The 5 Best Sweatpants for Men

There are few comforts in life greater than slipping into some cozy sweatpants after a long day of work. Even the manliest of men can concede that a warm pair of sweats are essential to have, whether for working out or for lounging around the house on the weekends. If you're in the market for some new sweatpants, you've come to the right place. We've done the research and come up with a list of the best of the best. Below, you'll find our top five favorites in men's sweatpants, from the inexpensive option to the premium pick.

Southpole Men’s Active Basic Jogger Fleece Pants

Sweatpants fit for the Southpole

Sporting all the features that we look for in a pair of sweatpants, such as style, warmth, quality, affordability, and fit, this pair of jogger fleece sweats from Southpole Men's wins the top spot on our list.

Best Overall

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Okay, they’re not really warm enough for a jog to the South Pole. However, these fleece sweatpants are super warm, besides featuring a plethora of other great qualities. Made out of polyester, they’re a smart choice for athletes looking for something that they can jog or workout in, since they won’t soak in sweat like cotton does. They also look cool enough to wear out and about. That’s because they’re in the modern style of “jogger,” so the cuffs at the bottom are elastic to help trap in heat and reduce chaffing during physical activities. Best of all, most sizes and color combinations will run you less than twenty dollars, so they’re also one of the most bang-for-your buck options on our list.

Pros

Won’t shrink in the wash
Elastic and drawstring waist
Three pockets

Cons

Mild pilling

Hanes Men’s EcoSmart Open Leg Fleece Pant with Pockets

Might as well buy a couple pairs

The Ecosmart Fleece Pants from Hanes Men's are warm, true-to-size, and super-affordable, making them the perfect pick for those shopping on a budget.

Best Budget

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Hanes Men’s EcoSmart sweatpants are the most classic sweatpants on the market. Made out of a cotton and polyester blend, they’re not too stuffy, not too lightweight. As the most budget-friendly option on our list, most size and color combinations will set you back less than ten bucks. While they do sport all the best features, such as side seam pockets, an elastic waistband, and an inner drawcord for fine-tuning your fit, don’t expect too much durability at this price range. Although they’re ideal for lounging around the house or using as pajama bottoms, they probably won’t be able to endure the wear and tear of the gym. Still, they’re a popular choice for casual sweats, and when treated gently, they can last a long time. As an added bonus, these sweatpants are made out of 5% recycled materials, namely plastic water bottles. Thus, you’ll not only save money, you’ll also help out in saving the planet.

Pros

Affordable
Classic style

Cons

Not ideal for exercise

Champion Men’s Powerblend Retro Fleece Jogger Pant

Go ahead and get sweaty

These stylish Retro Fleece Jogger Pants from Champion Men's are the perfect fit for jogging and going to the gym.

Best Joggers

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Although their style may be “retro-inspired,” these joggers from Champion Men’s have all the latest and greatest features in activewear sweatpants. The elastic ankle cuffs hold in heat and prevent the pant legs from billowing all over the place as you run, while the cotton/polyester blend is designed to reduce the shrinking and pilling that occurs from machine washing. Even better, the deep side pockets fit your phone or wallet nicely, so you can workout to music without having to worry about your tech taking a spill. We also love the brushed inner fleece, which maintains a high level of softness after years of use. Some size and color combos might be a little pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment for those that want sweats that will last a long time.

Pros

Great for exercise
Warm-yet-breathable
Retro-inspired style

Cons

Not suitable for winter jogging

Under Armour Sweats for Men

The best sweats, no regrets

Some sweatpants do it all. This ultra-soft, straight-leg option from Under Armour might fall onto the pricey side, but it's a great choice for those that want the best of the best in sweatpants.

Best Premium

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This option from Under Armour raises the bar to the next level. In fact, they’re so fashionable, durable, and comfortable, we won’t stop you from wearing them out and about. Although not exactly appropriate for that next board room meeting, they do feature an exceedingly high degree of craftsmanship. Made from an 80% cotton, 20% polyester blend, they wick moisture and are fast-drying. Unlike the cheaper options out there, these sweats fit as expected and won’t shrink too much in the wash. Plus, the fleece material is woven in such a way that they’re silky-soft, making these the ideal choice for those looking to sleep in comfort and style.

Pros

Extra warm
Moisture-wicking
Super fashionable

Cons

“Straight fit” is really more of a “slim”

Champion Men’s Open Bottom Light Weight Jersey Pants

Sweats for every season

These 100% cotton sweats are lightweight enough that they can be worn in just about any climate without feeling too stuffy or too thin.

Best Lightweight

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Champion made it onto our list a second time with this lightweight option. Some people feel constricted if their sweatpants are too form-fitting or thick, so if that sounds like you, we recommend this loose-and-comfortable fit. The open cuffs keep things breezy in the springtime and can be tucked or rolled to keep warm in the wintertime. They also feature one of the most long-lasting elastic waistbands we’ve come across, so you probably won’t have to adjust the drawstring too much. Best of all, these sweats are 100% cotton, so although they’re thin, they’re quite durable. For those looking for a wide leg that won’t constrict their movement or feel too snug, here it is.

Pros

Super soft
Durable
Breezy-yet-warm

Cons

Will shrink upon first few washings

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sweatpants are best for exercising?

Although we crowned the Retro Fleece Joggers from Champion Men’s the best option for exercise, there are actually many different options that would work well in the gym or at the track. The main features to look for are in the materials and the cuffs. We generally recommend polyester or a polyester blend for jogging, as these materials won’t retain moisture like 100% cotton does. Instead, polyester dries fast and breathes well. Of course, we all have different preferences, and some of us sweat more than others. Also, elastic cuffs, such as those in jogger-style sweatpants, will hold the fabric in place even when you’re running, jumping, or stretching, in order to avoid chaffing or billowing. Chaffing can also be avoided by wearing form-fitting or slim pants. Finally, if you plan on strictly using your sweats for exercise, we recommend something with pockets for your phone or wallet.

What is “pilling” and is it a big deal?

As a general rule of thumb, avoid sweatpants that are prone to extreme “pilling”. “Pilling” is when the material begins to clump up after repeated washings, forming little balls of cotton. These pills can be unsightly, and reduce the softness of the material. They’re also an indication that the material is eroding away. Nonetheless, mild pilling isn’t the end of the world and is basically unavoidable for cotton and polyester materials. Plus, most sweatpants will stop pilling after a while, once the loose fibers have balled up and fallen off.