I’ll admit it: I’m very attached to my sweatpants this winter. I have a trusty pair of Cos barrel leg joggers (now long sold out, sadly) that are just so comfy, I barely look them off throughout December.

But before you judge me, remember that there are actually ways to style sweatpants that make them appropriate for more than just the sofa – in fact, they make for a solid outfit base when you pair them with the right pieces. If, like me, you always like to add a casual element to ground your outfits (and you value comfort as another of your fashion priorities), then the best loungewear sweatpants are a winner all round.

Frankly, I’m done with feeling like we have to choose a side when it comes to getting dressed in winter – there’s no reason you can’t wear something cosy and weather appropriate that feels stylish, too.

Why adopt that mindset? There have always been comfy, warm pieces that can do both. In fact, even the most casual trackies can be styled into an outfit that looks chic and on trend.

How to wear sweatpants

Sportswear has become a favourite among fashion insiders both in and outside of the gym, so much so that sweatpants aren’t as casual as you might think. They’re still the best option when you want to relax, of course, but there are so many ways to elevate them into a style statement. And as we get deeper into winter, you’ll be glad to have a few of these tricks up your sleeve.

Ahead, the outfit formulas to try so you can elevate your favourite sweatpants from the sofa to the street…

An oversized set

Edward Berthelot