These dress pant sweatpants are the male equivalent of jeggings

By Natt Garun May 1, 2012

Dress Pant Sweatpants

It’s still pretty arguable whether or not girls should wear jeggings, a portmanteau between jeans and leggings, as “real” pants. On one hand, they are super comfortable and fit a woman’s every curve. Conversely, too tight a pair can look unsightly, and there’s something to be said about the laziness of not putting on actual pants with buttons and zippers. While that’s up for discussion, it would appear a male equivalent of lazy wear plus real pants disguise has emerged with Betabrand’s Dress Pant Sweatpants, the sweats that resemble business wear but feel like sitting on clouds.

The Dress Pant Sweatpants fits true to size, with pockets where dress pants would typically be found along the side and the back. Double-layer knee patches also give the pants more lines to divert it from looking like you’re simply lounging around. The sweatpants are made with French terry cloth, and can be hemmed to fit your desired length. Neon orange lining completes the look.

“More than a pair of pants, this is an experiment in sartorial subterfuge,” Betabrand says about the product, calling it an innovative way to use new fabrics. “Whether you’re in the office or on the road, rest assured that these trousers will make any day feel like Casual Friday. But no one will be the wiser.”

Based on the product photos, they look pretty passable as real slacks and seem perfect for travel while still looking like you kind of tried. However, the outdoor pictures make them look pretty obvious they’re not business wear. Perhaps from afar, you can try to pass them off as tweed pants with the help of a leather belt. A matching terry blazer also finishes the outfit, though combining the two would probably not make it any more convincing.

Due to overwhelming response, Betabrand has also sold out the stock of its first batch of Dress Pant Sweatpants in a quick two weeks. If you want to give the pair a try, pre-order them on the official site for $90 apiece. The company says the next shipment is expected to go out by the end of May, while you can also keep an eye on the matching Earl Gray blazer to see when that’ll go up for sale. Even if you aren’t gutsy enough to wear it to work, it’s another way to make lounging at home all the more stylish.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

An avid gadgets and Internet culture enthusiast, Natt Garun spends her days bringing you the funniest, coolest, and strangest…

Smart Home

Freehands Gloves help you stay connected despite dropping temperatures

The birth of this ingenious product all started when designer Josh Rubin decided to answer a call on his iPhone with his cold nose instead of his glove-clad fingers, which wouldn't do the job even if he tried. Lucky for Rubin, who came up with the idea, a family connection to glove manufacturing made the design and production of Freehands Gloves possible. They may not be appealing to those of you who live in Florida or Southern California, but for the rest of us who live in places that dip below freezing in the winter months, Freehands Gloves are a cozy way to stay more connected and actually be able to answer your phone while still wearing gloves.
If you wear gloves at all in the winter you've likely encountered the problem that you can't use your touch-screen smartphone with gloves on, but your hands get too cold if you take off the gloves. Well, affordable Freehands Gloves ($18-$80) provide a reasonable solution to the problem by giving users finger flaps on only the thumb and index fingers. The rest of your fingers stay toasty warm but your important digits are free to text, browse, and answer phone calls. What's even better is that the brand has styles for both men and women for every possible situation and aesthetic, including ski-friendly gloves, classic wool patterns, cozy fleece styles, and even a sophisticated leather and cashmere model (above right, $80). Whatever your personal style, a pair of these cozy gloves will keep your hands warm and would make a great gift for any techie on your holiday shopping list.

Smart Home

DT Style Guide: Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-set style

We’re aware that a tech site probably isn’t your go-to source for advice about style, but just in case you don’t have a source for style at all (we’re looking at you, Mark Zuckerberg), we thought we’d bring it all together for you. A dose of good style advice never hurt anyone, and this is the lifestyle section after all. The point is that whether you dress up or down in your everyday life, you can always look good. We’re here to help you find some pieces to make getting dressed in the morning a little bit easier and a little more stylish.
We know that J. Edgar actor Leonardo DiCaprio doesn't have the best record with street style -- we've seen him in too many baggy sweatshirts and sloppy baseball caps, but he certainly cleans up nicely. This casually-cool and sharp look comes from when the A-list actor shot a commercial in Paris for a Chinese cell phone company. As bizarre as that scenario sounds, this outfit would fit on a million different men in a million different situations. It's perfect for date night, a stroll through the city, or a day at the office. Every element is classic so you won't be left with a trendy item come next fall.
Classic Trench
There are two reasons that every guy should have some kind of trench coat in their closet. The first is that they never, never, never go out of style. You might spend a little more on a trench coat than you would on a casual jacket from the mall, but trust us, it will last you. Secondly, they make you look cool regardless of what else you're wearing (within reason). Throw it over a pair of jeans, a suit, or a casual weekend outfit and you'll have a great jacket if it rains and some extra cool-factor even if it doesn't. We like the simple style and muted color of this version by D&G Dolce & Gabbana ($1,565).
Black pants
If you don't already have a great pair of black trousers in your closet, it's about time you invest in a good pair. Something like these flat-front cotton-blend Ralph Lauren Black Label trousers ($265) will take you from the office to an evening out with no need to change.
Blue shirt
We're assuming you probably already have a blue button-down or two in your closet since it tends to be a guy-favorite and an easy choice, but in case you don't, here's a good one. The J.Crew Washed Oxford Shirt ($70) offers classic styling with a relaxed fit and fabric choice. Roll up the sleeves for an easy casual look.
Leather belt
This outfit is built on classics and the belt is no exception. Opt for something black and simple to keep with the clean lines of everything else you're donning. This Gucci Leather Belt ($285) has simple styling all around and will work with almost anything in your wardrobe.
Black oxfords
These don't have to be dress shoes, but go for something black with laces and simple details. No need to go overboard with shiny brogues or dress shoes if that's not your style. Having a basic black oxford like this in your wardrobe will be invaluable for a multitude of situations. We like the B Store Mario Derby Shoes ($330).

Smart Home

Elvis & Kresse dopp kit ups your manly factor with fire hose materials

One of many things that us ladies have figured out over the years is that keeping all of your toiletries and bathroom goods in one place makes life a whole lot easier. Even if you're a guy and you think you really only need your toothbrush and deodorant close at hand, you probably have more products and tools than you think. It takes more than a toothbrush to look groomed and sharp for the ladies, or your morning business meeting. So, if you're not on the bandwagon yet, all you need is what we call a dopp kit to keep your things in one place. We particularly like the Fire Hose Wash Kit by Elvis & Kresse ($89), which is made from decommissioned British fire hose more than 30 years old.
Every wash kit is unique and many still bear marks of fighting fires in the UK. The zip-top bag is (obviously) waterproof and features an internal pocket and military-grade parachute silk lining. Not only will this wash kit up your manly-man factor (what's more masculine than a firefighter?), but it's made from recycled materials so you get eco-conscious bonus points, too. As if you aren't convinced already, 50 percent of the profits are donated to the British Fire Fighter's Charity. Now that's a good lookin' dopp kit.