New Balance Pants Fit, Fade & Waistband Issues Review

Data basis: This report used dozens of written product reviews and several Q&A entries, collected between Jan 2023 and Jan 2026. Most feedback came from written reviews, supported by a smaller set of video demonstrations and buyer comments. The qualitative mix shows dominant written reports with recurring themes.

Fit surprises? Why the pants may not match the size on the tag

Regret moment: Buyers report that one pair from a pack can feel smaller or longer than the other, making matching outfits unreliable. This is among the most common complaints and is often noticed at first try-on.

Usage anchor: The problem appears on first wear or right after the first wash and gets worse if you swap sizes often. This is more disruptive than expected because clothing in this price range normally fits predictably.

Fabric frays or pills? How the fleece wears under regular play

• Early sign: Small pilling shows after a few machine cycles.
• Frequency tier: This is a primary issue seen repeatedly in written feedback.
• Probable cause: Fabric surface breakdown during normal tumble drying.
• Visible impact: Pants look worn and rough, which is worse than expected for mid-range kids pants.
• Fix attempts: Some buyers report temporary improvement using gentle wash cycles, but the effect is limited.

Waistband loosens? Elastic problems that make pants fall

• Pattern: Elastic loosening is a persistent complaint across multiple buyers.
• When it shows: Issues appear after repeated washing or weeks of regular use.
• Why it matters: Mid-range alternatives usually keep elastic longer, so this is a higher-than-normal risk.
• Early signs: Waistband feels stretched and needs constant tugging.
• Impact: Pants slip down during play and require belts or layering.
• Repair attempts: Buyers report sewing a new elastic or returning the item, making maintenance more time-consuming.
• Fixability: Replacement helps but adds extra steps and cost.

Colors fade or bleed? Laundry surprises, hidden care steps, and shrinkage

Regret moment: Colors can fade unevenly or bleed onto lighter garments after routine washing. This is commonly reported and becomes apparent after the first few washes.

Hidden requirement: To avoid the issue you often need cold washes and air dry, which is a care step buyers did not expect.

• Early sign: Slight fading after one or two laundry cycles.
• Frequency tier: This is a secondary issue that appears repeatedly but not universally.
• Cause: Dyes appear to be less colorfast under regular hot washing.
• Impact: Mixed loads can pick up staining from these pants.
• Attempts: Buyers try cold water and color-catcher sheets with mixed success.
• Worsens when: You use warm dryer cycles or mix with light clothes.
• Why worse than normal: Typical kids pants tolerate standard washing better, so this adds extra laundry care.

Illustrative excerpts

Illustrative: "One pant in the pack was much tighter than the other, odd sizing." — primary

Illustrative: "Elastic stretched after a few washes, now they slip down during play." — primary

Illustrative: "Color faded and bled onto socks after a normal wash." — secondary

Illustrative: "Pilling appeared near the knees within weeks." — secondary

Who should avoid this

• Parents needing consistent sizing: Avoid if matching outfits or hand-me-downs must fit reliably.
• Buyers wanting low-maintenance wash: Avoid if you expect regular machine washing and drying without special care.
• Active kids relying on secure waistbands: Avoid if a loose elastic waistband would cause frequent readjusting.

Who this is actually good for

• Budget-minded buyers: Good if you accept occasional early wear and plan seasonal replacement.
• Casual home use: Works if pants are for short-term indoor play where appearance and wash care matter less.
• Buyers tolerant of laundry care: Works if you will always use cold wash and air dry to reduce fading and elastic stress.

Expectation vs reality

Expectation (reasonable): Kids sweatpants in this price range should have predictable sizing and survive regular washing.

Reality: Buyers report inconsistent fit, faster elastic wear, and dye issues that require extra care.

Safer alternatives

• Choose brands with consistent sizing: Look for sellers with clear fit charts and single-pair reviews to reduce mismatch risk.
• Prefer reinforced waistbands: Pick pants that advertise double-stitched elastic to avoid early loosening.
• Check colorfastness signals: Favor items labeled colorfast or with independent wash-test feedback.
• Buy single pairs first: Order one pair to test fit and wash performance before buying multipacks.
• Wash care strategy: If you keep these, commit to cold wash and air dry to reduce fading and elastic stress.

The bottom line

Main regret: The pack risks inconsistent fit and faster-than-normal waistband wear, prompting returns or repairs.

Why it matters: These issues exceed typical mid-range risks because they appear quickly and affect usability. Verdict: avoid if you need predictable sizing and low-maintenance laundering.