It’s the clothing equivalent of the Ugg boot - comfy, cosy and usually accepted by society in desperately cold times. But despite its fleecy feel, drawstring waist and fugly reputation, the humble tracky dacks are back and being worn on and off the catwalk.
Which brings us to the question good people of the world, tracksuit pant – friend of foe? While the mere thought of track pants may conjure up visions of your dad fishing out a grey poly-blend from the $10 table at Lowes, the style has evolved and has been given a sexy makeover by Alexander Wang, Bottega Veneta and Proenza Schouoler; names not heard of at Lowes.
Yes indeed the tracksuit pant times are a changing. The days of Juicy Couture fleece is over (had they ever really began?) the only people who can pull off Adidas tracksuits are Missy Elliot and Sue Sylvester, and flared sweat pants are for those only wanting to look like Vicky Pollard.
The new pant is slouchy, rolled up at the ankle and teamed with uncomfortably high heels for the ultimate oxymoron in fashion. Some styles have even replaced the belly-friendly drawstring with a chic zip fly. And sure the trend may last for only 5 minutes, but hey if you have a choice of getting away with tracksuit pants or denim-underwear-hotpants, I don’t know about you but I know which one I’ll be favouring. Harpers Bazaar fashion editor Christine Centernera seems to be on the same page, and she’s looking pretty darn good in them (as photographed by Facehunter.) For a friend in need the sweat pant, executed properly, can be a friend indeed.
My favourite find is the Ashish studded track pants from Top Shop, which look super comfortable but their streamline cut and little punk studs along the seam make them more suitable for venturing outside the house in. Other luxe options can be found from Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Ellery and Ginger and Smart.