Train in comfort and style at the gym – or lounge around bingeing boxsets – with a plush pair of the best sweatpants and joggers for men in 2024.
If you’re after a pair of the best sweatpants or joggers for men, you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to finding workout kit for your bottom half, there are plenty of options to choose from, including gym shorts and running tights. However, if you prefer a little more coverage, gym joggers could be the right option for you. Plus if you’re planning outdoor workouts this winter, you’ll get extra insulation too.
A staple in any workout wardrobe, this versatile piece of kit offers a range of features, from sweat-wicking properties and four-way-stretch flexibility to super soft fabric and unrivalled comfort, making them perfect for gym sessions and movie marathons alike.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best sweatpants and joggers for men, to help you get your sweat on at the gym and your chill on at home.
Why you can trust Men’s Fitness
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Our team of bike reviewers included experienced product testers, journalists and fitness writers – as well as the core MF team – who know exactly what sets the best products apart from the rest. Find out more about how we test.
The best sweatpants overall
All the sweatpants here are hot on the heals of our favourite. The Under Armour Meridian Tapered Pants (buy now) have the best overall fit and feel, with that flattering tapered design and a super soft and stretchy fabric for reliable comfort whether you’re working out or chilling out. Impressive breathability boosts their workout appeal while zippered pockets enhance their overall versatility.
Other sweatpants recommendations
| Best for comfort | Giving the UA Tapered Pants a run for their money in the comfort stakes are the Gymshark Retake Knit Joggers (buy now). The cotton-polyester mix and subtle knitted patterns around the ankles, calves and knees make them a joy to wear. |
| Best for cold-weather workouts | For outdoor winter workouts, you’ll want sweatpants with decent wind and water resistance, and the Under Armour Outrun The Storm Pants (buy now) deliver on both fronts. Ankle zips and no-bounce pockets are nice touches too. |
| Best for eco credentials | We often assume apparel made from recycled material can be a bit of a compromise but these Lululemon License To Train Joggers (buy now) are serious performers, boasting abrasion and water resistance from their 100% recycled construction. |
1. Under Armour Meridian Tapered Pants
Men’s Fitness verdict
With a supportive fit and four-way stretch fabric, these comfy and supportive joggers allow for a full range of movement and are ideal for short workouts or runs.- Flattering, supportive fit
- Plenty of flexibility
- Comfortable waistband
- Breathability could be better
| Materials | 83% nylon, 17% elastane |
| Features | Four-way stretch material; elastic waistband with external drawcord; zip hand pockets |
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | Black, marine |
Reviewed by Laurence McJannet
Top on the list of the best sweatpants for men are the Under Armour Meridian Tapered Pants (buy now). While I was testing, I found the close, tapered fit of the Meridian to be one of the most flattering of any of the sweatpants I’ve ever tried. Its cuffs aren’t elasticated but I didn’t mind this, as the leg tapers naturally toward the ankle. This, combined with the super-soft and stretchy fabric, meant for all-day comfort, which I loved.
During a workout, I also found that the material wicked sweat away from my body and dried quickly. Because of this, I’d say the Meridian is suitable for intense gym or track sessions. I also appreciated the two zipped pockets too, which are handy for stashing valuables while training.
- Read our full Under Armour Meridian Tapered Pants review
2. Gymshark Retake Knit Joggers
Men’s Fitness verdict
Gymshark has got comfort levels spot-on here, with flat-knit, satin-soft fabric and a waistband that doesn’t create any unwanted pressure. They are also breathable and dry quickly.- Flat-knit fabric promotes all-day comfort
- Textured knit around joints feels satin-soft
- Lightweight and breathable
- Crotch tends to sag
- Cuffs are cinched, not elasticated
| Materials | 53% cotton, 47% polyester |
| Features | Slim fit; soft flat-knit stretch fabric; drawcord to waist; zipped hand pockets |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
| Colors | Black, light grey, moss olive |
Reviewed by Laurence McJannet
At first glance, I thought the Gymshark Retake Knit Joggers (buy now) looked like many other sweatpants. However, when I looked a little closer, I noticed the little details that make it stand out as one of the best pairs of sweatpants for men. These include the subtle anti-chafing knit patterns around the ankle, calf and knee, which soften the parts of the material that touched my legs the most as I moved.
Zipped pockets are a nice touch too, and although the Retake Knit is a little looser than I’d usually like, there’s no denying how comfortable these joggers feel – whether I’m in the gym or on the sofa.
- Read our full Gymshark Retake Knit Joggers review
3. Under Armour OutRun The Storm Pants
Men’s Fitness verdict
The four-way-stretch woven fabric is light and offers full range of movement. The water- and wind-resistance makes these perfect for cold-weather workouts.- No-bounce phone storage
- Water- and wind-resistant
- A bit warm for milder conditions
- Not as comfortable for lounging
| Materials | 87% polyester, 13% elastane |
| Features | 4-way stretch material; soft-knit waistband; wind and water resistant; ankle zips |
| Sizes | S – 3XL |
| Colors | Black, steel |
Reviewed by Kieran Alger
While training outdoors with these sweatpants, I was impressed by the excellent wind and water resistance, making them a winner for cold-weather workouts. I also found that the four-way stretch fabric gave me complete freedom to move and they were also incredibly breathable. The no-bounce pockets and ankle zips are also useful details, which came in handy when running. If you want to keep your al fresco sessions up when the mercury starts to drop, believe me, these aptly named sweats have got you covered.
- Read our full Under Armour OutRun The Storm Pants review
4. Represent 247 Track Pant
Men’s Fitness verdict
There’s no getting away from the fact that the 247 Track Pant is expensive for a sweatpant. But it’s well made, has a good shape and plenty of flexibility for wearing inside the gym and beyond.- Excellent fit and stretch
- Good breathability
- Plenty of pockets
- Expensive
- Waistband could be wider
| Materials | 87% nylon, 13% elastane |
| Features | 2 cargo pockets; 2 zipped side pockets; adjustable waist and hem |
| Sizes | XS – XXL |
| Colors | Black, taupe, camo, taupe camo, burnt olive, grey |
Reviewed by Laurence McJannet
If you never have time to change between workouts and meeting up with mates, the Represent 247 Track Pant (buy now) lets you segue from gym floor to coffee shop door in style. Before even trying them on, I was impressed by how lightweight these were in my hands. When I put them on, I loved the way the four-way stretch fabric glided over my skin. The fabric was also great at keeping moisture at bay while I exercised, helping me to feel fresh long after I nailed my last reps. Plus, these sweatpants feature deep pockets which will swallow your wallet, phone, keys and more too.
- Read our full Represent 247 Track Pant review
5. On Sweatpants
Men’s Fitness verdict
Soft, stretchy and super durable, these midweight sweatpants are ideal for light workouts or cool-down coverage. The deep and numerous pockets are also perfect for stashing valuables.- Super soft and stretchy
- Plenty of pockets
- A bit heavy for rigorous workouts
- No zippered legs
| Materials | 82% recycled polyester, 13% Lyocell, 5% elastane |
| Features | Zippered side and back pockets; tapered cuffs; drawcord to waist |
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | Black, navy, gray |
Reviewed by Kieran Alger
On’s trademark is simple yet sophisticated style with subtle technical twists, so it’s no surprise these sweatpants have both style and substance. In my experience, there aren’t many sweats that can make the gym-casual crossover as effortlessly as these do. A combination of classic style and colours and impressive durability, storage and performance makes the On Sweatpants (buy now) a versatile choice.
I found the fit to be roomy but not over-baggy with classic tapered legs, cuffed above the ankle. That’s great for stopping the sweat rising up but sadly means you can’t whip them on without taking your training shoes off.
Durability also gets my thumbs-up. In my tests, that silky fabric stayed soft even after loads of trips through the wash.
- Read our full On Sweatpants review
6. Nathan 365 Joggers
Men’s Fitness verdict
For lounging around the house, you won’t find many better sweatpants or joggers. They are soft, stretchy and fast-drying, but, the material is quite thin so they’re not ideal for outdoor exercise.- ‘Ultra soft fabric’ is exactly that, and comfortable for lounging
- Dry incredibly quickly
- Good-sized pockets, plus a smaller zipped pocket
- Material is stretchy but thin. Not suited to outdoor exercise
- Tight-fitting crotch leaves little to the imagination
| Materials | 88% polyester, 12% elastane |
| Features | Technical knit; 4-way stretch waistband; hand pockets; zipped coin pocket |
| Sizes | S – XXL |
| Colors | 5 available |
Reviewed by Isaac Williams
If you’re after some comfy sweats, these Nathan 365 Joggers (buy now) are as comfortable as they come. The brand describes the material as ‘ultra soft’, and they certainly live up to the billing. I’d go so far as saying they’re the comfiest joggers I’ve ever worn.
Wearing these around the house is a dream, but for anything much more active you should probably opt for thicker, more durable sweatpants, as I found the material on these to be quite thin. However, they do earn some practicality points for the deep side pockets and the added bonus of a smaller zipped pocket, which securely stored my valuables.
All in all, Nathan’s 365 Joggers are hard to beat if comfort is your number-one priority.
- Read our full Nathan 365 Joggers review
7. MP Rest Day Joggers
Men’s Fitness verdict
The term ‘joggers’ can be a bit of a misnomer and that’s the case with these sweats. They are supremely comfy and great for lounging but a bit too loose and heavy for anything too active.- Great cotton comfort
- Good choice of colours
- Pockets are shallow
- Waistband doesn’t cinch very tightly
| Materials | 66% cotton, 32% polyester, 2% viscose |
| Features | Zip closure at hem; adjustable drawcord waistband; welt pockets |
| Sizes | 2XS – 3XL |
| Colors | 7 colours available |
Reviewed by Isaac Williams
Described as ‘slim fit joggers’ on the MP site, these are actually of the loose and comfortable variety. In fairness, the clue is in the ‘Rest Day’ name, and while you’re not going to want to go for a run in them, for lazy days at home you won’t find many better.
In terms of the materials , 66% cotton is a big plus – generally speaking, more cotton equals more comfort – and while I was testing these, it was the comfort that was the standout factor here. Also, I tested the ‘Smoke Blue’ pair, which made a nice change from the usual grey or black colourways.
I did have a couple of gripes with the MP Rest Day joggers (buy now) – and whether minor or more significant depends on your own needs. Firstly, I found that the drawcord waistband doesn’t actually draw that tight. The counterpoint is that there are eight sizes available, so it should be easy enough to find a fit that doesn’t need too much tightening. However, if there is a little bit of wiggle room around the waist, pulling that cord tight isn’t quite as easy as it should be.
Secondly, and more importantly, I found the side pockets to be extremely shallow – to the extent that an iPhone only just about fits in. It’s a problem part rectified by the addition of zips to keep everything secure, but a bit more depth would provide some more peace of mind.
8. Gymshark Sport Joggers
Men’s Fitness verdict
Superbly stretchy and lightweight, these sweats offer maximum flexibility and freedom of movement, making them ideal for a range of drills – from light recovery runs to intense workouts.- Light, flexible and comfortable
- Good versatility for training
- Legs can rise up
- More sporty than casual style
| Materials | 92% polyester, 8% elastane |
| Features | Zipped pockets, drawcord to waist, reflective details |
| Sizes | XS – 3XL |
| Colors | Black, silhouette grey, navy, willow green, evening blue |
Reviewed by Kieran Alger
Performance is at the heart of everything Gymshark does and its Sport Joggers (buy now) are no different. They’re tailor-made for dynamic or high intensity sessions. While testing, I found they offered plenty of give, stretch and breathability. Plus, their flattering, slimline fit felt super supportive, and the wide drawcord waistband kept my comfort at a premium.
I found them to be great for a wide range of drills, from jogging warm-ups to deep lunges and dynamic stretches. They’re also not too heavy for more intense sessions. I even managed some light recovery treadmill runs and am sure these will work a treat on cold winter runs, too.
- Read our full Gymshark Sport Joggers review
9. Lululemon License to Train Jogger
Men’s Fitness verdict
Made from a shell-like, abrasion-resistant, four-way stretch fabric, these water-repellent and fast-drying sweats are perfect for outdoor workouts and warm-ups.- Water repellent
- Plenty of pockets
- Not as comfortable for lounging
- Can be a bit toasty
| Materials | 91% recycled polyester, 9% elastane |
| Features | Reversible waistband; zippered pocket with hidden phone and coin sleeve |
| Sizes | XS – 2XL |
| Colors | 8 colours available |
Reviewed by Kieran Alger
However hard you train, you can depend on Lululemon’s abrasion-resistant and water-repellant joggers. These four-way stretch sweatpants are made from 100% recycled material too, enhancing their environmental credentials. There are also three zippered pockets, covering all your storage needs.
I found the classic tapered fit of the Lululemon License To Train Joggers (buy now) to be a little baggier than some skinnier sweatpants. That said, the cuffed ankles are narrow and quite seriously elasticated, which I found great for locking the legs nicely in place – although it does mean you can’t slip them on without taking your shoes off.
- Read our full Lululemon License To Train Jogger review
What to look for when buying sweatpants for men
When shopping for sweatpants, your perfect pair will largely depend on the type of training – or lounging – you’re planning on doing. For example, if you’re up for a sweaty session, finding sweatpants with sweat-wicking fabric and added breathability is a must. If you’re going for a run, you might want to look for sweatpants with zip-up pockets to hold your valuables.
Not sure which option is right for you? Check out our guide on the difference between sweatpants and joggers, which includes more handy buying advice.
It might sound silly, but the route to finding the best sweatpants for your gym session will depend on how much sweat your activity is likely to produce. A high-intensity, cardio-based class would benefit from a different style of sweatpants to a rest-filled visit to the weights room. Plus, wearing the wrong style could make a hot and hard workout even tougher.
Choosing the right fabric
For those sweatier sessions, you’re best looking for a pair of sweatpants that have a sweat-wicking fabric. You should also look for added breathability, and a bit of stretch. Most sweatpants in this category will be made of a synthetic material like polyester, but if you want to keep things natural, Merino wool is a good (if more premium-priced) alternative.
The humble jogger is fine for anything else (and can even double up for sofa-based Netflix binging sessions too), and most modern designs tend to come in a cotton and synthetic (nylon, polyester) blend.
Finding the right fit
The best cut and design of a pair of sweatpants fall on the same dividing lines as fabric choice. While not for everyone because of their skin-hugging nature, a tapered, tight-fitting pair of sweatpants is beneficial for sweaty gym sessions. This is because they are able to wick sweat away at the source rather than letting it pool on the skin. Plus, they won’t get in the way when running on a treadmill or in the saddle on a spin bike.
When your lower half isn’t being used for exercise or sweat isn’t an issue, then something baggier and free-flowing can often be more comfortable to work out in.
Additional features
Finally, it’s worth considering additional features when looking for the best sweatpants for the gym. A zip-up pocket is always handy for storing valuables like your phone and keys, while it’s worth opting for a drawstring closure over an elasticated waist if you want to truly be able to tailor the fit.
How we test the best sweatpants
Our team of reviewers are experienced testers of all manner of fitness kit. While testing out these sweatpants we were mainly looking at fit, comfort and style. We also paid close attention to the fabrics used and whether they offered specific sporty features like 360-degree stretch or moisture-wicking abilities, alongside any additional features, like pockets, drawstring waists and elasticated cuffs.
