Joggers: Trendy or Unprofessional?
When, where and why we can rock these.
One of the hottest new trends of both men and women’s fashion are jogger pants. These are sweatpants tailored to look more professional and casual than your regular sweats. They have a thick, drawstring waistband and slim-cut legs that taper down to another thick band at the mid-shin area.
The design was originally created by Publish Brand’s Michael Huynh, and has grown more and more popular in recent years. Stores like Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom have begun selling these pants for various prices: some for under 50 bucks, and some for over 200 dollars. They look comfortable, somewhat fashionable, and are all the rage for this spring’s trending list, which features many sports-inspired pieces. What could be the problem?
Fashionably Lazy
I must say, making these sweats a staple in one’s wardrobe could do wonders for the world’s attire. We already see people sporting baggy sweats or the god-awful pajama pants in public (which seriously need to remain at home).
Many young people and active individuals find themselves going to class and running errands in clothing less than flattering but exceedingly comfortable. If those same people are forced to put on real clothes, good luck getting them to feel cozy and content in their dust-covered jeans. Women may resort to leggings, and men may resort to shorts.
The beauty of these pants is that they can provide people with a clothing that is comfortable as it is trendy and flattering. I’ve owned jogger-style sweats in the past, and they can make a world of difference to your grocery store outfit when compared to your usual baggy sweats (I’ve even rocked overalls). Owning a pair of these can make your “I’m not trying but I’m really trying” outfit that much more appealing, and can prevent you from sporting your boyfriend’s “two sizes too big” basketball shorts to your doctor’s appointment. Seeing people dressed sloppy is not pleasing to anyone’s eye. Ever.
Be Careful
These pants are being advertised as the new “fashion trend” of the season, and do in fact come in other materials besides cotton. However, we need to make sure that we do not abuse these pants as replacements for our normal casual attire. Sporty may be the hot look for the season, but some venues are just not the appropriate place for fancy sweatpants.
Like I said, designs that are made of something other than sweatpant material may be more versatile than others. The idea of these being rocked at concerts and restaurants is slightly terrifying.
Granted, this is my raw opinion, but it’s true that people can be seen sporting some odd, unbefitting clothing in places that don’t call for that attire. Slippers in movie theatres, costumes in Wal-Mart, you name it. Even celebrities can be seen on the red carpet in outfits more suitable for a day at the mall. The risk we run with having these pants be the hot new trend is having people start to wear them in place of pants.
Maybe this means I have major trust issues with the majority of people’s clothing choices, but I stand my ground. Be smart about your joggers. Where them when it’s appropriate.
