be begging for fashion tips in no time.
20 Best Outfits That Look Good with Sweatpants
Fashion tends to be a pretty personal thing in the end, but there are always some tips and tricks that everyone can use while styling their outfits. Rather than focusing solely on the pants, we need to acknowledge that there’s more that goes into every aspect of the outfit.
We don’t want to start planning every look for you, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start without a bit of a guiding force. So, to get those creative juices flowing, we’ve come up with the top 20 ideas of what to wear with sweatpants.
Light sweatpants, crop top, and a loose patterned layer – is there anything more we could ask? Add some style and attitude to any appearance by tossing on a baggy top layer. Bonus points if it has a bit of pattern to it.
We have classic flannel fans, but stripes, polka dots, or pictured patterns can have a great effect too.
Those who warm up too easily or want to simplify things from the last look can take a gander at the crop top. Nice, light, and balancing out the baggier sweats with its tighter appearance, this look adds a flair of “I don’t care” to any event.
Great for casualwear or daytime strolls, nothing quite says a day out with friends like this classic sweat combo.
Patterned tops aren’t the only way to go when looking for shirts to wear with sweatpants. Sometimes simple is the best way to go – especially when it comes to button-downs.
Slimming out the figure through an open (but fitted) button-down can elevate the appearance with ease. Add a neutral tee underneath and roll up those sleeves to complete the look.
Switch up the standard. Forget sticking with one fabric and take a glance at the world of material available.
From velvet to nylon to fleece, there are many ways to go. Mixing fabrics can add some texture to an otherwise typical outfit, doing the job so you don’t have to worry about how to style sweatpants. Just pair them with a nice top and the material will do the rest of the job.
Who says sweats have to only be for comfort and warmth? With the right slimming set, paired with some stunning heels, the outfit will go from every day to every-yay.
It’s easy to learn how to dress up sweatpants once those societal biases are removed. Class it up with a new perspective on life – from a few inches higher off the ground.
We’ll say it now – sometimes questioning what to wear with sweatpants doesn’t matter quite as much as how you wear it. And we’re saying monochrome is the underappreciated style of the century.
Leave behind bold patterns, layering, and other attempts to mix and match. Simplify the process by sticking with a single tone that looks and feels great. Whether a fan of cream, black, gray, or something else, the single color will likely make an impact.
Step back in the fall and come layered up with a leather or jean jacket. Working especially well with neutral tones, these jackets add a punch of attitude to an otherwise soft look. Get a bit of an edge (and some additional warmth) from this single source.
It’s not just about what looks good with sweatpants, but also what feels good.
Along the line of jackets, we’re also suggesting athletic coats get their fair shot. A nice windbreaker paired with some sneakers can create a confident and casual look ready to conquer any day.
We’d suggest keeping things neutral to really help the color of the sweats pop, but that’s just one of many sweatpants outfit ideas we’ve got on the list.
Sometimes we can’t beat a classic look and that’s definitely the case when pairing sweatpants with a nice, fitted tee. There’s something stunning about a simple short sleeve with some sweats. Even better if they both have some fit to them.
Tight enough to appreciate the figure, loose enough to breathe – there’s no losing here.
Now stay with us on this one – bold colors. We know this won’t be the immediate solution as to what to wear with sweatpants for everyone, but to those confident enough to rock the style, we salute you. Forget neutral pants and go for fun and funky.
Whether through patterns or bright colors, make the world pay attention as you walk by. Easily paired with a neutral top, there’s little thought that goes into styling this one.
One of the most traditional ways to wear sweats? Pair them with a sporty top. Whether a jersey, team sweater, or just a tee that shows support for a favorite team, this look is easily transferable from the gym to home to running errands.
Classic in appearance and never out of style, this combo keeps things simple.
Those looking to make a bit more of a statement can turn to the trench coat. Slimming the look through the elongated jacket, this addition really brings an outfit together.
Not sure what tops to wear with sweatpants? No problem. Throw a trench on over tees, sweaters, crop tops, or whatever else the heart desires. The look will always work.
Conquer the business world without sacrificing all comfort in the process by adding an elegant blazer. Originally named for their “blazing red” style, these jackets have come a long way from bold and bright to covering a variety of colors, patterns, and styles.
And we’ll say it now, they all work when struggling to figure out how to look good in sweatpants. Tossed over a tee or button-down, or for a more casual look a crop top, the blazer elevates the outfit at least two steps every time.
Sweater weather is our favorite weather, so why not consider the piece when figuring out what to wear with sweatpants? Whether fitted or slouchy, the right sweater with a French tuck can solidify a look.
Add in some statement boots to the ensemble with a knitted hat and the look speaks for itself. Edgy, seasonal, and by far, supreme.
Hear us out on this one. When deciding what to wear with sweatpants, isn’t the immediate response sweatshirt? We understand that some don’t look for the comfy outfit, but we’re arguing that there’s more to it than something to lounge around the house in.
The right combo of sweats can keep you comfortable while looking great – just avoid the worn sweatshirts covered in stains. Keep things clean, casual, and cozy to complete that ultimate look.
We mentioned bold sweats before, but now we’re turning our attention to the tops. Most sweatpants come in neutral colors and, while we love the chance to go bold with them now and then, there’s a greater chance that any pair purchased will be more standard tones.
That’s when the party comes up top with bold and bright tops. Don’t worry so much about what to wear with sweatpants and just throw on a favorite colorful print – pretty much anything goes with whites, blacks, and grays.
Similar to the sporty look, we’re throwing sweaters aside and bringing in the champion of comfort – the hoodie. We understand that this one can be listed closely to sweatshirts, but the pure bliss of settling into a hoodie with that pocket always accessible has yet to be beat.
The look will scream comfort no matter what color you choose. This may not be for the business world, but it’s sure for our world.
Aside from layered looks that we’ve mentioned before, we wanted to note the overlooked elements at play when considering what to wear with sweatpants – the accessories. And starting off here, we have to gush about the scarf.
Perfectly paired with a jacket, the scarf is so personalized that it’s hard not to have one added to every outfit. Whether chunky, slim, patterned, or bold, the scarf just throws on this bonus layer of style and grace with every outfit.
Similar to the scarf, we also had to highlight the beauty of a simple bag. Whether it’s a purse, satchel, fanny pack, or backpack, the extra element adds so much to the overall appearance.
We understand that not all sweatpants have pockets, so it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a space to place those essentials while out in the world. As with any accessories, bags are a chance to go wild and have fun customizing according to personal taste.
Find your fit and stop worrying about what to wear with sweatpants once this has been added to the party.
Last on our list, we’re going with another overlooked style – the tracksuit. Matching pants and jackets are a statement in and of themselves, so why not reduce the stress of pairing things up by having them pre-matched and ready to go?
Paired well with any number of tees, crop tops, tanks, and more, these combos always look complete and ready to hit the streets, the track, or the gym.
What To Look For When Considering Sweatpants?
Despite the thought that they’re pretty common, we’d actually argue that it’s quite hard to find a good pair of sweatpants. Whether it’s due to price, quality, material, style, or extras, tracking down that ideal pair can be a bit tricky.
So, here are a few things to consider when shopping for that next comfy pair of sweats.
1. Price
We’re well aware that many people in this world prefer to spend than save. We don’t judge or blame as we’re the same way. With that being said, it is possible to find a decent pair of sweats for a reasonable cost.
Go in with a budget in mind and be sure to really check into material and extras before committing to the purchase.
How does the material feel? Is the style something you’ll be comfortable wearing a lot or will they mainly be for wearing around the home? There’s no wrong answer but keep in mind why you’re buying the pants.
2. Quality
Don’t sacrifice quality. We have to say this as some sweatpants may look great and feel incredible, but that can change quickly after a few wears or washes. Sometimes stitching is weak or fabric is flimsy.
Check those core elements out before purchasing to ensure that the pants will last more than a month or two – we’re looking for an outfit staple for years to come, not a simple style for a few weeks at the most.
3. Material
We know a lot of sweats on the market tend to sit in the cotton and flannel range, but that doesn’t mean the whole category is limited to those options. For those who want to stick to the basics – great!
Just double-check that the material is high-quality so as not to wear or fade too quickly. Those who want to branch out, don’t be afraid to venture into the worlds of nylon, velvet, and many other interesting choices available – get creative with it.
4. Style
By far the most personal consideration, we need to think about style. Sweats to wear at home have far fewer limitations than those that will be worn out into the world.
Aim for a transferrable style that will work both ways. Considering fitting vs slouchy, pockets vs flat, strings vs elastic – all of these elements feature into not only use but also appearance.
5. Extras
Somewhat mentioned in the last section, extras can’t be overlooked. By extras, we’re talking adjustments, belt loops, pockets, and more.
Consider personal requirements and expectations before buying – are you willing to take a bag or jacket for pocket space, or does that not suit individual style? If so, pockets in the pants will likely be a must.
Not all sweatpants are made the same, so it’s important to identify the aspects that are non-negotiable from the start. Figure out what will be expected from the pants and move forward with that in mind.
How to Look Good in Sweatpants? Ways To Style Sweatpants
Here’s the thing – while we say it’s easy enough to figure out what to wear with sweatpants, the simple fact is that we all struggle. Knowing how to add certain pieces or match patterns and colors can take a toll on us all.
So, we’re firing off a quick list of some simple styles to ensure that after reading this guide, you’ll have a few staple looks in the arsenal to pull out at any moment’s notice.
Styles
- Go for simple and clean – avoid any stained, wrinkled, or frumpy outfits as they can definitely alter the overall appearance for the worse
- Mix up the shoe game – we mentioned adding some heels earlier (and still stand by that), but get creative and mix things up with sneakers, chucks, sandals, and even loafers depending on the look. Don’t be afraid to play around to find what fits the look
- Accessorize to stylize – this is really where personality shines through. Whether it’s a scarf, a bag, a watch, a necklace, or something else we can’t think of right now, personal style needs to shine. Show off who you are by adding those individual pieces that shine
- Play with patterning – don’t be afraid to mess around with patterns vs solid colors. Whether going with a monochrome palette or something geared towards bright, bold, and beautiful, don’t get stuck in a rut when there’s a world of patterns to explore
- Switch up the materials – as we highlighted earlier on the list, there’s a range in fabric beyond cotton and flannel that’s free to discover. Play around with some new and fun materials to find textures and fashions that really work for certain styles.
- Don’t be afraid of a tighter fit – guys and girls, there’s a delicate balance between the bagginess of sweats and the skin-tight fitting of yoga pants. But right in the middle, there’s a little gray zone of fitted sweats that accentuates the figure without being too tight to the body. That’s the sweet spot. Aim for that.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With Sweatpants
We’re quick to add things to the pile of what to wear with sweatpants, but what about what not to wear? We don’t want to throw too many limitations to the pile, but there are a few fashion flairs we’d add to the iffy pile:
- Blouses – we love a nice jacket, blazer, or button-down, but blouses and sweats tend to clash in style. It’s best to avoid this pair in practice.
- Delicate jewelry – we’re not saying to stop this if that’s what the heart desires, but delicate pieces tend to get lost in the big picture of sweats. Best to showcase chunkier pieces that make a statement of their own.
- Long shirts – we’ve said what we’ve said about sweatshirts, hoodies, and tees, but there’s something about adding a long shirt to sweats that just makes things look sloppy. Shirts that run a little longer can be improved with a full or French tuck, but we’d say overall that these are best avoided.
- Branding – we stand by the tracksuit idea, but we want to clarify that wearing everything by one brand is not a good look. Don’t be a walking ad. Mix it up and avoid that free advertising. One or two pieces are fine, but beyond that, we’re struggling to see the outfit as a stylistic choice over an in-person commercial.
Are Sweatpants Warmer than Jeans?
It really depends on the material and the make of the sweatpants. Generally, sweats tend to provide more warmth due to their fabric and a traditionally thicker make.
Often created with an inner lining of softer, heat condensing fabrics, sweatpants tend to offer more temperature-based protection than other pants on the market.
We do have to note that not all sweatpants are made equal. Some come with thinner layers for jogging and working out, aiming to keep the legs cool and allow for breathing room as the body heats up.
However, typically sweatpants are the warmer option with that inner lining offering a soft (and sometimes fluffy) texture to really heat things up in cooler weather.
What Shoes To Wear With Sweatpants?
We’ve listed them all off before, but sweatpants don’t really limit footwear. If anything, the style really encourages creativity and possibility through all the styles that can work with such a neutral base.
We will say that not everyone finds heels and sweats to be their style, so don’t feel pressured to venture too far outside the comfort zone.
Whatever footwear you’re traditionally used to wearing, keep the style going in sweats, jeans, or slacks. A change of pants doesn’t always equate to a change in the rest of the outfit.
Is Wearing Sweatpants in Public Bad?
Not at all. Society has seemed to make sweatpants a taboo in the past, but that notion of beauty being pain is long outdated.
Comfort and fashion don’t exist on separate plains but instead can offer some of the best styles out there as those who are comfortable tend to be happier as a result.
In recent years we’ve seen a resurgence of sweatpants as they’ve slowly crept out of the depths of houses and into the spotlight. Covid especially raised awareness of what all this clothing can offer (thank you work from home).
Be professional and dressed to impress without sacrificing comfort in the end. Wearing sweatpants in public isn’t wrong – you’re wrong for thinking it’s wrong.
What Color Shoes To Wear With Sweatpants?
We can’t give a solid answer for this one. It really depends on what color the sweatpants are. We don’t want to offer clashing advice of bold colors for those who already have bold pants going on.
We will say that a neutral style always looks great. White and black shoes can work well with neutral or bold outfit choices, tying the overall appearance together with ease.
Also, we believe that everyone should have a nice pair of white or black shoes in general, so it works out well.
We’ll also say that those who tend to be more monochrome in their outfits may want to use their shoes to add a pop of color.
Whether looking at an all-black or all-cream outfit, a nice bold red or blue can really stand out for the footwear adding just a touch of fun to an otherwise dramatic look.
Final Thoughts
Sweatpants have long deserved more respect than what they’ve been given, so we’re incredibly happy to bring these ideas to light. Forget about lazy lounging wear and make them your own with a statement outfit ready for any occasion.
Don’t let the older mindsets limit possibilities and have fun with it.
Above all else, personalize pieces to really showcase individual style in all you do. Once started, it’s easy to get into the swing of making sweats ready for the public eye. All it takes is a personal touch and a bit of practice to complete those killer looks.
Don’t commit a fashion faux pas. Check out some of our other guides on what to wear:
What To Wear With Striped Pants
