It seems every fall season, this question is up for debate: Can sweatpants be worn out in public? In our book, sweats are totally appropriate outerwear and shouldn't be restricted to lounging.
With the right styling, wearing a sweatsuit or a pair of sweatpants can look intentional — not like we just rolled out of bed. For instance, fitted sweatpants could appear more 'elevated' than a baggier pair, or a coat or blazer thrown over could easily make the sweat dressier than it really is. A monochrome sweatsuit can be practical and polished with the right accessories, and suddenly makes deciding on what to wear less of a task.
"Sweatpants and [sweat] sets are fall staples because they strike the perfect balance of cozy and breathable," says stylist Christina Stein. "Their layering potential makes them easy to dress up with a coat or down with sneakers. Plus, the comfort factor means you’ll actually want to wear them on repeat as the temps drop."
While the rest of the world is still deciding on the lingering question, we'll be sweat-suiting up all season long. Keep reading to discover our favorite sweatpants, sweatsuits and sweatshirts, according to experts and tested by editors.
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Best sweatsuits, according to stylists
An under-$60 duo:
When it comes to affordable sweat sets, Stein looks to Gap (and we're even fans of the brand, too). "They keep the classics in rotation, always available in the best neutral shades and the price point is nearly impossible to beat," the stylist raves. "I’m actually wearing the first set in black right now, which tells you everything you need to know about how much I recommend it."
Want more Gap? Stein also recommends the brand's wide-leg sweatpants paired with their quarter-zip sweatshirt.
Cooling and temperature-regulating:
This sweatsuit from LilySilk offers more than meets the eye. Made from the brand's 'Silkerry' fabric, a blend of cotton, silk and nylon (in essence, a reinvented 'terry'), the set instantly feels smooth and cooling on the skin upon wear, per the brand.
The unique blend also helps the fabric regulate temperature, manage moisture, not irritate the skin and holds its shape that lasts beyond first touch. It's why fashion expert Melissa Chataigne loves the pair, especially the fitted jacket and wide leg that is "not over-consuming."
A sweat set that feels 'dressy':
Now this is a sweatsuit we could potentially get away with at work, dinner and in-between. From the half-zip sweater to subtle side leg bottoms (that from a quick glance, could easily pass as trousers), it's "a bit more dressy," "elegant" and "luxurious," as Chataigne describes, compared to your standard sweat. Plus, they're comfortable, structured and offer tons of stretch!
Best sweatpants, according to editors
Most affordable sweatpants:
"If I’m working from home (or generally not leaving the apartment for an extended period of time), chances are I’m rocking these sweatpants," boasts deputy managing editor Jess Bender. "They’re no-frills compared to other, more stylish, comfortable pants out there, but they get the job done in terms of matching whatever sweatshirt suits my fancy for the day. The biggest selling point for me, especially during colder stretches, is the fleece lining that keeps me quite toasty whenever I need it."
Soon to sell out:
According to associate editor Sierra Hoeger, these Walmart sweatpants are a viral alternative to a more expensive (and longer) favorite. "The cropped length intrigued me because most of my sweatpants have to be hemmed due to the length," she says. "Plus, the fabric is buttery-soft." But hurry, most colors in many sizes are already sold out!
Could (potentially) wear to the office:
Production associate Audrey Ekman's boyfriend said these award-winning sweatpants from Uniqlo are the "perfect amount of baggy" without being too overwhelming. "They also look so nice, I actually wore them into the office and no one noticed they were sweats."
While awarded as the 'best sweatpants for men,' the pair is actually marketed as unisex, so both men and women can comfortably wear them.
Best cargo sweatpants:
Aritzia's Sweatfleece line is one of my favorite collections from the brand, mainly for its reliable fabric. No matter how many times I've washed my sweatpants, they always stay as soft as when I first wore them. And as someone who lives in sweatpants, especially during the colder months, this is such a perk! Their cotton-blend also makes them incredibly warm, plush and comfortable.
My recent favorite style from the collection is their 'mega' cargo sweatpants. They're a true cargo style with butt-flattering pockets on the rear and two other spacious pockets on the sides. While they are available in multiple lengths (short, tall and regular), the regular length fits my 5-foot-3-inch frame just fine since they're perfectly cinched at the ankle. If you're going to shop for anything from the brand, I couldn't recommend this pick enough.
Most versatile:
If you constantly change your mind about what to wear (guilty), The North Face TNF Red Box Sweatpants offers a solution with its two-in-one style. "The pants have a cinch [cuff] so you can make them not wide leg," explains social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo. "They are super comfortable, and last really well after washes."
To wear to the airport:
Don't know what to wear on your next flight? This recent Travel Gear Awards winner was a favorite amongst our team for its attractive design. When paired with its matching sweatshirt (shop here), it makes choosing an outfit before a red eye less of a task.
"I appreciate these pants because they’re more comfortable and forgiving than leggings, but still really flattering thanks to the slim silhouette,” said senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. “The material is super soft and definitely feels high quality in comparison to that of your average pair of sweatpants or joggers."
Great for all heights:
This best-selling pick from Alo Yoga has over 2,000 rave reviews from customers boasting about its cozy, unisex fit. It's perfectly oversized, but can be sized down if you prefer a slimmer style. The sweatpants also have a super luxurious feel, so I love wearing them when I want to feel just a bit "dressier" on my casual days.
While I am on the shorter side, I did not find them long on me, but like other customers noted, there's enough fabric for taller heights to wear confidently, too. Plus, the color options feel endless, that I just want one in every shade!
Best sweatshirts, according to editors
Best mock neck sweatshirt:
If you want the warmth of a turtle neck without the 'restricted' feel, a mock neck sweatshirt is a great alternative. This pick was reviewed by Hoeger, who raved about its structure and material.
"The neckline of this The Gym People sweatshirt is the perfect cross between a hooded style and a V-neck, giving it that hoodie 'look' without the bulky feel," she said. "One of my favorite features has to be how soft the fleece interior feels. After opening it and touching the material for myself, I urged my roommate to feel the inside, which led to a chorus of oohing and aahing."
High-rated Amazon pick:
Associate editor Shannon Garlin has declared this Amazon pullover her "work from home uniform" since receiving it in the mail. She said in her review that it is versatile enough for casual wear both at home and in the office.
"I paired it mostly with leggings for cozy purposes and still felt chic, even though I was basically wearing sweats," Garlin suggested. "Since the style is more elevated, I also found that it looked nice with a pair of jeans. I could honestly even get away with wearing this sweatshirt to work by dressing it up with slacks and loafers."
A true 'oversized' sweatshirt:
We hear brands using the word 'oversized' to describe the fit of a product, but this recent Urban Outfitters collaboration with singer Tinashe's brand takes the term literally. From the kangaroo pockets to its slouchy frame, it encapsulates 'oversized' perfectly. "I’m obsessed with the flared and ruched leg of the sweatpants (shop here) and the oversized silhouette of the hoodie," says Ekman. "Catch me in this outfit at least once per week from now on!"
Super warm and reliable:
This Aritzia zip-up hoodie makes me feel like I'm living a true Y2K fall. With the cargo sweatpants mentioned above, I love wearing the two together as a complete sweatsuit set. The hoodie is just as warm and reliable, and has a cropped fit that isn't too short on my short torso. While I love wearing it as a set, the hoodie has been the perfect layer with just leggings or jeans on brisk days.
Best hoodie for workouts:
Because you shouldn't skip out on comfort when you hit the gym. This Vuori pick is loved by commerce writer and avid runner Emma Stessman for hitting a class to everything in between. "I would put it more in the athleisure category than for hard outdoor workouts, but it’s become my go-to to wear while on my way to workout classes or for winter walks in the park," she mentions. "It is so, so soft and cozy and pretty stylish, too."
Worth the splurge:
Both audience development writer Danielle Murphy and I have nothing but good things to say about this sweatshirt from Alo Yoga, from its slouchy fit to its super soft fabric. "I don’t even like calling it something as plain as a 'sweatshirt' because it looks, feels and fits like something way more luxurious," Murphy says. "Mine is perfectly oversized and has that on-purpose slouchy look that’s so on-trend. I also can’t overstate how soft it feels."
What to look for in a sweatsuit or sweatpants
Fabric
Both of our experts agreed that when shopping for a sweatsuit or sweatpants, fabric is the most important detail to shop for first.
"Fleece is great if you run cold, but can feel heavy if you run hot, while cotton is breathable and easier to wash and wear," recommends Stein. But if you're concerned about pilling, Chataigne says to opt for a cotton-polyester blend instead.
Other fabrics our experts recommend are "organic cotton or bamboo" for those with sensitive skin," suggests Chataigne, or nylon and spandex if "you’re looking to stay cool and rock a workout."
Functionality
"Comfort is non-negotiable, and functional details like pockets make them even better," says Stein. Other functional features to look for are drawstring waistbands for a tighter fit, cuffed hems if you're petite, moisture-wicking materials, among others. "Look for a balance of softness, durability and practicality so you’ll actually live in them," not just around the house, she adds.
Fit
The fit of your sweatsuit or sweatpants can depend on your body type and style preference, claims Chataigne, so you'll want to for you — not just with what's trending.
"A jogger or tapered fit is streamlined and can go from sweat to the street," she says. "Add [a] high-waisted detail with a wide band to slim the tummy, and works well with cropped or tucked-in-tees." An oversized fit or wide leg can also pair well with fitted tops or jackets, plus, are flattering across the board, and "a barrel sweat [can] replace the denim in colder months," Chataigne notes. The options are endless!
Frequently asked questions
Although we might use the terms to describe each other interchangeably, they're not exactly alike.
"Joggers are the sleeker, modern cousin of sweatpants," says Stein. Joggers often have a "slimmer cut, tapered ankles and [are] designed to be worn beyond the couch." Comparatively, sweatpants are the complete opposite, having a looser and heavier structure, since they're "built strictly for comfort and warmth." In short: "If it keeps you warm, it's a sweat!," adds Chataigne.
Stein also notes that "all joggers are sweatpants, but not all sweatpants have the polish of joggers," when it comes to spotting the difference.
As previously reported, cotton is a common fabric used in sweatpants, but your sweatpants don't need to be made from the fabric entirely. Although cotton is more breathable and comfortable compared to other materials, fabrics like polyester and nylon can make sweatpants better suited for working out, structured and more. Thus, whether you choose a sweatsuit or sweatpants made from 100% cotton or not is based on personal preference.
How we chose
We leaned on the recommendations and expertise of stylists and fashion experts to select the best sweatsuits. We also tapped into the knowledge of Shop TODAY editors, asking them to share the sets, sweatpants and sweatshirts they own and love.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Melissa Chataigne is a host, producer and style expert.
- Christina Stein is a stylist and founder of Style By Christina.
