Tested: The Best Men’s Sweatpants To Wear Everywhere

Buying sweatpants nowadays is much harder than it needs to be, especially when buying a pair online. Primarily, this is because the difference between standard options and joggers is more significant than brands make it out to be, which tends to disrupt the ideal fit people chase in a set of sweats. While many still prefer the free-flowing, open-hemmed look, some believe it can get irritating in case they’re too long or too baggy. Regardless, there are plenty of elements to consider here, but sweatpants are still sweatpants, and personal comfortability remains the most important thing to look for in a pair. Luckily, we got hands-on with an array of the best men’s sweatpants ready to keep anyone cozy.

How We Tested

As we do with every tested guide, the first order of business is meticulous research, both on and offline, narrowing down the best labels that we can trust and verify with word of mouth and online support. After that, we get to work sourcing and testing each pair, and giving our unbiased thoughts on the look, fit, and overall build quality. Considering that it’s winter, now was also a great time to really put the warmth of each pick to the test.

Testing begins with paying close attention to the waistband’s elasticity, the softness of the material against the skin, and the freedom of movement provided by the design/cut. We also tested each pick’s durability by stretching the fabric and inspecting the seams for any signs of weakness. To gauge their performance during everyday activities, we did some lounging, walking, and light exercises to make sure they provided comfort and flexibility without compromising style.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants – when it comes to sweatpants, sizing can be a bit weird for me as a lot of the XL sizes have legs that are too long, and some of the L sizes will have legs that are the right size but a waist that’s a bit too small. I’ll make sure to point this out in my reviews when I’m talking about fit.

What to Look For

Material: Ideally, people want sweatpants to be soft, comfortable, and out of the way. This means that they’re generally made from a majority cotton blend, with fleece and wool sometimes appearing in warmer pants. Additionally, the inside may be brushed and/or insulated to improve comfort. If you’re looking for something with a more athleisure slant, synthetic material is also available, but that’s getting into jogger territory (more on that later). Make sure you know what utility (if any) you’re expecting out of your sweats, and pay attention to what the brand’s material breakdown says to make an informed decision.

Fit and Style: While sweats are generally designed for comfort over style, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t options. Ankles can be tapered or straight cut, waists can vary in size, and you may even be able to pull off the stealth sweats if the pants allow for it. Even a shlubby pair of sweats can be elevated with the right accessories (like a close-fitting shirt, etc.). Understand your style and size to make choosing the right sweats easier.

Weight: Weight will vary depending on the materials used, but generally speaking, lightweight sweats will weigh around 8-12 ounces, and heavier picks will often get past 16 ounces. For warmth, you’ll want to go with a heavier pick and save the lightweight sweats for getting active (or layering).

Style: We’ll get into the difference between joggers and sweats below, but considering how blurred the lines can get, you need to make sure you know what kind of style you want. More classic baggier sweatpants are great for an old-school look, while the thinner, athleisure-oriented picks offer something a bit more covert.

Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Pants

Best Starter Sweatpants: If you’re searching for staple simplicity from one of the world’s biggest athleisure brands, look no further than the Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Pants. These timeless sweats provide a slim-fit look that deviates from the cumbersome nature of the genre’s vintage variants, providing wearers with an elevated style piece that can be utilized for a night on the town, an evening at the gym, or a morning at home.

These sweats here are the perfect example of Nike’s signature blend of style and comfort, boasting an 80/20 cotton and polyester blend resulting in an incredibly soft brushed-back fleece fabric. Fleece is such a great material to use for sweats, as you get the soft feeling of the material (especially here with the brushed interior, which feels super soft on the skin) along with the insulation. Speaking of, the warmth here was very impressive, especially considering that these aren’t particularly thick or heavy (I’d describe them as midweight for sure), and it kept me insulated in around 50°F weather here in Los Angeles. The drawstring closure here is on the inside of the elastic waistband (which didn’t feel constricting at all), which is nice if you don’t like having strings jostling around. Fit-wise, these fall just past the ankle with an open hem, resting just on top of my shoes. For storage, you get two (very generous) hand pockets, and I was pleasantly surprised by the snap closure on the back pocket (rather than velcro, which I’m personally not the biggest fan of), and it’s finished with that classic Nike logo embroidered on the left leg.

These are definitely on the tighter/skinnier side compared to the rest of the guide, and some prefer their sweatpants to baggier, which I totally get. They also ran just a bit short on me, but I’m on the taller side, so this shouldn’t be a problem for everyone. The open hem in the legs may not be for everyone, either, but I really like how they hit just below the shoes. 

Verdict: For the price here, these are some of the best everyday sweats you can get, and they have a modern look that goes with pretty much everything. They’re also not a bad choice for workout pants, either, making them quite a versatile pick as well.

Los Angeles Apparel 14oz Heavy Fleece Pants

Best Heavy Sweatpants: Los Angeles Apparel is an offshoot of the once-dominant American Apparel, and the label takes great care to make, design, and produce everything in-house, right here in the States. The label places great importance on transparency regarding production practices, in-factory conditions, living wages for every employee, and a commitment to creative design, without the exorbitant price tag. These sweats here blend modern looks with classic design and build quality, using a heavyweight blend of US-grown cotton.

We’re big fans of Los Angeles Apparel’s modern selection, and these fleece sweats are absolutely perfect for winter. You’re getting a 14oz blend of US-grown cotton with just a touch of spandex for stretch, with a brushed fleece interior that’s guaranteed to keep you warm in temperatures down to 50°F (which I can confirm). These are definitely a heavyweight pick, and the fit is on the relaxed side, giving you that baggy sweatpants look and feel, but the cinched ankles keep them from bunching up around your shoes or dragging. There’s an internal drawstring closure around the elastic waistband, and you’re getting two hand pockets with plenty of room for storage, along with a back pocket on the right leg. These are the definition of minimal, sporting a clean look without any branding, and the baggier look around the calves gives you a bit of that streetwear vibe.

The only downside is the lack of a closure on the back pocket, but this is ultimately a personal preference and a pretty minor gripe. These are also very heavyweight, which is great for winter, but I could see this getting a little warm in the shoulder months (or inside with the heat cranking). 

Verdict: As a personal favorite in the guide, these heavyweight sweats blend classic design with a modern look, and boast a warm fleece construction that’s perfect for winter.

Outdoor Voices CloudKnit Sweatpant

Best Lightweight Sweatpants: Outdoor Voices touts these CloudKnit sweatpants as the softest examples you’ll ever wear, and that’s a large order when compared to some of the other offerings on this list. If you’re willing to take their word for it, you’ll be treated to the company’s supple polyester and spandex blend, a slim-fitting, tapered style, and innovative, Bluesign-approved, CloudKnit fabric construction, which promotes lightweight wear alongside a variety of your favorite indoor/outdoor activities.

Take your preconceived notions about sweatpants (heavy/mid-weight, baggy, etc.) and throw them out the door, because Outdoor Voices is coming through with an impressively lightweight and soft pair of sweatpants that live up to their name. The CloudKnit Sweatpant opts for a lightweight material blend of mostly polyester with a bit of spandex, culminating in their proprietary CloudKnit fabric. I have to say that even though this is mostly made with polyester, it still feels very soft against the skin (which I was initially worried about because polyester can be itchy sometimes). These aren’t quite as warm as other picks in the guide because of the thin material construction, but even at around 50°F, I honestly didn’t feel cold. Also, a neat little feature is the UPF 50+ protection, which is nice if you plan on wearing these out and about when the sun is shining (which isn’t completely out of the question considering the lightweight construction here).

I was actually pleasantly surprised by the look of these sweatpants, but I will say that Outdoor Voices put it best with their recommendation to use these for travel and leisure because I don’t really see myself wearing these out on the town unless it’s for quick trips (unlike picks similar to Los Angeles Apparel’s which have a more stylish slant).

Verdict: If you love the feeling of lightweight clothing (and plan on making any trips soon), I highly recommend this pick from Outdoor Voices. They’re perfect for lounging and travel, and surprisingly warm.

American Giant Classic Sweatpant

Best USA-Made Sweatpants: American Giant’s Classic sweatpants have served as a great foundation for the company’s athleisure line since its conception, but that doesn’t mean that it couldn’t use a rework. Luckily, the brand’s latest model has been outfitted with an all-new cotton fleece fabric, a channeled waistband, and double-needle straddle-stitching for additional reinforcement throughout its key areas. It also features two distinct side pockets, as well as a back pocket area that can carry larger smart devices or accessories. Of course, all of this would mean nothing without the sweatpant’s timeless design to back it up.

There’s a reason these are called the Classic Sweatpants – when I think of a classic, tried and true pair of sweatpants, this pick from American Giant hits all of those criteria. It’s made with a soft fleece comprised of mostly cotton, with a little polyester for some moisture-wicking capabilities. A channeled waistband without sinches gives a more streamlined look. The fleece on the inside feels very soft and warm, and you’re getting two medium-sized hand pockets and an open back pocket. There’s a nice thick drawcord on the outside of the waistband, and the fit here strikes a nice balance between true to size and that classic baggy sweatpant fit (with cinched ankles to keep them from moving around too much).

The drawstring is a little large, but this really isn’t a big deal, as you can just hide it/tuck it into the waistband. Other than that, these are such a classic pair of sweats, with that iconic look and feel you expect.

Verdict: American Giant’s apparel is some of the best US-made gear you can get, and they’ve knocked it out of the park yet again with these classic sweats. The clean look also makes these super versatile as far as styling is concerned, too.

Standard Issue Standard Sweatpants

Best Vintage-Inspired Sweatpants: Sometimes simple is better; that’s why Standard Issue’s Standard Sweatpants are a no-frills pair of sweats with quality design and material. They’ve been pre-shrunk to avoid any size surprises after a wash, and are made with care in California. The label prides itself on vertical manufacturing and minimal branding, upholding the integrity they’ve become known for.

As the heaviest sweats in the guide, this pick from Standard Issue takes plenty of design cues from the classic sweatpants design, using 24oz of cotton. Feel-wise, this pick feels a lot like a sweatshirt, with a looped interior that almost feels like French terry. They’re also garment-dyed and pre-shrunk, resulting in a lived-in look and feel right out of the box (bolstering the vintage angle they’re going for here). For storage, you’re getting two very deep pockets (probably the deepest in the guide), but there’s no back pocket. Much like American Giant’s sweats, you’re getting a classic baggy fit with cinched ankles to keep it from dragging. Around the waist, there’s a channeled waistband with an internal drawstring, and it has a brand-free look that complements the vintage style very nicely. Build quality is also incredibly impressive, especially when stacked up against more luxury brands. 

If I had to pick a downside for this pair, I’d say the lack of a back pocket may not be for everyone. But this is definitely a personal preference and not a deal-breaker by any means. Also, the heavyweight construction here might not be for everyone, especially if you live in a warmer climate, as they can definitely get hot. 

Verdict: I never knew I needed (and preferred) sweatpants this heavy until I tried this pick from Standard Issue – they’re incredibly luxurious and warm, and have that vintage style you love to see in a pair of sweats.

lululemon Lunar New Year Steady State Pant

Best Athleisure Sweatpants: Lululemon and athleisure go together like ice cream and apple pie, and thanks to the brand’s Steady State Pant, it’s easy to see why they’ve become a household name for wearers looking to straddle the line between great-looking-style and functional use. Whether you’re headed to the studio or a yoga session or catching up on some of your favorite films, the City Sweat features a comfortable, relaxed fit, breathable cotton fabric, and a bit of elastane for additional stretch and form retention over long periods of use. They’re even a little roomier in the legs, allowing you to move and adapt based on your application, without having to worry about the constraints of tapered models.

This wouldn’t be a comprehensive sweatpants guide without lululemon, and we went with a special edition pick that’s celebrating Lunar New Year. It’s made with a 70/30 blend of cotton and polyester that’s brushed on the inside for a soft skin feel and extra insulation. While these are certainly leaning towards lightweight, they have a similar feel to Nike’s sweats (and the same open hem around the legs openings that fall just past the top of your shoes). For storage, you’re getting two zippered hand pockets and a zippered back pocket, which is super convenient for sweats, as I find that anything more than a brisk walk puts your valuables at risk of falling out. It’s finished with a ribbed elastic waistband sporting a drawstring closure on the outside. It’s finished with a small gold lululemon stamp on the back left leg to match the seasonal colorway (Happy Lunar New Year!).

One negative here is that the pair we chose to review is a limited edition drop, as most of the other sweats/jogger choices were sold out. Also, these are a bit on the thinner side compared to other picks in the guide, so you may want to consider something thicker if you live in a particularly cold climate. 

Verdict: Not only do these have the comfort of casual sweatpants with a more athleisure look, you’re also getting zippered hand pockets (and a back pocket) which is super convenient if you’re on the move.

Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Relaxed Sweatpant

Best French Terry Sweatpants: If you’re an avid gymgoer who’s looking to take his workout clothing in a more relaxed direction, Reigning Champ has introduced the Men’s Mid Weight Terry sweatpants. This simplistic variant is as classic as they come, offering wearers a modern-day rendition of iconic, relaxed examples that have laid the groundwork for today’s purpose-built leisurewear. As such, they maintain a more relaxed fit than most, boast a roomier feel, and include a luxurious French Terry fabric that’s comfortable, capable, and tested for use in a variety of different environments.

I may be a little biased, but there’s really nothing like the feeling of French terry when it comes to casual apparel. It gives you warmth and that lived-in feel that’s just perfect, and this time around, Reigning Champ is using a 100% cotton construction for these medium-weight pants. It’s handmade in Canada, and you can tell a lot of care went into crafting these, as the build quality is incredibly impressive, with beautiful flatlock seams and an elastic waistband with a woven drawcord on the outside. As for warmth, these had no trouble keeping my legs warm at around 50°F, and have a medium thickness similar to Nike’s sweats. For storage, you’re getting the usual two hand pockets and a single back pocket (no closure), and they’re finished with a Reigning Champ logo on the left hand pocket.

These definitely ran way too long on me (even hiked up past my waist), and I’m pretty tall at 6’2”, so I definitely recommend sizing down. But this is designed to have a generous fit, which is something to keep in mind before pulling the trigger.

Verdict: While these were definitely on the baggier side, I appreciate the streetwear-friendly look, and the French terry just feels great against the skin. Warmth here is also incredible, and make for a great pair of winter sweats.

Buck Mason Loopback Wool Lounge Pant

Best Wool Sweatpants: Buck Mason’s top-shelf sweats are the epitome of soft. As their name insists, the traditionally-fitting lounge pants are composed of plush nine-gauge wool, cashmere, and cotton jersey, coming together for a luxurious option finished with hand-linked seams for optimized longevity. They are available in a sole shade of heather charcoal that keeps things subtle, classy, and versatile.

Wool may not be the most common material used in sweatpants, but you’d be surprised at how comfortable it actually is, especially when a label like Buck Mason is making it. Using a nine-gauge plaited jersey knit with a wool/cashmere face and looped slub cotton back, you’re getting the warmth of wool with a skin feel that’s similar to terry cotton on the inside. Regarding warmth, even though these are somewhat on the thinner side, the wool-based material blend is incredibly warm, keeping my legs insulated at around 52°F. The classic two hand pockets and a single back pocket are here (with more than enough space in the hand pockets), and you’re getting a ribbed elastic waistband with a drawstring on the outside, along with ribbed leg cuffs. It also has a clean, brand-free look that’s perfect if you’re looking for a minimalist pair of sweats.

This isn’t necessarily a downside, but it’s clear that these were designed for indoor lounging, given the weight and style. I’d say these lean more toward pajama pants, which is great if that’s what you’re looking for, but it may be hard to style these with other apparel if you plan on rocking them outside. 

Verdict: As one of the comfiest picks in the guide, these may be best worn indoors, but make for an incredibly luxurious pair of lounge pants. Although they’re a bit on the thinner side, the wool construction makes these a great winter pick as well.

Sweatpants Comparison Chart

JOGGERS OR SWEATS?

Simply put, the difference between these two comes down to the materials used and, usually, the fit and style. Sweats should be thick and mostly comprised of (ideally quality) cotton, while joggers will normally be thinner and include some sort of synthetic material for active endeavors. That’s not to say some sweats can’t be worn in an athletic capacity, but generally speaking, they’re not the first choice. Sometimes, the line can be blurred, so ultimately, the final say is up to you.

Why are They Called Sweatpants?

The first pair of sweatpants can be traced back to the 1920s when the owner (Émile Camuset) of the French sports label Le Coq Sportif designed a pair of jersey knit pants meant for easy running. The same company also invented the first tracksuit (a combo of sweatpants and a matching top) in the late ’30s, and by the 1970s, sweatpants had become a staple among athletes, college students, and youth culture at large. So why are they called “sweatpants”? – simply put, the pants were designed to absorb sweat and keep you cool while on the move, and they’re often made from the same material as sweatshirts.

Honorable Mentions

Alo Yoga has had a big 2023 as the cool kid on the block in athleisure, and the label’s Co-Op Pant has everything that makes the label one to watch. It’s made with a DWR recycled plain weave and has a minimalist look that’s perfect for the city.

If the weight of Los Angeles Apparel’s pick interests you, then check out J.Crew’s Heritage 14oz. Fleece Sweatpant. You’re getting 14 oz. of heavyweight fleece with a brushed interior for a super soft skin feel.

RicherPoorer’s Recycled Fleece Tapered Sweatpant are made from a blend of cotton and recycled polyester, which saves around 40 plastic bottles from landfills. They have that classic sweatpants look and feel as well, finished with a rib waistband and cuffs.

Teaming up with an absolute legend in the sportswear space, the Urban Outfitters Champion Reverse Weave Sweatpant is a collab piece made with 100% cotton, so they’ll be soft, warm, and breathable. If you’re in the market for a textbook pair of sweats that won’t break the bank (and a co-sign from a classic brand), then these are a great pick.

Tested: The Best White Tees for Any Outfit

No pair of sweats is complete without an equally comfy shirt. So take a look at our best white T-shirts guide to take care of that.