What the heck are "leisure pants"? (2024)

FIL's birthday is on the horizon and MIL says he need "leisure pants". I asked her to clarify and she said, "You know, LEISURE pants." I don't speak fluent MIL, even after all of these years! HELP!!

PS-FIL is wheelchair bound and I assume that she means something comfortable and easy to get on/off, but I am not sure.

Thanks, ya'll!

I classify lounge pants as knit pajama pants.

I asked DH, and he says that lounge pants are sweatpants or tracksuit pants.

However, I can’t call them lounge pants because I grew up in the 70’s and picture leisure suits. .

I also think of leisure pants as being more like what Ima posted

When I think of lounge pants, I think of what others are describing- loose-fitting soft pants like track pants or light sweatpants without the ankle cuff.

If you are comfortable, I'd be inclined to send MIL some pictures of possibilities and ask which type she thinks he might like to get a better idea of what she means. I also think something that's easy to get on and off would be great.

(This reminds me of the TV show Speechless and the two moms' creation of wheelchair clothing. I really miss that show!)

Peaches Pears to the rescue!

I speak fluent MIL (because I am one ).
Plus, sadly, I am well acquainted with Leisure Pants.
Leisure Pants are not to be confused with Leisure Suits from the 70's & 80's.

Leisure pants are made from a cotton knit/jersey type fabric. Some can also be made from a more durable waffle-weave cotton knit.
They are pull on/elastic waist.
Some have a drawstring, but it is more decorative than functional. It is really the elastic keeping these thin, lightweight pants up.
They usually have pockets in the side seams.
They do not have a zipper or button fly. Sometimes there is a false fly front (no fly opening) and sometimes there is a "fold-over" fly front opening.

I think of them as one step up from PJ bottoms, in that they are not flannel not printed or plaid.

They can be purchased at Walmart and the tag will say "Leisure pants". They may also be available on Amazon. Not sure.

Covid has resulted in a relaxed dress code at our house --- DH likes the comfort of his Leisure Pants and I have been known to wear my "day nightgown" from time to time.

leisure pants

I 'm thinking would she be referring to casual pants Dockers is one brand. Thinking fuller cut so more room for sitting and elastic waist that might not need a belt. Easy care fabric.

Yes, the first thing that came to my mind were Leisure Suits!!! Thanks for the photo flashback!

My brother had cancer and had difficulty with pants because of the swollen legs. I got him the track pants with the zippers on the ankles so he could slide them on easily. I had to look for them, as most did not have zippers. JC Penney's to the rescue.

Y’all are awesome!

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

I too was picturing leisure suits!!!

Realistically I thought they might be elastic waste pants that are easy on easy off.

I don't speak fluent MIL

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