Allow me to let you in on a little secret: You’re suffering in hard pants for no reason. What if I told you there was a sneakily comfortable denim alternative that convinced me to ditch other bottoms altogether? Enter: sweatpant jeans (no, I’m not talking about jeggings). ICYMI, the incognito style took the internet by storm thanks to its cozy, loungewear-like feel that’s disguised as traditional denim. Considering I’d live in pajamas if I could, I jumped on the sweatpant jean bandwagon, and I haven’t looked back since. 

I’m not the only one embracing the magic of the lounge-denim hybrid. Five picky InStyle fashion editors put popular sweatpant jeans from Gap and Rag and Bone to the test. Below, you’ll find honest insight on the pairs they deem closet-worthy. Shop the following editor-loved bottoms starting at $35 and consider more sweatpant jean styles on Amazon. Warning: You may never reach for classic denim again. 

Thanks to the Rag and Bone Miramar Terry Sweatpants, I can pretend to be the kind of person who wears jeans on an airplane. The buttery-soft bottoms boast an oh-so-comfy feel and elevated look that I can sport practically anywhere; they’ve become my go-to pants for traveling, the office, everyday errands, and everywhere between. I love their stylish wide-leg silhouette and effortlessly slouchy look that’s right on par with what all the cool-girls are wearing. The best part? They bring in so many compliments, and no one can tell they’re as comfortable as my frumpy sweats. -Kyra Surgent, Senior Shopping Writer

These "jeans" are my go-to party trick because absolutely no one can believe they're actually sweatpants. Rag and Bone's innovative printing technique truly makes the fabric look like denim, but jeans they are not! The material is incredibly soft and breathable, making them ideal for summer. 

I adore how the pants hold their shape like traditional denim, never stretching out or becoming bunchy in weird places. Since they stop just below my ankles, they're perfect for wearing with chunky sneakers, and the mid-rise provides all the versatility to wear with any top, from a cropped tee to a longer button-down. -Irene Richardson, Shopping Writer

I own several pairs of these mid-rise horseshoe jeans since the casual cut and tie-waist makes them comparable to my favorite joggers. Their ultra-soft denim is so comfortable, I forget I'm even wearing jeans. They're one of the easiest pairs of pants to style with a basic tee or tank and chunky sandals. I highly recommend snagging a pair ASAP since they sell out fast. -Ali Faccenda, Associate Editor

I own multiple pairs of these slouchy horseshoe jeans because they look like denim, but feel and wear like sweatpants. They even have a drawstring waistband, so I never have to worry about stiff buttons digging into my stomach when I sit down. The silhouette is exaggerated and baggy, so I find that they look the coolest and most effortless with a simple T-shirt. Let's just say, I've had a really hard time reaching for normal jeans since these came into my life—and I'm not mad about it. -Reece Andavolgyi, Shopping Updates Editor

Ever since I got these Gap sweatpant jeans a few weeks ago, I haven't wanted to wear anything else. Their breezy, wide-leg silhouette is right on trend for the season, while the elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring secretly make them so comfortable. I've already worn them with a simple tee, crewneck cardigan, and even over a bathing suit—they're just that versatile. Trust me when I say you'll be wearing these pants on repeat all summer long. -Eden Lichterman, Shopping Editor

Mewunan French Terry Sweatpant Jeans

Mafulus Wide-Leg Elastic Waist Jeans