Welcome to Buy Choice, in which we pick one everyday item, cut out all the noise, and present you with nothing but the best options on the market.
The sweatsuit: Long a sartorial code for “I don’t care how I look, I want to be comfortable.”
Or “I give up.”
Thankfully, athleisure has come a long way in the style department, as proven by the 10 elevated sweatsuits we’ve compiled for you today.
Think better fabrics, more tailored fits and one piece of sweatgear you could wear to the office with a straight face.
But nothing here is meant to keep you indoors — unless that’s where you’re most comfortable.
For colorful comfort: Todd Snyder + Champion
Grey, black, blue. Yawn. Inject a bit of color into your athleisure-ing with these plum-hued, slim-fit sweatpants and popover hoodies.
For elevated lounging: The Après Collection by Taylor Stitch
This limited-edition run of hemp fleece hoodies and indigo waffle weave pants redefines loungewear into something with real texture (and character).
For office comfort: Betabrand Dress Pant Sweatpants
Crafted from a fabric that looks like wool and provide stretchiness in four directions, these sharp-looking pants feature a tailored fit and zippered security pockets. Pair it with Betabrand’s pinstripe hoodie or a sweat suit blazer, and hey, you can sleep through any meeting.
For actual (post) exercise comfort: Fourlaps
Pair the navy French terry Rush Hoodie (complete with thumb holes at the cuffs, reflective stripes and polyester sport mesh lining in the hood and pockets) with the similarly constructed, tapered Rush Joggers. You’ve never looked this good after a workout.
For travel: Olivers Transit Series
Merino wool fleece hoodies and sweatpants that are great for lounging or your next casual weekend jaunt.
For unpredictable climes: The Sur Collection by Outerknown
The new collection of sweat shorts, shirts and hoodies from Kelly Slater’s brand is ostensibly a line of sweats. But look closer, and it’s a surprisingly refined group of layers made from hemp and organic cotton — breathable and light, but not without some brawn. In other words, French terry that you can feel good about as well as feel good in. And everything’s under $100.
For shared comfort: Naadam
The 100% Mongolian cashmere that makes up these unisex smoke-colored sweatpants and hoodies is described by Naadam as “effing soft.” As an owner of the hoodie, I concur — they’re also quite flattering on a larger frame.
For moving beyond sweats: DSTLD
One of our favorite denim (and eco-friendly) brands doesn’t do a sweatsuit, per se, but pair these streamlined black joggers — with a drawstring waist — with a slim-but-stretchy travel hoodie, and you’ll have the same levels of comfort and warmth … with a bit more urban cool.
For perfecting the sweatsuit standard: Everlane
Fleece and French terry sweatpants, shirts and hoodies, all in the $45-$75 range and all durably handsome.
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