How to Look Great in Sweatpants

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch

Last Updated: September 11, 2022 References

Sweats are not just for the gym anymore. Walking around school everyday, you're bound to see many people wearing them--girls and guys alike. There's only one problem: sweatpants aren't always very flattering. However, wikiHow is here to help. With some shopping know-how and a flair for dressing well, you'll be rocking sweats in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Shopping for Sweatpants (Women)

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Choose fitted sweatpants. Sweatpants that have a tailored look are on-trend and turn the "sweatpants are for slobs" bias on its head.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 27 May 2021.} A slim fit and tapered leg are key for getting this look right. The pants will still have a casual, slouchy look, but they should fit more like a pair of trousers than the oversize sweats you wear when you’re home sick.
- Large, baggy, or oversize sweatpants generally aren't flattering. You want a cut that compliments your curves, not overwhelms them.
- The cuff should hit anywhere between mid-calf and just above the ankle. If they’re any longer, get them hemmed or (neatly) roll or cuff them.
2
Go beyond fleece. Sweatpants (or joggers) come in all sorts of fabrics: denim, faux leather, suede, and ultra-soft fabrics like cotton, cashmere, or jersey. Don’t limit yourself to the
- Pants made from lightweight fabrics won’t add bulk to your figure.
- For a more formal or glam look, try faux leather, suede, silk, or satin pants.
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3
Consider color, patterns, and fun embellishments. Classic black, gray, or white pants are the most versatile and can be dressed up or down. Black sweatpants are an especially good purchase, as they can easily pass for a nice pair of trousers with the right styling. But don’t limit yourself—you can find sweats in a rainbow of colors. Try subtle colors like peach or olive, or something bright and fun like teal or red.
- Look for fun details like zipper pockets, colored cuffs and waistbands, sequins, or a bow at the waist.
- Play with patterns like Ikat, floral, camo, or animal prints.^{[2]
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- Avoid sweatpants with writing across the butt. That brings sweatpants back to the sloppy, sitting-on-the-couch level.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Styling Sweatpants (Women)

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Match the shoes to the outfit. You can do just about any shoe with fitted sweatpants as long as you match it to the outfit. Since the pants are cropped, your shoes are going to stand out and give you an opportunity to dress up your sweats or keep them casual. A classic black pump always looks fierce and can even work with more casual ensembles.
- Stilettos or heeled sandals are perfect for date-night or a girl’s night out. A fancier shoe is going to elevate your outfit.
- For more casual wear, try slip-on sneakers, Chuck Taylors, wedge sneakers, booties, or ballet flats.^{[3]
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- Avoid Ugg boots or flip-flops, they scream “shlubby” when worn with sweats.
2
Accessorize, but keep it simple. You need to pay extra attention to the details to make sweatpants look great. Carefully select one or two accessories (like a floating lapel, a colorful shoe, or a pattered clutch) but don’t go overboard with big earrings, plus layers of necklaces, plus a hat and scarf.
- Carry a structured or high-end handbag to dress up your outfit. An oversize tote looks cute for running errands on the weekend.
- Round or oversize sunglasses will make your look super chic.
- A beanie will give your outfit a casual, athletic vibe.
- Add some glamour with a nice pair of drop earrings or a statement necklace.
- Try a large, eye-catching bracelet or watch and simple stud earrings.
3
Style your hair and makeup. To avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed, use a large-barreled curling iron to make chic waves, or pull your hair back in a sleek pony. Make sure your brows are on-point and your makeup is flawless. Make it clear that you're not shlubbing in your sweats--you're fashion-forward, and you put in the effort to pull it off.
- Instantly elevate your look with a bold red lip.
- Pull your hair up in a trendy topknot or a messy bun—just make sure it’s more chic than sloppy.
4
Mix high and low fashion. This means taking high-fashion pieces and pairing them with casual, everyday pieces. Remember that when people see sweatpants, they automatically think "lazy," so fight that by mixing your sweats with high-fashion pieces. Wear your sweats as you would a nice pair of trousers.^{[4]
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- Tuck in a long or flow shirt. A front-tuck or half-tuck will give your outfit structure—the loose fit of the sweatpants plus a loose shirt can look shapeless.
- Wear a white button-down (front-tucked) with pumps, sunglasses, a maxi-bag, and a long, sleek coat for a sophisticated look.
- A structured blazer and heel will make your pants look more like dress trousers than sweats.^{[5]
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- Try faux leather sweatpants with a stiletto heel, a pretty top, and a bright clutch for date night.
5
Go casual. A trendy crop top works perfectly with sweatpants—it will highlight your waist and contrast with the slouchy sweats. Pair it with a button down (chambray or flannel) for a casual cool look.
- A leather moto jacket with a white t-shirt can stay casual with a bootie or slip-on sneakers, or a little more flirtatious with a black pump.
- Try a graphic-T, a denim jacket, and ballet flats to meet your girls for weekend brunch.
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Break the rules. Ultimately, that's what fashion is about. Wearing sweatpants outside of the house is already breaking some long-standing fashion rules, so feel free to experiment and wear what you think looks hot. The most important thing is to wear it with confidence and feel good about yourself.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Shopping for Sweatpants (Men)

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Look for a pair that fits like a slim pair of pants. They should be tapered from the knee down, but loose around the crotch and thighs.^{[6]
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Research source} You should not be able to see the outline of your pockets (or anything else).
- The cuff should hit just above the shoe, never pool around your it.
- Buy pants with an elastic cuff so you can bunch them up a little and show of your shoes.
2
Branch out with different fabrics and colors. An ultra-soft cotton will feel amazing and can look great, but you can also find sweatpants in lightweight leather, twill, or khaki. Black, white, or gray are the most versatile (the right pair of black or white sweats could be mistaken for trousers or slim jeans), but you might want to try a kelly green or blue to mix things up.
- Look for details like moto seams, belt loops, colored cuffs--these details will help separate your pants from looking like sloppy sweatpants.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Styling Sweatpants (Men)

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Stick to casual footwear like high-top trainers, Converse, Chukkas, leather boots, or loafers.^{[7]
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Research source} Choice of shoe is key to making sweatpants work for men. Make sure they're clean and match the rest of your outfit.
- Slim sweatpants are big among sneaker-heads, because it's a great way to show off their kicks. If you've got a pristine pair of Jordans, put on your tailored sweats and wait for the compliments to roll in.^{[8]
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- To dress them up, skip the sneakers and go for loafers with no socks or a pair of Chukka boots.
2
Keep it casual. Sweatpants are the ultimate in casual wear, but to keep them from looking sloppy, try a crisp white t-shirt, a chunky cardigan, or an untucked oxford.^{[9]
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- For a low-key look, layer a flight jacket over a t-shirt and accessorize with a beanie and boots.
- If you're wearing a t-shirt or a henley, make sure it is clean and fitted to contrast the loose pants. Solid colors, patterns, or vintage t's can all work.
3
Dress up your sweatpants with tailored jackets and shirts.^{[10]
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Research source} Tucking in your button down can make your look a little more polished.
- Avoid sweatpants with logos or writing.
- Wear a crew neck sweater over a button-down and leather trainers.^{[11]
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4
Make sure your sweatpants are clean before you leave the house. Every time you step out in your sweats, you are fighting against the image that sweatpants are for slobs. If there's a stain on your pants or they're wrinkled or have holes, you're going to slide into the stereotype of looking like you don't care.

Community Q&A

Question

What type of shirt would go well with dark sweatpants?

Community Answer

A light or bright colored t-shirt would work.
Question

Do sweatpants go with flipflops?

Community Answer

Not usually. You may end up looking like you don't care about your outfit.
Question

Can I wear my sweatpants with my Nike roshe one shoes?

Community Answer

That would look really cool! Go for it!