Why Sweatpants are Tacky in France, and What You Should Wear Instead
When I was growing up in the States, my mother had one non-negotiable rule: You never leave the house looking undone. Going to the doctor was treated like a job interview; running an errand required polish.
When I finally got to college, free of parental observation, I made my first rebel run to the grocery store in my rattiest sweatpants. I remember standing in the snack aisle and feeling this deep, strange wave of shame, as though I had fundamentally done something wrong. I couldn’t understand the feeling until I moved to Europe.
What I finally realized is that my mother wasn’t being strict; she was teaching me a lesson in cultural respect—a lesson that France embodies completely.
The French Secret: Respecting the Public Sphere
Here in France, seeing people wear athleisure as everyday attire is rare. It’s not about judging comfort; it’s about a cultural understanding that the clothes you wear in public reflect a level of respect for the public sphere, the people you encounter, and yourself.
A French woman once told me that sweatpants are for exactly three things: sleeping, exercising, or sitting at home on the sofa when no one is around. They are clothes of private utility, not public presentation.
The great news is that dressing with intentionality doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. It simply means choosing elevated comfort—pieces that feel like pajamas but look like clothing.
The 3 Intentional Swaps for Elevated Comfort
The key to unlocking this French mentality is to look for structure, cut, and fabric quality. If a piece could successfully be slept in and worn to a café, you’ve found the sweet spot.
1. Swap Jeans for Loose-Fitting Slacks
Jeans can feel stiff and restrictive, especially after a simple lunch. Instead of defaulting to denim, look for loose-fitting slacks or trousers in wool blends or high-quality linens.
- Why they work: They offer the same level of comfort as loose sweatpants, but the cut and fabric instantly signal effort. Look for a trouser with a relaxed, straight cut and a subtle drape. They are the perfect foundation for a simple white cotton shirt or a cozy knit.
2. Swap Ratty Sweats for Elevated Joggers
If you love the shape of a jogger, you don’t have to give it up! Just elevate the fabric and the accessories.
- The Elevation: Look for joggers made of cashmere, fine merino wool, or a thick, tailored French terry. They should be one solid, neutral color (navy, charcoal, or camel). They cost more, but they are an investment in your intentional wardrobe.
- The Styling: Pair these elevated joggers with a good boot, a simple leather flat, or a low block heel. This simple shoe choice instantly moves the outfit from “couch” to “curated.”
3. Swap Basic Leggings for Strategic Layering
Leggings are comfortable, but they look best when paired with pieces that intentionally cover and structure the outfit.
- The Long Layer: Pair your leggings with an oversized, long sweater or a tailored blazer. The length provides a sense of coverage and polish that immediately elevates the look.
- The Crop Rule: If you want to wear a crop sweatshirt or a more casual top, pair it with loose-fitting, wide-leg comfort pants (like the slacks above), not tight leggings. The contrast between a tailored crop and a wide bottom is chic; the contrast between a tight crop and tight leggings reads as purely gym wear.
The greatest lesson I’ve learned about dressing here in the French countryside is that intentionality is the ultimate luxury. You are respecting your day, your time, and your body by choosing clothes that make you feel polished, yet completely comfortable.
You don’t need a massive wardrobe; you just need a few high-quality, comfortable pieces that signal: I am prepared for the beauty of my day.
What is one piece of clothing you own that makes you feel both comfortable and instantly “put together?”
Until Next time
Christina
