Sweatpants arean easy garment to overlook. The mainstay of dads and guys who live in their mom’s basement, the frumpy, super casual trousers have long been the international sign for “I give up.” But fashion and outdoor brands have revamped theinto something more modern, versatile, and—dare we say it—stylish. I had the tough job of testing half a dozen of the best-looking pairson the market. I rotated thesethrough my wardrobe on a daily basis, wearing them to yoga and the gymandthe coffee shop, during heated Ping-Pong battles, and even to dinner. (Yes, there are date-night options now.) Here are my favorites.
Reigning Champ Midweight Slim($120)
Best For:Lounging around the house
Imagine your favorite pair of sweats from high schoolbut with 70 percent less volume. That’s what Reigning Champ, based in Vancouver, B.C., didwith its Midweight Slim. The company took the classic, 100 percent cotton design and gave it a slim fit with a tapered leg to make a more casual version of skinny jeans. The construction is a thick terry,so these are made for lounging,not track laps. You don’t get any extras, like thigh or zippered pockets, but the quality is second to none:this pair isbuiltto last.
Buck Mason Loopback($85)
Best For:Dressing up or down
You probably aren’t going to wear sweats to a wedding, but if you were, might be a suitable option. Buck Mason uses a thick, French-terry cotton with pronounced seams and stitching, all of which give these sweatsmore structure than other picks on this list. Couple that burly build with a traditional silhouette, and you have a pair that’s almost business casual. Fancy sweatpants? Yes, indeed.
Mack Weldon Ace($78)
Best For:Tackling errands andactivities
Out of all of the trousers on this page, is the optionI reach for most.I like the modern cut, which is tapered without being too skinny.The micro-sanded cotton is ultrasoft and blended with Lycra for stretchand performance. I ranin the Ace on particularly cold January afternoons and never felt clammy.The zip-up thigh pocket is only big enough for a set of keys, but the hand pockets are the deepest of the bunch, which means your phone won’t fall out when you sit down. A zippered back pocket adds storage you can actually use. The Ace is the definition of athleisure wear: a pair of pants that look good, feel great,and can handle the sporadic bit of action when you’re lured off the couch.
Cotopaxi Baja($100)
Best For:Working out
To call sweatpants is too one-dimensional. Yes, they’re comfy enough for napping, but there isn’t an ounce of cotton built into them. Insteadthey’re made from a four-way-stretch soft shell comprised of recycled polyester that has a DWR treatment to repel light rain. The Baja is a utilitarian workhorse: elasticenough for yoga or climbing, and light and airy enough to handle a jog. (I’ve been playing basketball in them nonstop.) There’s no back pocket, and the hand pockets are on the shallow end of the spectrum, but the zippered seam pocket on the thigh is big enough to hold my iPhone 11. These arejoggers that I’d actually work out in.
Icebreaker Shifter($150)
Best For: Ski layering and lazy days
Sweatpants are traditionally made from cotton, but Icebreaker used merino wool (with a little nylon and Lycra for durability and stretch) in to create a thin and light numberthat borders on pajama territory. They’re warm without being too weightyand hands down the softeston this list. Given the merino wool, you could easily wear theseas a midlayer during cold ski days, but I’ve been using them solely for my laziest days when I don’t leave the house.
The North FaceHeavyweight Fleece($70)
Best For:Everday wear
There are some expensive pickson this list, but the North Faceproves you don’t have to drop a Benjamin to getfashion-forwardloungers. is built from an 80/20 blend of cotton and polyester that’s thick and warmbut moves well if you’re on the go. Some people might be turned off by the severely tapered leg, which is meant to rise a little above your sock line, but I like the look. There aren’t a lot of frills, so don’t go looking for zippered pockets, but these are way more stylish than the price tag suggests.