The cozy fashion trend of sweatpants and flannel has risen in popularity over the years. The combination of comfortable and relaxed sweatpants paired with the warmth and style of flannel makes for the perfect clothing ensemble.
This trend is not just for lounging around the house, but can also be worn for outdoor activities such as camping or hiking. Sweatpants and flannel offer both comfort and practicality for any day, making them a staple in men’s clothing.
So, let’s dive deeper into the benefits of sweatpants and flannel in our lives.
The History of Sweatpants and Flannel
The first pair of sweatpants was introduced back in the 1920s by Émile Camuset, the founder of Le Coq Sportif. These modest gray jersey pants found favor amongst athletes as they offered greater flexibility than any other clothing of the time.
It wasn’t long before sweatpants became a popular choice for relaxing as they were the most comfortable clothing option available. As time went by, sweatpants evolved into a style statement of their own and became synonymous with casualwear.
Flannel, on the other hand, has been around a lot longer. Wool flannel, which was originally made from finest Welsh wool, has been popular since the 16th century.
Flannel shirts and trousers were a popular choice amongst outdoorsmen and workers due to its warmth and comfort. In the 20th century, flannel became a part of mainstream fashion and was no longer just for the rugged outdoorsmen; it became a favorite amongst all social classes.
Why Sweatpants and Flannel Work So Well Together
Sweatpants and flannel are an unlikely pairing, but they have become a trendy fashion duo. So, what makes them work so well together?
Comfort and Style
Sweatpants are known for their comfort, while flannel shirts are stylish and versatile. Combining the two creates a perfect balance of comfort and style, making it a popular choice for casual wear.
Both items of clothing are effortless and easy to wear, making them perfect for when you want to be comfortable while looking good.
Pop Culture Influence
The comfort and style of sweatpants and flannel may have been enough to make them a fashion duo, but they have also been popularized by pop culture. Celebrities like Justin Bieber and Kanye West have been spotted wearing sweatpants and flannel, which has helped to boost their popularity.
Music videos and films have also showcased the casual pairing, making it a desirable outfit for the younger generation.
Seasonal Versatility
Sweatpants and flannel are a perfect pairing for fall and winter, where layered clothing is essential. The warmth and comfort of the flannel shirt paired with the cozy sweatpants create a perfect outfit for those breezy days.
The casual nature of the outfit also makes it the perfect choice for low-key events and activities, like apple picking or pumpkin patches.
There’s something special about the combination of sweatpants and flannel that appeals to people of all ages. Whether it’s the comfort or style, pop culture influence, or seasonal versatility that draws people in, it’s clear that this fashion duo isn’t going away anytime soon.
How to Pair Sweatpants and Flannel
Layering: Flannel over Sweatpants
When styling a flannel shirt over sweatpants, it’s essential to layer them so that the outfit doesn’t appear too baggy. Begin by selecting a fitted flannel shirt that complements the neutral-colored sweatpants.
Next, leave the shirt unbuttoned and combine it with a white T-shirt. Complete the overall look by cuffing the sweatpants and pairing them with sneakers.
This style looks excellent when dressing for a cold day or lounging indoors.
Matching: Neutral-Colored Sweatpants
When deciding on pairing sweatpants with a flannel shirt, opt for neutral-colored sweatpants. Black, grey, and beige sweatpants are great options that pair well with almost any flannel shirt.
When contrasting colors, the focus should be on the flannel shirt. Choosing a different color sweatpants adds more character to the overall look.
However, be sure not to deviate too far from the sweater’s neutral look because it may disrupt the sense of fashion.
Accessorizing: Consider a Hoodie
A hoodie is a great accessory to add to a sweatpants and flannel look. It can provide another layer of warmth or add style to the ensemble.
For instance, suppose you’re wearing a fitted grey flannel shirt over cuffed black sweatpants. Adding a black hoodie can give the outfit a rugged look.
In addition, consider matching the hoodie to the shirt or sweatpants to create a sense of coordination with the outfit.
Can You Wear a Flannel with Different Sweatpants Colors?
Grey Sweatpants
Grey sweatpants are an effortless choice for a casual and comfortable look. Pairing it with a flannel shirt is a classic look that never gets outdated.
You can go for a monochromatic look by pairing it with a grey or black flannel shirt for a classic touch. If you want to add a pop of color, opt for a red or green flannel shirt.
Keep the look casual by going for a pair of sneakers or boots.
Black Sweatpants
Black sweatpants are versatile and can be easily dressed up or down. If you want to keep it relaxed, pair your black sweatpants with a green, blue, or red flannel shirt.
This will give you a casual and effortless look. If you want to dress it up a bit, pair your black sweatpants with a crisp white flannel shirt and finish off the look with a pair of leather shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it appropriate to wear sweatpants and flannel in formal settings?
Can you wear a flannel shirt with joggers?
Sweatpants and Flannel Fashion for Men
Color Matching Tips
When it comes to pairing sweatpants and flannel shirts, color is key. A great tip is to choose neutral-colored sweatpants like black, gray, or navy as they can be matched with any colored flannel shirt.
If you opt for a colored sweatpant, you can balance it out by choosing a muted color for your flannel shirt. Matching the color of your sweatpants to the same color as your flannel shirt is not recommended as it can make the outfit look too busy.
Grooming
Grooming plays an important role in completing the right sweatpants and flannel outfit. To complement the laidback appeal of the outfit, go for a more relaxed and natural-looking hairstyle, like a messy bedhead.
A well-groomed beard and trimmed nails will also complete the look.
Make sure to avoid dressing up the outfit by wearing dress shoes or tying up your hair too neatly as it could clash with the casual vibe of the outfit.
Accessories: Hats and Watches
If you want to complete the look, accessorizing with hats and watches is a great idea. For hats, a beanie or a baseball cap can add a casual touch to the outfit while keeping you warm during chilly weather.
For watches, a simple leather-strap watch complements the casual look of the outfit.
Remember to keep the accessories minimal to avoid taking attention away from the main outfit, and make sure they match the overall color scheme to harmonize the look.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that sweatpants and flannel are a winning combination. Sweatpants are comfortable and relaxing, perfect for training or lounging around the house.
On the other hand, flannel shirts have been in trend for a couple of years now and are stylish, versatile and great for layering. When combined, the result is a cozy and practical outfit that is perfect for running errands, meeting friends or even for a casual office day.
When wearing sweatpants and flannel together, it’s important to keep in mind a few styling tips. Consider the appropriateness of the outfit, layer it over a T-shirt or unbutton the flannel completely.
Opt for neutral-colored sweatpants, cuff them a little and add a hoodie if needed. Complete the look with sneakers and you’re ready to go!
Overall, sweatpants and flannel are great fashion staples that can be mixed and matched to achieve different styles and levels of comfort. So, go ahead and explore the many combinations available, and enjoy the cozy fashion experience they provide.
