Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on K-pop Twitter or scrolling through "boyfriend material" threads, you’ve seen them. The grey ones. The oversized black ones. The ones that look like they’ve been lived in for three days straight yet somehow look like high fashion. We are talking about the Eric The Boyz sweatpants phenomenon.
It’s weirdly specific, right? Why is a single member of an 11-man group so synonymous with a pair of cotton joggers?
Basically, Eric Sohn (Sohn Young-jae) has turned the "LA boy" aesthetic into a full-blown brand. While other idols are busy wearing stiff blazers or experimental techwear to the airport, Eric is usually found in a pair of sweats that probably cost more than my rent. But here is the thing: it isn’t just about the clothes. It’s about how he wears them.
The Eric Sohn Aesthetic: More Than Just Comfort
K-pop styling is usually about being "on" all the time. Perfection. Glitz. Not Eric. He’s the king of the "I just woke up and looked this good" vibe. Most fans hunting for the Eric The Boyz sweatpants look are actually looking for a specific brand: Eric Emanuel.
Yeah, the names matching up is a lucky coincidence, but Eric Sohn is a massive fan of the New York-based designer. If you see him in those mesh shorts or the thick, heavy fleece sweatpants with the "EE" logo, that’s the one. He’s been spotted in them during dance practices, at the airport, and even in casual vlogs.
But it’s not just Eric Emanuel.
He’s also a huge proponent of Fear of God Essentials. You know the ones. The muted earth tones, the long drawstrings, and that signature rubberized logo on the crotch or thigh. It fits his Californian roots perfectly. It’s relaxed, it’s expensive, and it’s unapologetically baggy.
Why Everyone is Obsessed With the Grey Pair
There is a running joke in the fandom—and honestly across K-pop in general—about the "power" of grey sweatpants. For Eric, it’s become a bit of a signature.
One of the most famous instances was during a "THRILL RIDE" era dance practice. He was wearing these light grey, oversized joggers that moved perfectly with the choreography. Fans went feral. Why? Because it’s the ultimate "boyfriend" look. It’s approachable.
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Kinda.
I say "kinda" because while they look like something you’d grab at a local department store, the fit is usually meticulously chosen. Eric tends to favor a "stacked" look at the ankle. This means the pants are intentionally too long so they bunch up over his sneakers—usually a pair of Jordans or Dunks. It creates a silhouette that makes him look taller and more athletic.
Where to Actually Get the Look
If you are trying to track down the exact Eric The Boyz sweatpants he wears, you’ve got a few hurdles.
- Eric Emanuel: These drop in limited quantities. If you aren't on the site the second they go live, you’re looking at resale prices on StockX or GOAT. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300 for a pair of sweats.
- Essentials by Fear of God: These are a bit easier to find at retailers like PacSun or SSENSE, but the specific "Eric" colors (like Oatmeal or Harvest) sell out fast.
- The Boyz Official Merch: Occasionally, IST Entertainment releases "Artist Made" collections. While they haven't done an official "Eric Sohn Signature Sweatpant" yet, their tour merch often includes heavy-weight joggers that the members help design.
A lot of people think he’s just wearing random gym clothes. He isn't. Even his "messy" looks are usually curated. He’s been seen in Chrome Hearts leggings under shorts and Arc'teryx gear when he’s feeling more "gorpcore."
The Cultural Impact of the "Lazy" Idol Look
There’s a shift happening in K-pop fashion. We are moving away from the era where idols had to be in suits 24/7. Eric is at the forefront of this. By leaning into the Eric The Boyz sweatpants style, he’s telling fans that it’s okay to prioritize comfort.
It also makes him more relatable to the international audience. Eric grew up in Los Angeles. His style reflects that "SoCal skater meets high-end streetwear" vibe. It’s why he stands out so much in a group like The Boyz, where members like Chanhee (New) go for more avant-garde, gender-fluid fashion.
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How to Style Your Sweats Like Eric
If you want to pull this off without looking like you’ve actually just given up on life, follow the Eric Sohn blueprint.
First, proportion is everything. If your sweatpants are baggy, your top should either be a matching oversized hoodie or a very crisp, slightly fitted tee. Eric often tucks his shirts slightly or wears a cropped jacket to make sure his legs don't look short.
Second, the shoes matter. You cannot wear these with beat-up old running shoes. The Eric The Boyz sweatpants look requires "heat" on your feet. Think Jordan 1 Highs, Yeezy slides (for the airport), or the occasional luxury loafer if he's feeling spicy.
Third, accessorize. Eric never just wears the pants. He’s got the rings, the Chrome Hearts necklaces, or a high-end watch. The contrast between "homeless-chic" bottoms and "luxury-flex" jewelry is what makes the outfit work.
The Misconception About "Low Effort"
The biggest mistake people make is thinking Eric doesn't care about his clothes.
"He’s just wearing pajamas," people say.
Actually, he is incredibly deliberate. In various V-Lives and interviews, he’s mentioned how much he loves fashion. He follows trends closely. He knows which silhouettes are "in." When he chooses a specific pair of sweatpants, he’s choosing a brand, a cut, and a fabric weight that says something about his personality.
He’s the "energetic younger brother" of the group. The sweatpants allow him to be mobile, to dance, to jump around, and to be the "Maknae" everyone loves.
To recreate the Eric The Boyz sweatpants vibe, stop looking for "skinny" joggers. The trend has moved toward wide-leg, heavyweight cotton, and "puddle" hems that cover the shoe. Look for brands like Los Angeles Apparel for a more affordable version of the heavy fleece he loves. If you’re committed to the bit, start scouring Grailed for vintage Eric Emanuel drops. Just remember: the goal isn't just to wear the pants; it's to wear them like you own the room, even if you’re just headed to the grocery store.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Fabric: Look for "400GSM" or higher when buying sweats to get that structured, Eric-style drape.
- Size Up: Buy one size larger than your usual and use the drawstring to cinch the waist; this creates the "stacked" look at the ankles.
- Contrast Your Colors: If you go with the classic Eric grey, pair it with a dark navy or black vintage-wash t-shirt to keep the look "street" rather than "sleepwear."