# Sweatpants Dating Theory: Comfort Over Confidence

> Wearing sweatpants might attract better partners by signaling authenticity, experts say.
- Title: Sweatpants Dating Theory: Comfort Over Confidence · VICE
- Summary: Wearing sweatpants might attract better partners by signaling authenticity, experts say. Sweatpants dating theory suggests casual clothing increases appeal…
- Keywords: sweatpants, dating, comfort, authenticity, tiktok, relationship, coaching, news, culture, Theory, Confidence, VICE
- Source: VICE — https://vice.com/en/article/the-internet-thinks-wearing-sweatpants-could-help-you-find-a-better-boyfriend-are-they-right
- Author: Sammi Caramela
- Published: 2026-10-19T14:55:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sweatpants, dating, comfort, authenticity, tiktok, relationship, coaching, news, culture
## Women's First Date Dilemma
Women spend hours preparing for first dates, balancing looks and confidence without seeming too casual or overly dressed.
## Sweatpants Dating Theory Emerges
A TikTok trend encourages women to wear sweatpants for first dates, claiming it attracts higher-quality partners through confidence and low-maintenance appeal.
## Dating Coach's View
Julie Nguyen, a certified dating coach at Hily Dating App, says sweatpants signal confidence, genuineness, and low-maintenance, making women more approachable.
## Expert Disagreement
Dr. Dakari Quimby, PhD, MA, Clinical Advisor of Marietta Springs, says sweatpants don’t reliably attract better partners but may reduce social anxiety for both parties.
## Therapists' Mixed Opinions
Some therapists agree sweatpants boost comfort and authenticity, while others stress that clothing alone doesn’t determine dating success.
## What the Theory Reveals
Modern dating seeks comfort and authenticity over performative appearances, but clothing alone isn’t a reliable test of compatibility.
## Key takeaway

Sweatpants dating theory suggests casual clothing increases appeal through comfort and authenticity, but experts disagree on its effectiveness.