# Recommend to me some good, casual athletic pants (dare I say "sweatpants?")
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [January 17, 2009, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783 "2009-01-17T21:30:03Z")
**Posts on this page:** 17
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2009, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/1 "2009-01-17T21:30:03Z")
I just realized after visiting the Gymboree that I don’t have any comfortable sweatpants. I have a pair of Nike bball warmups, which are very thin and are made of that material that swishes when you walk. I have some old Old Navy ones, which are lined (yay!) but have one pocket (boo).
I obviously don’t want the Jerzees lounging in the house sweats. But I’d like a casual pant that I wouldn’t have to put a belt on to wear (no cargos or jeans), that could be thrown on in seconds and tied to fit, with pockets for keys and wallet. Big plus would be a material that doesn’t make the swish-swish sound, and lining would be great as well.
I guess I really want Jerzees comfort without the Jerzees look. Something I could wear to the store, the Gymboree, doing yardwork, etc. without looking like a huge dork, but that allows me to squat, crawl, or even break out into a run on occasion… with pockets.
Any Doper dudes want to make some recommendations?
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### Author:  [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2009, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/2 "2009-01-17T21:43:10Z")
Moving to IMHO from GQ.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
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### Author:  [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2009, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/3 "2009-01-17T22:08:17Z")
Lands End has some, you know, mom knit pants that don’t look like sweatpants - you know, they don’t have the cuff at the bottom. I have a bunch of different ones I wear around the house.
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### Author:  [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)
#### Post date: [January 17, 2009, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/4 "2009-01-17T22:12:41Z")
> [@Hippy\_Hollow](#):
>
> I just realized after visiting the Gymboree that I don’t have any comfortable sweatpants. I have a pair of Nike bball warmups, which are very thin and are made of that material that swishes when you walk. I have some old Old Navy ones, which are lined (yay!) but have one pocket (boo).
>
> I obviously don’t want the Jerzees lounging in the house sweats. But I’d like a casual pant that I wouldn’t have to put a belt on to wear (no cargos or jeans), that could be thrown on in seconds and tied to fit, with pockets for keys and wallet. Big plus would be a material that doesn’t make the swish-swish sound, and lining would be great as well.
>
> I guess I really want Jerzees comfort without the Jerzees look. Something I could wear to the store, the Gymboree, doing yardwork, etc. without looking like a huge dork, but that allows me to squat, crawl, or even break out into a run on occasion… with pockets.
>
> Any Doper dudes want to make some recommendations?
Anyone over 20 or under 70 who wears sweat pants outside a gym, athletic event, or their backyard is going to tend to look sloppy. You can get away with it to some extent if you’re extremely fit as people assume you’re going to or from some kind of exercise or strenuous activity, but for most people wearing sweats in public for shopping, etc. speaks to a degree of sloth WRT personal appearance.
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### Author:  [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/5 "2009-01-18T01:00:43Z")
A lot of people like that Under armour stuff.
Here is a nice pair of their fleece [pants.](http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2171760#1) With pockets!
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### Author:  [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/6 "2009-01-18T02:14:09Z")
The only “sweatpants” I think are semi-ok to wear outside are “yoga pants”. I have a pair of Fit Couture that are just awesome. They fit close, but they’re stretchy so they’re very comfy. I’ve got these: [http://www.fitcouture.com/store/product.php?productid=16158](http://www.fitcouture.com/store/product.php?productid=16158)
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### Author:  [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/7 "2009-01-18T02:37:40Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#):
>
> The only “sweatpants” I think are semi-ok to wear outside are “yoga pants”.
Yes. I strongly feel that sweatpants are okay to lounge around in at home, but out in public- no way. But yoga pants are much more attractive and acceptable.
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### Author:  [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/8 "2009-01-18T03:16:52Z")
Thanks for the recs. **NinetyWt,** I’m digging those Under Armours, might check 'em out.
I find the repulsion to casualwear amusing. I live in Texas. We go to H-E-B in tank tops and shorts here… I would never consider sweats (again, not the cheap ass Jerzees kind that leave nothing to the imagination) or athletic gear like tracksuits unacceptable for running to Walmart, a kid’s activity where you need to be flexible, or going out in the yard.
Where you _y’all_ live?
**Kalhoun** , I’m pretty sure they don’t make those for guys, and if they did… you wouldn’t catch me in 'em 🙂
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### Author:  [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/9 "2009-01-18T03:49:13Z")
I third the yoga pants. I could live in yoga pants. I also recently bought [these](https://www.rei.com/pwr/product-reviews/Women-s/Pants-and-Shorts/Casual-Pants/REI/p/754495-REI-Cabin-Fever-Microfleece-Pants-Women-s.html)which are really, really comfy, soft, and fleecy, but they don’t look like sweat pants. The look more like yoga pants that aren’t body hugging. If they come back, grab a pair; they seriously rock!
The yoga-type pants I really love are [these](http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1427&prod=3128&cat=1476&viewAll=False). They are extremely soft.
Check out REI for casual pants. Depending on the shape of your body, it can sometimes be a little difficult to get a good fit, but there is a good selection of casual, outdoorsy, and rugged good-quality apparel.
ETA: wait…this is for a guy? Ok, ignore first two paragraphs and stick with the last one.
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### Author:  [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/10 "2009-01-18T03:58:52Z")
[Fleece pants with 3 pockets](http://www.rei.com/product/711862)
[Lightweight casual pants w/ lots of pockets](http://www.rei.com/product/718035)
Ok, I really should stop. I’m not at work anymore. GL finding what you need. 🙂
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### Author:  [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/11 "2009-01-18T05:23:29Z")
> [@Hippy\_Hollow](#):
>
> I find the repulsion to casualwear amusing.
Honey, don’t open that can of worms! In case you missed it, we’ve had several threads over the years about sweat pants and the people who wear them. It’s about like the “shoes in the house/no shoes in the house” thing.
But, I’m with you. As long as you’re not wearing your house shoes in Wally World, I’m ok with it. 😉
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### Author:  [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/12 "2009-01-18T05:28:09Z")
How about [this one](http://www.landsend.com/pp/LuxuryFleecePants~176236_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::TVY&CM_MERCH=SRCH_00001&origin=search) from Land’s End? I’m not a guy but I did a quick search.
And it’s even on sale. Well, it was when I did the search.
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### Author:  [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/13 "2009-01-18T07:40:54Z")
> [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](#):
>
> How about [this one](http://www.landsend.com/pp/LuxuryFleecePants~176236_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::TVY&CM_MERCH=SRCH_00001&origin=search) from Land’s End? I’m not a guy but I did a quick search.
>
> And it’s even on sale. Well, it was when I did the search.
Those look nice. See, I think you can get away with wearing sweat-type fleece pants while still looking decent as long as you avoid the ones with the elastic at the ankle and the drawstring hanging out of the elastic waistband. Also avoid the ones with the sporty, patterned shiny finish as well, I think.
Am I right? Or is it still unseemly to wear sweatpants?
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### Author:  [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/14 "2009-01-18T13:59:13Z")
> [@Hippy\_Hollow](#):
>
> Thanks for the recs. **NinetyWt,** I’m digging those Under Armours, might check 'em out.
>
> I find the repulsion to casualwear amusing. I live in Texas. We go to H-E-B in tank tops and shorts here… I would never consider sweats (again, not the cheap ass Jerzees kind that leave nothing to the imagination) or athletic gear like tracksuits unacceptable for running to Walmart, a kid’s activity where you need to be flexible, or going out in the yard.
>
> Where you _y’all_ live?
>
> **Kalhoun** , I’m pretty sure they don’t make those for guys, and if they did… you wouldn’t catch me in 'em 🙂
Oops. Sorry! My gender-memory failed me again!
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### Author:  [@Key\_Lime\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Key_Lime_Guy)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/15 "2009-01-18T17:16:11Z")
Are these the same as the swishy type you mentioned in the OP?
[http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1187504](http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1187504)
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### Author:  [@Unsquare\_Dance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unsquare_Dance)
#### Post date: [January 18, 2009, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/16 "2009-01-18T21:04:36Z")
I recommend anything from The Gap’s athletic wear. It’s as inexpensive (imo) as Old Navy, so it’s no big deal to replace, but I find it lasts longer. ON is owned by The Gap, but their fabrics are cheap and the construction isn’t as nice.
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### Author:  [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2009, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-to-me-some-good-casual-athletic-pants-dare-i-say-sweatpants/481783/17 "2009-01-19T06:04:42Z")
> [@Key\_Lime\_Guy](#):
>
> Are these the same as the swishy type you mentioned in the OP?
>
> [http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1187504](http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1187504)
I think so, assuming they have that sheer finish…