I pretty much retired my jean collection after becoming a full-time work-from-home girlie. Since discovering Rag & Bone's Miramar sweatpant jeans two years ago, I've resisted going anywhere that calls for hard pants.
With the comfort of pajamas and an uncanny resemblance to real denim, "sweans" feel like the next-best-thing thanks to a genius screenprinting technique that simulates real buttons and rivets.
Sweatpant jeans have now popped up everywhere, which made wonder about which iteration is truly the best (especially considering Rag & Bone's steep price tag of nearly $200). I compared five of different price points, each with varying levels of realism, fit, and comfort. Here's my honest assessment of every pair.
I looked for realistic faux buttons and fabric that mimics a twill weave
Realistic details — like printed buttons, belt loops, and pockets — are key to making sweatpant jeans look like traditional denim. Halara's budget-friendly option surprised me with how good it looked compared to much more expensive versions.
The faux distressed details made these wide-leg bottoms (available in regular, petite, and tall lengths) even more convincing. The cotton-elastane fabric is soft, the mid-rise waistband is perfectly stretchy, and it holds up well when washed in the delicates cycle.
Thoughtful details like functional belt loops made this GAP pair even more denim-like
I was equally impressed with Gap's Printed Baggy Sweatpant Jeans, which balance a realistic-looking button fly and pockets with a soft French terry made with recycled polyester. Like most Gap pieces I love, these come in three lengths — a must for getting the right fit with wide-leg styles.
My favorite detail, though, is the working belt loops, which add functionality and realism. Styled with a belt, they're basically indistinguishable from the real thing.
Even though this pair uses a rigid denim fabric, the roomy legs and wide, stretchy waistband make them just as comfy
Nuuds specializes in loungewear that's designed to be worn out and about. Even though the denim is more rigid than the other sweans I tried, these are just as easy to wear thanks to a generously baggy silhouette with a 31-inch inseam and thick elastic waistband, which can be further adjusted with a drawstring. I love that the deep pockets on these are functional rather than printed.
Rag & Bone's sweatpant jeans remain the gold standard
Still, the award for best overall and the widest selection goes to the OG: Rag & Bone. While other brands are leaning heavily into baggy silhouettes with their sweans, Rag & Bone's Miramar line is generally more fitted, with straight-leg, flared, and shorts options as well.
My favorite style is the pull-on wide-leg drawstring, which has a narrower but still roomy silhouette compared to the other wide-leg styles I tried (and a whopping $268 price tag).
I love that the front pockets and belt loops are functional, while the fly and back pockets use a super convincing screenprinting technique. They're essentially the perfect travel pants: I can wear them on the plane, and later dress them up for sightseeing or a dinner out.
See another pair I tested in our full Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans review.
The bottom line
Rag & Bone still has the most convincing "sweans." The only downside is the hefty price tag. Your best bet for a sweatpant jeans alternative will come from Halara or Gap, though they come in way fewer styles and aren't quite as soft as the Miramar ones.
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