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I'll admit it: I'm very attached to my sweatpants this winter. I have a trusty pair of Cos barrel leg joggers (now long sold out, sadly) that are just so comfy, I barely look them off throughout December.
But before you judge me, remember that there are actually ways to style sweatpants that make them appropriate for more than just the sofa – in fact, they make for a solid outfit base when you pair them with the right pieces. If, like me, you always like to add a casual element to ground your outfits (and you value comfort as another of your fashion priorities), then the best loungewear sweatpants are a winner all round.
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Frankly, I'm done with feeling like we have to choose a side when it comes to getting dressed in winter – there's no reason you can't wear something cosy and weather appropriate that feels stylish, too.
Why adopt that mindset? There have always been comfy, warm pieces that can do both. In fact, even the most casual trackies can be styled into an outfit that looks chic and on trend.
How to wear sweatpants
Sportswear has become a favourite among fashion insiders both in and outside of the gym, so much so that sweatpants aren't as casual as you might think. They're still the best option when you want to relax, of course, but there are so many ways to elevate them into a style statement. And as we get deeper into winter, you'll be glad to have a few of these tricks up your sleeve.
Ahead, the outfit formulas to try so you can elevate your favourite sweatpants from the sofa to the street…
An oversized set
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To ‘make it fashion’, as they say, add sleek pumps and a tailored shirt.
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Go tonal
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Matching your sweatpants with separate pieces in complementary shades is a sure-fire way to nail chic – case in point, this multi-tonal grey look. A barrel-leg jogger is a great silhouette to try for a more fashion-forward vibe, too.
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Head-to-toe colour
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Neutrals not your thing? Another way to wear sweatpants is to lean into one solid colour, for a bold but casual look. This shade of red pairs perfectly with metallic accessories and layered gold jewellery.
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Monochrome
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Another way to wear sweatpants is to stick to monochrome colours (a.k.a. black, white and the greys in between). A simple white tee and oversized bomber jacket will quickly elevate your go-to pair of grey joggers – as will a chic pointed pump.
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Pattern clash
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There's no reason you can't combine some personality pieces with your sweatpants – eclectic details and accessories are all the rage for 2026, after all. Try adding a striped rugby shirt or a beaded bomber to your look for instant impact.
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Matching neutrals
While tracksuits come in just about every colour possible, it's worth sticking with neutrals if you want to keep it simple. Think black, navy, camel, grey or ecru. Fabric choice is also something you want to pay attention to if you’re going for a chicer look. The best sets come in a plush cotton, a high-quality knit, or – if your budget allows – cashmere. And if there’s a matching sweatshirt, go for it.
Add a longline coat
What you combine with your sweatpants can change the entire energy of the outfit, so it’s a good place to get creative. Instead of throwing on your beloved puffer jacket, consider elevating the outfit with an oversized coat or blazer.
If street style has taught us anything, it’s that it is possible to wear two pieces that might appear to be total opposites on paper. To make it work, it helps to stay in a neutral colour palette again.
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Sneaker swap
The magic of sweatpants is that there will always be new ways to reinvent them, especially if you’re wearing a matched set. Every time you switch out the accessories, you have a fresh look. And one of the easiest ways to take your sweats to the next level? Leave the trainers at home.
The trendy ballet flat is a good bet this winter, and this season we're seeing them in cosy textures like shearling and faux fur. Probably best to give them a miss on a rainy day, mind.
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A version of this article originally appeared on GLAMOUR Mexico & Latin America.
