10 Pairs of Sweats You Won’t Be Embarrassed To Be Seen In, If Your Video Calls Go ‘Bottom Up’

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Wearing sweatpants is… a choice. But with more and more people staying at home these days, switching to sweats has become a popular option, as the rules around “work-appropriate” outfits start to blur. But even if you’re working from home — and only taking video calls from the waist up — you’ll still want to look put together, if not for your own upkeep and sanity then for those who have to share (tight) space around you.

What You Need to Know Before Buying Sweatpants

Fit: The right pair of sweatpants can actually be part of a smart and polished look, provided that they fit well. Look for sweatpants with a more tailored fit; you don’t want them clinging to you like workout tights or leggings, but you shouldn’t be swimming in them either. Baggy sweats are best left for bed.

Materials: Most sweatpants are made from a cotton fleece material, which is super soft and cozy. But cheap cotton often leads to pilling, and some sweatpants lose shape and elasticity the more they are washed. It’s fine to have that pair of old sweatpants you like to lounge in, but throw on a fresh pair the next time you’re running errands or taking video calls. Look for soft, breathable materials that repel, rather than absorb sweat. Consider cotton blend materials too, which can add structure and shape. Most of the options on our list included a touch of elastane, for a stretchy, comfortable fit that’s as suitable for a yoga session, as it is for work.

Style: These days, brands are making sweatpants in all shapes and styles. We’ve listed some classic sweatpants, as well as jogger-style sweats that are cropped and cuffed at the ankles. We’ve also found sweatpants for women with a flattering flared style, along with some streetwear-inspired looks as well. And, because, you can’t just lounge in pants all the time, we’ve found a cozy T-shirt dress that promises the same ease and comfort of sweats, in a slightly more sophisticated finish.

1. Champion Graphic Powerblend Fleece Jogger

Made from a 50/50 cotton and polyester blend, these fleece sweatpants have ribbed cuffs for a more trim fit, plus two side pockets to stash your snacks, earbuds and other “work from home” essentials. We like the old-school Champion logo, though Amazon has more than 20 different colors and styles available.

Champion Powerblend Fleece Jogger, $15.99+, available at Amazon

2. Todd Snyder x Champion Lightweight Slim Jogger

If you want a more premium pair of the classic Champion sweatpants, pick up these joggers, part of Champion’s long-standing collaboration with New York menswear designer, Todd Snyder.

The joggers feature a slimmer fit than your basic sweatpants, and are made in Canada from a super soft French terry material. The material holds up better to repeated washing, and won’t pile or lose its shape. The sweats are garment-dyed for a cozy, lived-in texture, and finished with elasticated cuffs, two slash pockets, and a convenient drawstring closure. More than 12 colors available, in sizes XS to XXL.

Todd Snyder x Champion Slim Jogger, $118, available at Todd Snyder

3. Athleta Sutton Jogger

Made from a recycled polyester material sourced from plastic bottles, Athleta’s “Sutton” jogger is great for lounging, but put-together enough to wear out for errands or brunch as well. The silky material is light and soft against the skin, with a touch of spandex for comfort. Two front pockets, two cargo pockets and two back pockets give you room for your phone, wallet and accessories.

What we like: the “Recycled Featherweight Stretch” fabric is super breathable and dries easily, making it ideal for a light jog or workout too.

Athleta Sutton Joggers, $89.99, available at Athleta

4. Sweaty Betty Explorer Sweatpants

If you want the feel of a yoga sweatpant without having to resort to leggings, pick up a pair of these “Explorer” sweatpants from athleisure brand, Sweaty Betty. The thick and cozy material keeps you nice and snug, and isn’t as “revealing” as cheaper sweatpants made from thinly-lined fabrics.

The pants feature a more relaxed fit, with a higher-rise and drawstring waistband to keep everything pulled in. There’s 18% elastane in the material too, making these a great option to wear from your morning stretch to your afternoon Skype.

Sweaty Betty Explorer Sweatpants, $180, available at Nordstrom

Looking for a more affordable option? Nordstrom currently has Sweaty Betty pants marked down at 40% off. See full selection here.

5. Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpants

We’ve written about our love for Mack Weldon before, and the online retailer’s best-selling pant is the Ace Pant, a more grown-up take on your classic pair of sweatpants. Unlike the baggy (and saggy) sweats you’ve been lounging in, these ones have a more tailored fit, with ribbed ankle cuffs and a drawstring waist. They’re super comfortable too, sanded down for a smoother, softer finish (read: no annoying pilling or loose threads here). Multiple colors are available online.

Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpants, $78, available at Mack Weldon

6. Zella Getaway Flowy Crop Wide Leg Sweatpants

These wide leg pants are an easy and versatile step up from basic sweats. They’ve got a comfortable elastic waistband and flattering shape. Throw on a sweatshirt or cardigan up top and you’ve got yourself an instant Zoom-ready outfit. Pair it with some cozy slippers while you’re at home, and with a pair of sneakers the next time you head out, for a simple transitional look.

Zella Getaway Wide Leg Pants, $59, available at Nordstrom

7. Rhone Guru Pants

One of the most popular leisurewear pants for men right now are these “Guru” pants from Rhone. They feel like gym shorts or yoga pants, but are built with a little more structure, to let you wear them post-sweat session as well. The fit is tailored, but won’t hug as tight as some of the other pants on our list. The four-way stretch material gives you plenty of room to move.

Rhone Guru Pants, $98, available at Rhone

8. Nike Sportswear Woven Swoosh Pants

This is a great time to swap out your usual threads for something different, and we like the bold, streetwear-inspired look of these unisex pants from Nike. The “Swoosh” pants have a looser fit with a cropped ankle, buckle-style waistband and a ripstop nylon-type material. Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t show off a little sartorial flair.

Nike Sportswear Woven Swoosh Pants, $70, available at Nike

9. Goodthreads Slim Fit Jogger

If you want something a little more presentable than sweatpants, consider picking up a pair of joggers, like this cotton-blend pair from Amazon’s in-house brand, Goodthreads. Like a cross between a pair of sweatpants and classic chinos, these joggers come in a slim fit, with tapered, elastic cuffs at the ankle and a drawstring waist. There’s no sacrificing comfort for style here: a touch of stretch lets you easily move around in the pants while still looking like you actually gave a damn when you woke up for work this morning.

Goodthreads Slim-Fit Jogger, $9.54+, available at Amazon

10. Everlane Cotton Side-Slit Tee Dress

Hear us out: Everlane’s T-shirt dress is just as comfortable as any pair of sweatpants — and just as easy to slip on. If you’ve got an important conference call or interview, the dress adds instant polish for a more put-together, professional look.

The 100% cotton dress features a relaxed fit and cap sleeves that’s flattering for all body types and perfectly embodies Everlane’s philosophy of clean, minimalist basics. Like the brand says, “this sleek staple can easily take you from meetings to margaritas.”

Everlane Cotton Tee Dress, $50, available at Everlane