The Dressy Sweatpant was dreamt up by Encircled Founder and CEO, Kristi Soomer in 2014 after rushing to a meeting directly from a long 10-hour flight. Wishing she had a pair of pants that were comfortable enough for a long flight, yet dressy enough for a work meeting - our best-selling Dressy Sweatpant was created.
One year ago, after 5 years and 5,000 pairs of Dressy Sweatpants, we decided it was time to give the sweatpant an update. Based on customer feedback, we redesigned The Dressy Sweatpant - keeping everything our customers loved most about these sweatpants and tweaking a few things to make them even better!
Last October, to launch the redesign we invited some of our amazing customers into our studio for a fun photo shoot. We also asked them to share their thoughts about the new design and how they would style it, here’s what they had to say.
LORI
What’s most important to you when deciding what to wear in the morning?
I pick clothes that are comfortable, that fit well, and are stylish. I have a busy day - I have two kids, I work downtown so I need something that I don’t have to keep adjusting, and isn’t digging in anywhere. I can move and run after the kids in them and still looks good.
What’s your favourite feature of the Dressy Sweatpant?
So there’s a lot of favourite features. I love the details. It’s just a beautiful silhouette for a sweatpant. It’s got the pleats, it’s got pockets, it’s got the ruching at the bottom that I can pull up or put down. All around the perfect pant.
How do you style the Dressy Sweatpant in your day-to-day life?
I would probably style it with a classic tee, tucked in the front with a long necklace. And if I’m dressing up, some booties, and sneakers if I’m dressing down.
ASHLEY
How do you feel when you wear the Dressy Sweatpant?
I feel great when I wear the Dressy Sweatpant. They are a really high-quality product; you can tell that they’ve been tailored for a woman’s body in all the right parts. I feel like I’m wearing something that’s a basic but it’s so elevated.
What’s your favourite feature of the Dressy Sweatpant?
The high, and thick waistband. It’s thick and it’s high, and it’s very forgiving for any silhouette.
How do you style the Dressy Sweatpant in your day-to-day life?
A lot of the times I pair them with a fresh white t-shirt, a jean jacket or a leather jacket and a pair of sneakers. But if I’m dressing it up, I’ll wear a leopard flat with a tucked in v-neck and some big earrings depending if I’m going out.
Allison
What’s most important to you when deciding what to wear in the morning?
I’m a pediatric therapist, which means I'm up and down, on the floor with kids and moving around a lot. I want to look put-together and professional, but I also want to be able to move, and run, and play, and work.
How do you feel when you wear the Dressy Sweatpant?
I feel...incredibly comfortable and put-together. It’s something that I can wear on the road when I’m driving a lot and even just when I’m lounging around at home. I just feel good. I feel like it’s custom made for me.
How do you style the Dressy Sweatpant in your day-to-day life?
Basically the way I am now, so with a basic tee and something like a cardigan or a blazer on top, then I can dress it up or down depending on what's happening in the day.
The Dressy Sweatpant in 2020
One year after our customer photoshoot, a lot has changed in the world. The pandemic has forced us all to change our daily routines, slow down, and re-evaluate what’s important. For many of us, the change in routine has also brought about a change in our everyday style and what we look for in clothing.
We recently caught up with Lori and Rachel for a follow-up interview (over email this time) to talk about how the Dressy Sweatpant fits into their style during 2020. Here’s what they had to say.
LORI
Has the way you style the Dressy Sweatpant changed?
Since quarantine life started my style has changed from trendy casual to comfy casual. This is primarily because we aren't going out as often, and not going to events or work. I still style it with tank tops and fitted t-shirts, but I don't style with blouses, button down shirts as much anymore.
What's your favourite part about the redesigned Dressy Sweatpant?
My favourite part of the redesigned Dressy Sweatpant is the longer inseam and the improved fit around the waist and bum. I also love that I can pull the bottoms up and they stay up because of the ruching.
Since quarantine started, has what you look for in your clothing changed?
Yes. I look for comfort over style even more than before, although I still try to maintain some sense of style - I haven't gotten that deep into isolation - yet. My clothes need to be stretchy and comfortable because I'm going from my home office, to school pick up, to running around cleaning and cooking for young kids.
What are 3 words you would use to describe the Dressy Sweatpant?
Comfortable, stylish, adaptable
RACHEL
Has the way you style the Dressy Sweatpant changed?
Yes! I used to style my dressy sweatpants with tank tops and blouses and think of them more as work wear. Now I wear them at home, while working from home (I literally wear my dressy sweatpants every day), and I style them with casual t-shirts either tied or tucked in. I also love wearing them with a loose-fitting crop top, cropped sweater, or oversized cardigan.
What's your favourite part about the redesigned Dressy Sweatpant?
The wider waist band is life.
Since quarantine started, has what you look for in your clothing changed?
Totally. Without having to dress for the office or occasions, my relationship to my closet has completely changed. I've learned how to downsized my wardrobe and now need all of my clothing to be very functional, versatile, and comfortable. Gone are the days of buying a new outfit for a single occasion. I think I"m a full on outfit repeater now and I hope that sticks.
What are 3 words you would use to describe the Dressy Sweatpant?
Flattering, durable, functional
A year ago we redesigned our Dressy Sweatpant to make it even better.
This year? We’ve made it an all-new colour: Alpine Green.
Why do you love The Dressy Sweatpant? Let us know in the comments!
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