Train in comfort and style at the gym – or lounge around watching Netflix – with a plush pair of the best sweatpants and joggers for men…
If you’re after a new pair of sweatpants, 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.
A staple in any workout wardrobe, this versatile piece of kit offers a range of features, from sweat-wicking properties and four-way stretch to super soft fabric and unrivalled comfort, making them perfect for gym sessions and movie marathons alike.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best performance-focused gym sweatpants and joggers for men in 2023, to help you get your sweat on at the gym and your chill on at home…
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Best sweatpants in 2023
- Best overall: Under Armour Meridian Tapered Pants ($90 / £75, underarmour.com)
- Most comfortable: Gymshark Retake Knit Joggers ($76 / £60, uk.gymshark.com)
- Best for cold-weather workouts: Under Armour OutRun The Storm Pants ($100, £89, underarmour.com)
- Most versatile: Represent 247 Track Pant ($165 / £130, ukrepresentclo.com)
- Budget-friendly option: boohooMAN Active Tapered Fit Jogger ($45 / £32, boohooman.com)
- Most durable: On Sweatpants ($119.99 / £100, on-runnning.com)
- Best for moisture-wicking: Nike Dri-FIT Tapered Training Trousers ($70 / £59.95, nike.com)
- Best for lounging: Nathan 365 Joggers ($85 / £84.99, nathansports.com)
- Ideal for rest day: MP Rest Day Joggers ($44 / £34, mp.com)
- Best for high-intensity training: Gymshark Sport Joggers ($52 / £35, gymshark.com)
- Best eco-credentials: Lululemon License To Train Joggers ($128 / £118, lululemon.co.uk)
BEST SWEATPANTS
1. Under Armour Meridian Tapered Pants
Best sweatpants
| Materials: | 83% nylon, 17% elastane |
| Features: | Four-way stretch material; elastic waistband with external drawcord; zip hand pockets |
| Sizes: | S – XXL |
| Colours: | Black, marine |
Fit: 5/5
Style: 4/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
Top on the list of the best sweatpants are the Under Armour Meridian Tapered Pants. 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
Best for comfort
| Materials: | 53% cotton, 47% polyester |
| Features: | Slim fit; soft flat-knit fabric with good stretch; drawcord to waist; zipped hand pockets |
| Sizes: | XS – 3XL |
| Colours: | Black, light grey, moss olive |
Fit: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
At first glance, I thought the Gymshark Retake Knit looked like many other joggers. 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
Best for cold-weather workouts
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| Materials: | 87% polyester, 13% elastane |
| Features: | 4-way stretch material; soft-knit waistband; wind and water resistant; ankle zips |
| Sizes: | S – 3XL |
| Colours: | Black, steel |
Comfort: 4/5
Versatility: 4/5
Style: 3/5
OVERALL: 4/5
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
Best for versatility
| Materials: | 87% nylon, 13% elastane |
| Features: | 2 cargo pockets, 2 zipped side pockets / adjustable waist and hem |
| Sizes: | XS – XXL |
| Colours: | Black, taupe, camo, taupe camo, burnt olive, grey |
Fit: 4.5/5
Style: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
If you never have time to change between workouts and meeting up with mates, the 247 Track Pant 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. boohooMAN Active Tapered Fit Jogger
Budget-friendly option
| Materials: | Polyester and elastane |
| Features: | Stretchy fabric and tapered fit for optimal movement; unrestrictive design |
| Sizes: | S – XXL |
| Colour: | Black |
Fit: 3.5/5
Style: 3.5/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
BoohooMAN’s kit may be cheap as chips, but don’t be put off by the low price of these gym joggers. The Active Tapered Fit combines comfort with a great fit and unrestrictive design. While testing, I could move freely no matter the activity – in fact, I’d say they’re suitable for anything from weight training to that yoga class you’ve not yet mustered the courage to go to. Versatility at its finest!
6. On Sweatpants
Most durable
| Materials: | 82% recycled polyester, 13% Lyocell, 5% elastane |
| Features: | Zippered side and back pockets; tapered cuffs; drawcord to waist |
| Sizes: | S – XXL |
| Colours: | Black, navy, gray |
Comfort: 5/5
Versatility: 3/5
Style: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
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 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
7. Nike Dri-FIT Tapered Training Trousers
Best for moisture-wicking
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| Materials: | Recycled polyester and organic cotton fibres |
| Features: | Sweat-wicking; streamlined design; stretch cuffs; pockets; standard/relaxed fit |
| Sizes: | XS – 4XL (including Tall options) |
| Colours: | White, black, grey, navy |
Fit: 4.5/5
Style: 4.5/5
Comfort: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
During heart-racing workouts, I found the Fleece fabric – complete with Dri-FIT technology – was highly effective at moving sweat away from my skin for quicker evaporation. But as with most Nike products, the training aspect is just part of the appeal – thanks to their good looks, I found these joggers were just as at home on a Sunday stroll to the shops.
8. Nathan 365 Joggers
Best for lounging
Nathan 365 Joggers
| Materials: | 88% polyester; 12% elastane |
| Features: | Technical knit; 4-way stretch waistband; hand pockets, zipped coin pocket |
| Sizes: | S – XXL |
| Colours: | 5 available |
Fit: 3/5
Style: 3/5
Comfort: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
If you’re after some comfy sweats, these 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
9. MP Rest Day Joggers
Ideal for rest days
| Materials: | 66% cotton, 32% polyester, 2% viscose |
| Features: | Zip closure at hem; adjustable drawcord waistband; welt pockets |
| Sizes: | 2XS – 3XL |
| Colours: | 7 colours available |
Fit: 3.5/5
Style: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Described as ‘slim fit joggers’ on the MP site, but really these are 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 make-up, 66% cotton is a very good thing – 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 – 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.
10. Gymshark Sport Joggers
Best for high-intensity sessions
| Materials: | 92% polyester, 8% elastane |
| Features: | Zipped pockets; drawcord to waist; reflective details |
| Sizes: | XS – 3XL |
| Colours: | Black, silhouette grey, navy, willow green, evening blue |
Comfort: 4/5
Versatility: 4/5
Style: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Performance is at the heart of everything Gymshark does and its Sport Joggers 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
11. Lululemon License to Train Jogger
Best for eco-credentials
| Materials: | 91% recycled polyester; 9% elastane |
| Features: | Reversible waistband; zippered pocket with hidden phone and coin sleeve |
| Sizes: | XS – 2XL |
| Colours: | 8 colours available |
Comfort: 4/5
Versatility: 4/5
Style: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
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 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
How we tested these sweatpants:
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.
What to look for when buying sweatpants:
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.
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