Sweatpants are a popular form of clothing as they can be used for many different types of activities. They’re also very comfortable to wear. However, when out shopping for a pair of sweatpants, you’ll find there are a handful of ones you can choose from. Because of this, it can make finding the right type to use a bit difficult. Below you’ll find more information about sweatpants as well as some of the different types available.
What are Sweatpants?
Sweatpants are a type of clothing that uses long, thick fabric which makes moving around a bit easier. They usually have an elastic band or drawstring at the top allowing the person wearing them to adjust their sweatpants as necessary.
The History of Sweatpants
As with most clothing pieces, sweatpants came to be in a very interesting way. They were created in the 1920s by French company Le Coq Sportif as a way to help athletes move around more comfortably. Eventually, they became popular in society and grew to not just be athletic wear, but leisurewear and formal wear as well.
Track Pants vs. Sweatpants
Many often confuse these two types of pants and think they are the same thing. However, they are very different from each other. Track pants tend to be made of smoother and shinier materials while sweatpants are made of thick materials, like cotton and fleece. Unlike most track pants, sweatpants help to keep you warm.
Common Sweatpants Materials
Sweatpants are made with a variety of different materials. Below are some of the most common ones used.
Fleece
Fleece is often one of the most popular materials to use with sweatpants. Typically taken from sheep hair, fleece helps to keep you extremely warm. It’s also breathable which works to keep moisture out. In addition to this, fleece is very lightweight and easy to clean.
Cotton
Cotton is another common material used with sweatpants. This material isn’t only comfortable, but helps to absorb moisture well. This means if you use cotton sweatpants when exercising, they will help to absorb odors caused by sweat.
Nylon
Nylon is often the material most athletes use with their sweatpants as it’s extremely flexible. This helps their body to move around freely while still being comfortable to wear. Nylon is also moisture-resistant and comes in many trendy designs.
Polyester
This material is known for being lightweight and durable. This makes polyester a great material to wear for all types of activities. In addition to this, it also blocks UV rays. However, one of its downfalls is that it takes a bit of time to dry which means it might not be the best option for workouts. It also doesn’t absorb odors well.
Spandex
As one of the newest sweatpants materials, spandex has increasingly grown in popularity. While stretchy, spandex also slightly clings to your body. This allows you to move your body around more freely. Spandex also works to help absorb moisture and is a breathable material. Because of these features, it’s also another great choice to wear for many different activities.
The Benefits of Wearing Sweatpants
There are many surprising benefits that come with wearing sweatpants.
They are Good for Exercising
Sweatpants are very loose and lightweight. This makes them perfect to wear when exercising as you’ll be able to move around freely.
Because they work to trap heat, they also help warm your muscles up faster. This means you can quickly start exercising rather than having to do many warm-ups to get your muscles ready. The heat will also warm up your body which means you’ll be able to burn more calories when working out.
They are Comfortable
As mentioned above, sweatpants are loose and lightweight. This makes them very comfortable to wear. So, if you’re looking for something cozy to put on while outdoors or in the house, sweatpants are ideal.
They Work to Absorb Moisture
Many sweatpants are made with materials, such as cotton, that help to absorb moisture. This means if you happen to sweat, your pants will absorb it. Thanks to this feature, it makes them great for those who are concerned about profusely sweating which could dampen the pants and make them uncomfortable to wear.
They Protect Your Skin
Another interesting benefit of wearing sweatpants is that they work well at protecting your skin. This means that harmful UV rays won’t touch your skin which could cause sunburns and other issues.
In addition to this, you’ll also be protected from bug bites. This makes them a great thing to wear if you decide to spend some time outdoors as they will keep your legs safe from pesky insects.
They Keep You Warm
Sweatpants are also made of thick fibers which trap heat. This is often why many enjoy wearing them during the cooler months of the year.
They are Durable
Once you buy a pair of sweatpants, you’ll find they will last you for many years. This is because they are designed to withstand heavy usage, such as intense workouts at the gym. You’ll find they are also made of high-quality materials, such as cotton and spandex.
What to Consider Before Buying Sweatpants
Before you invest in a pair of sweatpants, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Below are some important aspects to consider.
What They are Designed For
There are many different forms of sweatpants. Some are meant to be used for workouts while others are intended as leisurewear. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you invest in a pair of sweatpants that will work well for your needs.
The Waistband
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of waistband you want. Most sweatpants come with two options: drawstring or elastic. Drawstring sweatpants allow you to tighten or loosen your pants with a string while an elastic band usually conforms naturally to the shape of your body. Both of these have their pros and cons which is why it’s important to consider the best option for your needs before buying sweatpants.
Their Style
You should also consider the style of the sweatpants before buying them. When shopping for a pair of them, you’ll discover plenty of different designs, which range from traditional gray to unique patterns.
In addition to their color, you should also consider how tightly they cling to your body. For instance, do you want sweatpants that are loose and baggy or sweatpants that cling tightly to your skin? By keeping this aspect in mind, you’ll be able to buy a pair of sweatpants that match your preferences perfectly.
Their Length
Sweatpants come in numerous lengths which range from your mid-calf to lower ankles. The right length will depend on your preferences as one that is too long might make it difficult to exercise while a shorter length might not keep you warm. Because of this, it’s a good idea to carefully consider the length of your sweatpants.
Their Material
As mentioned above, there are many different sweatpants materials available. It’s important to find the material that will work best for your needs. Otherwise, they might be uncomfortable to wear or even be difficult to move around in.
Different Forms of Sweatpants
Basic Length
Basic length sweatpants are the traditional form of sweatpants and usually go down to your lower ankles. They are made to be used with all types of clothing styles and aren’t just an option for leisurewear. This type is typically made out of cotton and is designed to be very comfortable when you wear it. This style also tends to come in many different designs so you can find one that matches your taste perfectly. In addition to this, they also come with drawstrings so you can adjust them easily. The pants are usually very loose so they don’t cling to your body although you can use the drawstrings to tighten them if you want to make sure they are secure.
Cropped
Cropped sweatpants go to your mid-calf and are usually the best type for workouts. Because of their length, they are also good to use during the warmer months of the year as you won’t get too hot when wearing them. Cropped sweatpants usually feature a drawstring or elastic waistband. Some also have their ends rolled up, which is ideal for those looking for a fashionable style, or use elastic cuffs to help them cling to your legs. They come in various colors, sizes, and materials. However, keep in mind that depending on the brand you buy from, they could be a little expensive.
Pocketed
Pocketed sweatpants are usually the most popular type because they are comfortable and have deep side pockets. The pockets allow you to keep your hands warm or safely put your wallet and keys in them without fear of these items falling out. Some products might also feature back pockets.
Pocketed sweatpants also tend to have an elastic waistband which helps to keep them secure to your body but not so as to be uncomfortable. This type can be very loose or a little tight depending on your preferences. Some also feature special graphics or letterings on them. Pocketed sweatpants come in numerous sizes and colors and tend to be made out of cotton.
Striped
Most people usually identify striped sweatpants with athletic wear. The stripes usually run vertically down the side of the sweatpants and come in various thicknesses and colors. However, there are also a few options with horizontal and diagonal stripes. Many often enjoy wearing striped sweatpants because they are thought to make the person wearing them look taller and slimmer. Striped sweatpants also usually feature a drawstring to help you keep them secure to your body. Some striped sweatpants are also cropped meaning they only run to your mid-calf. This type can be used not only for sports, but to be a fashion statement as well.
Jogger
If you’re looking for sweatpants that are ideal for running, jogger sweatpants are an option to consider. This type usually comes in dark colors and is loose-fitting. It tends to be lightweight as it is made of materials such as cotton and fleece. The bottom of the sweatpants has elastic cuffs which help to trap heat and keep you warm when running. These elastic cuffs work to keep the pants secure to your legs which can make them easier to wear. Many also feature pockets so you’ll be able to keep any running equipment you need with you. Jogger sweatpants typically go to your ankle, although there are a few cropped options as well.
Lisa has a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Arts. She is an experienced blogger who enjoys researching interesting facts, ideas, products, and other compelling concepts. In addition to writing, she likes photography and Photoshop.