Tracksuit for men and what makes it wearable outside
Short answer: A tracksuit works outdoors when the leg is straight, the colour dark and plain, and the waistband flat. Those three things separate a set for town from a set for the sofa.
The leg sets the impression
A straight or slightly tapered leg gives a line that looks like trousers. A wide, baggy leg reads straight away as training wear and belongs indoors. Length matters too. The trousers should end at the ankle or just above the shoe so they do not bunch at the foot. See bamboo tracksuit for men.
Plain beats marl
A clean, dark colour can be worn in town without a second thought. Grey marl is the colour that most clearly signals loungewear, however well the set is made. Black, navy and dark grey are safe choices, because they resemble ordinary trousers and jumpers and are easy to pair with shoes and a jacket.
The waistband must not bulge
A wide, flat waistband lies still under the top. A narrow waistband with a drawcord bulges over the stomach and shows through the fabric. If the top is short, the waistband becomes even more visible, so check how the two pieces work together before you head out. See sweatwear.
The top
The top should have a clean neckline and sleeves that end at the wrist. A sweatshirt without a hood looks more finished than a hoodie and can be worn under a jacket without the hood bunching. Choose a length that covers the waistband when you lift your arms. See bamboo sweatshirt for men.
The trousers
Sweatpants in a soft, heavier fabric hang better than thin ones that cling to the legs. The back should lie smooth without bagging at the seat. Look at yourself from behind in the mirror before deciding whether the trousers work outdoors. See bamboo sweatpants for men.
The top does not have to match
If you buy the pieces separately, you can go up a size in the trousers and down in the top if that suits your body better. A set also does not need to be exactly the same colour. A dark top over dark trousers in another tone can look more considered than a fully matching set.
What you wear on your feet
Shoes decide much of the overall look. Clean, simple trainers in leather or a smooth material lift a tracksuit, while running shoes with bright details pull it back towards training. Socks should be a neutral colour so they do not stand out between shoe and trouser leg.
Washing that keeps the shape
Bagging at the knee comes from heat, not wear. Wash at 40 degrees and dry on low heat or on a line. Turn the set inside out before washing so the surface does not pill, and ease the trousers into shape while damp. See washing and care.
When it does not fit the occasion
Even the best tracksuit is still relaxed clothing. For a meeting, a dinner or an event with a dress code, ordinary trousers are the better choice. For errands, travel and a walk in town, a dark, plain set with a straight leg works well, as long as it is clean and holds its shape.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tracksuit be worn outdoors?
Yes, if the leg is straight and the colour dark and plain. Then it reads as trousers and a top rather than training wear, especially with clean shoes.
Why do the trousers bag at the knee?
Because heat from the tumble dryer sets the stretched shape. Dry them on low heat or on a line, and ease them into shape while damp.
Do the top and trousers need to be the same size?
Not necessarily. Buy the pieces separately and choose the size that fits each place, so both top and trousers sit right on you.
See our range of bamboo tracksuit for men.
