Add to Cart: Joggers That Will Make You the Hottest Person at the Grocery Store

Add to Cart is Vanmag’s new weekly style column, in which assistant editor Alyssa Hirose offers honest takes on current trends, local designs, and whatever new clothes/jewellery/shoes she’s talking herself into (or out of) buying.

Fashion brands are really capitalizing on loungewear, and you can’t blame them. With nowhere to go and nothing to do, it’s hard to convince anyone to buy anything that isn’t comfortable. So they’re elevating the sweatpant game with looks that are a little more tailored, a little less frumpy, and straying away from just-got-dumped grey. New monochrome sweatsuits with flattering fits and pretty colours create the illusion of style. But at the end of the day, they’re still basically daytime pajamas. Who do they think they’re fooling?

Answer: Everyone. Me included. You can be as cynical as you want about the loungewear fad, but like athleisure and crocs, it’s easy, comfy, and here to stay. And I think, especially for women (uh oh, feminist agenda alert), it’s nice to see brands catering to our comfort rather than discomfort—take ye old fashion trend of corsets, or even ye new fashion trend of corsets. Or high heels. The list goes on.

Somehow, I still want to buy loungewear even though it doesn’t make it harder for me to breathe or run away. Bananas. This week, I’ve got my eye on Ecologyst’s 195 Merino Joggers, a new look from their Spring/Summer 2021 collection. The Victoria-based brand has long been a champion of sustainability, and uses ZQ-certified Merino wool in these joggers. On top of being made with earth-friendly materials, they’re also guaranteed for life—which makes the $165 price tag seem reasonable to me.

Then there’s the colour. The eucalyptus green is a far cry from boring grey sweatpants, and still versatile enough to pair with plenty of tops (especially the 195 Merino long sleeve, but one thing at a time here). These pants create that illusion of style instantly—no zippers or buttons required. Look is almost besides the point. But hey, they look good.

Justifying any purchase is difficult right now, but I think treating myself to a little style and comfort—and again, guaranteed for life—is a very fair move. If they just so happen to make me the hottest person at the grocery store, so be it. I’ll also be the fastest, due to loungewear’s sport-like mobility. Eat your heart out, other Safeway shoppers.

The Look: Ecologyst’s 195 Merino Wool Joggers in eucalyptus
The Price: $165
Where to Find it: ecologyst.com
Where to Wear it: Buying groceries, walking your medium-to-large-size dog, binge-watching Jane the Virgin because you missed the hype seven years ago but realize that it’s a true masterpiece.