LifestyleFlare sweatpants redefine comfort and style in modern wardrobe

Flare sweatpants redefine comfort and style in modern wardrobe

Hailey Bieber showed what she wears instead of leggings
Hailey Bieber showed what she wears instead of leggings
Images source: © Getty Images
Aleksandra Szablak

10 May 2024 12:34

It seems the expiration date for classic leggings that cling to the calf is nearing. That's the current vibe, as flare-cut sweatpants, adored by fashion-forward individuals, race ahead in the style stakes.

"Flare sweatpants" have recently become one of the top searches online. Perhaps we're yearning for our beloved retro-flared pants yet unwilling to forsake the comfort we've grown accustomed to during the pandemic.

Indeed, flare sweatpants are making a comeback from the early 2000s, a period nostalgically remembered by millennials who strutted around in Juicy Couture outfits. Yet, in their modern incarnation, flare sweatpants appear significantly more fashionable.

The pinnacle of flamboyance

Jessica Mercedes prefers offbeat trends, living by the mantra "the stranger, the better." Pairing fur with grey flare sweatpants and white boots represents the pinnacle of pretension, which a decade ago might have been labelled "the height of bad taste." Fashion, however, is ever-changing, with millennium-era trends enjoying a resurgence.

The perfect base

An on-trend pair of flare sweatpants is essential for those who prioritize comfort and sporty chic. Anna Lewandowska brings these pants into her workout routine, opting for a black pair with a flare-cut during dance training. They are an excellent foundation for any outfit, while their unique and eye-catching cut garners attention.

For an afternoon out

Another flare sweatpants aficionado among the fashionable elite is Hailey Bieber, who frequently chooses them for daytime and casual outings. The influencer selected a pair in a sandy hue, neutral enough to complement a wide range of colours. Paired with plush slippers and a leather jacket, flare sweatpants move beyond simple "home wear" or "gym gear."

Flare sweatpants styled right

Kendall Jenner demonstrates how comfortable and stretchy flare-cut pants can elevate any look. The model pairs the pronounced flares with a suede jacket, crop top, cowboy boots, and a "baguette" bag. The distinctive flare-cut accentuates the hips and waist and adds a bold finish to the ensemble.

Hailey Bieber goes for flare sweatpants
Hailey Bieber goes for flare sweatpants© Getty Images

Focus on patterns

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez has embraced stretchy flares with geometric patterns, moving away from the omnipresent leggings and wide-leg sweatpants. The high-waisted design emphasizes the waist and offers a perfect opportunity to experiment with crop tops. It's interesting to note how the cropped yet wide design of the top complements the flared leg, creating balanced proportions.

Kendall Jenner in flexible flares
Kendall Jenner in flexible flares© Getty Images | TheStewartOfNY

They go with everything

Bella Hadid is the current trendsetter of this look and a fervent advocate for stretchy and comfortable flare pants. The model was among the first to be seen sporting this comfortable yet stylish option, further popularizing the Y2K aesthetic.

Jennifer Lopez in patterned bell-bottoms
Jennifer Lopez in patterned bell-bottoms© Getty Images | Christopher Polk

Bella Hadid doesn’t limit her flare sweatpants to gym wear. Take her caramel-coloured pair, featuring an elastic waistband typical of jogging or yoga pants. These comfy flares offer a worthy alternative not just to leggings but also to jeans, corduroys, or suede pants. Their versatility in styling is unmatched, and their comfort is undeniable. We’ve already added them to our shopping list, have you?

Bella Hadid in flared joggers
Bella Hadid in flared joggers© Getty Images | 2023 Gotham
Bella Hadid in flared pants
Bella Hadid in flared pants© Getty Images