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Cozy? Check. Stretchy? Check. Here are the best sweatpants including pairs from Vuori, Roark, and more.
Written by Billy Brown
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Sweatpants aren’t just lazy-day loungewear anymore. Sure, they’re still perfect for lying on the couch on your day off, but the best sweatpants go beyond the couch. They’re perfect for work-from-home comfort, can keep you warm at the gym, and, more recently, the cuts and styles make them stylish enough to wear when you’re hanging out in town.
From joggers with odor-resistant, sweat-wicking materials to baggy old-school cotton classics, sweatpants come in so many different variations that there’s a perfect style for however you want to wear them. But that glut of choices can make it tough to find the perfect pair(s) for you.
So our editors did the hard work, testing dozens of sweatpants in the gym, traipsing through farmers’ markets, sitting in on Zoom meetings, and taking the occasional nap on the couch to find the perfect pair for every use. What did we find? A lot of sweatpants are indistinguishable from each other, but a select few stood out regarding comfort, style, and utility. Here are the best of the bunch.
For our November 22, 2024, update, we added our new favorite sweatpants, the Municipal Training Camp Joggers, and price comparison information to our buyer’s guide content.
The Best Sweatpants of 2024
- Best Overall: Municipal Training Camp Joggers
- Best Bargain: RokFit Sweatpants
- Best Workout Sweatpants: Vuori Kore Jogger
- Best Classic Sweatpants: Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim
- Best Travel Sweatpants: Roark El Morro Fleece Pants
- Best All-Natural Sweatpants: Paka Apparel Everyday Joggers
- Best for: Everything
- Materials: Cotton, polyester
- Color/Style Options: 3
- Fit: Athletic slim
- Sizes: S-XXXL
Pros
- Cut perfectly for athletic legs
- Buttery soft interior
- Nearly unlimited stretch
- Retains shape after washing
Cons
- Pocket zipper is somewhat flimsy
Billy Brown
When we first slid on the Municipal Training Camp Joggers ($88), we knew these were going to be the winners. The fit alone on these is outstanding — joggers look great on most people, but if you don’t skip leg day, they can be extremely snug around from the waist to the knees. These bad boys are technically slim-fit joggers, but the thighs and hips are cut larger to accommodate fellas who squat. The result is a stylish and semi-snug jogger that doesn’t look like it’s painted on from the knees up, and we’re all for it.
That excellent fit, plus the clean look and stylish logo placement on the upper thigh, gives these sweats enough style points to be worn just about anywhere. We paired them with a clean white shirt and some sneakers and went out on the town without any reservation. We even picked up a few compliments here and there.
These also appeal to people who don’t spend all day in the squat rack thanks in part to the super-soft brushed interior and excellent stretch of the 70/30 cotton-to-polyester ratio. The result is the mobility of a performance pant but the feel of your favorite pajamas. And it’s a small but welcome detail that the brushed interior doesn’t shed. Too often, a soft brushed lining will leave lint all over your legs when you take them off, especially if you sweat. Not so with these ones.
Plus, they’ve got four deep pockets, including a zippered hip pocket that easily fits a phone, wallet, and set of keys. In the months that we’ve been wearing and washing these sweats, they show zero signs of wear and still fit like they did the first time we put them on.
Individually, the fit, feel, features, and durability of the Municipal Training Camp Joggers are all among the best we’ve seen in any sweats on this list. Put them all together, and you’ve got the only pair of sweatpants that you’ll want to wear day in and day out.
- Best for: Folks who don’t want to spend a lot on great sweatpants
- Materials: Cotton
- Color/Style Options: 3
- Fit: Baggy
- Sizes: XS-XXXL
Pros
- Loose, relaxed fit
- Flashy style
- Durable
- Surprisingly inexpensive
Cons
- Loose fit isn’t for everyone
- Thick material feels hot in warm weather
- Shallow hip pockets
Billy Brown
If you like baggy, comfy sweatpants that are stylish enough to wear into town and won’t break the bank, the RokFit Sweatpants ($60) should be the first place you look. At less than half the price of some of the other picks on this list, these sweats are soft, durable, and they look great.
As you would expect from a weightlifting brand, the sweats are built for people who don’t skip leg day. That is to say, they’re a baggy fit. This may put some people off, but we found them to be extremely comfortable and a bit more airy than other sweatpants we tried. The thick cotton weave is warm, comfortable, and pleasantly soft in the interior.
They were so soft, in fact, that we were initially concerned about the sweatpants’ durability over time. But over the course of several months of testing and dozens of washes, the sweatpants still look like new — no wear, no holes, and zero color fading whatsoever.
At present, these sweatpants only come in three styles, but each pair comes with different flashy designs, from large branding running down one leg to a rubber eagle patch on the hip.If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable pair of sweatpants that won’t drain your bank account, the RokFit Sweatpants should be your go-to.
- Best for: Cool weather workouts
- Materials: Polyester/Elastane
- Color/Style Options: 5
- Fit: Slim
- Sizes: XS-XXL
Pros
- Very stretchy
- Dries quickly
- Boxer brief liner
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Feels tight on larger quads
- No liner-less option
Billy Brown
The Vuori Kore Jogger ($98) is the perfect sweatpant for athletes who want a good workout pant for fall and winter gym sessions. These synthetic pants offer all the same perks of the brand’s extremely popular shorts — they offer an excellent fit, wick away sweat, dry quickly, and are odor-resistant. And, like many of their workout shorts, they offer an interior boxer brief lining for extra support.
During testing, we were concerned about the slim fit around the thighs and hips. While it looks cool, a snug fit doesn’t often translate to mobility. Fortunately, the four-way stretch was up to the task, providing a free range of motion through squats, lunges, and box jumps.
The fabric felt comfortably smooth and soft on the skin, and unlike other synthetics we tried, it never felt slick or slimy when things got sweaty. As for the odor resistance, it was better than most of the sweatpants we worked out in, but you’re still going to want to wash them after every workout.
Unfortunately, there’s no liner-less option, and if you prefer looser sweatpants, these aren’t the ones for you. But if you want a long-legged version of a great pair of workout shorts, the Vuori Core Jogger is the way to go.
- Best for: Folks who want a grown-up version of their favorite childhood jammies
- Materials: Cotton
- Color Options: 16
- Fit: Slim
- Sizes: XS-XXL
Pros
- Soft interior
- Maintains shape
- Extremely durable
- Slim fit with plenty of stretch
Cons
- Ankle cuffs could be tighter
- Not ideal for long, sweaty workouts
Billy Brown
The best way to describe the Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim ($125) is your favorite pair of sweatpants, elevated. Made with (you guessed it) midweight terrycloth, Reigning Champ’s flagship sweatpant is the epitome of the basics done right.
The classic styling has a few subtle upgrades, like a small logo patch under the left hip pocket and an aesthetically pleasing slim-fit cut. A tight weave throughout the pants provides a density that makes them feel more durable than the majority of the pants on this list. Plus, the flatlock seams eliminate any potential irritation spots, and the thick, medium-rim waistband and ankle cuffs secure without feeling binding.
These quickly became a favorite during testing, as the simple gray color went with just about everything, and the clean styling made it possible to run to the store without looking schlubby. We loved the interior terry loop lining, which was soft and had a subtle roughness, kind of like a well-used bath towel.
At the end of the day, the Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim is an excellent execution of the tried-and-true classic sweatpants design. The tighter weave, subtle styling notes, excellent fit, and stretch made it one we wanted to wear every day.
- Best for: Travel, lounging
- Materials: Viscose, nylon, elastane
- Color/Style Options: 3
- Fit: Slim
- Sizes: XS-XXL
Pros
- Snug, supportive fit
- Quick-drying
- Gusseted crotch
- Soft material
- Bonus: Zippered pockets double as vents
Cons
- Not the most breathable
- Could use another zippered pocket in the rear
Billy Brown
The second our tester put on the Roark El Morro Fleece Pants ($79), his first thought was “WOW.” The double-sided nylon fleece provides a snug, supportive fit on the hips and thighs, with a loose taper from the knees to the ankles. They offer plenty of stretch, the elastic waist is secure but not tight enough to induce muffin-topping, and the reverse face zipper pockets keep your wallet and keys secure.
We tested these pants on several flights and long drives, and they were a godsend. They’re comfortable enough to sit for hours on the tarmac, but stretchy enough to allow you to sprint to your gate without restriction.
If you’re not the jet-setting type, these also feel comfortable enough to wear every day. The slim-fit style and clean lines make them stylish enough to run around town, and they’re warm enough for brisk fall walks.
They’re not the most breathable sweatpants, and they could use another zippered pocket in the rear, but if you’re looking for some long-haul pants, the Roark El Morro Fleece Pants are a stylish, comfortable option.
- Best for: Recovery, lounging around the house
- Materials: Organic Pima cotton, Tencel, alpaca wool
- Color/Style Options: 4
- Fit: Relaxed
- Sizes: S-XXL
Pros
- All-natural materials
- Soft
- Tapered Fit
- Gusseted crotch for mobility
- Durable
- Made with sustainable fabric
Cons
- Not as quick-drying as other sweats
Billy Brown
If you’re looking for the coziest pair of sweatpants available, the Paka Apparel Everyday Jogger ($145) should be your go-to. These Peruvian sweatpants are made with a blend of Pima cotton, alpaca wool, and Tencel for stretch. Plus, the pants have some nice design features, like a crotch gusset and a zippered back pocket to keep your wallet safe.
But more importantly, these sweat are the softest pair that we tried during testing. After a long day of hiking or working out, these were the ones we would reach for. The relaxed fit delivers a clean look complimented by the handwoven Inca ID on the back pocket.
The ID doesn’t just make the pants look cool (though the stylish flair is nice) — they’re a not to where the pants were made. Each Paka Apparel Everyday Jogger comes with a tag that you can scan to trace that pant’s alpaca wool back to the source.
- Best for: Anyone who wants sweats that’ll last a lifetime
- Materials: Cotton
- Color/Style Options: 4
- Fit: Loose
- Sizes: XS-XL
Pros
- Heavyweight
- Extremely durable
- Soft interior
- Retains shape well
Cons
- The inseam is longer than most sweats
Billy Brown
If you’re looking for a pair of sweats that may last longer than you do, the Tracksmith Trackhouse Sweatpants ($110) might be the way to go. Made with a heavyweight reverse-weave cotton blend, these sweatpants feel thick and durable without sacrificing softness.
We felt the sweatpants’ quality the second we put them on — Tracksmith wasn’t messing around when they used the term “heavyweight” when describing the weave. These pants feel heavy. If you’re not trying to cram them into a hiking pack, it can definitely be a plus. The pants kind of feel like a weighted blanket for your legs, and the durability feels off the charts. We’ve worn them for months and they still look like new.
The only beef we had with these sweatpants is that they run long in larger sizes. Our tester is 5’8” tall and weighs 220 pounds, and the XL size was the only sweatpant we tested that was too long for him. But if you’re a taller athlete who wants a durable pair of classic sweatpants, the Tracksmith Trackhouse Sweatpants might be a perfect fit.
Sweatpants Comparison Chart
| Sweatpants | Price | Best For | Materials | Color Options | Fit | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Training Camp Joggers | $88 | Everything | Cotton/Polyester | 3 | Athletic Slim | S-XXXL |
| Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim | $125 | Folks who want a grown-up version of their favorite childhood jammies | Cotton | 16 | Slim | XS-XXL |
| RokFit Sweatpants | $60 | People who don’t want to spend a lot on great sweatpants | Cotton | 3 | Baggy | XS-XXXL |
| Vuori Kore Jogger | $98 | Cool-weather workouts | Polyester/Elastane | 5 | Slim | XS-XXL |
| Roark El Morro Fleece Pants | $79 | Travel, lounging | Viscose, nylon, elastane | 3 | Slim | XS-XXL |
| Paka Apparel Everyday Jogger | $145 | Recovery, lounging around the house | Organic Pima cotton, Tencel, alpaca wool | 4 | Relaxed | S-XXL |
| Tracksmith Trackhouse Sweatpants | $110 | Anyone who wants sweats that’ll last a lifetime | Cotton | 4 | Loose | XS-XL |
How We Tested Sweatpants
Our Expert Tester
To say that lead tester Billy Brown is a sweatpant fan would be an understatement. He’s a lifelong gym rat who has worn sweatpants through freezing winter workouts in garages, CrossFit boxes, and boxing gyms throughout his lifetime. In the last few decades, he has spent the majority of his time working remotely, adhering to the business on top, sweatpants on bottom approach to Zoom meetings.
During these years, Brown has refined his tastes in sweatpants, judging them on comfort, utility, and durability. For this guide, he combined this experience with real-world testing to decide which ones made this list.
Our Testing Process
To be honest, testing sweatpants is one of the most comfortable endeavors that GearJunkie editors have had to endure. We combined our years of experience with several months of testing to find the best sweatpants for everything from zoning out on the couch to powering through grueling CrossFit workouts.
While testing, we considered factors that can make or break a pair of sweatpants, including fit, material, durability, and, above all, comfort. As a crew of active, fit people who primarily work remotely, we were able to spend the majority of our waking lives in active and passive testing across all these categories.
The testing doesn’t stop here: As new sweatpants hit the market, we’ll be calling them in and testing them out to make sure this guide is consistently up to date.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Sweatpants
A good pair of sweatpants should be something that you look forward to wearing every day. When you find a great pair, they’ll most likely become part of your everyday fit, whether that’s at home or out and about. With that in mind, it’s important to consider factors that will help you find a pair that you’ll enjoy putting on every chance you get.
In this buyer’s guide, we cover comfort, fit, durability, materials, and value, as well as other factors that are key to finding the perfect sweatpants. Looking for more comfort-core gear? Check out our guide to the best wool sweaters.
Comfort
When it comes to sweatpants, comfort should be the first thing to consider. Sweatpants are meant to feel like a warm, cozy second skin whether you wear them in the house, at the gym, or hanging at a coffee shop. Sweatpants are meant to be a comfy alternative to jeans and slacks, so how good they feel should be the top priority.
While all of the pants on this list are designed to be comfortable, certain sweatpants like the Paka Apparel Everyday Jogger are made with a super-soft alpaca and Tencel blend to feel great against the skin. Other options, like the Vuori Kore Jogger, offer excellent stretch so you never feel restricted or confined.
Fit
A big part of how comfortable a pair of sweatpants is relates to how well it fits. Since fit preferences vary from person to person, it’s important to know whether a pair you’re considering is slim, baggy, or somewhere in between.
If you prefer a classic baggy fit like the sweats you’d wear in P.E. class, the RokFit Sweatpants or Tracksmith Trackhouse Sweatpants might be a good option. Looking for something a little more form-fitting? The Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim might be a better … fit.
Durability
Just like a good bath towel, a pair of sweatpants should get more comfortable as the years go by. But that means they’ll need to last for a few years to help them get to that next level. If you’re using your sweatpants for more than just laying around (or you want to keep them around for a while), you’ll need to find a pair with some staying power.
Some sweats on this list, like the Tracksmith Trackhouse Sweatpants, have dense weave patterns built for the long haul. Others, like the Roark El Morro Fleece Pants, are made with a durable viscose, nylon, and elastane blend that can withstand abrasion and wear and tear.
Material
The right material can make or break a pair of sweatpants. There are tons of options on the market, which can make it difficult to choose the perfect pair. If you’re trying to decide which way to go, it pays to consider your priorities.
If comfort is king, you can’t go wrong with a nice soft cotton pair like the RokFit Sweatpants. Plan on working out or running in your sweats? Look for a material that dries quickly and wicks away sweat, like the Vuori Kore Jogger, which is made from a polyester and elastane blend.
Price & Value
The sweatpants on this list range in price from $48 to well over $100. Sure, you can find cheaper ones, but often you’ll be sacrificing features like fit, durability, and comfort.Since you’ll (hopefully) be wearing these sweatpants for at least a few years, consider what a perfect pair of sweats is worth to you. If you’re planning on making these a regular part of your rotation, be prepared to shell out a little more for these than your basic $20 pair.
Bargain
It’s not hard to find a pair of sweatpants for $20 or less. But in this price range, we’ve found that these sweats lose their shape quickly and don’t last very long. If you’re okay with buying a new pair every few months or just need a cheap pair, that’s fine, but we’ve found that spending a little more buys a lot more sweatpant.
Mid-Range
If you’re willing to spend somewhere between $50 and $100, you’ll find sweatpants with more durable fabric, comfortable features like brushed interiors, and more stylish fits. Two of our favorite pairs, the Municipal Training Camp Joggers ($88) and theRoark El Morro Fleece Pants($79), are right in the middle of this category, and they offer excellent fits, zippered pockets, and solid durability.
Premium
In the $100-plus price range, you’re going to find special materials like the Paka Apparel Everyday Jogger‘s ($145) anti-odor alpaca wool and organic cotton. You’ll also find extremely dense weaves for maximum durability, like in the Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim ($125) and the Tracksmith Trackhouse Sweatpants ($110), both of which look great and feel like they’d last forever (and so far, they have).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good quality sweatpants made of?
Good sweatpants can be made from various materials, depending on the wearer’s use and preference. Soft fibers like cotton can be ideal for lounging but don’t work well in gym settings since they dry slowly. If you plan on being active in your sweats, consider a synthetic material like polyester with a bit of elastane for stretch.
Should sweatpants be tight or baggy?
Again, this depends on the wearer’s preference. Some find baggy sweatpants more freeing and comfortable, while others may prefer a slimmer cut. Jogger sweats are another option. Looser in the hips and tighter around the calves, they can be a pleasant compromise between the two.
Can you wear sweatpants in public?
Sweatpants are no longer relegated to the house or the gym. Nowadays, many sweatpants offer slim fits, clean lines, and flashy designs that make them more than acceptable to wear in public.
Billy Brown
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- Billy Brown is an Affiliate Managing Editor for GearJunkie.com. In addition to writing and editing for GearJunkie, he has been covering gear, fitness, and the outdoors for publications like WIRED, Men’s Journal, Outside, Backpacker, and Esquire. Based in Sacramento, Calif., Brown is a competitive CrossFitter and powerlifter and an avid hiker and trail runner.
