Style

ATTN everyone: retro track pants are going to be a big deal this summer

Not just for the sporty, these will be picked up by both men and women all season.

One of this summer's biggest trends is very much interconnected to the athleisure movement – the retro track pant. The casual trouser is having a major moment both on and off the runways. Not just for the sporty individuals, the track pant is one of the most fashion forward trends for both men and women. I'm a big fan of athletic-inspired trends especially when they involve something as comfortable and cozy as a sporty track pant. Now to be clear, we are not talking about sweatpants which have also risen to the top of menswear trends we are talking about track pants which are more structured and usually feature a graphic stripe of some sort down the side. Whereas recent sweatpants have featured a drop crotch with a modern fitted leg taper, the current track pant trend features more of a fuller leg shape with retro details. Take a look at some of the best track pants available now.

Why not jump into the trend with a pop of colour? This H&M pair in bright red features a subtle, contrasting trim. Grab the matching track jacket and old school trainers to complete the look.

H&M Joggers, $34.99, H&M

I love the retro vibe of these Fila x Urban Outfitters tearaway track pants. Legendary Italian sportswear brand Fila has seen a resurgence as of late – thanks to Soviet streetwear "of the moment" designer Gosha Rubchinskiy, whose latest collection featured heritage Italian sportswear labels including FILA. The tearaway design is reminiscent of 90s basketball warmup pants.

FILA + UO Tearaway Track Pant, $69.00, Urban Outfitters

What would a sportswear trend be without team swoosh? Nike's Tribute Track Pant pays homage to vintage running pants of the 80s. I love the navy and white stripe combination, and when the temperature starts rising you can rock these with your favourite slides.

Nike Tribute Track Pant, $69.00, End Clothing

These Adidas Superstar track pants not only have a Run-DMC vibe, but the cropped pant is another pant trend making waves this summer. The tan colour means these can double as updated sporty chinos, and the shortened cut also allows you to showcase your fun summer socks!

Adidas Superstar Relax Crop Track Pant, $80.00, Deadstock.ca

Kappa is another heritage Italian sportswear brand making a comeback this summer. The grey is a nice low-key colour choice, and I love the iconic Kappa branding panel which is hidden (and revealed) under a back zip on the pant.

Kappa Astoria Mask Slim Track Pant, $104.00, Urban Outfitters

New York-based brand Opening Ceremony takes coziness to the next level with their Velour Track Trousers. Pastel colours are always a good choice in the summer and I like that the relaxed fit is balanced out by the tonal seams that run down the centre of each leg.

Opening Ceremony Velour Track Trousers, $185, Opening Ceremony

Our first designer offering is a bright red Reebok track pant by Parisian design collective brand Vetements. The brand has a unique take on everyday items such as jeans, t-shirts and outerwear, and has found a loyal following among celebrities and street-style stars alike. These nylon track pants have a sporty-fashionisto meets retro-breakdancer kind of vibe.

Red Reebok Edition Biker Track Pants, $1180, ssense.com

Leave it to Gucci to take the trend to the next level by not only offering a track pant in luxurious leather, but in blue! Expect these to make an appearance in numerous music videos as well as on at least one Kardashian and one Hadid.

Gucci Leather Jogging Pant, $3345, Gucci


Joe Amio is a creator, curator and menswear aficionado. Find him on instagram @joeisthenewblack.