Don’t let your fitness center class uniform idiot you into pondering sweatpants aren’t a laid-back closet necessity—or that they’ll’t be fully stylish. The once-seen-as-indoor pant solely has come a good distance because the drawstring days. Now, they’re seen simply as useful as they’re trendy.
Contemporary manufacturers like Alo Yoga have confirmed that the precise pair can take you from the sofa to the espresso store, or from a tonal sweater to glossy bodysuit. So, whether or not it’s within the type of a fleece-lined jogger or a sporty-inspired sweat, we’ve examined numerous pairs to discover the very best in material, match, high quality, and longevity, ensuring that even your most relaxed matches can nonetheless really feel refined. No matter for those who’re in search of one thing to catch flights or catch compliments in a new matching set, we’ve bought the suggestions on your subsequent comfortable, cozy buy.
Materials: 70% Cotton, 30% polyester | Size Range: XXS-4X | Colors: 5
If the “best overall” might additionally be acknowledged as “softest, most you-need-to-touch-this” material in a sweatpant, Skims would earn that title as properly. That’s as a result of these plush, cloud-like fleece pants are extremely cozy, whereas nonetheless feeling exceptionally costly, thanks to the delicate embossed brand on the hip. The knitted elastic waistband, the straight-leg silhouette, that saggy all-day match—perfection! I’m obsessive about how these don’t experience up all through the day. I even like how they are often rolled down for a extra relaxed look.
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Materials: 90% Cotton, 10% recycled polyester | Size Range: XS-XXL, tall and petite | Colors: 12
Made from a cotton mix, these Old Navy sweats have a actual old-school vibe, however characteristic all the fashionable parts we love about pants, together with a high-waist match that sits a little above the stomach button and a relaxed silhouette all through the hips and thighs. Fashion blogger Hunter Kailey, loves the size of those and says they pair completely with a matching sweatshirt. And I agree: I used to be so impressed to see that these got here in petite and tall sizes.
Materials: 65% Cotton, 35% polyester | Size Range: XXS-2XL | Colors: 20
After taking a journey this yr, I seen that my trend envy began inside the airport, even earlier than the flight took off. That’s as a result of a lady was carrying these straight-leg sweats from Alo, paired with the matching hoodie from the TSA line. I stated to myself, “That’s it, I need that matching set.” Naturally, I snagged the limited-edition blue (they rotate shades typically, however the core neutrals are at all times there), and I can’t recover from how put-together it seems to be—though it’s technically loungewear. Alo’s sweats are designed with an outsized match and a longer inseam, however I caught with my regular dimension, and so they match completely. Even on my shorter body, they didn’t swallow me. Instead, they felt cozy, whereas remaining flattering.
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Materials: 100% Cotton | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 9
Sometimes you placed on a set and examine the material tag and go, Oh. That’s why it feels so tender. And that’s precisely what occurred to me once I placed on these 100% cotton sweats from the cult-favorite athletic model, Set Active. The materials is tender and opulent, and for my first time making an attempt the model, I used to be impressed with the texture. I cherished how weighty these felt on the physique, giving a drapey look that doesn’t cling or lose form after a few wears. The heavier material offers them construction and that elevated contact that makes sweats look styled, not sloppy, regardless of being saggy. I nonetheless felt put-together lounging at house—particularly with the matching sweatshirt stamped with the model’s minimalist namesake brand throughout the entrance.
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Materials: 80% Cotton, 20% polyester | Size Range: XS-XXL, 0X-4X | Colors: 9
It could be remiss not to point out the monolith that’s Nike when it comes to a sweatpant roundup. And I’ll admit it: With so many new manufacturers to strive, I’ve been ignoring the unique sweatpants that bought me via my youth. But as soon as I slipped into these, I remembered why the label’s title is taken into account synonymous with the phrase “sweatpants” itself (“I’m just wearing Nikes!”). This collegiate type is cozy and roomy, thanks to its wide-leg and further size, making it a nice lounging type. But it is also styled as a streetwear second for a similar cause.
Materials: 46% Cotton, 50% polyester, 4% elastane | Size Range: S-XXL | Colors: 4
Comfy monitor pants are trending all over the place, so naturally, I had to give in. And after being an (admitted) skeptic in regards to the type, I attempted these and understood the hype. They’re an excuse to put on sweatpants with out showcasing to the world that, hey, you’re carrying sweatpants. Instead, they really feel like a step-up from loungewear, all with out making an attempt too laborious. Plus, these had been beneath $20, rather more reasonably priced than the $200 pair I’d been eyeing, which featured the identical mid-rise type with an elastic waist, cinched cuffs, and a aspect stripe element.
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Materials: 68% Lenzing Modal, 27% recycled polyester, 5% spandex | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 3
These are the form of sweats that make you understand there’s a actual hierarchy on this planet of loungewear. The slimmer match feels polished sufficient to put on out of the home, however nonetheless has that want-to-lounge feeling. I really like pairing these with the matching TremendousSoft Fleece Mock Neck Pullover—an aptly named hoodie in the identical shade—and styling this with a scarf if I’m leaving the home or fuzzy socks if I’m not. The fleece is ridiculously tender, the waistband adjusts for that just-right really feel, and the material’s made with eco-friendly dyes and recycled supplies (so you possibly can really feel good when you look good). I additionally love the vast hem and roomy entrance pocket—they add a little “I tried” vibe that different lazy-day types typically miss.
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Materials: 47% Tencel™ Modal, 46% polyester, 7% elastane | Size Range: XS-3XL, petite and tall | Colors: 6
And for one more envy-worthy set to sport across the airport gates, enter the Spanx AirEssentials wide-leg pant. A relaxed match provides a leg-lengthening impact, even for many who are on the shorter aspect (like me). Plus, the contoured again of the pants—ahem, there’s no extra easy approach to say this—makes your butt look nice. But apart from how they appear, they really feel nice, too. The material is light-as-air, whereas nonetheless being temperature-regulating, which is right for touring. I like to say that the very best factor you possibly can pair this set with is a suitcase: it’s comfortable sufficient to put on en route to your vacation spot, but doesn’t really feel like an outfit you want to change out of the second you land.
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Materials: 99% Cotton, 1% spandex | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: 12
Live out your ‘00s dreams in this pair of low-rise pants from Urban Outfitters. We’re obsessive about how these really feel paying homage to Y2K with out feeling too costumey. They have a slouchy match with a vast flare that’s meant to bunch a little on the ankles (they’re the right match for Ugg footwear or slippers). The low-rise and drawstring waist gives consolation and a sliver of pores and skin. Made from 99% cotton, they’re extraordinarily breathable.
Materials: 95% Premium viscose from bamboo, 5% spandex | Size Range: XS-XXXL | Colors: 8
And for the very best sweatpants that would additionally double as a actual pair of pants, might we introduce Cozy Earth’s bamboo lounge bottoms? There is such a supple really feel to these, a lot in order that once I’m carrying them, I encourage individuals to really feel the material. Because it’s so silky and breathable, it is to be anticipated— however plush to a level that makes them really feel like butter. These are a strong buy for those who run scorching (hand up!) and need a thinner type sweatpant amongst your thicker fleece lineup, that may nonetheless be worn properly into the winter months.
Materials: 75% Cotton, 19% polyester, 6% spandex | Size Range: XXS-3X, petite and tall | Colors: 10
Most of my sweatpants get donated or tossed once I understand they’re beginning to fray on the backside. If the wrestle of being on the shorter aspect and watching your sweatpants drag and accumulate mud on the hem (gross, however actual!), know that these will not be a concern. When these arrived, I put them on my waistline and robotically sighed in reduction: Finally, a pair of pants that may match my physique. I additionally love how tender these really feel, as they’re made from a stretch fleece that has a tender, brushed inside. Plus, they’ve withstood the dreaded dryer take a look at—aka, they saved up that feeling with a number of washes, which is big, contemplating how a lot I would like to hold throwing them on.
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Materials: 63% Polyester, 37% cotton | Size Range: XS-XXL | Colors: 18
After seeing all the net debate about early Gen Z vs. millennial fitness center type, I noticed my very own exercise wardrobe might use an improve. And so I discovered these joggers which have the perfect relaxed, saggy match. They characteristic an elastic waistband—with sufficient room to sneak spandex shorts beneath—and cuffed ankles, so you possibly can pair with a fitness center shoe, like a New Balance sneak.
Materials: 100% Organic cotton | Size Range: XS-XXL | Colors: 15
Cargo pant-style sweats are on the rise, however for those who’re not feeling completely dedicated to the deep aspect pockets, this proportionally outsized sweatpant is a strong in-between. Hannah Baker, a Los Angeles-based author, calls this pair the “vintage-inspired sweatpant of her dreams.” And that’s as a result of these 100% natural cotton pants ship on the old-school vibe, whether or not in an olive or child blue colorway. A typical match, brushed terry materials, and a garment-washed, made-to-fade end are all proof that the basic sweat is again.
What to Look for in Sweatpants
- Material: “I think the classic—and everyone’s go-to—is cotton, and for good reason,” stylist Nina Lato tells Byrdie. “It’s soft on the skin, breathable, and perfect for lounging or everyday wear. Cotton allows airflow, which keeps you comfortable all day long.” However, for those who’re in search of one thing apart from your customary cotton, fleece (for cold climate), French terry (for if you need the within to be light-weight and breathable), and elastance blends (for if you need stretch and restoration), are all stylist-approved choices.
- Silhouette: Doesn’t it really feel like sweatpants are coming in additional shapes than ever? That’s why we tried to take a look at and add an array to this record—as a result of not everybody can have the identical choice for a basic, outsized match. Cuffed types will taper on the ankle for a jogger look, which is right in case you have a new sneaker you’d like to exhibit or simply need one thing that feels extra tailor-made. Wide-leg is extra relaxed, however has a drapey edge that feels easy, whereas flared variations, like our UO decide, give a delicate nod to the silhouette that was popularized within the 00s by jetting out proper on the ankle.
- Fit: The finest sweatpants ought to really feel relaxed with out trying—properly— sloppy. They ought to sit comfortably at your waist (or hips, relying on the rise) and skim the physique with out clinging too tightly. The inseam ought to hit proper on the prime of your shoe or simply beneath the ankle for a clear, polished line. If they bunch up an excessive amount of or drag on the bottom, they’re doubtless too lengthy, so go for a petite model, like from Spanx or Skims.
How We Tested Sweatpants
To discover the very best sweatpants, I wore dozens of pairs over a number of weeks—at house, to exercises, on errands, and even whereas touring. I evaluated every type for consolation, softness, match, and the way properly it held up after a number of washes. I paid shut consideration to material high quality and building (….as a result of nobody desires saggy knees or stretched-out waistbands).
I additionally examined how versatile every pair felt when styled outdoors the home, whether or not they labored with day-to-day fundamentals like sneakers and an outsized jacket or might cross for “elevated loungewear” when paired with a new, crisp tee. The sweatpants on this record made the best marks for really feel, form retention, and total wearability.
Meet Our Experts
To discover and advocate the very best sweatpants, we consulted the next specialists:
- Nina Lato is a stylist and movie star enterprise strategist.
- Shonda Irving is a stylist who makes a speciality of girls dressing over 40, however says that private type “is ageless.”
- Hunter Kailey, also referred to as @fewfavefinds on Instagram, is a clothes and magnificence influencer.
- Hannah Baker is a Los Angeles-based author and product tester.
Why Trust Byrdie
Morgan Sullivan is a contributing Byrdie author overlaying trend, magnificence, and wellness. She’s examined numerous merchandise—from viral hair instruments to celeb-approved outerwear—so she is aware of what’s really value your cash. With 5 years within the business and a wardrobe (and skincare closet) to match, she brings hands-on expertise and trustworthy perception to each overview.