We’re going to go out on a limb and guess that the world has spent a collective ton more time in sweatpants over the past several months.
Pockets, cuffs, and material advancements mean that sweatpants are just as cozy as in the old days. But they can often double as workout apparel or super-cozy sleepwear.
The Best Men’s Sweatpants of 2021
Best Sustainable Sweatpants: prAna Over Rock Jogger Pants
A blend of hemp, recycled polyester, and Lenzing TENCEL results in a crazy-soft, extremely sustainable fabric for these jogger pants from prAna ($110). We love the sustainable materials designers chose to build these. But even better, these are soft, warm, and practical.
Two large pockets give plenty of room to carry your phone, wallet, and keys if you head to the store. A wide waistband and drawstring provide comfort and security, so those items won’t pull your pants down. And, for sweatpants, they don’t look bad at all!
Check Price at AmazonMost Stylish Sweatpants: Rhone Spar Jogger
Stylish sweatpants? Well, maybe it’s a stretch. But these joggers from Rhone ($128) don’t look too shabby. Rhone makes them with a blend of polyester and TENCEL, and they’re soft, durable, and non-restricting.
We’ve been testing a pair for the past 2 years, and, even with probably 100 days of use, they still look as good as new. These have a zipper rear pocket and two hip pockets for plenty of storage.
Check Price at RhoneMost Versatile Sweatpants: Vuori Transit Jogger
If you’re looking for joggers you can wear to the crag and the office, the Vuori Transit Joggers ($118) are worth a look. Sitting at the intersection of style and performance, the Transit Joggers offer moisture-wicking, quick-drying material while maintaining UPF protection and four-way stretch for comfort.
The Transits are topped off with back and side zippered pockets, a drawcord, and cuffed ankles for added utility and steez. We’ve been wearing these for about a year now doing everything from rock climbing to running, bouldering, chilling, and officing, and they’ve met every challenge. The compliments on their fit and style aren’t a bad thing, either!
Check Price at VuoriBest Budget Sweatpants: Gap Logo Fleece Pants
“They were the cheapest pair I could find in some random outlet mall on our road trip a few years ago, and they’re still holding up,” said our sales guy, Kyle Nossaman. And that means they lived through a couple of years of life on a rebuilt school bus as well as long stints on a Caribbean island.
The Logo Fleece Pants ($50) have pockets, a drawstring, and skinny ankles, and they haven’t pilled from sitting or washing. They have a soft blend of cotton and polyester fleece inside that provides slight warmth.
Check Price at Gap FactoryBest Classic Sweats: C9 Champion Cold Weather Running Pant
It seems everyone has owned at least one pair of Champion sweats. Maybe they were issued as part of a school uniform, or maybe they came from a big-box store. But wherever they came from, you know they are a cozy value. The Men’s Cold Weather Running Pant ($30) is a top choice for our operations manager, who’s been living in them for the last few months.
The super-comfortable, form-fitting joggers look great and won’t break the bank. The 92% polyester and 8% spandex Duo Dry material wicks moisture and dries fast. They have a zipper pocket and zippers at the leg openings to slip on over shoes and are warm enough for shoulder seasons in the frigid American North.
Check Price at AmazonBest for Lounging & Sleeping: SAXX Sleepwalker Pant
You could literally wear these pants 24/7. The modal fabric is unbelievably soft, and the relaxed fit is oh-so comfy. Unlike some other thick sweatpants, we’ve found that the thinner fabric doesn’t get too hot while sleeping. Plus, these sweatpants ($75) feature the legendary support of the BallPark Pouch.
SAXX does offer a very similar style of loungewear without the pouch in the Snooze Pant (also $75). It’s technically a men’s item, but they’re so comfy some ladies have been known to rock them as well.
Check Sleepwalker Price at SaxxCheck Snooze Price at Saxx
Best for Layering: Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man 2 Fleece Pant
OK, yes, $150 is a lot to spend on sweatpants. But boy, oh boy! Mountain Hardwear’s Monkey Fleece Pants are super-soft, insanely cozy, and just outdoorsy enough to make you feel like you’re not lazing about in actual sweatpants.
Polartec High Loft Fleece makes up most of the construction, with accents of Power Stretch on the knee panels, deep side pockets, and cuffs. Sure, Mountain Hardwear says they’re designed to go under ski pants or over base layers. But let’s be real: They really shine from the bedroom to the kitchen and the couch.
Check Price at BackcountryThe Best Women’s Sweatpants of 2021
Most Comfortable Sweatpants: prAna Sunrise Jogger
These jogger pants have a lot going for them — specifically, the gentle fabric and great fit. The Sunrise Joggers ($95) are a blend of polyester and TENCEL and are definitely on the warmer and cozier side. What we love overall is the balance of comfort and style. Plus sizes are also available.
Check Price at prAnaBest Sustainable Sweatpants: Coalatree Evolution Joggers
These pants are cozy, comfy, and made from coffee grounds. Yes, you read the right. Spent coffee grounds are melted down with recycled plastic bottles to make the Evolution Joggers ($89).
But you’d never guess it while wearing them. They’re soft against the skin and wash up perfectly time and time again. They’re available for preorder and will ship in November.
If you need a pant to wear right now, check out the Coalatree Trailhead Pants ($89). They’re waterproof, breathable, and have an oh-so-comfortable four-way stretch. These are equally great for lounging on the couch or hitting up the trail.
Check Price at CoalatreeMost Stylish Loungewear: Title Nine Manresa Pants
Made from Title IX’s insanely comfortable and proprietary French terry fabric, the Manresa Pants ($89) — and hoodie ($89) — are a remote work go-to for us. Unlike heavy old-school sweatpants material, these are lightweight while providing silky warmth.
The fit of the pants is stay-at-home spectacular. We love the high waist, long legs, and ample pockets. And these pants really hold up even after a few days of constant wear. (Not that we’ve done that …)
If you tend to be one to put off laundry while minimizing your wardrobe, these are the perfect lounge pants to add to your collection. The ribbon detail on the pants also adds a little bit of posh, de-slumping the loungewear blues.
Check Price at Title NineMost Versatile Sweatpants: XTERRA Daybreak Pant
We’ve been wearing these sweatpants ($75) day and night, and have to marvel at their versatility. The Daybreak pants are made for those on the move, whether you’re traveling, doing yoga, or going for a winter run.
We’ve found the pants’ moisture-wicking properties to be better than others on the market, and we also appreciate details like the pants’ reflective accents and hidden key pocket.
Check Price at Xterra
