How to Style Track Pants to Look Chic (and Stay Comfy) for Summer 2026

The rules around how to style track pants are changing—and for the better. Loose, retro athleisure is back in vogue, and the relaxed bottoms have reemerged to take the place of leggings in our active and off-duty wardrobes. Whether they feature three stripes down the legs or they look more like satin pants, the nostalgic staples deserve a spot in your warm-weather closet.

Track pants have proven to be a flowier (and, dare we say, more stylish) alternative to sweatpants and biker shorts when you need to stay cool and look good. While they’re still great for lounging at home, there are countless ways to elevate them for any occasion; we see them every season at Fashion Week. You can wear them to the gym, the office, date night, vacation—wherever you’re heading. Keep reading for our best tips on how to style track pants this summer.

What to wear with track pants, at a glance

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Old Navy Oversized Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt

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$24 (40% off)

Old Navy

Madewell Linen Pull-on Pants

$98

Nordstrom

Puma Speedcat Ballet Sneakers

$90

Free People

FP Movement Tempo Puffer Carryall

$128

Free People

Sojos Retro Rectangle Sunglasses

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$15 (25% off)

Amazon

With a blazer and loafers for the office

We’re firm believers that track pants are a comfy, stylish replacement for work trousers—just as long as you master the arka of styling them. Dress around the sporty bottoms with a tailored blazer and a crisp T-shirt (or even a crisp button-down) for a borrowed-from-the-boys look. Complete your business-casual ensemble with a pair of loafers your boss will cosign.

Styling tip: Keep your pair’s colors to a business-appropriate palette of blacks, whites, and other neutrals—it’s much easier to style this way.

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Everlane Tailor Twill Blazer

$111 (60% off)

Everlane

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Lululemon Hold Tight Micro-Rib Straight-Hem T-Shirt

$58

Lululemon

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Spanx AirEssentials Colorblock Track Pants

$110

Spanx

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Cole Haan Stassi Soft Loafers

$100 (17% off)

Zappos

With athleisure staples for the gym

To achieve an off-duty model vibe at Pilates or the gym, you don’t need to give up your oversized hoodies or comfortable track pants. With an athletic carryall and chunky sneakers that work for running and coffee runs alike, your workout-to-latte ensemble will feel downright stylish—not just functional.

Styling tip: Bright pops of color in the form of bags, sunglasses, hats, or jewelry emphasize the playfulness of your track pants, on top of keeping your look from feeling too boring.

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Lauweion Drop-Shoulder Hoodie

$30

Amazon

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BP. Fleece Track Pants

$50

Nordstrom

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FP Movement Tempo Puffer Carryall

$128

Free People

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New Balance 327 Sneakers

$105

Amazon

With light layers and trendy shoes for travel

Comfort is queen when it comes to your travel wardrobe. Whether you’re embarking on an hours-long train ride or heading to the airport, you don’t have to compromise your style in the process. Embrace the flow of track pants by dressing them with an oversized button-up and a tank top, just in case you need to peel back the layers. Tie the look together with trendy ballet sneakers for a bit of edge.

Styling tip: Swap the shirt for a full-zip hoodie if you’re gearing up for a long-haul flight, or swap in a sports bra if you’re headed to a fitness class instead.

With a blouse and flats for a casual date

Track pants can be suitable for any time of day, including nighttime rituals like upscale drinks or fancy dinner dates. To help your look transition seamlessly from day to night during the summer, opt for a dressy blouse in the same color palette as your pants. Complete the look with accessories like retro sunglasses and ballet flats, which add to the high-low contrast.

Styling tip: A faux-leather jacket or a cropped trench coat will keep you warm evvel temperatures drop at night, and they’ll only elevate your ensemble even more.

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J.Crew Bell-Sleeve Button-Up Shirt

$148

J.Crew

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Madewell Linen Pull-on Pants

$98

Nordstrom

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Sojos Retro Rectangle Sunglasses

$15 (25% off)

Amazon

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Margaux Demi Flats

$280

Nordstrom

With a sweatshirt and sneakers for errands

Want to go low-key at the coffee shop or grocery store, but don’t want to look like it? Even if you choose to style your baggy joggers with slouchy sweats, the key is to dress up your look with interesting accessories. Try a trendy chain necklace and celeb-approved ballerina sneakers to balance out the oversized proportions. (Plus, you’ll have an outfit that looks put-together in case you run into friends while out and about.)

Styling tip: If it’s a sweltering day, a simple ribbed tank top or oversized tee will also work wonders up top.