Students across Nicholls State University’s campus and at numerous other colleges find sweatpants to be more acceptable to wear in the classroom than semi-prim clothing.

Sweatpants have recently become the most popular clothing item on college campuses suitable for a more casual and limitless comfort wardrobe. Many undergraduates can attest to springing out of bed at 7:50 a.m. and essentially becoming superhuman to make it to class at 8 a.m. At that point, it’s hard to care about the “just rolled out of bed” criticism, because getting to class is more important than appearance. But what was once the most popular gym or lounge attire is now the more popular everyday and classroom apparel.

For students who attend class everyday, being comfortable is important. Jonathan Williams, sociology major, wears sweats at least two to three times a week to class.

“I wear my sweats to class because of how comfortable they feel,” Williams said. “I don’t think wearing sweatpants make me seem less professional in a classroom setting. I think it makes me seem as if I felt like being comfortable that day; that’s all.”

For student-athletes, wearing sweatpants are a favorite option due to the everyday routine of school and practices. T.J. Carpenter, a member of the NSU men’s basketball team, considers sweatpants to be any athlete’s favorite investment.

“Many athletes from each sport on campus wear sweats daily,” Carpenter said. “Some mornings before class, you really don’t feel like getting all dressed up just to change for workouts a few hours later.”

While some students believe the new trend is more suitable for the classroom environment, some think otherwise of the fashion statement. Nicholls senior Brittany Morris believes taking 10 to 15 minutes every morning to look presentable isn’t that hard to do.

“I can confess to staying up studying all night, dragging myself to campus and to class in sweatpants,” Morris said. “But wearing sweatpants and pajamas everyday to class may give off a bad impression to others and to your professor.”

As the craze gains popularity, Morris feels sweatpants and joggers may cause professors and administration to question student’s motivation.

“You never know when an opportunity may present itself, and first impressions actually do matter,” Morris said. “You assume professors will dress professionally daily, and it would be shocking to see an instructor teaching wearing sweatpants and weird for that matter.”

How a student views casual wear varies. Ultimately, it simply depends on each student’s affordable or desired wardrobe. For myself personally, I feel motivated when I put effort into my appearance. Attire is analytic to one’s appearance and personality. It often feels great to put on a nice button down and some slacks on days when I have to work or give a presentation. In the same sense, wearing sweatpants after a long night or simply because you want to be comfortable while learning shouldn’t be frowned upon either. Jeans have not disappeared off the face of the campus and neither have slacks or skirts. On today’s college campuses, the grey area between unprofessional trends and a professional atmospheres may cause debate.