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 protecting you snug when it’s chilly outdoors. However it’s not simply nostalgia driving the pattern: Folks have posted with the hashtag #windbreakerpants over 6.3 million instances 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 seek out one of the best windbreaker pants, we requested private trainers and stylists for his or her professional buying ideas, then scoured the web to seek out top-rated pairs from manufacturers like Abercrombie & Fitch, Lululemon, and extra.
Our high picks
What to think about when searching for windbreaker pants
“Windbreakers are elevated sweats, so I at all times really feel extra put collectively once I throw them on for college drop-off—however there are some things I search for once I need to truly do greater than run after my children 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 case you plan to work out in yours, because the added layer isn’t very breathable.
Most windbreaker pants are manufactured from a nylon and polyester mix, in line with stylist Terumi Murao, an avid rock climber and surfer. (It’s what provides them their slight sheen and swooshy noise.) However immediately, she says, manufacturers like REI and Free Folks Motion have discovered methods to provide pairs from lighter-weight, extra moisture-wicking supplies that also look, really feel, and sound just like the originals.
Some pairs on our record aren’t simply cute—they’re additionally fairly practical. Adjustable drawstrings in waistbands and drawcords on the ankles allow you to get a more in-depth match, whereas aspect pockets are helpful for protecting 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 one of the best windbreaker pants
Beneath you’ll discover among the season’s finest windbreaker pants that look nice if you’re out and about and can stand as much as a steamy sweat session.
These are considered one of Walker Sinning’s high pairs proper now: “If I need to be lively in my windbreaker pants, I want a jogger fashion as a result of they give the impression of being nice with excessive socks and might 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 (brief 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. Made out of 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 that pair of barrel-legged windbreaker pants from Free Folks Motion. The roomy, rounded form tapers on the ankle for a relaxed however structured look. Very best for out of doors actions like mountaineering, they’re comprised of a woven, water resistant materials that’s additionally designed to withstand rips and tears.
A brand new tackle puffy pants, this parachute pair is available in numerous vivid hues and is comprised of a light-weight, water resistant material. Adjustable cuffs assist you to put on them as a extra tapered trouser or as wide-leg pants. “They’re extremely snug, however you continue to look put collectively,” one joyful Anthropologie shopper wrote. “I will be getting extra colours for positive!”
If you happen to plan to do some mountaineering or out of doors climbing, these would be the pants for you. They’re comprised of a cotton, nylon, and elastane mix, in order that they’ll stretch with you in virtually any path. The material across the knee is articulated, that means there’s an additional panel to permit for higher motion and allow you to give attention to the path forward. Bonus: They’re additionally harness-compatible.
Murao shouts out this pair as a result of they’re principally comprised of breathable natural cotton, versus artificial supplies. Additionally they characteristic one distinctive design ingredient she loves: a zippered pocket in the midst of the waistband within the again. “It feels slightly bit extra luxe,” she says. “I actually like that as a result of typically if you’re sporting windbreakers, it fully ruins the entire form and the way in which they grasp when you could have your heavier objects 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 identified for his or her saggy, relaxed match—however in case you’re in search of one thing with a bit extra form and construction, this pair from Cotopaxi is considered one of our favorites. They’re comprised of recycled nylon and simply sufficient spandex to really feel versatile, however not flimsy. Plus, the material has UPF50+ solar safety (probably the most you will get) for out of doors 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 comprised of a tear-resistant ripstop materials, so you’ll be able to play laborious whereas sporting them. Zipper slits on the calves hold issues breathable, do you have to work up a sweat whereas getting in your steps.
Get extra of SELF’s nice product suggestions delivered proper to your inbox (without spending a dime!).
Associated: