Happy national sweatpants day! While we love comfy pants built for nothing more than lounging, today feels like the most appropriate time to jump to the defense of occasionally maligned sweatpants. While certain cuts and materials aren't meant for much more than lazy weekend mornings (and other styles on the list of items from our collegiate past that we'd never wear again), there are more modern cuts and fits that can look surprisingly like proper trousers. When you find the perfect pair and style them just so, they can pass muster at most offices too.
What are the secrets?
Look for a slim cut. Traditional sweatpants are baggy and far from flattering, while too-skinny varieties are basically leggings. The perfect fit will remind you of straight-leg denim, not clinging to your legs or drowning your frame.
Babaton pants, $145, aritzia.com
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Keep them short. The cuffed ankles that are a sweatpants signature also help make them more office-friendly. The tight opening should sit right above your ankle bone, mimicking the same look of the cropped pants that are chic office staples.
