RS Recommends: the Best Sweatpants (That You Can Actually Wear Outside)

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With many people still working from home, switching from slacks to sweats has never been more popular, as the rules around “work-appropriate” outfits start to blur. But even if you’re working from home — and only taking video calls from the waist up — you’ll still want to look put together, if not for your own upkeep and sanity then for those who have to share (tight) space around you. Luckily, the best sweatpants are now more sophisticated than ever, making it easy to be cozy and smartly dressed.

What Are the Best Sweatpants?

Gone are the days of baggy, poorly-made sweatpants. The best sweatpants of 2022 are trim, tailored pieces you could wear out for errands (or even brunch) if you wanted to. Opt for sweats with clean colorways, streamlined designs, and premium materials for a cleaner look (and a more luxurious feel). Here’s what else to consider when buying the best sweatpants.

Fit: The right pair of sweatpants can actually be part of a smart and polished look, provided that they fit well. Look for sweatpants with a more tailored fit; you don’t want them clinging to you like workout tights or leggings, but you shouldn’t be swimming in them either. Baggy sweats are best left for bed.

Materials: Most sweatpants are made from a cotton fleece material, which is super soft and cozy. But cheap cotton often leads to pilling, and some sweatpants lose shape and elasticity the more they are washed. It’s fine to have that pair of old sweatpants you like to lounge in, but throw on a fresh pair the next time you’re running errands or taking video calls. Look for soft, breathable materials that repel, rather than absorb sweat. Consider cotton blend materials too, which can add structure and shape. Most of the options on our list included a touch of elastane, for a stretchy, comfortable fit that’s as suitable for a yoga session, as it is for work.

Style: These days, brands are making sweatpants in all shapes and styles. We’ve listed some classic sweatpants, as well as jogger-style sweats that are cropped and cuffed at the ankles. We’ve also found sweatpants for women with a flattering flared style, along with some streetwear-inspired looks as well.

We’ve rounded up some of the best sweatpants for men and women below, based on comfort, construction, versatility and fit.

1. Lululemon City Sweat Jogger

Though best known for yoga and workout gear, Lululemon also makes some of the best sweatpants on the market. These City Sweat joggers are a great example, straddling workout gear, casual basics, and loungewear in one pair of pants. They’re made of stretchy French terry fabric that works for yoga, lazy mornings, or coffee runs, and a tapered fit lends some grown-up style.

Buy Lululemon City Sweat Jogger $110+

2. Champion Men’s Classic Jersey Joggers

You can’t go wrong with classic Champion joggers. Made of a jersey knit fabric and featuring the iconic Champion logo down one leg, the joggers are as cozy as they are cool. You also get an adjustable drawstring waist, as well as side pockets for your phone, earbuds, and wallet when you head to the corner store.

Buy Champion Men's Classic Jersey Joggers $21.00

3. Todd Snyder + Champion Cargo Sweatpant

Todd Snyder and Champion make a great match — which is probably why the brands’ partnership has lasted almost ten years. Champion’s sportswear know-how is present in these sweat’s ultra-comfortable reverse weave French terry fabric, while Todd Snyder brings throwback American style in the form of a trim fit and Fifties-inspired design details. Cargo pockets on either side score extra style points, and provide a good spot for stashing essentials.

Buy Todd Snyder + Champion Cargo Sweatpant $168

4. Everlane Cozy-Stretch Sweatpant

These wide-leg sweats from Everlane aren’t just chic for sweatpants; they’re downright sophisticated. Made using a mix of wool, nylon, yak hair, and elastane, the pants have a droopy, flattering fit and a soft, stretchy feel. They’re great for normal sweats-wearing activities (i.e. watching TV, working from home, etc.), but you can easily dress them up, as seen above, with a button-up and clean sneakers when heading outside the house.

Buy Everlane Cozy-Stretch Sweatpant $150

5. Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpants

We’ve written about our love for Mack Weldon before, and the online retailer’s best-selling pant is the Ace Pant, a more grown-up take on your classic pair of sweatpants. Unlike the baggy (and saggy) sweats you’ve been lounging in, these ones have a more tailored fit, with ribbed ankle cuffs and a drawstring waist. They’re super comfortable too, sanded down for a smoother, softer finish (read: no annoying pilling or loose threads here). Multiple colors are available online.

Buy Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpants $78

7. Rhone Guru Pants

One of the most popular leisurewear pants for men right now are these “Guru” pants from Rhone. They feel like gym shorts or yoga pants, but are built with a little more structure, to let you wear them during post-sweat sessions as well. The fit is tailored, but won’t hug as tight as some of the other pants on our list. The four-way stretch material gives you plenty of room to move.

Buy Rhone Guru Pants $98

8. LCKR Based Sweatpants

Footlocker launched their own line of essentials (with the help of Gunna) and they’ve really impressed us. Pieces like these Based sweatpants are very high-quality, with these boasting a beefy yet breathable fabric and a fit that’s not too tight or too baggy. They’re made of fleece and polyester, and touches like a ribbed inseam deliver better range of motion for workouts (or sitting cross-legged on the couch).

Buy LCKR Based Sweatpants $39.95

9. Nike Women’s French Terry Training Pants

Along with a few other classic sportswear brands, Nike’s sweats have become a fashion statement. Some of the brand’s best pairs, like these French terry pants, look just as good at the coffee shop as they do on the couch. A retro Nike logo on the calf adds some flair, and side pockets add convenience.

Buy Nike Women's French Terry Training Pants $65

10. Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Pants

Nike’s classic Fleece sweatpants are very popular — and for good reason. The fabric is great for warming up at the gym, but it’s also very cozy, and showcases a more upscale look than most sweats. Nike offers the Club Fleece pants in a few on-trend colors, all of which we’re very into right now. Whichever you pick, team them with statement sneakers and a logo hoodie, or slippers and a clean T-shirt while taking calls at home.

Buy Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Pants $45

11. John Elliot Sydney Sweatpants

A favorite of celebrities from the Biebers to Lebron James, John Elliot’s sweatpants are a bigger power move than some slacks. Featuring an oversized fit and a thick, high-quality cotton build, these Sydney joggers are some of John Elliot’s best sweatpants. Despite their clout, however, the Sydney sweats are still excellent companions for laying on the couch.

Buy John Elliot Sydney Sweatpants $248