To find the best sweats, the WH fashion team did the legwork (get it?) for you, trying tons of popular pairs on a variety of body types. We landed on oversized, fuzzy styles made for couch hangs to sweat-wicking joggers that can handle anything your day throws at you. Keep reading to find out what to consider when shopping—and which pairs deserve a spot in your cozy drawer.
What to consider
Material
Softness is a must when it comes to sweatpants, and stylist Jackie Schiavone says cotton is the secret, as it’s made from thin flexible fibers that make its texture super soft. If you want even more comfort, she suggests opting for sweatpants with a light fleece lining, which helps them stay soft and cozy, even after multiple washes.
For the colder months, celebrity stylist Kim Appelt says to buy sweats made completely out of fleece or terry cloth, as they’ll keep you warm without compromising on style. If you want something that’s cozy and also easy to move in, look for cotton blended with stretchy materials like Lycra and elastane.
Fit
Sweatpants are meant to be oversized, so you don’t have to worry as much about fit, as, say jeans. But Appelt says you still want to keep your body type in mind while shopping. “Choose a rise that flatters your shape,” she says. For example, if you are more of an apple or circle shape, a wider waistband can be your best friend for a more comfortable, flattering fit. On the other hand, if you’re an inverted triangle, go for a wide or flared leg to balance out your shoulders, Appelt says.
How we chose
I’m a style writer who’s been testing activewear for years. For this story, I combed through my extensive testing, and called in a bunch of sweats to try over the last few months. I also consulted with two style experts on what to consider when shopping for sweatpants. WH fashion director Kristen Saladino, assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture, and freelance stylist Alexandra Juric also weighed in on their favorite options. We considered sweats that fit well, have cozy-but-functional fabrics, and feature plenty of pockets for storage.
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Best Overall
Vuori Boyfriend Jogger Pants
We’ve tested plenty of sweatpants, and as activewear enthusiasts, we all agree: This pair from Vuori is the most versatile option on this list. They have a cozy, sweat-wicking fabric that comes in a flattering cut for most body types. Our editors have worn them for traveling, running errands, lounging, or even those days when you’d rather skip the leggings at the gym for a strength workout or yoga.
Vuori calls the fabric of these joggers DreamKnit, a blend of polyester and elastane, which feels exactly as it sounds: dreamy and soft. But, they also have more stretch than a lot of the other sweats on this list, which makes them feel a bit more like joggers than sweatpants. According to fashion director Kristen Saladino, they’re “lightweight and soft to the touch, but the stretchy material makes them not restrictive at all.”
Saladino is a size six in clothing, and says the medium in these pants is a cool and relaxed fit. According to her, they run perfectly true-to-size if you’re looking for a snug but not constrictive fit. If you do want to size up, expect the pants to be a bit baggier, but not too loose.
The only downside to these sweats is that the drawstring is on the inside of the waistband instead of the outside, which can make it harder to tie and a little uncomfortable against the skin. That said, we love that you can roll the waistband down to bring the tie outside.
Read More: Best Compression Leggings For Women
| Materials | 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-XXL |
| Colors | 5 |
Best Budget
Baleaf Cotton Yoga Lounge Sweat Pants
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Sweat-wicking and breathable
- Wide size range
- Deep and sturdy side pockets
Cons
- Can look unflattering if they’re too oversized
These sweatpants have it all. They’re lightweight enough to wear in the summer, but cozy and thick enough to be your go-to in the winter. We find them to be a solid dupe of the Vuori pants above, because they’re just slightly thicker and they have the drawstring on the outside of the waistband, which we like. Also similar to the Vuori pair, they’re sweat-wicking and breathable so you can totes wear them to a workout class.
The size options that these sweatpants come in also blew us away, ranging from XS all the way up to 3X. Rest assured you can find a size that fits you like a glove. We found the fit to be loose enough for comfort, but snug around the waist and at the ankles for a more tailored fit. I usually wear these with sneakers, but slides or boots in the winter work great, too.
Like the Vuori sweats, these pants have side pockets, but we found them sturdier and deeper than the Vuori ones. They can hold our phones without an ounce of fear that they’ll fall out.
Surprisingly, we prefer these sweatpants in a snugger fit. When too oversized, they can add extra bulk to the legs. For a more flattering look, we recommend sizing down.
| Materials | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-3X |
| Colors | 11 |
Best Relaxed Fit
Skims Boyfriend Loose Pant
Pros
- Stretchy elastic waistband feels snug around the waist
- Don’t make you feel constricted or too hot
Cons
- They run large
Even though Skims is known for shapewear, the brand also makes some great relaxed fits. And these sweats in particular have become a personal favorite. I love how loose and flowy they are in the legs—ICYDK, this relaxed fit it back in style—but they have a stretchy elastic waistband that keeps them snug around the waist.
I run super hot, so I appreciate sweats that are on the thinner side like this pair. I can even sleep in these without getting too overheated. They almost feel like you’re wearing a long pair of boxers with their lightweight material.
These definitely run large, so I recommend sizing down for a more oversized fit—or even going down two sizes if you want them to feel a bit more snug. I usually wear a large in sweatpants but went with a small in these. They’re still roomy but not so baggy that I wouldn’t wear them out for a walk or a quick grocery run.
| Materials | 47% cotton, 48% modal, 5% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-4X |
| Colors | 6 |
Best Straight Leg
Alo Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant
Pros
- Super soft and lightweight
- Tons of color options
- Fleece lining makes them super breathable
Cons
- They run long
There are a few straight leg options on this list, but we love Alo’s Straight Leg Sweatpants as they are suuuper soft and lightweight for lounging or heading out for the day. They come in a ton of color options, which we also appreciate. They look great with most casual fits, but we love wearing them with Alo’s color-coordinating jackets and hoodies for a chic, monochrome vibe.
They are made with a French terry cloth, and contributing stylist Alexandra Juric says this makes for a great fleece lining that is super breathable. They have an oversized look, but if you want them to fit more snugly you can size down or even twice. I prefer them a bit bigger, as I can always roll down the waistband for a more snug fit around the hips.
“The only downside to these sweats is the length; the pants go well past my ankle, making them hard to wear outside,” says Juric. Nevertheless, Juric notes that they are great to lounge in at home. “Plus, I think sizing down would’ve solved the length problem,” she says.
| Materials | 65% Cotton, 35% polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
| Colors | 7 |
Best Classic
Gap High Rise Boyfriend Joggers
Now 22% Off
Pros
- They don’t cling or ride up
- Hit just above the ankle for a put-together look
- Tons of color options
Cons
- Have to size up for a cozier, roomier fit
If you’re looking for a simple pair of sweats that you can wear with anything, this is our top pick. “It has that classic old school sweatpant texture that’s soft and thick,” says Saladino. They’re made from a mid-weight terry cotton that feel as comfortable as your college hoodie, but have enough heft to them that they don’t cling or ride up. They have a thick, fuzzy interior and a smooth exterior, so they feel lived-in from the moment you put them on.
“I really like that these sweats hit just above the ankle,” says Saladino. You can wear them with socks and sneakers or pair them with mini uggs for a laid-back but put-together look. They also have a classic elastic waistband with no tie for simplicity—sometimes you don’t need a ton of bells and whistles to look put together! Plus, we love the roomie pocket on these.
There are tons of color options to choose from, too. If you want something that goes with anything you can opt for the washed grey or black shades. But, they also come in options like hot pink or bright red, which Saladino says add a fun pop of color to an otherwise-basic sneakers-and-sweatshirt look.
Our favorite part about these pants is that they come in three different fits: Regular, petite, and tall. And, to top it all off, we agree that the wide size range is helpful, too. We like to size up in these for a cozy, roomier fit. Because they’re nice and structured, they don’t look like they swallow you up when you go for a bigger size.
| Materials | 77% cotton 77%, 23% polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-2X |
| Colors | 24 |
Most Stylish
Aviator Nation Stripe Sweatpants
Pros
- Have a vintage-y broken-in look
- Roomy, comfortable fit
Cons
- Pricey, but Saladino says that their premium materials are worth the spend
Saladino describes these sweats as dreamy on the inside and cool on the outside. “These are the types of sweats you can wear outside of your house and look pulled-together,” she says. She touts the retro stripe and the vintage-y broken-in look for giving them a more street style vibe. They come in tons of different colors to choose from too. Although they’re a bit pricier, she says that Aviator Nation’s striking style and premium materials are worth the extra spend.
These sweats are more fitted around the waist, and get fuller as they go down the leg for a roomier, more comfortable fit. The interior is buttery soft and fuzzy for extra comfort. They do run small, so beware of that while shopping. Saladino went up to a large and says they’re the perfect fit. They also have a slight drop crotch so you never have to worry about them riding up or being too tight around that area (IYKYK).
We’ve worn these in public and and they look great with everyday fits like a wool coat, a chunky knit sweater, and paired with socks and sneakers.
| Materials | 50% polyester, 38% cotton, 12% rayon |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Colors | 22 |
Best Thick
Adanola ADA Sweatpants
Pros
- Super durable
- Thick, but don’t make you feel overheated
Cons
- They run large
Adanola is one of our favorite brands for activewear and loungewear, so we had to include its cult-favorite sweats on this list. Assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture even says that if she had to pick one pair to live in, it would be these. “When I first put them on, I noticed how thick they were, which made me immediately know they are great quality.” And, after months of wear, she says they’re still in like-new condition.
Lauture loves that these sweats are made from 100 percent cotton, making them super comfortable and breathable. Although they’re thick, they don’t make you feel overheated or suffocated. In terms of fit, they have the perfect amount of slouch and bagginess and they’re super flattering. “These are the ultimate cool girl sweatpants and now a staple in my wardrobe,” says Lauture. And, they pair super well with our winter staples like fleece jackets and puffers.
One note: they run large, which we like for lounging, but size down if you want a bit less slouchiness to them.
| Materials | 100% organic cotton |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS |
| Colors | 7 |
Best Oversized
Daily Practice by Anthropologie Zola Joggers
Pros
- Comfortable and stylish
- Great for all occasions
Cons
- Run pretty big
Everyone needs a pair of barrel leg sweats in their closet, which are super on-trend and flattering on all body types. Lauture says these are her faves when she wants to be extremely comfortable but look stylish when she’s out and about. “I love these pants because they’re super comfortable and great for throwing on after a workout or when you’re just lounging at home,” she says.
The website recommends sizing down as they run pretty big, but Lauture says her normal size fits her perfectly. Plus, the sweats come in multiple different fits, so if you’re petite or looking for a plus size option you can opt for that.
| Materials | Cotton, polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-XL |
| Colors | 7 |
Best Fleece
Aritzia Cozy Fleece Mega Flutter Sweatpant
Pros
- Super chic and comfortable
- Feel like a warm hug
Cons
- You have to size down if you don’t want them too baggy
Like Adanola, Aritzia has a great mix of loungewear, activewear, and streetwear. And these sweatpants won us over the second we tried them on. We love that they’re incredibly comfortable and very chic. The flared cut is super on-trend, and it doesn’t look overly tufted like most fleece sweatpants and jackets we’ve seen, making them pretty dressy. I wear mine out and about all the time.
“The fabric is pillowy-soft and the fit is just the right amount of roomy,” says Juric. “Thanks to the fleece fabric, wearing these pants literally feels as if you took the coziness and warmth from your bed on-the-go.” HInt: if you want something that feels like a warm hug, these are your winners.
I personally like that these sweats have a skinny drawcord waistband, as I find it looks a bit more flattering if you want to wear them low-rise. They do fit on the looser side, so size down if you don’t want them to look too baggy.
| Materials | 78% cotton, 22% polyester |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-2X |
| Colors | 12 |
Best For The Gym
Splits59 Andie Oversized Fleece Sweatpant
Pros
- Super breathable and stretchy
- Great for layering
Cons
- We wish they were a bit thicker
Winter is on its way, which means we’ve been on the hunt for a pair of sweats to throw over our shorts or leggings to and from the gym, and we’ve officially found our favorite pair. We love layering the Andie Oversizied Fleece Sweatpants on over shorts when we run to and from the gym as the temp drops. And, of course, we throw them on during cozy days lounging at home.
We love these for layering as the fabric is unlined and relatively thin, so they don’t add much bulkiness to the clothes we have on underneath. Thanks to the blend of modal and spandex, they’re super breathable and stretchy, so they almost feel like nothing when you have them on. Plus, if you get a little sweaty, the fabric is moisture-wicking (big ups!).
| Materials | 95% modal/ 5% spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XL |
| Colors | 9 |
Softest
Aerie OTT Fleece Jogger
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Thin and lightweight, yet still feel like butter
- Super soft and cozy
Cons
- They run large
- A bit too casual for errands
When I first felt these sweats in our fashion closet, I knew they were going to be the winner for the softest option on this list. In comparison to all the others, these feel like butter, but they’re pretty thin and lightweight, so they don’t feel too heavy.
And, after Saladino tested them for a few weeks, she had similar things to say. “These are hands-down the softest sweatpants I have ever worn,” she says, adding that they feel like a giant hug. “They’re perfect for super cold days where you want to snuggle on the couch.” We agree that these are more suitable for lounging than for errands or the gym as they err on the casual side.
Saladino likes wearing these a bit bigger so they feel even more cozy, and the medium was perfect for that. They run a bit large, so opting for your normal size will give you that slightly oversized fit that we recommend. Even though they’re baggier, they don’t slide down at the waist. If you prefer your sweatpants to feel snug, opt for a size down.
| Materials | 68% modal, 27% cotton, 5% elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-2X |
| Colors | 5 |
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
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