Since we've had any kind of a fashion sense, we've all wanted to be comfortable, too. As we squeeze into those painted-on jeans and suck in so we don’t show anything through our fitted shirts I think that it is safe to say our favorite days are the ones where sweatpants and over-sized tops are what we decide to put on before class. After dreading that awkward dance that, let’s face it, we have ALL done and that weird bend down when we can’t properly move, it’s just easier to trade it all in for something cozy.
For some people who have discovered the importance of sweatpants early on in life, the majority of their closet is already made up of sweats and t-shirts. For the others who were just made aware of this lifestyle a year or two ago, which includes me, are still trying to accumulate the proper additions. And while there may be more pros than we should list there are also some cons in dressing like this for the majority of our time in school.
I know, I know: Who wants to believe or admit that there are some downsides to sweatpants. I mean nothing about them feels wrong when you’re walking to class and don’t have to deal with your pants riding up in the wrong places. Nor do you have to worry about showing something off that YOU yourself haven’t even seen in the mirror yet. Life is just much simpler when sweats are involved; although that doesn’t mean it is better. However, before I put a downer on this beloved trend I will start with all of the things that make sweatpants so appealing.
PROS
1. When you choose to wear sweatpants for the day you can sleep in longer because it won’t take you that long to get ready. That means waking up and not having to brush your hair and putting a hat on, or going to class in what you went to bed in because honestly, what’s the difference.
2. It is totally acceptable to have two or three-day old hair when wearing sweats since we’re obviously not trying to impress anyone, and that definitely goes for makeup as well.
3. You can pull out and throw on your favorite high school spirit wear because by now they’re so worn out that they’re the most comfortable thing you own.
4. SPORTS BRAS… Why not take advantage of sweats when you can get away from the annoying bra’s that get on our last nerve after wearing them for only two hours? I’m not supporting going totally bra-less like you do in your own home, but a sports bra is definitely better than the regular ones with under wires.
5. You don’t have to worry about matching! Who cares, whether the blue lettering on your sweatshirt matches the color of your pants, or if you are sporting the grey look on both bottom and top which is also commonly known as a “groutfit.” At least you’re comfortable!
As I said before there are probably many more pros that can be said, but sadly its time for the negatives to wearing sweatpants everyday.
CONS
1. Laundry, depending on how big your sweats collection is you may run into having to do your laundry more often than not since you could end up only wearing half of your closet.
2. If you wear sweatpants all the time then you will lose your tolerance for jeans and blouses. Then you will never want to make the transition back. Even in the summer because then there are running shorts!
3. Also if you wear sweatpants throughout your entire time here at college, then you won’t be able to work on your professionalism as well as building up that part of your wardrobe. Not a lot of people will take you seriously if they see you in apparel meant for lounging around every day.
4. If all you do is wear sweatpants and you don’t have that big of a selection then all your clothes will get worn out really quickly.
5. Unless you get them from Walmart or Meijer which I will never be opposed to doing, sweatpants are also extremely expensive; Nike, Adidas, Under Armor, and Victoria Secret!
6. The response of “I’m bummin’ it today,” will definitely get old real quick and it soon will not be a valid excuse as to why you're being lazy or don't care about things.
Now hopefully, I didn’t ruin your thoughts about sweatpants or maybe this didn’t change your view on the topic at all. I struggle with it too and although it is your decision on what you wear on a daily basis, I hope this motivates you to start making the switch to wearing other types of clothing.
Maybe we can all start slowly, courageously cutting back and then by the end of the academic school year sweatpants will be a privilege. Only wearing sweatpants on the days that we have three tests and only got two hours of sleep because studying was the priority the past 48 hours. Sweatpants can soon turn into becoming a reward system for ourselves! Although as I say that, it actually doesn't seem as great of an idea as before. Well to each his own, sweatpants or no sweatpants it's up to you!