I’m a millennial, but somehow, calling my outfit “millennial-coded” is the most hurtful insult you can hurl at me. That’s why I’m dropping my typical millennial uniform of leggings and a big shirt for something a little more current.
Tik Tok, Gen Z and haute couture fashion houses from Celine to Alexander Wang have spoken: the only pants worth wearing right now are sporty track pants with an effortlessly breezy wide leg and some contrasting piping or stripes down the side for a punch of color and character.
Heritage streetwear brands like Nike and Adidas may have put the trend on the map decades ago, but it’s only recently that we’re seeing the pants blow up for just how comfortable they are to wear and style. Pair them with a crewneck sweater and sneakers or sandwich them between kitten heels and a blazer — the more unpredictable, the better.
We scoured the internet to get you started on your track pant collection that you’ll be wearing on repeat for the next several years.
A classic pair with multiple inseam options
We’re starting off strong with the highest-rated women’s track pants on Amazon. This option comes in a classic Y2K-inspired silhouette that lets your legs breathe. Its front mid seams at a layer of sophistication to the pants while its zippered side pockets you’re your valuables safe. You can get them in sizes S-XXL, and what’s unique here is that the pants come in four inseam options, ranging from petite to tall, so you’re bound to find the perfect fit.
Promising review: “I was surprised how much I like these pants! The material is not at all flimsy, has a decent weight and drapes nicely. They are super-comfy, launder well and came out of the dryer looking like new. The zippered side pockets lie flat and do not look bulky.” — KT
A sleek pair of track pants for work and play
I gravitate towards all things Madewell because the name doesn't lie – the clothes are simply made so well. These incredibly chic trousers (with track pant appeal) ideal for both work and play that feature a laid-back sporty stripe. A discreet ankle zipper enables you to widen the leg opening from bootcut into a wider flare. They’re also available in petite and tall sizing to suit all bodies.
Promising review: “Material is super soft and I love how these can be dressed up or down. I also bought the matching top, so I think this will be a chic set for travel and then I can also dress these up with a sweater and ballet flats.” — Emem203
An extra-wide pair in a throwback nylon
Adidas’ signature three stripes take center stage in these track pants. Featuring a modern wide-leg parachute silhouette in a recycled nylon fabric, these relaxed pants with a convenient back pocket are a smart and stylish way to dress. Get them in sizes XXS-XXL.
Promising review: “I love these so much I bought another pair! As someone with a long torso and short legs, these are the perfect length and especially with the bungee cords at the ankles I don't need to get anything hemmed. I am not sure if they are intended to be high waisted, but they are on me and I love it! They are also a super nice material and very versatile. — Chaotic.chickpea98
An elevated pair of track pants in jaw-dropping patterns
Anthropologie is a veritable goldmine when it comes to on-trend track pants, but this pair from Maeve stands out for a few reasons: They come in remarkably cool patterns you won’t find anywhere else, they’ve got both side and back pockets for convenience, and they’ll feel as comforting on your skin as pajamas with the allure of formal trousers. They’re available in a range of inseams so you can skip the tailor.
Promising review: “These are by far my favorite pants! The fit is perfect — comfortable enough for lounging, stylish enough for work, and relaxed for a casual day out. They transition beautifully into a night look for a date or show. The pattern is gorgeous and makes them stand out! I have them in 3 patterns and I am hoping for more.” — KentuckyGirl44
A track pants-cargo hybrid to style two trends at once
I’m obsessed with the way these pants merge two important trends: track pants and cargos. Stash your stuff in their side and leg pockets, adjust your fit using both the waistband and ankle drawstrings, and have a blast styling them with your favorite sneakers and cropped bomber jackets.
Promising review: “I love these pants! The fit, the quality, the color selection! They wash well too! My new favorite and a must have for on the go comfort and style and less expensive than high end sports brands by over half - without compromising quality.” — Karen Millard
A unique pair of track pants to turn heads
These are just so darn cool, I can’t believe they exist. Between their crescent-shaped cut-out at the ankle to their stripe down the front and back, these track pants offer an unique way to make the trend your own. The brand recommends wearing light-colored underwear when wearing the light colorways, so to avoid that whole song and dance, I’d opt for the darker options like black, navy or deep red.
Promising review: “Genuinely OBSESSED with these pants. Fabric is super comfy, flowy and light without feeling cheap. The waist band is adjustable which I love, and the length hits at the perfect spot. I ordered a second color I love the first one so much!” — K Graham
A denim-adjacent pair of track pants as comfy as pajamas
For an elevated take on the trend, be sure to grab these viral track pants from the buttery-soft denim-adjacent line at Rag & Bone. While they might give off a stiff denim vibe at first glance, the wide-leg track pants with plenty of pockets are actually made from a luxuriously soft terry sweatpant material comfortable enough for both a cat nap and an action-packed schedule.
Promising review: “Super soft, comfortable faux jeans. Feel very sexy as there’s is no constriction. Super cool pattern on the jeans. I will wear them with Eileen Fisher peep toe heeled booties this late summer and then with Louboutin boots and a cashmere shawl in fall. I tend to dress too formally so these are my nod to casual but they can be dressed up.” — Iberianh
An affordable pair of track pants to rock pre- and post-workout
The beauty of these beauties is that they feature a hemline drawstring at the ankle to adjust your coverage. Wear them baggy or keep them cinched to block out wind and switch up your look, whether you're wearing them en route to the gym, during your low-impact workout or for a full day of errands. Get them in small, medium or large sizes.
Promising review: “I love these pants soo much. They are amazing quality. They are extremely comfortable and fit great. They have a tightening string at the bottom of each leg so you can create a cuff on your ankle (there's a heel bite if you don't). They are exactly what I wanted and I adore them. There's pockets too!!” — Nikole Hale
A flirty pair of track pants to channel your feminine side
The track pant trend is admittedly sporty. To imbue the look with a feminine edge, don’t miss these pants with two dainty bows acting as functional closures against their contrasting side stripes. They come with side pockets, a cinched ankle drawstring and multiple color offerings like beige and light gray to suit your style.
Promising review: “These pants are great! The material is a little thinner than I expected but feels light and comfortable. I thought the swishing sound when walking might bother me, but it doesn’t at all. The color is perfect, the ties are easy to adjust, and they washed really well (I air-dried them). I wear them running errands with my kids and hiking with friends — they’re the perfect mix of active and cute!” — Nicole Wernert