The Very Best Men’s Sweatpants (2024)

$125

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 100% cotton, 390 GSM | Sizing: S–2XL, regular length only (30.3” on size M) | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring, available in 15 colors

Reigning Champ’s classic fit mid-weight sweatpants are vintage inspired with classic details like elastic cuffs, a ribbed-gusset crotch for added durability, and a single back pocket. The fit of these sweats is roomy enough to be comfortable but not so baggy as to look sloppy. They are the best modern version of prototypical cotton sweatpants that I have found, and I have tried (or had Jacob try) a lot.

They are cut with a straight leg from high-quality cotton terry that is on the heavy end of mid-weight at 390 GSM. This means they are more durable than many other mid-weight sweatpants and have more structure, which makes them look a bit more put-together than lighter-weight pairs. The fabric feels sturdy on the outside and soft on the inside. The pockets are lined with fleece — a handy detail for wintertime dog walks. They are cozy without feeling stiflingly warm and surprisingly breathable considering the fabric weight. And they are constructed with flatlock seams, meaning the fabric doesn’t overlap, to minimize bulk and reduce the risk of any chafing. If the elastic cuffs aren’t your style, the brand also makes a version of these sweatpants in a slimmer fit with jogger-style cuffs, or a relaxed fit with open cuffs. Lastly, and this is one of the things that secured them the top spot, they come in an impressive range of colors including black, navy, and gray, as well as a bunch of jewel tones like aubergine and lapis.

No pair of sweatpants is absolutely perfect, however, and these have a couple drawbacks you should consider before buying. First off, they only come in one length, where some of the other options on this list come in short, regular, and tall. The inseam on the size medium is 30.3” and scales up or down according to the size. This makes them great for men who are average build, like my father and my husband who are slim but not skinny and five-nine and five-ten, respectively. The XXL has a 34-inch inseam, which fits people slightly over six feet decently well. But for someone who is tall and skinny, the inseam would probably be too short.

Second, there’s the price, which at $125 is on the higher end for a pair of sweatpants. But according to Kevin Kafesu, senior menswear buyer at Norse Projects, everything Reigning Champ makes is unbelievably durable, from the sweats to the T-shirts to the throw blankets. And as someone who owns several of the brand’s products and has given them as gifts, I don’t mind investing a bit of money for them because I know they will look great and last a really long time. Plus, because they are pre-shrunk after being sewn, you can be a little carefree with how you wash and dry them, and conveniences like that are another reason I find them really worth it.

$22

Fit: Classic | Fabric: 47% polyester, 44% cotton, 9% rayon, GSM not listed | Sizing: S–2XL, regular length only (30” on size M) | Style details: Side pockets, no back pockets, jogger cuffs, internal drawstring, available in 4 colors

There is no rule that says a pair of sub-$50 sweatpants won’t look good or last a long time. But, if you are going to go the budget route, it’s best to stick with a well-known brand like Hanes. This pair is a variation on the sweatpants that celebrity stylist Law Roach can’t live without, which he has been wearing for over a decade and regularly requests as a gift for Christmas and birthdays.

Though they are quite similar to the Hanes that Roach recommends, my Hanes pick is made from a cotton, polyester, and rayon instead of Roach’s beloved 50-50 cotton-polyester fleece. While the fleece ones are cozy, I find that the fabric on this pair is more comfortable and better for working out and year-round wear. Both pairs have jogger cuffs, which Roach prefers over elastic as they pull the sweats out of gym-rat territory and make them more versatile should he want to pair them with a Birkin bag. And he prefers to wear them oversize so he can cinch the waist or style them in other ways. The main differences between these and my top-pick Reigning Champ sweatpants is that these won’t hold up as well and the fabric doesn’t have the same squishy, luxurious feel, plus they are only available in four basic colors. After that it’s all in the details like conventional seams versus flatlock seams and no gusset crotch.

$118

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 100% cotton, GSM not listed | Sizing: XS–2XL, regular length only (29.5” on size M) | Style details: Side pockets, back pockets, jogger cuffs, external drawstring, available in 6 colors

The designer John Elliot may have introduced the menswear world to skinny sweats, but Todd Snyder perfected them. His slim (rather than skinny) take on classic cotton sweatpants, made in collaboration with Champion, are a reliable wardrobe staple for anyone who wants to look good even when they’re just lying around. The mid-weight, 100 percent cotton sweats feature a tapered leg, jogger cuffs, and both side and back pockets. They come in six expertly faded-looking colors and are garment dyed, meaning they’re dyed after the fabric has been cut and the pieces sewn. This results in a softer fabric and slight, unique variations from pair to pair. As with the Reigning Champ sweatpants, these are made with 100 percent cotton French terry that has a sturdy feel and gets better with age. Just note that they tend to run small, so you should plan on sizing up.

$88

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 94% polyester, 6% spandex, GSM not listed | Sizing: XS–XL, regular length only (31” across all sizes) | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring, available in 3 colors

Outdoor Voices’ sleek, supersoft, lightweight sweatpants are just as good for working out as they are for sitting on the couch. Breathable, moisture-wicking, and incredibly soft, they also feature UPF 50+ protection, which makes them a great choice for sunny outdoor activities like running and hiking. They are cut slim (but not tight) with a tapered leg and jogger cuffs. They have side pockets and one back pocket, and are available in three different colors. Jacob was skeptical at first, because of how thin the fabric felt, but he has since reached for them over and over again. He says they are even comfortable enough to sleep in. They have also been recommended by Great Jones founder Sierra Tishgart, skin-care founder Linda Rodin, and multiple members of our own staff. Strategist editor and Outdoor Voices aficionado Maxine Builder is a superfan of the sweats, calling the women’s version her favorite loungewear to wear for any activity, indoors or out. The only real drawback is that they have the smallest size range of all the sweatpants on this list, with the same 31” inseam for all sizes.

$78

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 95 % Micro-brushed French-terry cotton and 5% Lycra, GSM not listed | Sizing: S–2XL, regular and tall lengths (29” on size M regular) | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, one hidden zipper pocket, half-jogger cuffs, external drawstring, available in 7 colors

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 as bulky as traditional French terry — these are made using a blend of fine-gauge cotton and Lycra — they keep him cool while he’s working out, and the Lycra makes them easy to move in. My dad has them in the regular length, but they also come in tall.

$124

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 59% Merino wool, 38% lyocell, 3% spandex, GSM not listed | Sizing: XS–2XL, regular length only (28” inseam across all sizes) | Style details: Side pockets, jogger cuffs with ankle zips, reinforced internal drawstring, available in 3 colors

I first came across the brand Nobull via its sneakers when I was reporting on pickleball fashion trends in Central Park. Intrigued by the loyal following, I decided to have Jacob test a pair of its merino wool track pants. From the minute he pulled on the slim jogger-style sweatpants, I have been impressed. They are made with a stretchy and lightweight fabric that’s soft enough to wear to bed but sleek enough to wear in front of guests. He has been wearing them at least three days a week since he got them two months ago, and because they are made from a blend of mostly merino wool, they keep him warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. This, plus the addition of breathable Lyocell and stretchy spandex, makes them a great choice for layering under his water-repellent cycling pants for early-morning bike commutes. The tapered fit shows off my husband’s athletic cyclist build — toned but not skinny, muscular but not bulky — while still giving him a comfortable amount of room in the waist and thighs. They are so nice-looking I have been considering buying him another pair so that he can wear them more often and still be able to wash them from time to time. And while he doesn’t normally wear slim sweats, I can tell he feels confident and likes the way they look too.

$118

Fit: Slim | Fabric: 52% polyester, 42% cotton, 6% elastane, GSM not listed | Sizing: XS–5XL, short, regular, and tall lengths | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, hidden interior pocket, jogger cuffs, internal or external drawstring, available in 4 colors

While they are beloved for their soft texture and four-way stretch, 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. They are also the most size-inclusive sweats on this list, with waist measurements ranging from 29 to 50 inches, to ensure you get the best fit with your inseam of choice. They are intended to hit just above the ankle, so the short length has an inseam of 27 inches, the regular length 29 inches, and the tall length 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 than other slim-fit sweatpants, but prominent seams and a strong taper toward the ankle create an overall tailored look.

$73

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 95% modal, 5% spandex, GSM not listed | Sizing: XS–3XL, regular length only (31” on size M) | Style details: Side pockets, no back pockets, no cuffs, external drawstring, available in 14 colors

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 how lightweight and breathable they are, 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 are primarily designed to be worn as loungewear, but they are also comfortable to sleep in, and many customers wear them as pajamas. Pay close attention to the size chart, as the brand’s sizing is unisex.

$76

Fit: Classic | Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% recycled polyester, GSM not listed | Sizing: S–2XL, regular length only (inseam length not listed) | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring, available in 4 colors

Jacob and I have long been fans of Richer Poorer’s T-shirts and polo shirts, because they fit well, look nice, and strike a good balance between quality and affordable prices. So I am not surprised that the brand’s sweatpants are just as good. I know I said above that I prefer French terry over fleece, but this pair of sweatpants is the exception to the rule. They are so soft, but they don’t make me feel hot or claustrophobic in the way cheaper fleece sweatpants do. They look great on both of us (we share a size medium), but they look really good on Jacob, fitting his taller five-ten frame better. And because the fabric is sturdy and on the thick side of mid-weight, they hold their shape and aren’t too revealing to wear out of the house. My only complaint is that the pockets are not quite as deep as I would like them to be.

$185

Fit: Tapered | Fabric: 90% cotton, 10% polyester, 500 GSM | Sizing: XS–2XL, regular length only (28.5” on size M) | Style details: Side pockets, one back pocket, jogger cuffs, external drawstring, available in 4 colors

3Sixteen is known for its high-quality Japanese denim but also makes a phenomenal pair of sweatpants, according to Christopher Echevarria, creator of the footwear brand Blackstock and Weber. They’re made of heavy 500 GSM fleece, and the leg taper is subtle but noticeable.“I own every color of these, and they transition from in the house to out with friends super easily,” Weber says. 3Sixteen’s sweatpants also have side gussets — a piece of material sewn into a garment to strengthen it — running down the thigh for extra durability and comfort. They have side pockets and one back pocket and come in four core colors: black, indigo, oatmeal, and gray.

$88

Fit: Relaxed | Fabric: 100% recycled cotton, 444 GSM | Sizing: 2XS–3XL, regular length only (31” on size M) | Style details: Side pockets, no back pockets, elastic cuffs, internal drawstring, available in 6 colors

Los Angeles brand Everybody.World, whose T-shirts are loved by Strategist editors and fashion designers alike, is known for its simple classic designs and sustainable production practices. Nick Sugihara, founder of gender-neutral clothing company Ijji, recommends the brand’s recycled-cotton sweatpants for anyone like him who is partial to a classic silhouette in lieu of a slimmer fashion shape. They are lightly brushed to increase softness, have deep pockets and no side seams on the legs, and are made of 100 percent recycled-cotton manufacturing waste. (Fun fact, they are also fully biodegradable, minus the elastic.) While they are technically made of heavyweight knit fleece, Strategist writer Erin Schwartz, who is an Everybody.World sweatpants convert, says they don’t run hot and are actually somewhat cooling in addition to being squishy and soft. Schwartz told me that they often pack the sweats for overnight trips because they’re comfy but also a little luxe and fancy-looking. Everybody.World is a gender-neutral brand, so sizing on these sweatpants is unisex and ranges from 2XS to 3XL.