International Sweatpants Day is marked on January 21 every year, and we’re going to celebrate it by wearing our sweatpants all day long! Although it might not be possible if there’s a dress code for your school or workplace. Can you believe that sweatpants have been around for close to 100 years? Sweatpants are casual soft trousers originally designed for athletes and comfort. They are made using stretched knitted jersey fabrics with an elastic waistband, drawstring, and sometimes elastic cuff hems. Sweatpants can either be loose and baggy or in form-fitting shapes, using thick or thin materials, and come in various colors. Outside the United States, they are called tracksuit bottoms, track pants, or trackies.
History of International Sweatpants Day
The history of sweatpants started with the establishment of the French clothing, footwear, and sports equipment company Le Coq Sportif in 1882. A few years later, in the 1920s, the founder, Émile Camuset, designed sweatpants for athletes. These sweatpants were without frills and made with knitted gray jersey pants.
In 1926, the American clothing manufacturer Russell Athletic reinvented the sweatpants’ material by replacing the wool jersey with soft, comfortable cotton. A decade later, this innovation was followed by the anti-shrink and heat-preventive designs by Champion, another American clothing manufacturer. In 1952, Champion introduced its iconic Reverse Weave sweatpants clothing line.
Throughout the 1950s, sweatpants did not take off, nor was it accepted as respectable dressing. Its use was mostly confined to gyms and university campuses. While sweatpants were sold together with sweatshirts, they did not get the same level of prestige as the latter. That is because sweatshirts came with the name of colleges or universities on them. That made it normal to see students wearing their sweatshirts with khakis or jeans trousers.
With the 1960s and 1970s came more acceptance for sweatpants. Athletes were at the center of attention, and their athletic image became associated with sweatpants and sweatshirts. In the 1980s, sweats were embraced by hip-hop culture. Rap stars made them their top piece of clothing, wearing them in music videos and for casual street walks.
The introduction of social media in the 21 century took athletic wear to new heights as their classic looks became associated with fitness, casualness, and a laid-back attitude. As their acceptance grew, more styles were introduced by clothing designers.
International Sweatpants Day was introduced in 2010. It has since been celebrated every January 21 to appreciate the nice comfiness of sweatpants.
International Sweatpants Day timeline
Émile Camuset, the founder of Le Coq Sportif, creates sweatpants for athletes.
Champion introduces their reverse-weave technology, preventing cotton shrinkage.
Hip-hop icons begin embracing sweatpants and sweatshirts as key pieces of clothing in their wardrobe.
Sweatpants and sweatshirts attain global acceptance and become part of everyone’s wardrobe, from big stars to the average person.
International Sweatpants Day FAQs
Where did the name ‘sweatpants’ come from?
Sweatpants are named after their ability to absorb sweat. That made them one of the best pieces of clothing for athletics and working out.
Can we wear sweatpants in summer?
Definitely, sweatpants offer the same level of comfort during the summer and winter seasons. With overalls or raincoats, you stay protected in a downpour. Also, they are best for a walk, and you can wear them at home on a sunny day.
What is the difference between sweatpants and joggers?
Sweatpants are thicker than joggers, made for winter and cold weather, and best for cold-weather treks. In contrast, joggers are lightweight and are a great option in the summer.
How To Celebrate International Sweatpants Day
Do something relaxing
In appreciation of how super-comfortable sweatpants are, you spend the day doing what you especially like. That can be cooking healthy meals, doing yoga, reading a book, or taking a long relaxing bath.
Host an athleticwear party
This can be like a costume party, only more laid-back and chilled. Start by planning the agenda of the party and send out invites to your friends and neighbors. Gather the supplies and logistics you need, such as food, drinks, speakers, and music. Put on your sweatshirts and sweatpants, and get ready to party!
Go for a walk in your sweatpants
Another way to spend International Sweatpants Day is by taking a long walk. Late afternoons, when the weather is mild, are the best time for that. Put on your sweatpants, hoodie, and comfortable sneakers, plug your ears with your earbuds and take that walk.
5 Interesting Facts About Sweatshirts We Bet You Don’t Know
Monks were the first to wear them
Monks wore tunics with hoods, a basic form of sweatshirts in Medieval Europe.
Champion created it
The U.S. clothing manufacturer Champion created the modern hooded sweatshirt to protect upstate New York warehouse workers working in freezing temperatures.
There is a hoodie-free zone in Australia
Shopkeepers in Wynnum, Brisbane in Australia, are required to ask their customers to remove their hoodies before entering their shop.
Rocky made it iconic
The movie “Rocky,” set in 1976 Philadelphia, was what gave hooded sweatshirts their iconic status.
It is viewed as art
The Victoria & Albert Museum bought Sean Diddy Combs’ crystal-studded hoodie to add to their art collection.
Why We Love International Sweatpants Day
Sweatpants are comfortable
Sweatpants are made from soft, stretchy cotton fabric that is gentle on your skin and can handle any temperature, both warm and cold. They are the go-to option for lounging or if you need anything comfortable to wear when you want to relax.
Sweatpants are timeless and always in style
Sweatpants are always in style regardless of the era, year, climate, or season. Their loose, baggy, or form-fitting look make them perfect for all occasions, from tech corporate events (Mark Zuckerberg is an example) to casual get-togethers.
Sweatpants are perfect for working out
Sweatpants are designed to trap heat near your skin. That keeps your muscles warm and increases your body heat to help burn excess calories while working out. Sweatpants also protect your skin from the sun when exercising outside.
International Sweatpants Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 21 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | January 21 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 21 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 21 | Sunday |
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