
Cloud Fleece Straight Leg Sweatpants
- These sweatpants are cut with straight legs from ultrasoft cloud-stretch fleece for luxurious warmth.
- 31″ inseam; 19″ leg opening; 13″ front rise; 17″ back rise (size Medium)
- Elastic waist
- Side-seam pockets
- 72% cotton, 25% polyester, 3% spandex
- Machine wash, tumble dry
- Imported
$69.00

Cloud Wide Leg Sweat Pants
- Feel the comfort of these cozy fleece pants designed with a drawstring waist, wide legs and slits at the cuffs.
- 31″ inseam; 20″ leg opening; 13″ front rise; 17 1/2″ back rise (size Medium)
- Elastic/drawstring waist
- Side-seam pockets
- Slit cuffs
- 72% cotton, 25% polyester, 3% spandex with 96% cotton, 4% spandex rib
- Machine wash, tumble dry
- Imported
$27.60
Discover How to Choose the Ideal Zella Sweats for Your Needs and Style
Are you looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of sweatpants that can perform during workouts but also look great when lounging or running errands? Then it may be time to invest in a pair of Zella sweatpants!
As an avid fitness enthusiast myself, I’ve tested my fair share of athletic apparel. And I can confidently say that Zella makes some of the best sweatpants on the market. From their innovative fabrics to flattering fits, Zella sweatpants manage to combine both function and fashion seamlessly.
But with so many styles to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right pair. That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive buying guide to help you find your perfect Zella sweats! I’ll cover everything from fit and features to fabric and pricing.
Let’s dive in!
What Exactly Are Zella Sweatpants?
Zella is Nordstrom’s in-house activewear brand that offers workout clothes perfect for the gym, yoga studio, or just casual everyday wear. Their sweatpants are made from high-tech fabrics that wick moisture and allow maximum movement during any activity.
The fabrics are also soft against the skin yet durable enough to withstand regular use and washing. And they come in a range of fits including relaxed, slim, and crops paired with useful details like pockets, drawstrings, and cuffed hems.
Simply put: Zella sweatpants combine performance, comfort, and style in one garment you can wear pretty much anywhere.
Choose the Right Fit: Relaxed, Slim, Cropped, or High-Waisted
One of the nice things about Zella is they offer sweatpants in a variety of fits to suit different body types and preferences. Here’s a quick rundown of the options:
- Relaxed fit: The roomiest cut with an easy straight leg, suited for lounging or layering over leggings.
- Slim fit: A tapered leg that hugs your curves in all the right places. Great for working out or a sleek athleisure look.
- Cropped fit: Hitting right above the ankle, cropped Zella sweats are perfect for showing off your shoes.
- High-waisted fit: The extra high waist slims your midsection and is super flattering.
I suggest trying on different styles in the fitting room to see which flatters your figure best. It’s worth taking the time to get the right fit.
And keep in mind that Zella sweatpants come in standard or petite lengths for the perfect amount of bunching at the ankle.
How Do Zella Sweats Perform During Workouts?
In one word: fantastically!
Zella sweatpants are designed to move with you through any type of exercise. The lightweight, four-way stretch fabric allows for a full range of motion as you run, lift weights, practice yoga, or play sports.
The moisture-wicking technology also keeps you cool, dry, and comfortable even through high-intensity sweat sessions. No worrying about sticky, damp fabric clinging to your legs.
And the fabric is smooth with minimal pilling. So you don’t have to stress about fuzziness or friction.
Zella sweatpants also bounce back well wash after wash. You’ll get many great workouts out of them before needing a replacement pair.
Examining the Fabrics: Soft Yet Durable Performance Materials
Now let’s get into the specific fabric technologies that make Zella sweatpants so high performing.
Many Zella sweats feature unique combinations of the following fabrics:
- Live In knit fabric: Available in relaxed and slim fits, this soft sweat-wicking knit contains both cotton and spandex for the perfect blend of comfort and stretch. It feels amazing against the skin.
- Brooklyn recycled polyester: Made from recycled plastic bottles, this lightweight woven fabric is buttery soft with four-way stretch. It’s used in cropped and high-waisted styles.
- Luxe poplin: Featuring UPF 50 sun protection, this quick-drying woven fabric has a luxurious drape and comes in fun prints.
- Cozy Light terry: As the name implies, this fleecy French terry fabric provides extra softness inside and out while still wicking moisture. Ideal for winter sweatpants.
No matter which fabric you choose, Zella sweats all share two things in common: softness and performance.
How Do Zella Sweats Stack Up to Competitors?
If you’re trying to decide between Zella and other popular activewear brands like Lululemon or Athleta, here’s how they generally compare:
- Fit: Zella offers more variety in terms of relaxed, slim, cropped, and high-waisted fits. So you can better customize the silhouette.
- Function: Zella, Lululemon, and Athleta are all on par when it comes to sweat-wicking performance and stretch. No clear winner here.
- Style: Zella has more stylish everyday prints and colors. Great for wearing beyond the gym.
- Price: Zella is more affordable than Lululemon while still being a step up from budget brands like Old Navy. Great balance of quality and value.
- Availability: Since Zella is exclusive to Nordstrom, the selection is more limited. But they frequently add new seasonal styles.
Overall, Zella sweats combine the best aspects of premium athletic brands at an approachable price point. The variety of fits and fashionable detailing give them a leg up in terms of versatility too.
Where to Buy Zella Sweatpants
Zella is a Nordstrom exclusive brand, so the only place to purchase them is at Nordstrom stores or on Nordstrom.com.
The good news is Nordstrom has locations across the United States and Canada in addition to their online selection.
I suggest checking out the Zella offerings at your local Nordstrom first so you can try them on in person. There’s nothing like assessing fit and feel for yourself.
Or if you already know your size, shop the full selection of colors, prints, and styles online. Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns to make online ordering hassle-free.
Pro tip: Sign up for Nordstrom’s rewards program for free to earn points towards future purchases!
Choose from Standard and Plus Sizes
Another great thing about Zella is they offer an inclusive size range so more women can experience the sweatpant magic.
Standard sizes run from XS to XL in regular or petite lengths. Size XXL is available online too.
In addition, they have a full collection of plus-size Zella sweatpants ranging from 1X to 3X. The Live In fabric with side pockets seems to be the most popular plus-size style.
So no matter your size, you can find cute and functional Zella sweats to showcase your figure. Try out a slim-cut pair to accentuate those curves!
Read Reviews to Pick the Top Styles
Before choosing your sweatpants, I recommend browsing Zella reviews on Nordstrom.com to get honest feedback from real customers.
Focus on the sweatpants with ratings of 4 stars and above. This indicates high satisfaction across fit, quality, comfort, and more.
Based on stellar reviews, some of the top Zella sweatpants styles are:
- Live In Jogger Pants: The #1 bestselling Zella style featuring a slim tapered leg and smooth sweat-wicking knit fabric. Nearly 2,000 rave reviews!
- High Waist Crop Sweatpants: Flattering on all body types with a trendy cropped leg. The lightweight compression knit fabric gets raves.
- Cozy Up Jogger Pants: The perfect winter sweatpants made from a fleecy brushed terry interior and smooth jersey exterior. So soft and comfy!
- Printed Sweatpants: Vibrant patterns like tie dye, camo and leopard prints take basic sweats up a notch.
User reviews are invaluable when assessing real-world performance. Lean on them to zero in on the top-rated Zella styles.
Caring for Your Zella Sweatpants
To get the longest lifespan from your Zella sweats, follow these care tips:
- Read the fabric care label: Follow the instructions to determine if your sweatpants should be machine washed cold or warm and tumble dried low.
- Wash after each wear: Sweat and oils can accumulate so launder after every workout or day of wear.
- Avoid bleach: Bleach can degrade performance fabrics over time. Use an oxygen-based detergent instead for whitening.
- Line dry when possible: Line or flat drying reduces wear and tear from high heat. But the occasional tumble dry is okay too.
- Treat stains promptly: Spray on a pretreatment and wash as soon as possible to avoid set-in stains, especially from lotions or deodorant.
- Inspect drawstrings: Replace any frayed or damaged drawstrings to maintain full function.
With proper laundering, your Zella sweatpants should hold up well for multiple seasons of cozy wear.
Yes, Zella Sweats Are Moisture-Wicking!
One of the top reasons athletic folks love Zella is their moisture-wicking capabilities.
The sweatpants feature smooth, fast-drying performance fabrics designed to pull moisture away from your skin and disperse it across the surface.
This means no wet clinginess or chafing during workouts. Just cool, dry comfort from start to finish.
The sweat-wicking function also prevents odors by reducing bacterial growth. So you can wear your Zella sweats for longer between washes.
From HIIT training to hot yoga, these sweats keep sweat under control!
Fun Colors and Prints to Suit Your Style
A fun perk of Zella is the variety of colors and patterns available. You’re not limited to just basic black—though they do offer those too!
Some of the hues in the current lineup include:
- Rich jewel tones like sapphire blue and emerald green
- Vibrant brights like orange spice and pink glow
- Athletic neutrals like heathered gray and pale mauve
- Energizing pastels like lavender fog and blush rose
And the printed sweatpants take things up a notch with options like:
- Artsy paint strokes
- Tie dye swirls
- Camo, leopard, and snakeskin prints
- Whimsical patterns like hearts and rainbows
Whatever your color palette, you’ll find on-trend Zella sweatpants to match. They’re far from boring!
Great for Lounging, Running Errands, and Travel
A common misconception is that sweatpants are only acceptable for working out. Not so with Zella!
Thanks to their polished fabrics and flattering fits, you can wear Zella sweats anywhere from the couch to the coffee shop to the airport.
Their moisture-wicking and stretchy fabric still comes in handy when lounging by regulating temperature and allowing you to fully twist and bend into comfy positions. No restriction or overheating.
The jogger and cropped silhouettes give a sort of casual-chic look when paired with a tee and sneakers. Slipping them on beats jeans when you need to dash out for errands.
And of course, they make ideal travel companions. Breathable and free-moving for long flights or road trips, yet still looking sleek and put-together.
Zella sweatpants truly provide that perfect melding of comfort with style. Your new go-anywhere faves!
Finding the Best Price for Top Value
When it comes to Zella sweatpants, you get an impressive combination of quality and value. The $59 – $98 retail prices are reasonable considering the performance features and soft fabrics.
Some tips for finding the best deals:
- Check Nordstrom’s sale section regularly for discounts on select styles. Sign up for sale alerts!
- Take advantage of free shipping and returns when ordering online. No hidden costs.
- Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July to score brand-new arrivals on sale.
- Use rewards points from their loyalty program to get money off. Earn points with every purchase.
- Ask the sales associate about any discount events/promo codes happening in-store.
With the typical price range, you don’t have to wait for big sales to reap the benefits of Zella. But snagging a deal is still nice!
Wear Your Zella Sweats from Work to Weekend
Have somewhere in your social calendar beyond the gym? Not a problem when it comes to Zella!
The tailored silhouettes and casual prints make these sweats entirely appropriate for everyday wear too.
I love wearing my Zella joggers and cropped sweats out to brunch or the movies with a denim jacket and sneakers. The soft fabrics ensure I’m comfy for hours.
During cooler months, pairing a Zella sweatpant with booties, a chunky sweater, and leather crossbody bag creates such a cute weekend-ready look.
And the Cozy Light terry pairs perfectly with an oversized button-up for a cool office ensemble. Much better than rigid trousers for concentrating through a long workday.
Or keep things extra cozy by matching your Zella sweats with the coordinating Live In crewneck sweatshirt. An effortlessly stylish sweatsuit awaits!
Trying Them On Is Risk-Free
One of the best parts of shopping at Nordstrom is their famously generous return policy. It allows you to try Zella sweats in the comfort of your own home.
If the fit, feel, or style doesn’t delight upon trying them on, simply return to Nordstrom for a full refund. No time limits or return fees!
This risk-free approach makes it so much easier to find your perfect pair of Zella sweatpants. Don’t love the slim fit? Try the relaxed version. Or maybe go up a size if that works better for you.
Experiment until you discover the sweatpants that make you feel amazing from first wear. Nordstrom has your back!
Useful Details Like Pockets, Drawstrings, and Cuffed Hems
It’s all about the details when creating the perfect pair of sweatpants. Zella delivers useful features that add functionality.
Most Zella styles incorporate:
- Side pockets: Stash your phone, keys, or cash safely while on the move. Both zip and open top pockets are offered.
- Drawstrings: Adjust the fit and secure the waist whether you’re lounging or chasing kids around. So much better than digging waistbands!
- Cuffed hems: Keep the ankle length in check and show off your footwear by choosing a cuffed style. Or go uncuffed for bunching.
- Gusseted crotch: Allows maximum freedom of movement during workouts without riding up. An athletic necessity.
Details like these elevate Zella beyond basic sweats into practical everyday wear.
Flattering High-Waisted Styles Available
For bonus tummy control and smoothing through the hips, go for one of Zella’s high-waisted sweatpant styles.
The signature Zella Live In High Waist Crop is by far their bestselling high-rise design. Made from the beloved Live In sweat-wicking fabric, this style hits just above the ankle for a super flattering silhouette.
Other great high-rise options include:
- High Waist Jogger for an extra roomy fit
- High Waist 7/8 Sweatpant to show a little more leg
- Steal Her Style High Waist for the softest fleece interior
The amount of stretch coupled with the fit means these sweatpants will move with you while still hugging your curves in all the right places.
Plus-Size Styles Are Available Too!
Big news for curvy ladies—Zella makes their famous sweatpants in plus sizes too!
They realize women of all sizes deserve cute, comfy sweats that can handle an active lifestyle.
Several of the most flattering fits like the Live In joggers and Relaxed sweats come in inclusive plus sizing. The available size range is generally 1X to 3X.
If you don’t see the exact color or pattern that interests you in plus sizes, try using Nordstrom’s size guide tool online. It will suggest the best size equivalents across brands. A savvy way to extend your options.
Kudos to Zella for promoting body positivity and inclusivity!
Why I’m So Obsessed with My Zella Sweats
After testing countless pairs of athletic sweatpants over the years, I can pinpoint exactly why Zella remains my #1:
Soft, lightweight fabrics that feel gentle on skin without overheating
Smoothing fits that slim and enhance my shape rather than drowning it
Trendy patterns and prints that even look cute while errand running
Moisture-wicking technology that keeps sweat under control during demanding workouts
Pockets and cuffs make them endlessly useful day-to-day while adding stylish details
Affordable prices mean I can invest in multiple pairs for every occasion
When comfort and performance combine with polish and versatility at accessible prices, it’s tough to beat Zella. I’m hooked for life!
Start Your Zella Sweatpants Collection
Hopefully this in-depth buying guide gave you all the tools to select your ideal Zella sweatpants.
The flattering fits, soft fabrics, stay-dry technology and stylish details explain why Zella sweats are so coveted. And why I can’t recommend them highly enough.
So why not treat yourself to an everyday luxury that perfectly fuses coziness and cuteness? Live in Zella and unlock a new level of comfort you’ll never want to be without.
Head to Nordstrom and start building that extensive Zella sweatpant collection of your dreams. I promise you won’t regret it!