As soon as the cold weather hits, I’m reaching straight for the coziest clothes in my closet. There’s no shame in that: Those jeans or tailored trousers can wait for another day, while wide-leg comfortable pants offer the freedom of movement that I so desperately crave around the holidays. (Personally, you wouldn’t catch me wearing a structured outfit within a solid week of Thanksgiving.)

While comfortable clothes might sound like shorthand for “can’t be bothered,” we’ll assure you that pants can be both highly fashionable and easy to wear all day long. Ahead, discover how to transform your track pants, leggings, and knit loungewear to wear out of the house.

About the Trend

The early days of the COVID lockdown served as a metaphorical PR crisis for denim. We packed away “hard pants” (far too stiff and resistive for WFH days on the couch) in favor of elevated sweatpants, knit loungewear, and stretchy leggings. Activewear became more commonplace and generally acceptable outside of the gym, as trends slowly crept toward sensory comfort instead of strictly aesthetics. Exhibit A: While high-rise denim dominated much of the late 2010s with its corset-like fit, low-slung, wider leg silhouettes rose in popularity after lockdowns lifted. 

Of course, the trend didn’t originate with the rise of matching sweat sets, whipped coffee, and early Zoom conferences. Every generation has their definitive spin on comfort-forward style, from Y2K Juicy Couture tracksuits to those crepe palazzo pants of the ‘80s. 

Celebrities are notorious for trendsetter-off-duty looks, particularly in the “quiet luxury” department. Sofia Richie Grainge is no stranger to a matching knit set, which is a major hitter on Thanksgiving, for one. Another Byrdie muse, Tracee Ellis Ross, practically holds a style doctorate in making wide-leg pants feel sophisticated. (Pictured, below, in straight leggings that drape oh-so-elegantly.) It’s difficult to go wrong, whether you’re swinging toward maximalism or opting for something cooly monochromatic.

At the end of the day, though, we might go as far as to call the trend a recession indicator: Elastic-bound pants can withstand body changes without calling a tailor or purchasing a new wardrobe. For those sensitive to the current wave of body talk online, it also saves the shopper from any anxieties about purchasing a different size. (Though, to be clear, weight fluctuations are perfectly natural.) At a time when body neutrality hangs precariously in the balance, perhaps it’s also some food for thought. 

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Trending Styles of Comfortable Pants

Luckily, there’s a wide spectrum of comfortable pants to choose from. You might stick with the classically millennial approach—complimentary, we promise—with sleek leggings, perhaps with a stirrup detail or foldover waist. Track pants are also on the menu, as labels like Sandy Liang and Lisa Says Gah explore playful elements to diversify the classically athletic piece. 

Trousers created from unexpected fabrics are also a safely comfortable choice. Plissé pants are a personal favorite for workwear, but you could also experiment with soft pointelle knits, cashmere, or jersey on your days off. And for those chronically online folks, may we suggest the viral sweatpant jeans? 

Otherwise, rising cultural influences are simultaneously at play: As Copenhagen-style trends continue to swirl in the fashion and home design worlds, we’re seeing content creators embrace a minimalistic yet colorful approach. Loose-yet-practical fits, primary colors, and streamlined leg silhouettes all capture the low-fuss approach to aesthetics overall.

And at the end of the day, you could even capitalize on the trend by stealing the well-worn sweatpants from your partner’s closet. With the right accessories, a beloved bed-rotting piece just may be worth seeing the light of day.

How to Style

You’ve likely heard this a million times, but visual contrast reigns supreme. Consider the wrong shoe theory: An unexpected piece or element adds excitement and uniqueness to an outfit, allowing you to rewear pieces in new contexts. Try switching up the fabric weight (perhaps, a thick When Harry Met Sally… knit with slinky yoga pants) or challenging expectations, like sporty velour track pants with a crisp button-down. 

Accessories aid in grounding the intended impact of an outfit. Build your foundation with comfortable pants and a contrasting top, then pile on sleek jewelry and a knotted sweater over the shoulders. A polished bag does a lot of heavy lifting, too: While a slouchy tote feels cool, it also risks visually weighing the outfit down. Opt for a trim mini bag or dressed-up doctor’s bag to solidify your intentions.

The Most Stylish Yet Comfortable Pants to Shop

Of course, the first step to crafting a cozy yet elevated look is to ensure you have a pair (or two, or several) of pants that feel as chic as they are relaxed. Our below comfort curation will ensure you get on the right track for looks that garner countless compliments without causing any level of fashion sacrifice.

Cotton On Honey Tie Pant

$50

$35 at Nordstrom

Good American Jeanius Skate Sweatpants

$139

$84 at Nordstrom

Meals Chef Pant

View on Lisasaysgah.com

Athleta Transcend Stirrup Legging

View on Athleta

Recreational Habits Sabrina Straight Leg Pant

View on Recreationalhabits.com

Reformation Kessie Wide Knit Pant

View on Reformation