The Very Best Men’s Sweatpants (2024)

From $17

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 50% cotton, 50% polyester | Sizing: S–2XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, no back pockets, elastic cuffs, internal drawstring

When it comes to inexpensive classic sweats, you can’t beat a set from Gildan, says model and actor Miles Garber. “They’re just elastic ankle sweats that you can get on Amazon for like 14 bucks, and when they wear out. you can order more,” he says, noting that his girlfriend, model and actress Juliette Labelle, also wears Gildan sweats and ordered three pairs in navy and black for them to share. “They’re cool because they look vaguely ’90s, which is the best era of sweatwear, I think,” says Garber. Gildan’s sweatpants are made of a cotton-polyester blend and come in basic colors like gray, navy, and black. They’re a straightforward, no-frills style with side pockets but no back pockets, so there’s no extra fabric in the seat and they’re great for lounging around.

$30

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 90% cotton, 10% polyester | Sizing: S–3XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, internal drawstring

Three of the stylish people we talked to recommended Uniqlo as their go-to brand for easy-breezy pants, with fitness instructor Patrick McGrath describing the retailer as a “great place to look for pieces that have a more streamlined fit,” and artist Aaron Luckman telling us that these sweats are always in regular rotation. They have a slim cut, side pockets, a single back pocket, and a jogger cuff. That last part helps make the legs look tapered, giving them a slim and sleek silhouette.

$125

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 100% cotton | Sizing: S–2XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring

“Everything Reigning Champ makes is unbelievably durable,” says Kevin Kafesu, senior menswear buyer at Norse Projects, which is important “because you won’t want to take it off.” It’s all about buying less and buying better, he explains. Reigning Champ’s sweatpants are also cut slimmer than the average pair, and the brand insists they are “a paragon of comfort without a hint of the sloppy sweatpant profile.” These sweatpants also have flatlock seams, which means the fabric doesn’t overlap, to minimize the chances of chafing or irritating the skin. They come in black, navy, or gray as well as a range of jewel tones like deep teal and crimson. They have standard side pockets and one back pocket.

$118

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 100% cotton | Sizing: XS–2XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, back pockets, jogger cuffs, external drawstring

“I can’t not mention the phenomenal sweatpants at Todd Snyder,” says Bruno, who owns several pairs. He loves that the brand offers “a type of sweatpants for every purpose and occasion,” from a pair with cargo pockets he says go well with a suit jacket to luxurious ones made of recycled cashmere. He recommends this garment-dyed slim-fit jogger style made in collaboration with Champion. They are sewn from 100 percent cotton with a tapered leg, jogger cuffs, and both side and back pockets, and they come in six expertly faded-looking colors.

$160

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 78% Polyester, 16% Viscose, 6% Elastane | Sizing: XS–2XL, regular length only | Style details: Front-seam detail, side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring

For something that bridges the gap between loungewear and trousers, wardrobe stylist Jessica Cadmus recommends this pair of jogger sweats from Reiss. The front-seam detail gives them a flattering tailored look, and the sleek metal-tipped drawstring adds to their slightly more formal appearance. Cadmus works primarily with finance professionals and says these sweatpants are both “chic and comfy” and the fabric composition (a polyester-and-viscose blend, not actually neoprene despite the style’s name on Reiss’s website) makes them wrinkleproof and lends a slight sheen.

$88

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 94% polyester, 6% Spandex | Sizing: XS–XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring

These Outdoor Voices sweatpants have been recommended by Great Jones founder (and former Grub Street senior editor) Sierra Tishgart, skin-care founder Linda Rodin, and membersof our own staff. Strategist editor and Outdoor Voices aficionado Maxine Builder is a superfan of the line — formerly known as “All Day,” now “CloudKnit” — calling the women’s version of these sweatpants her “favorite loungewear” to wear “for any activity, indoors or out.” They’re sleek, soft, sweat-wicking, comfortable, and just as good for sitting on the couch, running errands, or working out. They have side pockets, one back pocket, and a slim tapered leg with jogger cuffs, and they come in five colors.

$78

Fit: Slim | Fabric: Micro-brushed French-terry cotton and Lycra | Sizing: S–2XL, regular and tall lengths | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, one hidden zipper pocket, half-jogger cuffs, external drawstring

While reporting for this story, I asked my father, George Corsillo, if he has a favorite pair of sweatpants. Next thing I knew, he was holding this pair of Mack Weldons in front of me. “I’ve been wearing them for five years, and they still look great,” he said, enthusiastically pointing out the soft fabric that has held its shape and the sneaky side zipper pocket he uses to carry small amounts of cash. His favorite thing about them, though, is that they’re slim but not too tight, so they don’t look zhlubby but don’t make him feel too exposed. He wears them to the gym several mornings a week and around the house, too. Because the fabric isn’t bulky like traditional French terry (these are made using a proprietary blend of fine-gauge cotton and Lycra), they keep him cool while he’s working out. And the added Lycra makes them easy to move in.

$118

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 52% polyester, 42% cotton, 6% elastane | Sizing: S–6XL, short, regular, and tall lengths | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, hidden interior pocket, jogger cuffs, internal or external drawstring

The main appeal of Lululemon’s fleece City Sweat sweatpants is that they come in multiple inseam lengths to accommodate shorter-than-average or taller-than-average people, says former Strategist writer Jordan Bowman. The short length has an inseam of 27 inches, the regular length has an inseam of 29 inches, and the tall length has an inseam of 32 inches. These sweatpants have two side pockets and a secure zippered back pocket as well as a hidden interior coin pocket. The drawstring can be worn internally or externally, as small openings in the waistband allow you to thread it either way depending on your preference. The sweats are cut roomier in the seat and thighs, but you will notice prominent seams and a strong taper toward the ankle for an overall tailored, slim look.

$73

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 95% modal, 5% Spandex | Sizing: XS–3XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, no back pockets, no cuffs, external drawstring

Jambys tees and pants are made from a proprietary modal fabric that is soft, stretchy, light, and more breathable than cotton, at least according to former Strategist associate editor Louis Cheslaw, who has worn sweats in both fabrics and is a fan of Jambys in particular. Modal is a form of rayon made of beech-tree pulp that is known for its softness and resistance to shrinkage; it also has moisture-wicking properties and is often used to make underwear. Because of their lightness, Jambys are a solid choice for warmer weather. They come in more than a dozen colors and prints with an external drawstring and side pockets but no back pockets. They’re lightweight sweatpants meant for relaxing, or they can work as pajamas. Pay close attention to the size chart, as the brand’s sizing is unisex.

$110

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 100% cotton | Sizing: XS–2XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, no back pockets, elastic cuffs, internal drawstring

Standard Issue makes Bowman’s favorite pair of heavyweight sweatpants. They’re sewn from thick 24-ounce cotton, a substantial increase over our best overall pick —Gildan’s are made of 8-ounce cotton — and the Everybody.World sweatpants recommended below, which are made of 14-ounce cotton. You can choose from a variety of neutral and bright colors, the fit is (according to Bowman) “immaculate,” and they have pockets deep enough to hold keys, a phone, or a wallet without worrying they’ll fall out. The heavy fabric means they won’t lose their shape even after many wears, and they look crispier and less casual for wearing out of the house. “If you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll trust Lebron James, who’s been spotted wearing them too,” Bowman says.

$185

Fit: Tapered | Fabric: 90% cotton, 10% polyester | Sizing: XS–2XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring

3Sixteen is known for its high-quality Japanese denim but also makes a wicked pair of sweatpants, according to Christopher Echevarria, creator of the footwear brand Blackstock and Weber. “They’re made out of heavy fleece” (though they’re a bit lighter than the Standard Issue sweatpants above), and the leg taper is “spot on,” he says. “I own every color of these, and they transition from in the house to out with friends super easily.” 3Sixteen’s sweatpants also have side gussets — a piece of material sewn into a garment to strengthen it — running down thethigh for extra durability and comfort. They have side pockets and one back pocket and come in four core colors: black, indigo, oatmeal, and gray.

From $83

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 90% cotton, 10% polyester | Sizing: S–6XL, regular and tall lengths | Style details: Side pockets, no back pockets, elastic cuffs, internal drawstring

Both Brian Davis of Wooden Sleepers, an appointment-only vintage menswear shop, and Matthew Spade, a freelance writer and content creator at men’s fashion blog Buckets and Spades, recommend these heavyweight knit sweatpants from Camber. Spade says they are “pretty loose” with “traditional sportswear details.” He describes them as “all about comfort” with “lots of room in the leg and a very boxy top” without being too long or too oversized. After trying a wide range of sweatshirts and sweatpants, Spade landed on these as his go-to pair. They are made of a cotton-polyester blend that’s available in 11 colors and they come in a wide range of sizes that goes all the way up to 6XL. Camber also offers a tall length, which adds three inches to the inseam. Just note that there is an additional charge for sizes 2XL and above and for all tall lengths. Additionally, Camber’s clothing is made-to-order, so shipping times may vary.

$68

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 63% Lenzing modal, 32% recycled polyester, 5% spandex | Sizing: S–2XL, regular length only | Style details: Front pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring

Though his are six years old and the exact pair is no longer available, Strategist writer Jordan McMahon says he loves his Threads 4 Thought sweatpants so much he would definitely buy a new pair from the brand. This FeatherLoop Lounge style is the closest option to his beloved pair. “They’ve held up incredibly well, and they’re still my go-to sweats for lounging on the couch and watching TV,” he says, adding that he’s been trying to do more of his shopping secondhand, but when it comes to brands that focus on sustainability and transparency, like Threads 4 Thought, he’s willing to make an exception. “Everything I’ve bought from them has held up, and they share updates on their site about the changes they are making to further reduce their environmental impact, so it’s something they’re committed to improving, not just toeing the line on,” he says.

The sweatpants are part modal, part recycled polyester, with a tiny bit spandex, giving them an ultrasoft, moisture-wicking, lightweight, and stretchy feel. They have two front patch pockets, a single back pocket, jogger cuffs, and an external drawstring.

$88

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 100% recycled cotton | Sizing: 2XS–3XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, no back pockets, elastic cuffs, internal drawstring

Nick Sugihara, founder of gender-neutral clothing companyIjji,is a fan of the sustainability focused Los Angeles brand Everybody.World, whose T-shirts are loved byStrategist editorsand (other)fashion designersalike. “I’m partial to a classic sweatpants silhouette in lieu of a slimmer fashion shape,” says Sugihara. “TheseEverybody.Worldsweats fit the bill nicely, plus they’re 100 percent recycled.” The Everybody.World sweats have deep pockets, no side seams on the legs, and they are made of recycled cotton manufacturing waste, similar to the brand’sTrash Tee. Everybody.World is a gender-neutral brand, so sizing on these sweatpants is unisex and ranges from 2XS to 3XL.

Strategist writer Erin Schwartz is also an Everybody.World sweatpants convert, calling them “squishy and soft and also very cooling, like stepping into a cool day at the lake.” Schwartz even told us they’ve taken to packing the sweats for overnight trips because they’re comfy but also a little luxe and fancy. If that isn’t convincing enough, the sweats have also appeared in Schwartz’s dating-app profile picture.

$105

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 100% organic cotton | Sizing: S–2XL, regular length only | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring

If you’re interested in organic-cotton sweatpants, writer and blogger Jordan Bunker recommends this midweight pair from Organic Basics. It’s a Danish brand that seems “to have a way of making really simple clothes quite appealing,” he says. The sweats come in black, navy, or gray, and have jogger-style cuffs, an external drawstring, side pockets, and a single, simple back pocket with no closure. Organic Basics is also a B Corp, which means they have higher standards of transparency and accountability around the clothing they make. “I featured the brand in my own loungewear round-up, and I’ve got to say, a navy sweat suit along with a pair of loafers is an easy win,” says Bunker.