Few sounds are as synonymous with a ‘90s childhood because the acquainted swish of a pair of windbreaker pants. Now, these sporty bottoms that used to dominate playgrounds are having one other second—this time, as an activewear staple.
Initially designed as a light-weight layer to maintain you heat on the go, windbreaker pants are again for his or her potential to maneuver with you whereas retaining you comfy when it’s chilly outdoors. But it surely’s not simply nostalgia driving the pattern: Folks have posted with the hashtag #windbreakerpants over 6.3 million occasions on TikTok, whereas a search on the social platform for “wind pants styling” reveals over 41 million methods to suit these iconic bottoms into your closet.
To search out the very best windbreaker pants, we requested private trainers and stylists for his or her professional purchasing suggestions, then scoured the web to seek out top-rated pairs from manufacturers like Abercrombie & Fitch, Lululemon, and extra.
Our prime picks
What to think about when searching for windbreaker pants
“Windbreakers are elevated sweats, so I at all times really feel extra put collectively after I throw them on for varsity drop-off—however there are some things I search for after I need to truly do greater than run after my youngsters or look cute,” Taylor Walker Sinning, a licensed private coach, holistic well being coach, and health mannequin, tells SELF.
Simply because windbreaker pants are normally fairly skinny doesn’t imply they will’t be cozy and comfy: “The material ought to really feel light-weight, but additionally act as a barrier to a chilly fall or winter day,” Walker Sinning says. She suggests steering away from fleece-lined variations in the event you plan to work out in yours, because the added layer isn’t very breathable.
Most windbreaker pants are product of a nylon and polyester mix, in line with stylist Terumi Murao, an avid rock climber and surfer. (It’s what offers them their slight sheen and swooshy noise.) However as we speak, she says, manufacturers like REI and Free Folks Motion have discovered methods to supply pairs from lighter-weight, extra moisture-wicking supplies that also look, really feel, and sound just like the originals.
Some pairs on our listing aren’t simply cute—they’re additionally fairly useful. Adjustable drawstrings in waistbands and drawcords on the ankles make it easier to get a more in-depth match, whereas aspect pockets are useful for retaining your cellphone, keys, and different necessities shut by. And others are made with material that has UPF safety constructed proper in, to guard your pores and skin from the solar’s harsh UV rays.
Store the very best windbreaker pants
Under you’ll discover among the season’s finest windbreaker pants that look nice while you’re out and about and can stand as much as a steamy sweat session.
These are one among Walker Sinning’s prime pairs proper now: “If I need to be energetic in my windbreaker pants, I favor a jogger fashion as a result of they appear nice with excessive socks and may tuck into my favourite sneaker or bootie to go from the studio to the streets seamlessly,” she says. The stretchy waistband and adjustable drawstring on this pair are handy and comfy—plus, there are two inseam lengths (quick and common) to select from.
Walker Sinning additionally loves joggers for his or her high-waisted match that appears nice paired with cropped tops and sports activities bras—”an ideal mixture for my favourite dance class,” she says. Produced from a stretch materials that’s designed to maneuver with you, these Lululemon windbreaker pants ought to retain their form put on after put on.
For a trendier spin on these retro bottoms, do this pair of barrel-legged windbreaker pants from Free Folks Motion. The roomy, rounded form tapers on the ankle for a relaxed however structured look. Ideally suited for outside actions like mountain climbing, they’re produced from a woven, waterproof materials that’s additionally designed to withstand rips and tears.
A brand new tackle puffy pants, this parachute pair is available in a number of shiny hues and is produced from a light-weight, waterproof material. Adjustable cuffs will let you put on them as a extra tapered trouser or as wide-leg pants. “They’re extremely comfy, however you continue to look put collectively,” one completely happy Anthropologie shopper wrote. “I will be getting extra colours for positive!”
If you happen to plan to do some mountain climbing or outside climbing, these would be the pants for you. They’re produced from a cotton, nylon, and elastane mix, so that they’ll stretch with you in virtually any path. The material across the knee is articulated, which means there’s an additional panel to permit for higher motion and make it easier to deal with the path forward. Bonus: They’re additionally harness-compatible.
Murao shouts out this pair as a result of they’re largely produced from breathable natural cotton, versus artificial supplies. Additionally they function one distinctive design component she loves: a zippered pocket in the midst of the waistband within the again. “It feels a bit bit extra luxe,” she says. “I actually like that as a result of typically while you’re carrying windbreakers, it fully ruins the entire form and the best way they dangle when you might have your heavier gadgets on one aspect.” Additionally key: three further pockets for the remainder of your requirements, an adjustable drawstring, and cinchable cuffs.
The colour-blocking on this pair is a basic ‘90s callback, however fashionable upgrades like a high-rise waistband and zippered pockets on the perimeters and again make them cuter and extra handy. Perforated panels present further breathability, and the 100% recycled polyester material is wind-resistant and water-repellant whereas nonetheless feeling as gentle as air.
Windbreaker pants are historically recognized for his or her dishevelled, relaxed match—however in the event you’re searching for one thing with a bit extra form and construction, this pair from Cotopaxi is one among our favorites. They’re produced from recycled nylon and simply sufficient spandex to really feel versatile, however not flimsy. Plus, the material has UPF50+ solar safety (essentially the most you may get) for outside adventures.
Athleta’s wide-leg windbreaker pants are made for hitting the paths, however would look equally as cute in your morning stroll to seize espresso. They’re produced from a tear-resistant ripstop materials, so you possibly can play arduous whereas carrying them. Zipper slits on the calves hold issues breathable, must you work up a sweat whereas getting in your steps.
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