Sweats are such a simple piece of clothing, yet they have so much power — and for a few reasons, according to experts.
According to the internet, if a guy is wearing gray sweatpants, he’s automatically hot. If you search “Guys in Gray Sweatpants” or “When He Wears Gray Sweatpants,” you’ll see over 132 million posts on TikTok.
Over the past couple of months, creators have been getting hot and bothered waiting for gray sweatpants season to arrive. Take these tweets, for example:
Specifically, we’re talking about fitted, light gray sweatpants. Other shades and fits still “count,” but they don’t hit quite the same. (You’ll find theories on why that is below.)
But why does something as simple and casual get so many of us going? Let’s dive into the psychology behind it.
They provide a juxtaposition of laid-back and sexy.
“Gray sweatpants are the ‘no makeup’ choice of male attire,” explained Renee Zavislak, a licensed psychotherapist who hosts “Psycho Therapist: The Podcast.” “A man in gray sweatpants isn’t trying too hard. Gray sweatpants say, ‘I put no effort into this outfit.’”
Gray sweatpants give the energy of the morning after, spent cuddling and making scrambled eggs together.
“This combination of this decidedly casual, no-effort look with unmistakable sexual imagery has a potent psychological effect on the admirer: The man in gray sweatpants is at once virile and insouciant,” Zavislak said. “This dialectical draw has elevated gray sweatpants to mythical status in men’s attire.”
The vibe may make you feel like you can just be yourself, too. And is there anything hotter than feeling like you don’t have to try too hard?
The neutral color highlights the person and their body in general.
Amandine, a fashion model and clinical psychologist, has seen firsthand how clothing affects people’s perceptions. She said gray sweatpants are a perfect example.
First, she explained the physical perception. “Light gray is neutral and understated, allowing people to notice the body, not just the clothing,” Amandine said. “It subtly highlights natural contours with light and shadow, making the body’s details pop without being too revealing.”
While patterned clothing or clothing with cutouts can be attractive, too, it can distract from the body.
Neutral colors also give off a vibe that many people find attractive. While wearing bright colors can boost your mood — aka dopamine dressing — neutral colors have their own strengths. Amandine said men in gray sweatpants are more likely to seem calm, approachable, relaxed, comfortable and grounded.
Many experts agree with this color psychology. Mental Health America said gray can be associated with comfort, maturity, calmness and sophistication. The Career Exploration Center at Cornell University said gray gives off trustworthy, confident and capable vibes.
There’s also a reason light gray, in particular, gets a few extra points.
“It contrasts well with skin tones and enhances visibility, making it easier for observers to appreciate the contours of the body,” said Peter Martinez, co-founder and fashion stylist/designer at Leather Skin Shop, a U.S. fashion brand.
As mentioned earlier, wearing gray can have a calming effect on others, too. “In a way, gray sweatpants create a visual cue that says, ‘I’m relaxed, and you can be too,’” Amandine said.
“In a world where people often feel pressure to maintain a polished image, the casual comfort of sweatpants can signal authenticity,” Martinez added.
A good fit can accentuate the body.
Amandine said gray sweatpants look great both fitted and loose, but there’s a reason why a tight-but-not-too-tight pair arguably takes the gold medal.
“They really show off the body’s shape and create a casual yet flattering look,” Amandine said, adding that well-fitted clothes are a hit in Hollywood and the fashion world. “When something is tailored to you, it highlights your best features.”
Martinez agreed. “I believe the primary reason for their popularity is that they subtly showcase a man’s physique,” he said. “The fabric of the sweatpants is often form-fitting, providing a comfortable and flattering silhouette.”
The looser fit has more effortless charm, too, Amandine explained, like the “no-makeup” look Zavislak mentioned. “There’s something approachable and disarming about that kind of laid-back style, compared to a suit, for example, which feels much more formal.”
Sometimes, it’s not about the gray sweatpants after all.
While light gray, fitted sweatpants have their fans, they’re likely not the only reason you can’t stop looking at the person wearing them.
“There’s always that question: Is this a great look, or is the person just naturally attractive?” Amadine said. “After all, attractive people can pull off a lot of different styles, and sweatpants are no exception.”
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