Sweatpants can stretch out over time, particularly if they are made from materials like cotton or cotton blends. The extent of stretching depends on the fabric composition, quality, and usage. To minimize stretching, opt for sweatpants with added spandex or elastane, and follow the care instructions to maintain their shape and fit.
Sweatpants are a staple of every bro’s wardrobe… They may not be the hottest item for date night or to show off at a bonfire….. but when it comes to comfy lounging and hanging out….. sweatpants can’t be beaten… And regardless of what foods you’ve just consumed—super-stretchy cotton is always appreciated.
You sweat….. you wash your clothes and you wear them again… Sweatpants are designed to allow your body to do just that and not ruin the pants with a permanent stain.
Do Sweatpants Stretch Out?
One of the main reasons some people prefer sweats is because they are….. indeed….. comfortable… These pants have elasticity built right into them… The elastic allows the legs or waistband to stretch without feeling loose or baggy on your body… This elastic can be found in both woven and knit fabrics….. but each type stretches in different ways.
While knitted garments tend to be very stretchy….. woven fabrics don’t typically have much give at all — especially if they are tightly woven fabrics such as denim or corduroy… But most sweats have elastic in their fabric….. which helps them retain their shape through repeated
Flexible fabrics are usually woven from cotton or another natural fiber — they can’t be washed in hot water….. and they stretch out over time… When you wash clothes….. you can try to reduce this by using cold water and line-drying them whenever possible… However….. this isn’t always enough….. especially if your sweatpants are made from delicate and expensive materials.
How Can I Stretch Out My Sweatpants?
- To expand the size of your sweatpants….. you will first need to wash them with a fabric softener.
- Next….. layout your pants flat in a well-ventilated area and place a fan on it at its highest setting.
- Let the pants dry completely.
- Repeat this process until your pants are loose enough to fit comfortably.
- Avoid ironing or dry cleaning as both methods will permanently damage your pants’ elasticity.
Are Sweatpants Supposed to Be Tight?
Tight vs… loose is going to be a personal preference… Many people like the feeling of a tighter fit especially when it comes to athletic clothes… The reason is that they will be more form-fitting and less likely to bunch up or shift out of place during physical activity.
However….. if your pants and shirts are too tight….. then you may not have a lot of freedom of movement… Also….. if you don’t have much muscle definition then any clothing that is tight on you will draw attention to this fact.
So….. do sweatpants have to be tight? Not at all… There is no rule that says all sweatpants must fit tightly or all sweaters must be baggy… It really is up to your personal preference.
If you like using a looser fit for your pants and sweaters then that is perfectly fine… Just remember that you want whatever it is that you wear on top to fit nicely too so make sure the two go together well.
Tight sweatpants have their place….. but they are mostly worn by people who exercise or work out… Larger people who need a looser fit should avoid them because they will make them look even larger… They just don’t look good on anyone who is not in shape.
Loose-fit sweatpants are the best choice for most people… It keeps you warm without looking sloppy and it hides your problem areas so others won’t know you are trying to hide something.
Should You Size Up for Sweatpants?
Whether you’re buying sweatpants or a suit….. the general rule of thumb is to size up… Most definitely size up if you are in-between sizes.
The reason is that manufacturers have to make all their clothing in standard sizes so that they can be sold in stores across the country… The problem is that….. unlike a dress shirt….. a pair of sweatpants will fit differently on everyone.
So if you need a small….. the brand may not offer that size… Instead….. the smalls may be cut for people who are considerably smaller than you.
So if you’re buying clothes online and want them to fit….. consider sizing up… That way you’ll get clothes that actually fit you instead of clothes that are too small and look bad.
How Loose Should Sweatpants Be?
Tight pants and shorts can be uncomfortable and unflattering….. but it’s easy to fix – just size up! The right fit is important because you don’t want your workout clothing to restrict movement or create bulges… You’ll want enough room in your pants that you can comfortably do squats and lunges without feeling like you’re wearing a parachute.
When trying on pants….. make sure they’re not too tight….. otherwise….. they could cause chafing and skin irritation while working out… A good rule of thumb is that you should have at least a half-inch of space between you and the fabric… If there’s no slack in the waistband….. then you need to go up a size.
How Do You Stretch Short Sweatpants?
If you love your sweatpants….. but find yourself wanting a little more length….. it is possible… Stretchy fabrics are great for comfort….. but they can sometimes be tricky to lengthen… You can take in the inseam of the pants to make them longer….. but that will also change the overall fit and look of the pants.
The best way to stretch sweatpants is to soak them in cold water and hair conditioner or baby shampoo… The conditioner works to relax the fibers of the fabric so they’ll grow rather than shrink.
- Place the pants in a container that’s large enough to hold them… Fill with cold water and add one tablespoon of baby shampoo or three tablespoons of hair conditioner… Soak for 30 minutes to an hour….. depending on how tight the pants are.
- Remove the pants from the container and gently squeeze out excess water….. but don’t wring them out or twist them… Roll up the pants lengthwise into a long roll and wrap them in a towel or blanket as you would any other wet item of clothing… Place in plastic bags and allow them to rest overnight.
- Lay flat on a surface and measure after 24 hours have passed….. if possible… If time is not a factor….. allow more time for additional stretching if necessary.
Ways To Disguise Short Sweatpants
- Tuck the pants into socks… My mom taught me this trick… She used to do it with her tights when she was a dancer… Slip-on a pair of black ankle socks….. and then pull your pants over them… They won’t be visible under your pants….. and you’ll gain some much-needed length.
- Use safety pins at the bottom… This one may not be pretty….. but it will definitely get the job done… If you’re not too worried about looking put together….. pinning your pants will increase the length at the same time as it gives them a very casual look that’s perfect for kicking around the house or running errands on a lazy weekend day.
Do Sweatpants Get Baggy?
It’s pretty common….. though….. for sweatpants to stretch out a bit over time and become too big and baggy….. especially if you wear them a lot… You might not notice it right away because they’re still staying up….. but look at the waistband when you get dressed in the morning… If it’s higher than where your belly button is….. it’s time to get new ones.
The process of sweatpants getting baggy is technically called creep… It happens when the fabric is stressed so much that it stretches out… The more stress exerted on the fabric….. the more it will stretch out.
When sweatpants get baggy enough to be considered unflattering….. there isn’t a whole lot you can do about it without replacing them… You could probably try shrinking the pants in the wash… If that doesn’t work….. you might have to buy new sweatpants.
If you find yourself in this situation often….. try shopping for sweatpants made of a more durable material like wool or fleece.
In summary, Sweatpants are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own… As long as they aren’t skin-tight….. you can wear them anywhere! Sweatpants make excellent loungewear and pajamas….. but if you want to wear them outside the house….. there are a few things to consider.
One of the big problems with wearing sweatpants outside the house is that they can be a little revealing… If your pants have loose legs….. this may not be as much of an issue….. but if your pants fit tightly around your legs….. it’s important that you keep them covered… You don’t want to risk exposing yourself!
Even if your sweatpants don’t fit tightly on your legs….. you should still try to keep them covered… You may want to roll up the bottoms or cuff them so they stop at your ankles… This will keep your pants from dragging on the ground and making noise or getting dirty.
You may also be interested in… Do Sweatpants Make You Sweat? and Are Roots Sweatpants Good?
Louise Wilson is an accomplished author, passionate textile historian, and renowned fashion enthusiast with a rich background in the world of apparel.
Graduating with honors in Fashion Design, Louise further expanded her skills and knowledge by completing a master’s degree in Textile History. Her academic pursuits have led her to explore the fashion capitals of the world, including Milan, Paris, and New York, enriching her insights into the global world of fashion.
As an author, Louise’s passion for fashion has found its way into her writings, where she intricately weaves narratives of style, design, and fashion history.