Sweatpants have an interesting place within the men’s fashion space. Most likely worn on lazy days and for lounging around the house, some guys choose to wear tailored, more slim-fitting variants out and about as a stylish alternative to the likes of the jeans and chinos.
It’s important you distinguish between the two: pairs hailing from sportswear brands that sport large branding are pairs we wouldn’t recommend wearing to run your daily errands, for example. They bring to mind specific connotations of a certain youth culture.
Fortunately, you can easily distance yourself from the hooligan look, as plenty of clothing brands produce their own versions of comfortable men’s sweatpants that can easily transition from slouching to the sidewalk and can look great paired with t-shirts and sneakers.
When searching for sweatpants, you may come across the terms sweatpants and joggers, but while there may be several similarities between the two, there are clear differences to distinguish them from each other. The main difference relates to the weight of the material, with sweatpants being made from a heavier fabric than joggers, making them perfect for cold days and to provide high levels of comfort.
You can still wear them to the gym and around town, however, and if anything, their ability to make you sweat more can bring with it various health benefits.
Joggers meanwhile will be made from a more lightweight fabric that is more breathable, and are designed to provide full-leg coverage when jogging.
We’ve rounded up some of the best men’s sweatpants currently available, that is perfectly suited to the colder seasons, as well as providing late-night comfort as the seasons begin to heat up.
Rhone
Is there anything Rhone can't do? The menswear specialist is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to incredibly well-made, stylish clothing that is suitable for myriad occasions. The company specialises in athletic wear in particular, putting considerable effort into researching and developing the very best fabrics to help you perform to your very best.
It's not surprising then, to learn that the majority of Rhone's sweatpants fall into the athletic/jogger category. The Guru Pant is a great all-rounder, however, serving up comfort in spades along with an everyday fit that means you can wear them literally anywhere. At home, around town or to the gym, they're about as versatile as they come.
Outerknown
For laidback beach vibes, only Outerknown will do. The brainchild of professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown does everything in its power to be as sustainable and ethical as possible, using recycled materials anywhere it can. While this can result in a slightly higher price tag than some other manufacturers, you can rest easy knowing you're doing good for the planet, and you receive some impeccably-made clothing in return.
The Sur sweatpants are designed with both comfort and travel in mind, rocking a tapered leg and an elasticated waistband that means you can nail the perfect fit with ease. The addition of a zipped back pocket makes them perfect for everyday wear, too, and the use of French terry fabric makes them breathable and warm.
Everlane
Quite frankly, we feel you should buy your entire wardrobe of clothes from Everlane. The direct-to-consumer clothier makes some of the best clothing around in our opinion, offering the perfect blend of style and affordability. If ever you're in need of some fresh essentials, Everlane should be the first brand you visit.
These French terry sweatpants are part of the company's Uniform collection, which means they come with a one year guarantee, meaning if they suffer any manufacturer-related defects, you can have them replaced for free. Not that you should experience anything of the sort, since they're made from 100% cotton and benefit from triple-needle stitching. This means they'll happily withstand even the toughest of daily tasks, such as an intense gym session, while still looking great around town.
Reiss
British menswear brand Reiss definitely knows a thing or two about suave style. The company's cuts, fabrics and colour choices are second-to-none, with the brand constantly remaining on-trend and catering to the various fashion needs of the modern man.
The Bemish sweatpants are actually marketed as a jogger, but their pure cotton fabric and slim-fit design makes them comfortable enough for lounging around at home, yet stylish enough to be worn on the high street, You're able to pair them with a matching hoodie too for a complete tracksuit look, but without looking like you're about to spark up a turf war.
Buck Mason
American menswear brand Buck Mason has made it its purpose to create only the essential pieces; the ones that never go out of fashion, incredibly well. Not one to rush its design, only pieces that meet the company's high standards will go on sale, so you can rest assured you're buying something of genuine quality.
While Buck Mason's lounge pant aren't sweatpants per se, they are perfectly suited to lounging around at home. Made from a super soft Pima cotton (the same used for its t-shirts), Buck Mason's lounge pants are lightweight and cut with plenty of room to allow for full movement. You even get an adjustable drawcord and a couple of pockets to keep your phone on you at all times.
Gymshark
It's no secret that sweatpants are associated with sportswear. Some people choose to run in theirs and others pay a visit to the gym. For all your basic sportswear needs, you should be checking out Gymshark.
The British business is one of the fastest-growing in recent memory, thanks to an extensive product collection, low pricing and high quality. While they may all be classed as joggers, this pair of Grade Joggers blend the boundaries with sweatpants. Made from a soft fleece fabric and featuring elasticated ankle cuffs and waistband, they're the perfect pair to put on the morning and to not take off for the entire day.
American Giant
American Giant makes all of its clothing in its namesake homeland, meaning a greater deal of attention can be paid to quality control, resulting in clothing that will last you a lifetime. The brand's forte is its sweat fabric, used for hoodies and pants, with its hoodies being described as some of the "best ever".
The company's Classic Sweatpant is made from this proprietary cotton fleece material that simply exudes comfort. Their slim-fit design brings that comfort closer to the skin and pockets all around make them perfect for daily wear.
James Perse
Los Angeles-based James Perse is a clothing brand for the sophisticated gentleman who likes to treat himself to high-quality clothing that has been thoughtfully designed to suit a range of purposes. The vast majority of menswear essentials are catered to, all with a unique James Perse aesthetic.
The Y/Osemite Heavy Jersey sweatpants are one of several pairs available from the American designer, and as their name implies, are made from a heavyweight fabric that makes them well-suited to colder months, as well as providing incredible softness. They can be paired effortlessly with a t-shirt and sneakers for an off-duty look, or slipped on on a weekend morning for at-home comfort unlike anything you've felt before.
Club Monaco
Club Monaco is a brand for those who wish to deviate from the fast-fashion high-street brands, yet still don't want to spend a ton of money on clothing. Club Monaco caters to the majority of menswear essentials, but produces them from more premium materials than your run-of-the-mill clothing stores, proving to be a gateway of sorts into the world of more high-end fashion.
The brand's Brushed Sweatpants are made from a cotton blend fabric and cut to a straight fit. This may make them seem slightly less appropriate for wearing outside the house, but teamed with a pair of sneakers and a t-shirt or sweater, they still look the business.
Orlebar Brown
We've said it before and we'll say it again, Orlebar Brown isn't just a maker of stylish tailored swim shorts. The clothing brand does, in fact, have a complete catalogue of clothing that even covers winter styles, such as heavyweight parka coats and hoodies.
Orlebar Brown also has an extensive selection of loungewear, which naturally, includes sweatpants. This pair of Freeman sweatpants continue to demonstrate the tailored detailing and fit the company has become known for, by way of an adjustable waistband combined with a working fly (a feature not seen on many other pairs). They're made from a compact cotton fabric, knitted in Portugal, that provides durability and comfort, while zipped pocket on the back and sides only add to their ability to be worn as a suitable alternative to jeans and chinos.
J. Crew
Being a favourite of University students and those who spend more of their time looking off-duty as opposed to on, J. Crew is a brand for young professionals who like to inject some alternative style into their lives.
The company's marled brushed fleece sweatpants are one of J. Crew's more popular pieces, and are made from a super soft cotton/polyester blend and offer a supportive, slimline fit. A contrasting waistband and ankle cuffs provide subtle stylish accents, and they can also be had in a wide choice of sizes, meaning everyone can benefit from their comfort.
Todd Snyder
If there's one man who knows how to take an everyday piece of clothing and give it a stylish makeover, it's Todd Snyder. With brands such as Ralph Lauren on his CV, Snyder has plenty of experience in the menswear space, allowing him to create his own collections with unequivocal New York style.
Todd Snyder frequently collaborates with Champion for all his sweaters, hoodies and sweatpants, taking their knowledge of comfortable, breathable sweat fabrics and giving them a more stylish look. Todd's lightweight slim jogger is available in a multitude of colours and exhibit a lived-in look and feel that makes them supremely comfortable from day one.
The Kooples
French fashion label The Kooples is one for those who truly wish to create a unique look for themselves. Many of the brand's designs are eclectic and niche to say the least, and much of its clothing is unisex (the brand encourages couples to dress in similar ways) and much emphasis is placed on monochrome colours.
These navy blue joggers are accented with a white trim and, thanks to a looser fit, will feel at home both at the gym or on runs, as well as wearing as an everyday pair of pants. Dying to be worn with a pair of white sneakers and a white t-shirt or hoody, they're a wardrobe must-have.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Global fashion brand Abercrombie & Fitch may have once been known as a label targeted solely at beautiful people with slim waists or washboard abs, but those images have been scrapped in recent years, resulting in a company that produces American-designed clothing to near-luxury levels, and sells them at affordable prices.
Standout pieces in A&F's repertoire include its jeans, underwear and super-thick hoodies, as well as sweatpants. With both sweatpants and joggers on the books, there's plenty of choice on offer. These fleece joggers are made from the company's softAF fabric, a cotton/poly blend, and serve up a simple aesthetic that gives you everything you need and and nothing you don't.
2XU
While it can be true that the sportswear brands will often rely on prominent branding for their sweatpants, it's not to say they aren't viable options. Especially since you can find pairs with subtle branding instead.
One such pair are these Commute Trackpants from 2XU. The Australian/New Zealand sportswear brand is best-known for its compression wear, but naturally, being a sports brand, has a range of other clothing suitable for gym-use. Made from a double-knit fleece for extra warmth and comfort, they'll happily accompany you from the gym to the home with ease.
Nike
To be honest, we imagine almost everyone has – or should – own a pair of Nike sweatpants at some point in their life. Iconic, well-fitting and available in more colours and fits than you thought imaginable, Nike's club fleece sweatpants are about as essential as you can get.
Nike's brushed-back fleece has always been known for its comfort and super soft feel, and the addition of ribbed cuffs give them a more streamlined look and of course, place more emphasis on the Nike sneakers you'll likely be wearing with them.
Adidas
Equally iconic in their look are sweatpants from German sportswear giant Adidas. The three stripe design is known worldwide and, like Nike's sweatpants, we believe Adidas' pair to be another that are owned by a fair chunk of the world's population.
Made from a blend of cotton and polyester doubleknit, coupled with a fit that is neither too snug nor too loose. Versatile with regards to where you can wear them – they're a pair that are widely accepted on the high-street and in the gym – Adidas' sweatpants are an everyday must-have.
New Balance
New Balance has a strong association with training, basketball and University athletics, which can show through the design of its clothing.
Take this pair of sweatpants, part of New Balance's Varsity Pack. Sporting a college-inspired graphic and an active fit that encourage full movement, while brushed-back fleece provides ample warmth and comfort,
Puma
Puma, the German sportswear brand created by the brother of Adidas' founder, is another to have iconic pieces in its clothing arsenal, which includes sweatpants.
Although technically called Track Pants, the T7 have been around for years, and their retro styling still holds true. Puma's signature stripes adorn the sides, while elasticated cuffs accentuate the slim fit, while also helping to show off your sneakers.
