Jack Fisher's Official Publishing Blog

I don’t consider myself highly sophisticated when it comes to fashion. Sure, I wear men’s suits and I am aware of certain types of designer clothes, some of which I do wear from time to time. But for the most part, my tastes in clothes are very simple.

If it’s comfortable, I wear it.

For that reason, a non-insignificant part of my wardrobe consists of shirts, pants, socks, and underwear that I buy discount from Walmart or Amazon. Aside from my professional attire, I never splurge much on clothes of any kind. I also don’t buy new clothes too often. There are clothes in my drawers right now that I’ve had for nearly 10 years. They’re still intact. They’re still comfortable. So, I continue to wear them.

In that sense, I’m not someone who can do much in terms of fashion statements. However, there is one particular sentiment regarding fashion on which I am very passionate. And it’s this.

Sweatpants are the single greatest piece of clothing ever made.

Seriously, I dare anyone to challenge that.

In terms of function, comfort, and sheer simplicity, sweatpants really do have it all. They’re something you can throw on at a moment’s notice. You don’t have to worry about zippers, buttons, or anything like that. They’re also easy to wash. You don’t need to iron them or use some kind of fancy soaps. And for the most part, they’re cheap and easy to fit.

It doesn’t matter what your gender might be.

It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you might be.

It doesn’t matter what god you worship, who you vote for, who you interact with, or what your interests might be.

Sweatpants still feel great! Even in hot weather, they offer a special kind of comfort that’s hard to find with any other clothing. And after a long hard day of wearing work clothes of any kind, there’s just something inherently relaxing about throwing on a pair of sweatpants for the evening.

I’m not just speaking from experience, either. I’ve watched peoples’ moods radically change for the better the moment they shed whatever they happen to be wearing and put on a nice pair of sweatpants. They become more relaxed, less tense, and just happier overall. I’ve yet to see another piece of clothing have that kind of impact on so many people.

I know it sounds like I’m just raving and ranting about sweatpants. But I find myself singing their praise more and more, especially whenever I’ve had to wear my professional attire for extended periods. Yes, there’s a time and place to look good, dignified, and well-groomed. But there’s also a time to just put on something unfashionably comfortable and just relax. And no other piece of clothing does that like sweatpants.

So, to whoever invented sweatpants and to those who continue to make them, I thank you. The world sucks slightly less because of sweatpants.