These tapered cotton-jersey sweatpants bear all the hallmarks of Brunello Cucinelli. Not only do they ooze the sophisticated-yet-laid-back Italian ease that the brand does so well, the flattering silhouette, plush fabric and thoughtful finishes all add to the comfort it provides. For maximum impact, dress it up with a cashmere overcoat and textured trousers in neutral tones.

If you’re a diehard Stone Island devotee (a Stoner, if you will), you’re likely already up on the style merits of sweats and there’s no further need for us to sing their praises. Still, if you’re keen to silence any non-believers, then this cotton-jersey sweatshirt paired with a military-inspired jacket, with a glint of silver jewellery, should do the job nicely.

Raucous house parties, weekday lie-ins, a functioning metabolism – who among us doesn’t harbour a spot of nostalgia for our student days (and conveniently gloss over the exams, deadlines and anxiety-ridden all-nighters)? Fortunately, SAINT LAURENT’s varsity-inspired sweatshirt is as good as a sartorial time machine, taking you back to headier times in a cosy and non-cringe-inducing way. Team it with a bomber jacket and tapered jeans for full marks.

Soft and understated, yet a marked step up from the usual grey or beige – is it possible we’ve all been sleeping on sage green’s appeal as a neutral? By “we”, of course, we don’t include Mr Tom Ford, whose tapered cotton sweatpants in said hue simply prove he’s always several steps ahead. A cashmere and silk-blend polo and gold beaded jewellery elevate the look.

Let’s not beat around the bush here. The big draw with sweatpants – other than, yes, the drawstring – is how comfortable they are. Through those tough times, they’ve been our rock, only considerably softer. This pleasing pair by LA manufacturer Les Tien comes across like an item that you’ve owned for ever. And pretty soon, you’ll forget there was a time before you owned them.

A keen student of popular culture, Mr Raf Simons would no doubt be familiar with the numerous appropriations and subversions the iconic Smiley badge has seen over the past half century (see our recent retelling here). But here the designer goes to the source and gets official endorsement from Smiley, resulting in this instantly recognisable beaming visage. Bolster its street appeal with chunky sneakers and jewellery.

Givenchy’s creative director Mr Matthew Williams’ relationship with street art is more than a dalliance – even before street culture took notice of his work, he took notice of it. This hoodie comes adorned with artwork by New York-based artist Chito, who is a regular collaborator of Williams. Worn with slim-fit trousers to balance it out, this piece ensures a day off is never an off day.

When setting up his label, Mr Mike Amiri’s mood boards came plastered with imagery of rock stars such as Messrs Keith Richards, Steven Tyler and Axl Rose, who informed his aesthetic. Rose in particular comes to mind with these jacquard cashmere-blend sweatpants, the print deployed here inspired by the musician’s trademark bandanas. For those with an appetite for destruction, pair it with a hoodie displaying AMIRI’s artfully distressed logo.