Opt for Sweatpant-Style Jeans Instead of Traditional Denim

Denim and I have had a rocky relationship, which took 28 years to address. For much of my life, being tall and curvy has made finding well-fitting jeans difficult. I’ve often had to choose between jeans that were too short, too tight, or unflatteringly baggy. While I value the classic look of blue jeans, I have recently preferred more comfortable trousers.

Everything changed after I tried the Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans. These have received widespread attention for mimicking jeans in appearance but feeling like sweatpants. Notable personalities, including Oprah Winfrey and Brittany Mahomes, have praised this style. Oprah even featured them in her Favorite Things list last year. I bought a pair, and they live up to the hype. The investment is worthwhile.

The Rag & Bone pants offer two main benefits. Made from soft cotton terry, they feature an elastic waistband providing the comfort of sweatpants. At the same time, their digitally printed denim pattern makes them resemble actual jeans, complete with a two-dimensional button, zipper, belt loops, and back pockets.

I’ve been wearing these pants weekly for over a month, replacing regular denim. I even took them on a 10-day trip to Italy, where they survived cramped flights and long days exploring sites like the Colosseum in Rome. They launder beautifully; I use cold water with similar colors and dry them flat—every time, they emerge looking new.

These versatile pants complement everything I would pair with real jeans. From tees and sweaters to button-ups and blouses, they fit seamlessly into my wardrobe. The wide-leg design pairs nicely with sneakers or ballet flats, which add to their appeal. Many friends and family members mistake them for real denim until I reveal they are my ‘sweans’—a term I coined since ‘sweatpant jeans’ can be a mouthful.

The recognition I’ve given these pants has persuaded my loved ones to purchase their own pairs. Although the Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans come at a premium, alternatives available on Amazon start at $29. Options include a pair with a drawstring waist similar to one Jennifer Lawrence wore. Explore these additional sweater-style jeans from Amazon’s fashion line to upgrade your fall wardrobe comfortably.