# Most Formal Place You Have Worn Sweatpants **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 7, 2022, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516 "2022-11-07T17:04:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![FlikTheBlue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fliktheblue/32/10972_2.png) [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/21 "2022-11-07T23:47:00Z")
I’ve taken to wearing sweatpants most days. For me that consists of making rounds at a nursing home. A few weeks ago my wife and I went to a show by the comedian Gabriel Iglesias. I was going to wear the same sweatpants I had worn to work that day, but my wife made me change. That would have been the most formal occasion I can think of. As it turned out I wouldn’t have been out of place at the Fluffy show even with those sweatpants. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/22 "2022-11-07T23:50:31Z")
A job interview. I didn’t get it, and later called and asked why. The pants were part of it. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/23 "2022-11-07T23:55:16Z")
Hmmm. Years back, when I was working in Indianapolis in December, I wore them (under my skirt) to commute to the office - but immediately removed went to the restroom and removed them when I arrived, so I doubt that counts. Beyond that, likely to a doctor’s appointment. I intentionally wore them the day I broke my foot, as I was concerned over needing to get a cast or whatever (I did not). > [@carnut](#): > > Even though I’m not exactly a fan of tie waistbands, they do help us overweight ladies keep our pants up better than elastic. I actually don’t like tie waistbands. Somehow, if I tie them tight enough, they somehow work loose anyhow. I don’t like full-elastic pants in general, though some newer pants that have a little bit of it in the fabric are OK. I still want ones with both pockets, and belt loops - as my waist is somehow smaller than my hips would suggest, and without a belt, the pants wind up drooping down around my hips. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2022, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/24 "2022-11-07T23:58:13Z")
The last time I wore sweatpants was for larping. I wore them over jeans or jean shorts. I do not find sweatpants comfortable. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/25 "2022-11-08T00:09:07Z")
The only sweatpants I have are Duluth Trading, which have pockets and a belt. They are still a pain to wear because I have no ass and Dunlap’s. No matter how tight the belt, those things are headed for the floor when I most need them not to. So the most formal place would be the office, when I was teaching remotely. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/26 "2022-11-08T00:12:47Z")
I have a pair of grey ones, I got for 8$. A pair of green for 20. They’re totally warm, byt too short. I went to look for a black pair. There were none in the womens section, but the mens had them. 40$ is a bit much for me now. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/27 "2022-11-08T12:30:33Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > I’m confused. I think of sweat pants as loose I get you. I don’t know if the Activity Pants are true sweat pants, but they I treat them that way. Jogging pants maybe? I’ve worn a pair under pants like you would long winter underwear. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/28 "2022-11-08T12:39:58Z")
Technically, a military base. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/29 "2022-11-08T12:48:46Z")
My home office. And even then it bugs me to not be dressed in my usual jeans and a fleece. Bugs me to not have shoes on even at home. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/30 "2022-11-08T17:12:54Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I don’t know if the Activity Pants are true sweat pants, but they I treat them that way. Jogging pants maybe? Same here. I don’t remember what Duluth Trading called them but they’re technically not sweatpants and they apparently stopped selling 'em. I do have a pair of true sweatpants from [Farm & Fleet](https://www.farmandfleet.com/) but they’re so old & patched now – had to replace the string with a boot lace – that I I hardly ever wear 'em except on laundry day. ---
**Author:** ![mordecaiB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mordecaib/32/7725_2.png) [@mordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mordecaiB)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/31 "2022-11-08T18:01:43Z")
Nowhere, outside of a gym/track. I haven’t even owned a pair for a couple of decades. At home I’ll wear pajama bottoms if it’s really cold. Anywhere outside the house, it’s shorts or jeans/khakis. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/32 "2022-11-08T18:39:59Z")
There’s an alleged saying by the late Karl Lagerfeld (paraphrased): “Those who wear sweatpants at home have already given up themselves”. I don’t think so, I wear them at home all the time myself, but for those wearing them in restaurants or at job interviews(!), I’m not so sure… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/33 "2022-11-08T18:47:41Z")
I took the bus, it was cold out.😳 ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/34 "2022-11-08T19:05:15Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > > [@kayaker](#): > > > > I don’t know if the Activity Pants are true sweat pants, but they I treat them that way. Jogging pants maybe? > > Same here. I don’t remember what Duluth Trading called them but they’re technically not sweatpants and they apparently stopped selling 'em. I do have a pair of true sweatpants from [Farm & Fleet](https://www.farmandfleet.com/) but they’re so old & patched now – had to replace the string with a boot lace – that I I hardly ever wear 'em except on laundry day. A friend’s wife is a fan of Lululemon yoga pants, which might be related to “activity pants”. I’ve never tried the Lululemon pants. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/35 "2022-11-08T20:27:46Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Somehow, if I tie them tight enough, they somehow work loose anyhow. Yes, they do. But I am usually better able to put my phone and keys in the pockets of these, than in those with elastic waistbands. The knit pants with the wide (deep?) waistbands do work better until the stretch in the fabric gives up. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/36 "2022-11-08T22:11:40Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Activity Pants My Activity Pants usually end up on the floor of the back seat of my car. > [@SuntanLotion](#): > > I have a pair of grey ones, I got for 8$. A pair of green for 20. I think I see Elon’s plan… ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/37 "2022-11-08T22:33:12Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > My Activity Pants usually end up on the floor of the back seat of my car. We went on a short trip, spending one night at a hotel. My gf told me I should pack my Activity Pants, and waggled her eyebrows. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/38 "2022-11-08T22:43:02Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My gf told me I should pack my Activity Pants, and waggled her eyebrows. Ah, easy access. 😁 ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/39 "2022-11-08T22:47:09Z")
Actually it started out just a joke on the name. Whoever decided to call them Activity Pants hopefully changed professions. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2022, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516/40 "2022-11-08T23:12:08Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Whoever decided to call them Activity Pants hopefully changed professions. Hell, I hope they run for public office! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-formal-place-you-have-worn-sweatpants/974516.md?page=3)