Not too long ago SG came along and blew your mind with Fourth Pants. They’re the pants you always knew existed—comfortable and casual without being sloppy—but couldn’t quite name. They aren’t a trend, they’re a lifestyle. But within the glorious, low-key world of Fourth Pants a micro-trend emerged: track pants.
You can thank Armie Hammer’s triumphant tour de track suit while promoting Call Me By Your Name back in 2017 for reintroducing us to these classic off-duty pants. Heritage athletic brands like Nike, Adidas and Kappa are reissuing iconic styles (most for under $70) while more fashion-forward menswear brands like Aime Leon Dore and Ovadia & Sons are getting in on the action with luxury track pants that sit confidently in the $200-and-up club.
From walking your adorable dog under the cherry blossoms to late-in-the-game day dates at the farmer’s market, spring is the perfect season for embracing track pants. No need to spring for the matching jacket—unless that’s your thing, in which case, call me by my name, I love you. Just go for white sneakers (or Birkenstocks! Really!) and a crewneck grey sweatshirt.
Kappa Astoria Tapered Slim Track Pants, $55
There’s just something about the back-to-back silhouetted ladies that adorn Kappa’s iconic athletic wear. Very ‘my-soccer-playing middle school-crush-meets-Playboy’ vibes. These affordable navy track pants are playful and cool, with a tapered shape that’s ideal for pairing with low-top leather sneakers.
Nike Tribute Track Pants, $55
These track pants might be my favorite of the bunch, thanks to the color combination of cream, burgundy and black. And you really can’t beat the price. I recommend throwing them on with a black pocket tee and denim jacket for weekend errands or any other laid-back activities.
Adidas Originals BB Track Pants, $70
Adidas introduced their iconic three-stripe track suit all the way back in 1967, if you can believe it. The 2019 version maintains that throwback appeal, while modernizing the style with an updated slim fit and tapered leg. If you’re looking for your opening to rock the full track suit à la Armie, this is it.
Aime Leon Dore Aime Track Pants, $225
Founded in Queens with a flagship store in Nolita, Aime Leon Dore creates menswear with a focus on color and comfort—all with a serious nod to retro designs. These bougie track pants come in four sporty hues with a white-and-navy stripe. My vote goes to the teal—and I dare you to wear them with some lavender.
Ovadia & Sons Track Pants, $240
These Ovadia pants are cut more like trousers than sweats, making them perfect for slightly more dressed up moments. The electric pink stripe and drawstring waist keep them firmly in the Fourth Pants category, while the cuffed hem and pintucks down the front set them apart from the more casual pack. Take a cue from Nordstrom’s styling team and pair these with your sharpest white sneakers and a T-shirt or knit tucked in.
Palm Angels Slim-Fit Logo Sweat Pants, $495
Palm Angels lists Pharrell and A$AP Rocky as fans, and if you can believe it, started as a coffee table book. These track pants, adorned with rainbow striped details on each side, are exactly the kind of thing I could see one of those (extremely stylish) dudes wearing during their set at Coachella. And I mean that as a compliment. You could wear these with a cool graphic T-shirt and shades for a day spent exploring Palm Springs.