What is it:
Sweatpants became popular in the 1980s, a decade often marked by the sudden fitness craze that gripped consumers. Vintage styles typically feature high waists, wide legs, loose materials, and elasticated ankles. Strong colors are also used in many variants, often in blocked patterns, geometric shapes or as seam piping, which additionally emphasize the shape. For the SS23 season, many designers took inspiration from this decade for their sportswear looks, with the retro sweatpants appearing either alone or paired with a matching sweat jacket.
Why you should order it:
This trend is likely to revive as loungewear evolves in tandem with changing consumer lifestyles; as a counterpart to the pandemic, where sweatpants and comfortable clothing were the order of the day. As life gradually returns to normal, loungewear is no longer just a comfy wardrobe, but also more fashionably sophisticated, exit-ready garments that are suitable for everyday wear. Retro sweatpants reflect this evolution, as does the ever-growing interest in vintage clothing, with both brands and designers trying to appeal to customers looking to mix and match both trends.
Where we saw it:
Vintage-inspired designs played a big part in the SS23 collections. At Martine Rose and Saul Nash, the retro sweats came in the form of two-piece suits with piped seam details and signature color blocks. Amiri also took a full outfit approach, but stuck closely to American college style, sporting a look that consisted of sweatpants and a matching letterman jacket. Other brands took the trend literally, presenting pants in neon colors that are strongly reminiscent of their 80s roots. This was seen in the collections of Bluemarble and Vtmnts, both of which opted for bold colors and roomy fits.
How to style it:
Sweatpants pair well with sweatshirts in similar colors or with a jacket or top that matches the style for a complete loungewear look. Sneakers or mules are the perfect footwear to complete the outfit. To keep the sweatpants from looking too casual, pair them with a fitted crop top or bralette, which will bring them closer to formal wear. For even more variety, add a pair of heels in a contrasting color that add to the formality of the look. Other experimental pieces that can be combined with jogging pants are fitted button-down shirts, figure-hugging corsets or bulky ankle boots.
Like other trends, retro sweatpants are likely an offshoot of pandemic-related themes, primarily associated with the rise of athleisure and loungewear styles. Designers took the look for SS23 to the catwalks, where they showcased a variety of ways this piece could be worn, taking it beyond its origins into an everyday staple.
This article was previously similarly published on FashionUnited.uk.