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Come this time of year, getting dressed can seem like a lot more trouble than it’s worth: Who wants to change out of their snug and toasty pj’s for a pair of stiff, tight-fitting jeans when it’s 10 below? Then again … who says you have to? With the best sweatpants for women over 50, you’ll be so cozy, it’ll feel like you never got out of your jammies.
Is it OK to wear sweatpants in public?
While you may have misgivings about throwing on a pair of sweats on for anything other than lounging around the house, these soft, warm trousers, once largely worn for athletic purposes, have become totally acceptable public attire in recent years — something we have the can’t-be-stopped athleisure trend to thank for.
“The casualization of fashion set a tone in which men and women could acceptably be dressed in this way,” cultural and fashion historian Shaun Cole explained to Mel magazine in 2018.
Most fashion experts agree that there are some caveats for doing so, however. Namely, you’ll want to choose a pair of sweatpants that are “a little more elevated” than the ones you might wear for bed.
For some, that will mean finding a pair with an über-flattering fit that shows off your physique, while others feature dressy details, such as bows or lace inserts, that give them a more formal feel.
How to Style Sweatpants
If you want to wear sweatpants for your day-to-day errands, there are a few general styling rules you’ll want to follow. Read our tips three below.
1) Go with a more fitted pair: The baggier the sweatpants, the sloppier they’ll look, so opt for bottoms that are a bit more form-fitting.
2) Choose a flattering color: A bold pair of pink or green sweats, for instance, will look far more fashion-forward than a weathered pair of gray or black threads.
3) Take care with the rest of your outfit: Adding in a pair of nice shoes or a sleek overcoat will go a long way toward making your sweats look more polished. You can even pair cropped or ankle cuts with heels!
The Best Sweatpants for Women Over 50
Whether you plan to wear them on your couch or in the streets, we’ve rounded up a slew of sweatpants that will suit your lifestyle, from styles with adaptive properties ($35.97, Silvert’s) to a pair that will keep you cool, hot flashes be darned (From $90.58, Amazon). Keep scrolling for Woman’s World’s picks for the best sweatpants for women over 50.
For less than $20, you can get your hands on these top-rated French Terry fleece sweatpants from Amazon Essentials. They’ve got a relaxed, straight fit, an adjustable drawstring waistband, and side pockets for maximum comfort. They’ve also racked up more than 1,400 reviews on Amazon to date.
Reads one: “These are my favorite joggers ever. Nice, heavier fabric. Love the length — nice and long enough so the tapered end stays down and doesn’t ride up. … I will be buying another pair.”
Where to buy: $104.64 (Originally $130.80), Bloomingdale’s
Elevated sweatpants come in the form of these The Kooples fleece sweats, which feature eye-catching lace-insert detailing a the sides. An elasticized drawstring waist, banded hems, and a pull-on style mean they’re every bit as comfortable as a classic version, but with a far more aesthetically pleasing feel. Two front and back pockets add to their appeal.
Running hot due to menopause? Then these Barefoot Dreams CozyChic lounge pants are for you. They’re extremely lightweight and cut to seamlessly follow the lines of the body. There’s a straight leg and a high-waist for an über-comfortable fit.
Wrote one happy buyer: “I have multiple sets because I can’t be without them. They’re cozy but not too hot. I can wear them around my house even in the Houston summer heat.”
Whether you live in a warmer climate or simply tend to run get overheated, having a good pair of capri sweatpants on hand can make all the difference. We like this knit drawstring pair from Blair, which has deep cargo pockets and an adjustable waist. They’re also loose at the knees for an added layer of relaxation.
Add this cute and colorful pair of ban.do bottoms to your loungewear collection for an easy way to brighten up a dreary winter’s day. Dual hand pockets and a striped hem and cuffs make for nice extras, and their ultra-soft fleece fabrication doesn’t hurt, either.
Ordinary sweatpants, these are not: In fact, these bottoms from Wilson Gabrielle are in a league of their own. With an oversized ribbon at the waist and a flattering, curve-skimming fit, this is one piece of athleisure you won’t think twice about heading out the door in. We think they’re about as dressy as sweatpants can get, while still ticking off all the boxes. Soft? Check. Warm? Double check. Incredibly comfy? Sold!
Lively gives the classic jogger a modern twist in the form of its All-Day bottoms. Instead of the elastic cuffs you’ve come to expect, these boast a seamless gathered ankle that’s fitted, but still sleek. Even those who typically shun sweatpants can get on board, with one shopper raving, “I hate the way sweatpants look and leggings are not an everyday comfy pant for me, but these are cute, soft, and stylish! Highly recommend.”
Victoria’s Secret may be best known for its bras, but the company also knows its way around a pair of sweatpants. These fitted, cozy joggers, for instance, have everything you could ever want from a pair of lounge pants, including a relaxed fit, a wide waistband for easy on and off, and handy side pockets.
Comfort is far from one size fits all. The flowy, oversized bottoms that feel so good on one person might feel downright schlubby to another who prefers a more snug fit. Sundry has that customer covered with its slim sweatpants. Marked by a streamlined, slender silhouette and a drawstring waist, these pants will hug your figure in all the right ways while still remaining warm and inviting.
For a more sporty look, we like these All-In sweatpants from Nike. They’ve got a classic tapered fit and are made with “Dri-FIT” fabrication for wicking away any workout sweat. They’re also plenty warm enough for winter courtesy of their soft, cozy fleece.
If you’re looking for a nice pair of cotton sweatpants, it doesn’t get much better than this wide-leg pick from Pact Apparel.They're made from 100 percent organic cotton, so those with sensitive skin can rest assured they’ll be free from exposure to any harmful chemicals or irritants. The extra-wide leg allows for greater freedom of movement, and they come in three vintage-washed colors.
With a skinny fit and distinguishing side cargo pockets, these super stretchy sweats from ALWAYS bring sweats into the 21st century. They come in a wide array of colors in both long and short versions and feature a drawstring closure. Customers say they’re also plenty lightweight.
Wrote one: “I love these pants. They are extremely breathable [and] extremely soft.”
Where to buy: $35.97 (Originally $39.97), Silvert’s
If you’re at an age where dressing has become a real pain, these adaptive track pants from Silvert’sare for you. They’re equipped with Velcro-like strips at the sides that fold down for easy dressing and have an elastic back waist for added comfort. Hand pockets come either side, and with sizes running up to 4X, you’re sure to find your perfect fit.
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