Sweatpant Jeans Are the Best Thing to Happen to Denim in Decades—Here's How to Style Yours

Comfortable, cozy, and chic.

Take a quick look around and you’ll realize we’re in the midst of a comfy clothes renaissance. An influx of bras without underwires and baggy pants that don’t pinch or squeeze are just a few signs that the angels are singing down upon us. Sweatpant jeans are the latest fashion invention bringing more of that same comfy energy, and they’re proof that we all should embrace our cozy era. 

Sweatpant jeans are a cross between the fit and style of a pair of jeans but made from the material of a pair of soft sweats, says personal stylist Jana Meister. Think of them as a modern twist on the “jegging,” only instead of being a tight, stretchy denim they’re gloriously loose and soft. 

“Typically, they look like jeans from the outside, but have a cotton or fleece lining on the inside,” Meister explains. “Sometimes they have faux pockets, a fly, and super stretchy cinched waist band.” 

Some are crediting Rag & Bone with inventing this new clothing category (the brand’s jogger pant went viral on social media), but other retailers are launching their versions, including Good American with their Jeanius Sweats and J.Crew’s Jogger Jeans. It’s all part of the greater trend of embracing relaxed fashion; sweatpant jeans are in good company with baggy pants, grandpa sneakers, soft fabrications, and athleisure. 

“Sweatpants jeans have been gaining some major traction and making this trend one of the most buzzed about. They’re comfortable and cozy, but also look pulled together enough to style for a day or night out.” Meister says. “Everyone wants to feel comfortable but look stylish without sacrificing really good fashion.” 

How to Style Sweatpant Jeans 

Meister says sweatpant jeans likely aren’t a flash in the pan—they’re here to stay, especially as we move into fall, winter, and early spring. In other words, this is your cue to grab yourself a pair and relish in the comfiness they afford. Here are some cool ways to style sweatpant jeans. 

1. Pair Them With a Faux Suede Moto Jacket 

Meister likes the look of a high-rise denim jogger paired with a faux suede moto jacket. Add a pair of comfortable sneakers and your brunch outfit is complete. 

2. Add a Tank and Sweater 

For a simple denim jogger look, pair yours with a tank and then layer a cable knit cardigan or sweater on top. 

3. Style With a Blazer 

Want to wear your comfortable sweat pant jeans into the office? Throw on a pair of wide leg denim sweats and add a blazer or boyfriend cardigan with some boots, Meister suggests. 

4. Add a Simple White Tee 

Another easy way to style denim joggers is to throw on a simple long-sleeved T-shirt—white looks classic and fresh—and a pair of statement sneakers. 

5. Go Double Denim 

Put a cozy spin on the Texas tuxedo look by pairing some light wash denim knit pants with a faux denim vest, Meister says. To round out the fit, add a suede handbag and a pair of heels.