Tested: The Best Men’s Joggers for Comfortable Movement

There are few pieces of clothing that embody the spirit of athleisure as well as joggers. Although they were once little more than a slimmed-down version of sweats, they’ve since become a style of pants unto their own. Because let’s face it – these days, the market is rife with offerings consisting of technically proficient materials, motion-maximizing constructions, and innovative storage solutions, all the while claiming to be stylish enough for everyday wear. When left to your own devices, it’d prove quite the tall order to pick the right pair for your needs. But thanks to our hands-on guide, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best men’s joggers.

How We Tested

For our best joggers guide, we didn’t just slap any old pair of pants onto our recommendations list; it’s a thorough process that involves a blend of online research, diving into reviews, and tapping into our own experiences here at HICONSUMPTION.

Next comes the fun part: field testing. This starts with putting the joggers through their paces; from brisk jogs to lounging around, we evaluate every aspect of the joggers’ performance. Comfort, durability, moisture-wicking capabilities, breathability, and flexibility are some of the criteria we take a closer look at during this part. After testing, we gather the experience with each pick and stack them up against each other, taking note of the strengths (and weaknesses) of each pair. Style is another important aspect when testing a new pair of joggers, and you’ll see each pick paired with (my personal) pair of Air Max 97s, and a white tee from our pals over at Buck Mason to keep everything on an even playing field.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants. When it comes to joggers, I usually go for a large instead of an extra large, as the silhouette is designed to be more form-fitting (each pick below is a large).

What to Look For

Material: Much like their sweatpant counterparts, joggers are usually made with a majority cotton blend or a cotton/synthetic blend. But since joggers lean more into athleisure territory compared to sweats, the materials used will be lighter and more breathable.

Design: Atheltic joggers, cargo joggers, and sweatpant/jogger hybrids are some of the main variations you’ll come across. Make sure you’re sure what you’d like out of your joggers (activity, storage, or comfort, for example) so you can choose accordingly. But usually, most pants labeled as joggers will have the main features of the pants (more on that below).

Fit: Naturally, joggers should be a bit tighter than sweatpants, especially as they taper towards the ankles. But that doesn’t mean they have to be constructing, and there are plenty of options that aren’t quite as tight as more athletic-oriented picks.

Waistband/Closure: A comfortable waistband that stays in place is essential to a pair of good joggers. Most picks will come with elastic waistbands that have drawstrings for easy adjustments, and the biggest difference between these will be external drawstrings vs. internal ones.

Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Joggers

Best Starter Joggers: Hailing from an absolute legend in the space, Nike’s Club Fleece Joggers are simple yet refined, boasting a soft blend of cotton and fleece that feels like that classic sportswear we all know and love. And if you’re a fan of the label’s sweats (which we had a chance to get hands-on with in our best sweatpants guide), then you’ll absolutely love the jogger variant.

It starts with the same 80/20 blend of cotton and fleece (giving you some extra stretch and breathability, which is always appreciated) and boasts a brushed fleece interior that just feels incredible on the skin (and leans more towards a sweatpant feel). You’re getting an elastic waistband with an internal drawcord, two hand pockets, a back pocket (with a YKK snap), and it’s finished with ribbed cuffs that (thankfully) aren’t too tight, which makes it easy to slip on and off. The warmth here was also very impressive, thanks to the fleece interior and thicker material construction. Branding is minimalist yet iconic, with a woven Nike logo on the left thigh, adding to the look of these absolutely classic joggers. 

As for criticisms, nothing really jumped out at me, but I will say that these definitely have a more sweatpant look and feel compared to the rest of the joggers in the guide. Between the fleece interior and the looser ribbed cuffs around the ankles, I loved the sort of relaxed comfort here, but I’d say these are more of a jogger/sweatpant hybrid, in my opinion (especially since the fit here is on the looser side with more room in the thighs).

Verdict: Nike’s casual gear is about as timeless as you can get, and these joggers capture that Swoosh style with a simple, comfortable, and reliable design. You’re getting that classic sweatpant hand feel, with ribbed ankle cuffs to give you that jogger look.

Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpant

Best Laid-Back Joggers: Those ratty old sweats you picked up back in college may remind you of the glory days, but let’s be honest here — they’re doing nothing for your sense of style. Instead, give yourself a much-needed upgrade with the Ace Sweatpant. First of all, Mack Weldon micro-sanded the French Terry cloth fabric in this pair of joggers to make it even softer. And since they’re cut with a slightly tapered fit, you better believe that they look as good as they feel on your legs.

Mack Weldon has perfected reliable basics, and if you’ve been surveying the landscape in search of some joggers, you’ve more than likely come across the Ace Sweatpants. Using the label’s proprietary ACE fabric (a micro-brushed French terry with some added stretch), these joggers have that quintessential jogger fit and feel, with a relaxed fit up top and tapered legs that connect to back-ribbed ankle cuffs. The ACE material here has a hand-feel that’s very similar to Nike’s material blend, but it’s a lot thinner (similar to Vuori’s, which we’ll get into below), which gave me more breathability and range of motion. I was also pleasantly surprised by how warm these were considering the thinner build, keeping my legs warm at around 60°F. You’re getting an elastic waistband with an exterior drawcord, two hand pockets lined with what feels like a synthetic material, a zippered back pocket, and a “stealth zip pocket” on the lower right thigh (also similar to Vuori’s joggers). 

I highly recommend that anyone over 6 feet goes for the tall fit we’ve featured here (these are offered in both tall and regular); while I didn’t experience short legs here (thanks to the tall cut), taller people have commented on the regular cut’s shorter length. 

Verdict: If you’re looking for your next WFH daily drivers or just some comfy pants to lounge in, Mack Weldon has you covered. The ACE material is lightweight and thin, but still manages to give you warmth and a super soft skin feel.

Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger

Best Performance Joggers: At the intersection of style and comfort, you’ll find the Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger, a premium piece of activewear that rethinks what athleisure can be. Much more than some repurposed performance apparel, they offer a medium weight in a top-notch technical knit fabric, making them ideal for those who are after some pants that are as functional as they are well-fitting. Plus, the combination of a shorter inseam coupled with a set of tapered legs and ankle cuffs means that the look is on point.

Vuori has been really making a name for itself in the short time they’ve been around (less than a decade), and if you’re not a believer yet, I’m here to spread the good word, and the Sunday Performance Joggers are my gospel. On paper, the material blend of 88% recycled polyester and 12% elastane doesn’t sound like the most exciting thing, but let me tell you that from the second I put these on, I felt like I was wearing a pair of tailored silk pants. The hand-feel here is just buttery soft, and it has a form-fitting look without feeling too constricting, bolstered by the four-way stretch and thinner construction. Given the natural moisture resistance and lightweight design (and the waterproof zip pocket on the left leg), these also make for great running/gym joggers. There’s an elastic waistband with a woven external drawcord, two hand pockets, and two zippered back pockets to keep your gear secure (boasting YKK hardware as well).

As much as I love these joggers, there’s one slight issue that I have to get out of the way. For those of you who like to be more modest, I recommend going a size up, as the area around the fly is a little tight (and may reveal more than you want). But these are designed to be more form-fitting, and joggers with thinner material constructions will usually be tighter around the fly. 

Verdict: Quintessentially athleisure and soft as a cloud, these Vuori joggers are some of the comfiest pants I’ve ever worn, with a lightweight construction and soft hand feel that’s smooth as silk.

Ten Thousand Recover Pant

Best Post-Workout Joggers: When it comes to crafting no-nonsense performance-driven active apparel, you’d be hard-pressed to find a brand more accomplished than Ten Thousand. Every item in their inventory goes through a rigorous field testing process, with both elite athletes and everyday consumers vetting them to make sure that they’re ready for production. As the ultimate post-workout piece, their Recover Pant comes well-equipped for relaxation, including such features as a comfortable double-knit fabric construction, a permanent anti-odor treatment, and even an anti-pill finish for long-term durability without fading.

Ten Thousand is dedicated to crafting reliable and timeless athletic apparel with the help of actual athletes, making the label’s offerings some of the best no-nonsense apparel you can get. These joggers here are no exception, crafted from a very durable (and soft) dual-knit fabric blend of cotton and polyester, and treated with a permanent, silver ion anti-odor protection (meaning they’ll always be fresh). There’s an elastic waistband (with anti-chafe flatlock seams to prevent chafing) with an internal drawstring, two hand pockets, and a single open back pocket. The fit here is advertised as tailored, and while I think the silhouette is definitely flattering, it’s not too tight around the waist or thighs and gives you plenty of room for relaxing. The thickness of the material is also in a really nice middle ground between thin and thick, making these a great year-round choice as well. 

I really have no serious criticisms for these joggers, but if I had to nitpick, I’d say that the ankles are a little tight (which makes taking them off/putting them on a little difficult at times). Also, the back pocket doesn’t have a closure, but these are meant to be worn while chilling post-workout, so I don’t think it’s a deal breaker. Also, at the time of writing, it seems the page for these pants is down on Ten Thousand’s site, so we’ve linked to our pals over at Huckberry.

Verdict: These joggers are perfect for enjoying your next post-workout session in comfort, with a design that’s built for the ultimate recovery comfort.

The North Face Paramount Pro Joggers

Best Outdoor Joggers: The North Face’s Paramount Pro Joggers are delivered as described as the ultimate techwear pick from a heritage outdoor outfitter that’s been doing this for decades. The gorped-out bottoms feature a sturdy DWR finish to ensure elemental protection and trusty moisture-wicking properties, so working up a sweat shouldn’t be much of an issue. It’s finished with an adjustable webbing belt that adds to the unique look of these outdoor-ready joggers.

You may not have expected to see The North Face on a best joggers round-up, but the label’s rugged outdoor build quality is the perfect match for the laid-back silhouette. Especially when you’re getting a pair of joggers designed to blend a bit of outdoor utility with lightweight comfort like the Paramount Pro Joggers. Similar to Vuori’s joggers, these pants use a blend of recycled polyester and elastane (specifically FlashDry-XD, an abrasion-resistant fabric designed to wick moisture) that are definitely on the thinner/lightweight side, with a non-PFC DWR finish to keep water at bay. The fit and silhouette here are on the relaxed side, with a slight taper and baggier ankles compared to the rest of the picks. The details are really where these pants shine, though, boasting a webbing belt (which is super easy to adjust) and a handy key loop around the waistband, adding to the techwear aesthetic. Other details include a zippered fly with a snap closure, two zippered hand pockets, and a zippered back pocket. 

As a personal favorite on the list, I loved the futuristic look of these joggers, but I understand that others may prefer a more simple, stripped-back look. They’re also on the thinner side, which means they’re not quite as warm as other picks in the guide.

Verdict: If you want some more gorp-friendly pants that feel just as comfy as a pair of more traditional joggers, then this pick from The North Face is well worth a look.

Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim Sweatpant

Best Slim Joggers: If you’re a fan of sweatpants, odds are you want a pair that’ll withstand the test of time, and there’s no better place to consider in that case than Reigning Champ. The Canadian clothier’s low-abrasion bottoms are as versatile as you can imagine, sturdy enough to tackle a trip to the gym and soft enough to wear around the house at your leisure. Plus, lounging around with your hands in your pocket is easy, thanks to their jersey-lined pockets.

We’re big fans of Reigning Champ’s elevated athleisure, and these joggers boast all the qualities that make the label such a favorite over here at HICONSUMPTION; they’re minimal from a design perspective, with clean flatlock seams and a tapered silhouette, and made entirely with cotton. The look and fit here are quintessentially joggers, with a slim silhouette that tapers down the leg into the rib cuffs. The midweight terry construction also has a super nice, almost dry hand feel that’s similar to the label’s sweats (which we also got hands-on with in our guide to the best sweatpants), with a nice medium thickness that’s great for warmth. It’s finished with two hand pockets, a back patch pocket, a ribbed waistband with an external woven drawcord, and a small Reigning Champ patch below the left pocket. 

The slim fit here lends itself well to the kind of silhouette that you want out of a pair of joggers, but some may want a slightly more relaxed look and feel. If this sounds like you, I highly recommend going for a size up if these catch your eye.

Verdict: These are about as classic as you can get when it comes to joggers, boasting incredible build quality and a minimalist look that will go with pretty much anything.

Taylor Stitch The Sunset Pant

Best Lounge Joggers: As one of our favorite pairs of pants across the board, Taylor Stitch’s Sunset Pants are as versatile as it gets. They blend a well-tailored look with unrelinquishing comfort and are available in various stylish colors that make them perfect for anything. Colors aside, the organic cotton-crafted pants come in several iterations. Moreover, it’s rounded out with an adjustable elastic waistband and a pair of patch button-through pockets for keeping your gear nice and safe.

While we were hoping to get our hands on the Apres Pants that Taylor Stitch is better known for, we were excited to try out a similar silhouette that’s a little slept on. Off the bat, I love the elevated look of these joggers, boating a unique style that’s a lot similar to your favorite pair of jeans combined with the laid-back comfort of sweatpants, and a tapered silhouette to give you that jogger look (a three-in-one, if you will). They boast a nice heavyweight construction using 14 ounces of organic cotton terry that just feels incredible when you’re wearing them (and makes these some of the warmest pants in the guide). The fact that you’re getting indigo-dyed fabric means that the pants will develop a unique fade over time as well. Details include two front slash pockets, two back patch pockets, a button fly, and an elastic waistband with a matching external draw cord.

As is the case with much of Taylor Stitch’s offerings, the Sunset Pants are part of a small batch, which means they’re only available in a limited quantity (and is the reason why we couldn’t get a hold of the Apres Pants). 

Verdict: Jeans and joggers come together in harmony with these pants from Taylor Stitch, boasting a unique look that will develop a nice fade over time thanks to the indigo-dyed fabric.

lululemon ABC Jogger

Best Athleisure Joggers: Ever the purveyor of premium athleisure offerings, it should come as no surprise that lululemon has a horse in this race. When it comes to the ABC Jogger, you’ll find that they’re truly a cut above the rest, because they’re made from the brand’s state-of-the-art Warpstreme fabric. In practice, such an addition translates to unrivaled wrinkle resistance, shape retention, and moisture-wicking properties. And because they also make use of lululemon’s trademark ABC technology, they offer an accommodating four-way stretch fit with plenty of room through the legs to get moving.

Perhaps the most famous joggers at the moment are lululemon’s ABC joggers, which you’ve likely seen on a few other round-ups online. They’re made with Warpstreme fabric (a blend of nylon and lycra), and use the label’s proprietary ABC technology, which stands for “anti-ball-crushing” (yes, this is real), using an ergonomic gusset to remove tension from the crotch of the pants. The Warpstreme fabric here is incredibly lightweight and soft (very similar to Vuori’s joggers), with a four-way stretch for extra mobility (something I really felt and appreciated, especially since a lot of joggers built like this tend to feel a bit suffocating, and these drape the body in a more relaxed way), and sweat-wicking properties if you decide to get active. The fit here is just as advertised (“tapered, not tight”), with a slightly baggier feel compared to similar joggers. For storage, you get two hand pockets (with a small mesh pocket inside the right one), and a zippered back pocket to keep your gear secure.

I really don’t have any serious criticisms for this pick, but it would’ve been nice to see a zippered pocket on the thigh for extra storage. Especially since these are designed to be a sort of chill/active hybrid, and an extra pocket can be super helpful for keeping your phone out of the way while running.

Verdict: There’s a reason these are some of the most popular joggers at the moment: they’re lightweight and soft, with plenty of stretch, and come equipped with quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-resistant properties.

Jogger Comparison Chart

Joggers vs. Sweatpants

While sweatpants and joggers have quite a few similarities, there are some agreed-upon differences that set joggers apart. They’re characterized by being thinner and closer-fitting than sweats, with lighter and more breathable construction, and usually have a close-fitting ankle as well. They’re popular choices for cold morning workouts or just hanging around (which is why the line between sweats and joggers can sometimes be blurred). To make it easy; joggers are (generally) better for activity and sweats are (generally) better for hanging out.

How to style joggers

Styling a pair of joggers is all about that perfect blend of comfort and city style. For a relaxed look, throw on a fitted tee or a laid-back henley with your joggers (along with some trusty sneakers like the Air Max 97s you see me wearing). But if you’re feeling fancy and want to take those joggers to a more formal territory, no sweat. Swap out the tee for a sweater or a button-up shirt and pair them with some minimalist dress shoes or slick loafers, and boom, you’re ready to hit that semi-fancy dinner or impress at a casual office hangout. Just remember, keep the accessories simple, maybe a watch or a couple of bracelets, nothing too flashy.

Honorable Mentions

Crafted from durable cotton ripstop fabric, the Carhartt WIP Cargo Jogger Pant joggers are built to withstand daily wear and tear in style. Whether you’re running errands in the city or embarking on outdoor adventures, they strike the perfect balance between comfort and utility, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

We love a good collab, especially when it’s between two of our favorite brands; one, a modern ode to classic menswear, and the other, an absolute fixture in sportswear. The result is the Todd Snyder x Champion Midweight Slim Jogger Sweatpant, a pair of loveably vintage joggers made with 18 ounces of garment-dyed French terry cotton.

When you’ve had your fill of flashy designs and over-the-top colorways, Olivers is one brand well worth your while. That’s because the California-based outfit has built its entire operation around providing essential athletic silhouettes with a simple, understated style. Just take the Court Jogger, for instance. Naturally odor-resistant and breathable, they’re as soft on the skin as they are light on your legs.

Unfortunately, the Taylor Stitch The Après Pant was out of stock at the time of writing (which is why we went with The Sunset Pants), but you can keep an out for these fan favorites over on the site. They’re made with 100% organic cotton and feature a sashiko slub texture that looks just as good as it feels.

J.Crew has really been elevating its basics over the last decade, and the label’s Heritage Brushed Rib-Knit Jogger Pant is no exception. You’re getting a 100% cotton construction that’s been specially brushed for extra softness, and it’s finished with authentic cover stitch details.

Tested: The Best Crewnecks for Men Right Now

If you plan on going for a brisk jog in some colder weather, then a comfortable top is just as important as pants. So check out our best men’s crewneck sweatshirts guide for a complete and warm active outfit.