Fashion People Are Resurrecting This “Dated” Pant Trend That Looks Cooler Than Leggings

While it’s basically expected that key categories in our closets will ebb and flow—like everyone suddenly wearing slim sneakers instead of chunky styles, for instance—there are still certain basics that are so foundational that it feels like they couldn’t possibly be subject to the whims of the trend cycle. Leggings are firmly one of them. Or so we thought. In August, the Wall Street Journal heralded the death of leggings when they published an article declaring that for Gen Z, classic leggings are ceding ground to Big Workout Pant. And they weren’t wrong. All around us, we’ve been spotting the return of track pants, from the 2026 runways to the off-duty outfits of celebs like Jennifer Lawrence and Ayo Edebiri.

While I won’t personally claim that leggings are dead (this Millennial editor still prefers them for workouts), I’ll admit that larger and looser sporty pants are quickly becoming the new go-to option for coffee runs, weekend looks, and travel days. In almost every instance where they’d normally wear leggings, fashion people are increasingly choosing a pair of cool track pants, styling them with sneakers, clogs, and ballet flats. And with designers like Tory Burch, Donni, and Tibi putting an elevated spin on the pants, there’s never been more chic options to choose from.

Leggings, who? Ahead, see how fashion people are wearing track pants in all their casual-cool outfits and shop the best pairs, from Tory to Zara.

Tory Burch Japanese Jersey Sweatpant

I haven’t stopped thinking about these Tory Burch pants since I saw them on the runway last spring.

Reformation Julien Poplin Pant

Take notes from the model: the low-key cool way to style them is with a tee and V-neck sweater.

ME+EM Icon Track Pant

Iconic indeed.

DONNI. Silk Stripe Crop Pant

Donni’s silk styles are a fashion-insider favorite (and consequently rarely ever in stock).

Athleta Mvp Mid Rise Side Stripe Pant

Perfect shoe pairing.

Beyond Yoga Luxefleece Piper Wide Leg Pants

Peep the ankle slit here.

Sanctuary Satin Track Pants

I’m into this dressed-up styling.

Year of Ours Warm Up Pants

Am I crazy or could you style these with an oversize button-down for the office?

Old Navy High-Waisted Socomfy Wide-Leg Sweatpants

Who What Wear editor Anneliese Henderson is a fan of this extremely well-priced Old Navy pair.

ZARA Lace Trim Wide Sweatpants

Skipping the matching jacket would be a fashion crime.

Tibi Active Knit Winslow Pants

Of course, Tibi’s pair is both easy yet elevated.

H&M Wide-Leg Pull-On Pants

The thick stripe feels especially fresh.

Wales Bonner Mantra Pointelle-Trimmed Jersey Straight-Leg Track Pants

Ever since the news about Grace Wales Bonner’s appointment as menswear designer at Hermès, pieces from her namesake label have soared in status.

Sandy Liang Paprika Pant in Blue

Calling all Sandy girls!

Free People Retro Rider Pants

This color combo is doing it for me.

Alo Afterglow Wide Leg Track Pant

So sleek.

Jaded London Micro Fibre Xl Jogger Pant

Imagine these with a pair of Speedcat sneakers.

J.Crew Cashmere Track Pant

And they’re cashmere? Say less.

The Upside Vitesse Marine Wide Leg Sweatpants

I love the retro feel here.

Steve Madden Daisy Pant

The navy and maroon combo is perfect.