“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat,” said the late creative director of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld. “You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”
When I think back to the sweatpants I was wearing at the time I purchased, he was incorrect. The time was Melbourne’s first lockdown. In many ways, it was not particularly in control. So I bought an outfit of black nylon pants that had elastic waistbands and zips around the ankles. They were purchased from an internet retailer.
In the first bleak year of Covid, I wore them as the uniform I wore in the 5km radius I lived in, walking in the bush and at the swimming pool (when the pool was opened) as well as to the shops and even to watch my nephew and niece (when it was permissible). However, to my delight, when the doors reopened, I continued to wear these outfits: with huge turtlenecks and blazers, as well as large slouchy jumpers and under larger coats. I used them for yoga and wine bars. Then, as summer rolled around, I recollected how much I liked my other clothes and put them aside.
In light of the resurgence in the fashion of the 2000s, track pants are once again trending, particularly the sporty, large, low-slung type (think Rihanna at the Super Bowl). In addition, with the emergence of a new and thriving segment – luxurious loungewear – also are the comfortable and soft kind (think Gwyneth Paltrow post-ski trip).
What are you planning to wear these?
Casual clothes, sports, and relaxation all require various types of features and fabrics, according to Rex Zhang of lounge label Paire. When you’re shopping, determine the purpose of your track pants really for.
Tas Zafiropoulos, the founder of Reebok, recommends looking for a thicker fabric as well as more upscale design features like seams that are well-finished, zips, and pockets if you’re looking for sweatshirts that function as streetwear. In contrast, if you’re looking for comfort at home, search for soft fabrics with a more comfortable fit for your legs.
Materials
Zhang believes that the best material for track pants needs to provide warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking capabilities – wool and cotton are both ideal.
Andrea Cheong, the author of Why Do I Not Need Anything To Wear? States that the composition of the material is crucial as it will determine the way a garment wears over time. She suggests searching for organic cotton. “Look for a thick cotton that doesn’t have any colour variation and is soft to the touch with a smooth texture,” she suggests. A less high-quality fabric, which is evident “by the shortness of the fibres in the weave,” is more likely to pill faster.
Zafiropoulos claims that cotton-polyester blends pill faster due to the fact that the yarn has been cut, causing it to tear through the surface of pants and create small balls.
While track pants made of nylon (like my lockdown pants) may have particular features that make them perform better, like they’re lightweight and may be resistant to water, Zhang says, “they’ll lack other essential factors which contribute to your overall comfort.” This is why nylon is the best choice when you’re looking for pants made specifically designed for running, but it’s not the best choice for long-term wear.
The seams
Cheong recommends changing the track pants upside down before purchasing the pants. Make sure your overlock (the stitch that runs along the edges of the seams) is loose and bulky. In a good pair, it should be thin and smooth. “This is important because [a bulky seam] can cause chafing around the crotch and thighs,” she says. “You don’t need me to tell you these are sensitive areas!”
The waistband
Zafiropoulos believes that the elastic in the waistband and the way it is sewn into the fabric can make a huge difference. The elastic must be firmly seated in the band. If it is able to move around too much, it could eventually swell in a way that is uncomfortable and hard to fix.
Other details on the waist can also provide indications of the quality of the clothing. In the event that your track pants come with drawstrings, look at the holes that they run through. “Make sure they are finished nicely either with a rivet or nice, tight embroidery where the threads aren’t loose, and the stitching is even,” Cheong states. The string should be fitted with caps on the ends to prevent fraying. However, Cheong warns that caps made of plastic can be weakened by washing and then breaking off, which is why metal is the best choice.
The pockets
The deep, robust pockets are an essential feature. Cheong states that you shouldn’t wear pants that slide under heavy weights of your wallet or phone. This can happen if the fabric isn’t strong enough or the pocket isn’t adequately constructed.
The fit
“A key aspect to consider when settling on a fit is your proportions,” Zhang says. Zhang. “If you wish to elongate your torso, look for track pants that are mid to low waist, and stay away from cropped hems, and vice versa.”
He states that, generally, you need a loose fitting that permits easy movement without being too tight.
When it comes to fashion, Cheong says that “track pants are supposed to be comfortable and fit snugly, but not tightly, around the waist.”
“The rest of it – the drape, length, elasticated cuffs on legs, fleece lined, tapered – is personal preference.”