I disagree. It may be true but only for a certain kind of people. Students for example can get away with it very well.
I don't have any. But I should. They are very comfy, affordable and practical. They're pretty common around here too, also among the ladies. I like it. It's true that there are also people who wear them with kind of an aura of defeat but it really seems to be not only the pants that does that. But sweatpants certainly doesn't help then either It may be those people are generally the same kind that can't pull off leggings.
Wait, wait, wait.... If you't have any, then what do you work out in? Also, ladies, leggings are NOT pants