I love my yoga pants as much as the next millennial, and my jeans are in constant rotation—but absolutely nothing compares to the best sweatpants. When I picture my ideal Friday night, it involves me slipping on my comfiest sweats and parking myself on my couch to rewatch Vanderpump Rules and pretend I don’t know Scandoval is coming (gasp!).
The best sweatpants I own are super-soft, have a relaxed fit, and basically feel like I’m wrapped in blankets. Sound like something you need in your life? We tested several pairs and included only the winners below. You might want to take a sick day just to laze around in your new favorite bottoms (hey, no judgment here—use your benefits!).
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Free People Movement All Star Solid Pants, $98
- Best Straight Leg: Alo Yoga Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant, $128
- Best Wide-Leg: Abercrombie Essential Sunday Wide Leg Sweatpant, $60
- Best Joggers: Lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger, $118
- Best Lightweight: Under Armour UA Meridian Cargo Joggers, $90
- Best Cooling: Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant, $110
Shop the best sweatpants
Slip into something more comfortable.
Best Overall: Free People Movement All Star Solid Pants
I love having these sweatpants in my closet. The inside is terry, like my favorite bath towel, so they feel lightweight and breathable (instead of suffocatingly warm). And the design is super simple—even the Free People Movement logo is stitched in the same thread color as the sweats, to blend in.
I also love the fit: The waistband isn’t too snug, and the fabric skims my thighs without sticking to them (unlike every pair of “loose” jeans I own). I’m between sizes medium and large in pants, so I went with a medium, knowing that Free People always runs big—and I’m happy to report that I made the right call.
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XS to XL
Shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis testing the Free People Movement All Star Solid Pants:
Best Straight Leg: Alo Yoga Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant
“These are my new favorite sweatpants by far, and I’m sad when I have to wash them,” one SELF editor says. She wore the 2023 Activewear Award–winning sweats while lounging, sleeping, working, going out around New York City, and reorganizing her apartment. And, despite being soft and stretchy, they didn’t lose their shape at all—even after lots of busy days (and plenty of wash cycles).
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XXS to 2XL
SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin testing the Alo Yoga Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant:
Best Wide-Leg: Abercrombie Essential Sunday Wide Leg Sweatpant
These are the sweatpants to throw on when you want something more elevated than the threadbare pair you’ve had since college. The legs are wide without being crazy big and have handy side pockets that are deep enough for your phone.
“They’re super comfortable and flattering,” one SELF editor says. “Perfect for curling up in at home, but cute enough that I’d also wear them on a long flight.” The fabric feels thick and soft, and she says the pants haven’t pilled or shed, despite being fleecy on the inside. FYI: They don’t come in multiple inseam lengths, and the hems brush the floor on our five-foot-five tester, so they might be too long for anyone shorter.
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XXS to XL
Associate social media manager Katie Gunderman testing the Abercrombie Essential Sunday Wide Leg Sweatpant:
Best Jogger: Lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger
As soon as these joggers landed on one SELF editor’s doorstep, she wore them for four days straight. On top of being super soft and cozy, they’re just oversized enough. “They give that ‘I’m wearing my boyfriend’s sweats’ look—which, as a curvier person, can be difficult for me to achieve,” she says.
Heads up: Our tester wears a size 12 in Lululemon leggings and went with a size large in these. “The medium might have fit me and looked more like the slimmer fit you see on the models—but I’m happy to have the extra room.”
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XXXS to XL
SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin testing the Lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger:
Best Lightweight: Under Armour UA Meridian Cargo Joggers
These joggers are constantly in one SELF editor’s loungewear rotation. They’re stretchy and made with sweat-wicking materials, so you could work out in them if you want to.
“As much as my heavy-duty sweats are perfect for putzing around the house in the dead of winter, I tend to run hot—so on days that aren’t truly frigid, I like my loungewear on the lighter side. These Under Armour joggers are perfect for that,” our tester says. “They’re sturdy—not slinky—so they evoke sweatpant vibes without the, well, sweat.”
They run large, but our tester doesn’t mind: “That’s what makes them all the better for lounging or traveling.”
Material: Polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS to XXL
Best Cooling: Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant
These Spanx pants have some serious lore behind them: I’ve heard influencers boast about their unique fabric for years and was pumped to finally get my hands on a pair. The inside feels super silky and cool to the touch, while the outside is more of a typical sweatpant material.
Honestly? They live up to the hype: Slipping these on my legs is as easy as spreading butter on warm toast. Worth noting: I’m five feet five, and the regular length is slightly short on me. If I could go back, I’d opt for the tall inseam instead.
Material: Modal, polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS to 3X
More great sweatpants we tested
We’re continually testing the latest and greatest pairs—here are a few more picks that SELF editors are loving right now.
Vuori Performance Joggers
“I haven’t found any short-person-approved joggers to beat these yet,” one five-foot-one SELF editor says. Their thin fabric and slim fit give them a different vibe from baggier pairs on our list: “I might be trying to fool myself, but I think they don’t look quite as casual as some other sweatpants do,” our tester says. “They’re the only joggers I’ve ever spent almost $100 on.”
Material: Polyester, elastane| Sizes: XXS to XXL
Kindred Bravely Bamboo Maternity & Postpartum Jogger
If you’re looking for sweats that can grow with you through pregnancy and keep you comfy in postpartum days, pick up a pair of these 2023 Activewear Award–winning joggers. “I have LIVED in these joggers since they arrived. The bamboo fabric is super soft and cooling, which is especially helpful because I’m nine months pregnant and overheated all the time,” one tester said.
“The waistband and ankle bands give them just enough structure to look stylish and put together, while also granting enough give for my belly and swollen ankles,” they added. Another tester called them “the most comfortable pants [she’s] ever worn.” Enough said.
Material: Viscose, acrylic, spandex | Sizes: XS to 1X
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants
Cashmere sweatpants can be the height of luxury—but who wants to spend a fortune on them? (We’re not all part of the Roy family.) This pair from Quince doesn’t cost a ton and has really impressed reviewers. It’s made from 100% Mongolian cashmere—and, based on my experience with Quince, they should feel fluffy (not scratchy) and cozy (but still breathable).
Material: Cashmere | Sizes: XS to XL
Offline by Aerie Cloud Fleece Jogger
I’ve tested lots of sweatpants over the years, so I didn’t think I could be that impressed by yet another pair. But these Cloud Fleece Joggers have quickly become my new favorites.
They’re crazy-soft all around, and they fit me perfectly: As someone with thicker thighs, it can be challenging to find sweats that are loose enough, even if they claim to be “oversized,” but this pair nailed it. I never want to take them off.
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Sizes: XXS to XXL
Rhone DreamGlow Trouser
Sweatpants that look like workwear? Sign us up. “These are so incredibly comfortable, and sleek enough that you could absolutely wear them to the office,” SELF’s senior commerce editor says. “I like the subtle stripe down the side—it makes them feel a little sporty, but not too much like activewear. Plus, they have pockets!”
Material: Polyester, lyocell, spandex | Sizes: XS to XXL
Aritzia Sweatfleece Cozy Fleece Mega Baggy Jogger
Aritzia’s Sweatfleece line is a homebody’s dreamland. But after trying multiple pairs from the line, I’ve found that the Mega Baggy Jogger reigns supreme. They have zippered pockets that are perfect for holding my keys or wallet when I’m emerging from my cave (er—apartment) to do laundry or grab a coffee. Also, I like that the waistband and ankle cuffs don’t dig in or pinch, but still stay put.
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: 2XS to XL
What to consider when shopping for the best sweatpants
“Look for sweatpants that are a combination of cotton and polyester, with a brushed inside for ultimate warmth,” Bryn Gorberg, the designer for activewear brand Authentic Lifestyle Products, tells SELF. “This fabric is often seen in silhouettes like boyfriend-fit hoodies and joggers that fit very easy and oversized.”
If warmth isn’t your top priority, look for sweats made from modal and rayon, which will “make the fabric feel ultra-soft,” Gorberg says. These semi-synthetic fabrics will wick sweat away, so they’re best for pants you plan on working out or running around town in.
Related:
Get more of SELF’s stellar product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
