5 Australian creatives on how they’re styling sweats
WORDS BY RUBY STALEY
Comfort first.
In a rare positive turn of events this year, comfort-first clothing has emerged as a huge trend and tight, restrictive and uncomfortable clothing has quickly exited the chat.
I’ve seen an endless stream of sweatsuit moments, either dressed up a bit with accessories or totally dressed down with bed hair, making their way across my social media feeds. Everything from old Kmart tracksuit pants paired with gold jewellery, designer handbags and heels, to Balenciaga sweatshirts with crocs.
A tonne of brands have been pivoting towards comfort-focused products since the start of the year, whether it’s a sleek crewneck and track pant combo with signature embroidery or a brightly coloured oversized hoodie, both consumers and brands have a newfound appreciation for elasticated waist bands.
Case in point, here I am in my current favourite sweatsuit, a custom made two-piece by Jennifer Rothwell (@cloud__dye on Instagram), a hand-dyed sweats brand I (thankfully) discovered during isolation.
This two-piece set has such a fun vibe and receives bonus points because I both look and feel like an actual cloud. I paired it with a basic white long sleeve that’s double lined so I can take it to the extra level of comfort and go bra-less.
Curious to see how others have adapted to this comfort-focused trend, I asked a selection of my favourite (and immensely talented) Australian stylists and creatives to show me how they’re styling their sweatsuits.
Ruby Kannava, Kannava Jewels founder and jeweller
“I have been wearing lots of long and stretchy wool skirts to keep comfy and warm, accompanied by big sloppy jumpers like this new favourite from Sister Studios. As I’ve been lucky enough to continue to work in my studio during this time, I have been trying to add at least one element to my cosy outfits that makes me feel like I’m going to work, not slopping around at home – stacking on the jewellery and wearing my fave Maryam Nassir Zadeh boots keeps me motivated!”
Yasmin Suteja, Culture Machine director, photographer and stylist
“I’ve been styling sweats with bucket hats, gold jewellery and pearls and switching it up with my sneaker options. Headbands have also been a vibe! Found my brother’s old sweater and paired it with my Acne pants and sneakers and vintage Gucci sunnies.”
Jade Leung, stylist
“My take on the matching tracksuit, sweat outfit is this Champion Rebound denim dye twin-sweat. I love how the shorts and crewneck combo makes it look more like a relaxed romper than actual sportswear. In addition to my dog, Raf, being my current favourite accessory, I also love adding extra denim pieces in with this. So, I can go from a twin-sweat at home, to a full Canadian tuxedo twinset. I also love that it is made from all recycled material.”
Savannah Anand-Sobti, stylist and co-founder of Ladies of Leisure
“Funnily enough, I don’t think my style has changed that much during iso because I’ve always favoured comfy clothes. Comfy, colourful and cute. I really love fun printed hoodies and buying local merch like @bichon_pockets and @yourboygabs collab. This iso I’ve picked up heaps of creative hobbies to occupy myself. I dyed a bunch of hoodies and track pants like this one I’m wearing now. It’s a fun way of making something new and more your vibe on a budget.”
Jameen Zalfen, Dyspnea co-founder and director
“It’s coming into “slightly” warmer weather and I’m so over wearing trackies for the thousandth time this year, so these Nagnata shorts are the perfect bit of sexy, leg-showing booty shorts but it’s just still that little bit chill. Throw on a @tellyourfriendsyoulovethem jumper topped off with a recently adopted staghound mix and you’ve got yourself a v comfy working from home fit.”
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