Serious Sweats

Well, my little shopping spree continued through the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales. But I swear, I only bought things I needed—no influencer-inspired handbags, no archival wide-leg pants. This was serious. And where better to start than with Lands’ End Serious Sweats?

Now, I’m not exactly proud of how many items of clothing I own from Lands’ End. I don’t consider it a very fashionable brand. Well, I don’t think anyone does. It’s more of a practical solution to covering one’s body than any kind of sartorial ideal. But over the past few years I’ve acquired:

1. A pair of their snow boots

2. A packable lightweight parka

3. A pair of leather gloves

4. A pair of fleece slippers

5. A terrycloth bathrobe

6. A pair of wide-leg trouser jeans (now decluttered—too big)

7. A green corduroy shirt (thrifted and now decluttered — too big)

The quality is simply astounding for the price, especially since they almost always have at least 40% off. And they actually guarantee all of their items; they replaced my snow boots a couple years ago after a seam split—and the new ones have a covering over that seam in the new design. So when I recently came to terms with my need for some warmer lounge pants, I knew where to turn.

My Gap pajama pants are lovely and silky-soft, but all four pairs are far too thin to wear around the house in winter.

I thought about trying some sweatpants from GAP, or some GAP flannel joggers I was tipped off about.

But Matt has 3 sweatshirts-- two zip-up hoodies and a pullover—that are Serious Sweats from Land’s End.

I always hesitated to get my own since there is some polyester content, but every time I was cold and Matt loaned me a hoodie, I swooned. They are dream sweats (that sounds weird). They are the sweats of dreams. Thick and fleecy on the inside, putting them on feels like a warm hug. I had to try them for myself.

I looked at the women’s options, but they looked a little too maternal for me. No elastic or cuffs at the bottom, and just tapered enough to be unflattering.

So I looked at Men’s, instead. They had the classic, old-school style with elastic at the ankles, and get this: they have pockets. I ordered two in M and two in L, black and charcoal grey. To top up my order and get free shipping, I threw in two pairs of fleece socks, also for around the house. (I mean, what else is there at this point except around the house?)

The socks didn’t work out. They seemed kind of thin—but these pants are to die for. The men’s Medium is a perfect oversized fit with plenty of room for curling up on the couch, but with a waistband that doesn’t fall down. I literally feel like I’m being snuggled as I move around in them. They are heaven.

I eventually caved and ordered two matching pullovers in Large; they are back-ordered until February 8th, but I’ll wait. Because, did I even mention they were 50% off? Each pair of sweatpants was only $22.47 (free shipping), and will wear extremely well, if Matt’s hoodies are any indication.

I sent back the size Large pants and the socks and moved onto other necessities: cold weather running gear. I was in need of new base layer Cold Gear leggings and a shirt, so I’d waited for Black Friday to check if Under Armour was doing a sale. The leggings were marked down from $50 to $37.50, but the Cold Gear crewneck tops were full price ($50). I looked at the mock-neck option, which was on sale for $37.50, but the reviews all said it ran small and fit super tight, so I wouldn’t know what size to get.

I opted for the full-price crew neck, which is exactly like the one I already have. For leggings, I decided to try the “Armour leggings” with the higher waist instead of the “Authentic” that I had last time. They only had my size in grey, as opposed to my usual black, but it really doesn’t matter since I wear pants on top anyway.

Shipping was free for orders over $50, so I ordered each item in a Medium for a total of $87.50. I still have my old UA “Storm” hoodie to wear on top, and then my new Poshmark-sourced UA Coldgear Joggers for bottoms.

Upon their arrival, I quickly determined that the UA leggings were a no-go. They were somehow too big in the waist, and yet too tight in the knees. I mean, I literally could not bend my knees. I honestly thought leggings were fairly easy to get right, so I was pretty surprised that a higher-end brand like Under Armour could get them so wrong. The top was fine- just like the XL that I already own. But I couldn’t justify a new top when the old one is still going strong, and this one wasn’t even on sale.

My final Black Friday necessities were socks. I literally only had 4 pairs of winter socks to get me through the week, so I knew I needed some athletic crew socks. I also tended to wear this one heavy pair of socks around the house 7 days a week, which is disgusting, so I thought some “house socks” were in order, too. I considered replacing my slippers, but I honestly don’t wear them much. It just seems easier to go from couch to kitchen to bed in warm socks.

I searched the sales: Kohl’s, Macy’s, etc., as well as the athletic brand sites (Adidas, Puma). I could not find what I wanted at the department stores, and I could not find any good socks on sale. I ended up on the Dick’s Sporting Goods website, which had endless options, but very few on sale. I settled on a 3-pack of white Adidas cushioned crew socks which looked decent, but were full-price at $14. Then I found these Northeast Outfitters “Cozy Cabin” socks that were 2-for-1, so I shelled out $12.99 for 2 pairs.

That, plus the $6.99 delivery fee (not a promo code in sight) came to $33.97. This seemed massively overpriced since I’m used to just rifling through the pickings at T.J.’s or Marshalls where I can get a 6-pack for $7.99. But since COVID continues to rage across the U.S., there will be no non-essential trips to rifle through socks at T.J.’s. I know there are people doing it, but we are not. So add “extra money for socks” to the list of COVID expenses, along with masks and hand sanitizer and full-price paper products. Oh, and also Matt’s job being postponed for a year. That’s been expensive, too.

The socks thankfully worked out. While I did feel they were overpriced for what they were, the Adidas crew socks are fine for working out and nighttime walks. The “Cozy Cabin” socks are great— super soft and warm— but they haven’t washed well and look very pilly already.

So that sums up my “serious” Black Friday shopping: sweatpants, some failed running gear, and socks. Super exciting. And none of it ethical or sustainable. While I have managed to do a good bit of thrifting lately (Poshmark, of course), there are always things you don’t want secondhand. Sweatpants and socks just wear out—especially this year.

And I’m apparently too cheap and impatient to experiment with ethical/sustainable loungewear and socks. How do I know if they’re any good? How much do I have to pay for return shipping? How do I know what size to get? I just can’t see spending all that extra time and money to find the right items from an ethical/sustainable brand.

Because these necessities are serious. They need to work every day, in cold weather, for as long as possible. And if I’m really wearing this stuff longer because it’s better quality, that’s good enough for me. I’m just not going to beat myself up over some Lands’ End items that will probably last me 10 years. I’d say those are pretty sustainable purchases.

Anyway, I think I’m at the end of my shopping for the year. I could still use some fleece-lined leggings and a new winter hat, but it feels difficult to justify buying more stuff. I’ve been on quite the shopping binge these past few weeks. But I’m happy with what I have. And I’m seriously happy with the sweats.