The Best Sweatpants Guys Can't Stop Buying

The cozy bottoms aren't going anywhere.

Even five years ago, we would have laughed off the idea of sweatpants as a vital part of a modern guy's wardrobe. The idea of "best sweatpants" was as foreign to us as square toe shoes. Fast forward to today and there there as many excellent options on the market as there are for time-tested staples like selvage jeans and premium T-shirts. Of course, knowing which cut is going to make you look like an athleisure god and which one is going to make you look like a doughy dad is what's most important. Well, that and sorting out just how much money is worth spending; pairs run the spectrum from $59 to upwards of $500. With the too many choices in front of you, and holiday lounging season upon us, we talked to End Clothing’s head buyer Dean Walker about how the e-retailer approaches the ever-expanding category.

GQ: You have 230 pairs of sweats for men on the site right now, which is a lot. What percentage of your business is sweats? Have you seen the category grow in 2016?

Dean Walker: We are now stocking as many sweat pants as we are trousers and chinos. The rise is due to designer brands such as Dries Van Noten and Thom Browne adding street-ready pieces into their main collections. Also, sportswear brands have focused on creating more technical and performance-focused products, adding more quality and value to everyday sweatpant. With more brands showing sweatpants in their collections, this section will only continue to grow.

What sweatpants colors or cuts did you buy into heavily this winter and why?

Black, navy and grey marl will forever be the core of jersey, with its history rooted in collegiate sportswear. Yeezy collections have changed this slightly, with earthier, neutral tones adding more variety – not a bad thing! As a UK retailer, our most popular fits tend to hark back to tailoring with a slimmer, considered fit, which shows off the footwear as well as being proper cozy.

What sweatpants tend to sell really well for you guys and why do you think they resonate?

Thom Browne’s cashmere sweat pant is the ultimate in luxury, the four stripes are almost a sign of wealth – a pure statement piece if there ever was one!

Gosha Rubchinskiy’s rise has been meteoric and his aesthetic is one of the most definitive at the minute. Although he plays with silhouettes, Gosha’s sweat pant gives a nod to ‘90s street style with their uncuffed hems and darted legs.

NikeLab’s reintroduction of the ACG line, with the help of ACRONYM’s Errolson Hugh, has revolutionized how the brand approaches athletic apparel. The fit is fire with an articulated design and bonded seam construction. These sweats really tick all the boxes.

How would you describe the difference between staying-in sweats and the sweats you’d wear on the street?

The sweat pant is now a legitimate part of the modern wardrobe. The classic image of loose “scratcher pants” has been usurped by fitted, luxury pants which add to an outfit rather than take away from it. As men upgrade their collection of sweats, they’ll phase out the ill-fitting styles altogether.

What sweats looks best on a bigger guy versus a super-skinny guy?

Although the trend is now for slim fit, I think you have to know your body type. Skin tight is a no-go to begin with, but the bigger lad should stay away from a slim fit. Conversely, a super-skinny guy should avoid swimming in a loose fit. Ultimately, it’s all about the total outfit and showing off your kicks.

Watch Now: The 6 New Rules of Tailored Sweatpants

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