The cooler, younger brother to the sweatpant.
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us? Natural Viscose
JOGGERS ARE THE most versatile casual wardrobe essential for men. In fact, the best joggers for men are so versatile they will seamlessly transition from WFH attire to workout clothes to casual outfits. Providing comfort, a flattering fit, and multiple pockets for everyday carry, the best joggers for men should be made from soft, smooth fabric that’s breathable, stretchy, and moisture-wicking. The best joggers for men need to also have an elastic waistband with drawcord to ensure a perfect, secure fit and unrestricted movement.
Gary Lenett, founder and CEO of clothing brand DUER, defines jogger as a more “versatile and casual alternative” to chinos but also a more elevated option than sweatpants. “Joggers are athletic-inspired pants, often made from lightweight, high-stretch fabrics,” he adds. The signature details of joggers include “an elasticated waistband, a drawcord at the waist, and a cinched jogger cuff”, according to Lenett. "The defining feature of joggers is a tapered, and typically elastic, cuff at the ankle," adds Robert Felder, Founder of Bearbottom Clothing.
Here, we’ve spoken to a panel of style experts as well as done hands-on testing on over 40 men’s joggers to find and review in-depth the 16 best joggers for men.
Equal parts practical and stylish, these soft mid-weight knit joggers are ideal for on-the-go active types. Made in moisture-wicking materials, during my testing, these joggers were able to keep my legs cool and dry at all times and keep the clingy, sweaty feelings at bay even when I was jogging. Speaking of movement, these joggers are built with four-way stretch as well and managed to keep up with both of my squats and sprints.
Read More: Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger Review
The comfort of the fabric in these joggers is not to be underestimated: though it doesn’t completely feel seamless, the softness will make you want to lounge in these joggers, and the breathability helps the fabric stay fresh. I also like the tapered fit of these joggers: roomy at the seat and thigh areas but slim from the knees down, taking away any bulk around the ankles to help us move even more comfortably. There's also the functional pocket system to boot.
What Do Experts Say? "The Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger is a relaxed yet fitted option, perfect for getting you through your workout, daily errands, or just lounging from home," says Huw Collins, Co-Founder of WHEAT and actor from Pretty Little Liars.
I bought Lululemon’s Surge Jogger in the spring of 2021 because I needed a pair of workout joggers, and it did not disappoint, having tested it for over two years. The light fabric really performs with a four-way stretch that keeps up with my leg motions, and moisture-wicking plus quick-drying properties that have always kept me dry at the gym. The fit also feels and looks great, since it gives my glutes and thighs more breathing room but tapers from knees down. I also love how the zips at the cuff allow me to quickly put them on and off. As such, I also wear these joggers to run errands and travel in as well.
What Do Experts Say? "Whether I’m squatting 400+ pounds, sprinting on a treadmill at Barry’s, or running errands after, I am always choosing the Surge Jogger from Lululemon. With my workout fits, I’m always looking for two things: look and versatility (in no particular order). The Surge Jogger affords me not only the ability to squat real low but also my ass to look real good," says Joe Nicastro, Chief Instructor at Barry's Chicago.
Our favorite part of these Todd Snyder x Champion joggers is its softness and comfort. The 100-percent cotton French terry fabric has a luxurious feel but is garment-dyed for a lived-in look and texture, meaning you can easily wear it to lounge indoors or to run errands outside. Besides how soft-to-the-touch it is, we also love the tailored, slim fit that’s flattering on our testers of different body types. The two front slash pockets and one back patch pocket make for a reliable pocket system for everyday carry as well.
What Do Buyers Say? "Todd does it right all the time. I have quite a few of the Champion by TS and TS joggers. Love them all because they are the most versatile. Wear them anywhere you like, and they work. Always stylish in Todd Snyder," says John Gallagher, fit model and Founder of Blackthorn Denim.
With an elastic drawstring waistband to snug them up just right, and an athletic fit that suits thick thighs, Public Rec’s jogger is as comfortable as your favorite collegiate sweats, yet looks like dress pants or office pants for work, thanks to a slim silhouette. You won't be embarrassed to sport these in public. This stylish alternative to the normal sweatpants blows the most comfortable jeans out of the water, and sports tapered legs to help show off your sneakers too.
Truly the all-powerful trousers made with a unique blend of nylon and spandex that feels like a second skin, in our testing, we love how these pants feel like your favorite pair of soft, cozy sweatpants but look like your Monday office bottoms and work like your go-to workout pants. We also found the fabric to be moisture-wicking, stretchy, shape-retaining, and thick for colder days but breathable for warmer days.
What Do Buyers Say? "I love the athletic fit and the color. These joggers are comfortable with a lot of stretch with material that feels substantial and high quality. Great for work and casual wear," says one publicrec.com customer.
How are Cozy Earth Bamboo Joggers so soft? Well, it's all about ratios. The majority of the material is viscose from bamboo (70%), while the balance is made up of acrylic and a touch of spandex. The result is a pair of pants that moves with your every motion, all while maintaining that trim, almost-formal look. In our testing, we also found that they're designed to breathe, wick away the sweat, and keep you cool when it's hot and insulate when it's cold.
What Do Our Testers Say? "These joggers are incredibly soft, thanks to a blend of viscose from bamboo, acrylic, and a touch of spandex. They're designed to regulate temperature, keeping you cool when it's hot and warm when it's chilly," says textile expert Barbara Stern at Ottoman Textiles.
Read More: Cozy Earth Jogger Review
With a classic tapered look, a soft, stretchy knit fabric, and a true-to-size elastic waist, we found these joggers from Bonobos are truly made for everyday, everywhere comfort after testing it for over a year since 2022. The material is light, which is great for all-season wear. The nylon blend is also athletic-friendly, and the fit is relaxed through the thighs but still looks elevated overall. My favorite part is that Bonobos offers different inseam options so I can find my perfect fit.
What Do Experts Say? "I wear this jogger more than any other. It's a super comfortable, refined knit jogger and my go-to jogger for travel," says Gallagher.
Made in the Philippines, these joggers fuse athletic comfort with a modern style and are built to seamlessly transition you from workouts to lounging and casual outings. Crafted with premium 100% cotton, we found these joggers extra soft, cozy, and stretchy as well to let us move with ease in any activity. The drawstring at the waist has given our testers a personalized fit throughout the day wear after wear.
What Do Buyers Say? "The fabric of these joggers is sensational. They are so soft and lightweight, so they can be worn in many different seasons. Slim fit and fabulous," says one customer.
With the slim fit and tapered leg that you know and love, Nike has upgraded its classic Sportswear jogger with fleece that feels smooth on both sides and gets warmer and softer with each wear but still remains light and breathable, according to our testers. The pocket system is also adequate enough for our everyday carry, and the elastic waistband provides a true-to-size fit. As such, this jogger is the go-to of some of our testers for running errands.
What Do Experts Say? "The Nike Tech Fleece Joggers seamlessly blend style and performance. Crafted from soft and lightweight Tech Fleece fabric, these joggers provide warmth without bulk, making them perfect for both workouts and lounging," says Dmitriy Mirosh, owner of fashion marketplace styletyx.com.
Our testers ranked the softness of Naadam’s cashmere jogger as “heavenly” and agreed that these are the perfect jogger for winter and cold weather. Unlike other cashmere joggers, this one has a true-to-size waistband that actually stays on your waist and has a fit that flatters a physique. With both side and back pockets, it’s also great for everyday wear. We’d recommend purchasing these joggers in a larger size if you’re looking for a looser fit since our testers find that they fit snug.
What Do Experts Say? "These joggers are made from 100% sustainable cashmere and are stylish–the design has a street-style angle to it and is very versatile with a minimal design and neutral colors. These are also ultra-comfortable to wear, lounge, or work from home," says Mauricio Lainados, Founder of sustainable shoe brand Juntos.
“Pangaia is a super sweet brand that pushes the envelope in traceability and transparency,” says Lainados. And their best-selling jogger is a very comfortable option made with both functional and natural materials. With natural cotton stretch and a relaxed fit throughout, this jogger is great for lounging but also versatile for running errands and light traveling. I also can't emphasize just how soft and warm the fabric is.
What Do Experts Say? "These joggers are made with 100% organic cotton and I really recommend them. They are also functional for the outdoors, very comfortable and warm. I'd wear them on a rainy day or on a hike as they are both comfy and stretchy," says Lainados.
Champion churns out joggers that are as cozy as their famed hoodies. These reverse weave pants come in tons of fresh colors you can cycle through, and the brand’s robust double-needle stitching ensures the jogger lasts for years. I love how the soft elastic waistband with outer drawcord provides a snug fit that I can cinch up and secure, and how the classic style is versatile for pretty much any casual occasion. Made from Champion’s signature 12 oz. heavyweight Reverse Weave fleece, the fabric feels divinely soft and provides all-season warmth. Perfect to relax in or go out and about with comfort.
What Do Experts Say? "Champion has always sold high-quality sweatshirts at a fair price. These are not the $5,000 designer sweatpants you have seen, but they sure look like them. Because of their luxurious feel, sturdy double-stitched construction, and retro-inspired style, you'll keep reaching for them despite your increasing collection of more costly options," says Dominique B Dupuis, owner of leather goods retailer URAD.
Tested to be one of the best workout pants, we love that these classic and tapered-fit joggers are strong, silky soft, keep moisture at bay, and allow for unrestricted movement. In short: The motivation to get your heart rate up (or down) has never looked more inviting. This new jogger design from Rhone also has a sleek, tech chino-like finish. They work well for dressing up with a blazer and tee or denim shirt. Depending on your office dress code, they work well for business casual too.
What Do Buyers Say? "Soft and stretchy to move with you. I wear them pretty much anywhere, especially as WFH attire. Perfect for cold days as well as warm days. They seem To regulate the temperature to keep you comfortable," says one rhone.com customer.
Lululemon pretty much owns the technical apparel game, thanks to its synthetic, workout-friendly fabrics that fight odor and sweat. Case in point: their bestselling ABC Jogger that has a four-way stretch for comfort on-the-go, and a performance build that is quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. "ABC means anti-ball crushing which means the pants allow breathing space for the crotch area," says Marcos Martinez, a lifestyle blogger. "The pants have a classic taper look which gives a classy look. The pants have a zipper back pocket which allows you to carry your wallet and other items." In our testing, we also found that the lightweight fabric was able to retain its shape well.
What Do Other Experts Say? "For a sporty fit, we love the Lululemon ABC Jogger. This jogger is tapered and features a lightweight fabric that is machine washable and quick drying. It’s great for those on-the-go days where you’re maybe slightly more active," says Collins.
Read more: Lululemon ABC Pants Review
These joggers from Under Armour are pretty much the prototype for the sporty jogger look. They have a simple design that's light and comfortable, with three pockets and a perfect taper. No frills, just stylish functions here. In our testing process, we also found they have great moisture-wicking and dry rather fast. While they are made of polyester fabric, we found the joggers to be extra soft and smooth, even a bit insulating.
What Do Buyers Say? "These pants are primarily used for working out at the gym. They stay up pretty well without tying the drawstring. And they aren't super baggy. I like the two front zippered pockets and these pants also include a back pocket without a zipper. They fit well for me and the lightweight construction makes them ideal for working out and wearing around the house," says one amazon.com customer.
Above the knee, it looks like a pair of chinos; below the knee, the leg screams jogger. All in all, this chino-jogger hybrid is a perfect blend of everyday style and comfort. The cotton twill fabric provides stretch and softness, while the straight fit lends a travel-friendly touch. While the waistband derives from chino, it’s still adjustable and has an internal drawcord. As such, our testers have even worn this jogger to the office as well as in business casual situations.
What Do Experts Say? "This pair of straight-fit joggers is made from a cotton and spandex blend and features a button/zipper closure and ankle cuffs. They are a more dressy version of the classic jogger style, perfect for working professionals who are on the go and want to stay comfortable," says Roger LaGrone, Founder of footwear brand Alexander Noel.
As performance-oriented as it is everyday-friendly, this athletic jogger has a four-way stretch that moves with you, a relaxed fit that’s great for strolling and lounging, and a cotton-modal blend that feels luxuriously soft. Its pocket system is also a standout since it has zipper sleeves in the side pockets for storing quick cash or small gadgets. While we found the fabric a bit hefty, it does breathe very well. At under $100, it’s a great buy.
What Do Experts Say? "This jogger is made of cotton and a modal blend for a super soft feel and is comfortably form-fitting. It's also made with BCI cotton (Better Cotton Initiative) and recycled zippers making it the more sustainable choice. It's my favorite for the gym, especially during HIIT workouts," says Gallagher.
Materials: “The perfect jogger has to start with soft material, comfort is king here and that should never change,” says Collins. As such, fashion designer Pazit Reuven says “go for breathable fabrics, either natural like cotton or bamboo, or smart fabrics that are synthetic but have dry-fit and thermo-control tech implemented in them, like some fleece and other Hi-Tech fibers.” Lenett also recommends keeping an eye out for “fabrics with stretch (think Lycra spandex or elastane) and any other features that promote movement”. Likewise, if you’re looking to work out in joggers, Nicastro suggests looking for nylon and Lycra for stretch, flexibility, and quick-drying properties.
Fit: “Finding a fit that sits close to the body throughout the hip and thigh and tapers slightly towards the cuff will give you the most versatility of wear,” says Lenett. In addition, Felder says: "If you like a more fitted pant, find a jogger with a narrow taper through the calf and ankle. If you like a looser fit, then you'll want to opt for a jogger that is straighter through the leg but cinches at the ankle."
For a perfect fit, Mirosh recommends “a fit that's neither too baggy nor too tight”. “A tapered fit is a popular choice as it provides a modern look without restricting movement,” he adds. And avoid going a size larger to maintain the chic look of joggers.
Leg: Most joggers have a tapered leg below the knees and roomy seat and thigh areas above the knee. “Pretty much all of the most popular options for men's joggers right now have the tapered pant leg, which is both flattering and practical,” says LaGrone.
Ankle Closure: “Some designs come with a cuffed ankle and some with elasticized ankles,” says Reuven. “Consider which one fits your style the best. I recommend the cuffed ankle; it’s comfortable and gives a stylish look.” Mirosh adds that “elasticated ankle cuffs keep the joggers in place and create a tapered look”. Just make sure the cuffs are snug but not too tight and hit just above the ankle.
Waistband: “A comfortable waistband is essential. Choose joggers with an elasticated waistband and an adjustable drawstring for a secure fit,” says Mirosh. As for the closure, LaGrone adds: “when you are looking for athletic pants to be worn for high-performance activities, opting for a drawstring closure over a button or clip will be best.”
Weight: “Look at the weight of the fabric and the way it drapes,” says Kimberley Acevedo, Head of Design and Merchandising at State of Matter. “If you're buying something to lay around in the house, go heavier and softer. If you’re looking for something you can dress up and down, go for joggers with a fabric that drapes well and is lighter weight to move between environments.”
Pockets: “Features like hidden zippered pockets enhance functionality, especially for travel, and contribute to both the practicality and style of the joggers,” says Will Matters, Co-Founder of clothing brand Western Rise.
Are Joggers Still in Style for Men? Short answer: Yes! Joggers appear to be one of those fashion trends that stick around long enough to become more than a trend, they redefine how we wear a particular item."Joggers are casual pants combining the comfort of sweatpants with a tailored appearance. They’re ideal for both athletic and leisure activities," explains Matters.
Sweatpants were worn baggy with an open leg for decades and somewhere around 2010 that started to change and we haven't looked back since. It is true that looser-fitting, open-legged sweatpants have become more readily available these days after disappearing completely for a few years. They're still the uncommon fit though and it doesn't look like that will be changing any time soon.
Which Brands Make the Best Joggers for Men? Our favorite joggers come from menswear brands Vuori, Lululemon, and our collab with Cozy Earth. They're all light and comfortable. They have that slimming look that comes from a jogger's tapered leg. All three of them work just well as in the gym as they do in living your everyday life. However, there are plenty of other brands making great joggers right now. A big up-side to how popular joggers have become is that so many brands have put a lot of thought and effort into making new and innovative designs. Now, our legs are reaping the benefits. This list has a jogger for every use and style preference, so the best brand really comes down to what you're looking for out of your joggers.
What Body Types Look Good in Joggers? Joggers narrow your body's natural silhouette because the legs taper to an elastic ankle band. This doesn't mean that joggers are only suitable for slim people. Since joggers are meant to fit loosely around your hips and thighs, you can find a pair to suit any body type. The key is to find a pair that fits comfortably from the knee up and doesn't get too tight as it tapers from the knee to the ankle. Joggers should not fit like leggings or compression pants on anyone so if you try on a pair and they're tight all the way through the leg, they're not for you regardless of how slim you are.
Fit: Sweatpants tend to have a looser fit throughout the leg, while joggers feature a more tailored or tapered fit. This means the legs of joggers will often touch your skin and feel a bit tight if you’ve got beefy calves.
Materials: Traditional sweatpants are often made from thicker materials like fleece and have a casual appearance, while joggers can be made from a wider range of materials, including activewear fabrics like nylon or polyester.
Ankle: Joggers have ribbed cuffs at the ankles and a sportier appearance compared to the relaxed vibe of traditional sweatpants, whereas sweatpants can have either an open design or ribbed cuffs.
Style: Sweatpants have a more relaxed and traditional look, while joggers are designed with a sporty aesthetic, often featuring modern details like zipper pockets and paneling, says Mirosh. And because of the difference in ankle cuffs and fit, sweatpants look more casual, whereas joggers look more elevated and sleek.
Function: Joggers are versatile for both athletic and casual wear, while sweatpants are primarily associated with casual lounging and relaxation.
Occasion: Sweatpants are ideal for cozy indoor activities, while joggers can transition from the gym to casual outings due to their sleeker appearance.
To find the best joggers for men, our editors and writers have personally tried 40 options since 2020 and tested each of them for at least two weeks and at least six hours per day, such as attending casual weekend hang-outs in Public Rec’s and Flint and Tinder’s joggers, commuting in the city and traveling during vacations in Wilson’s and Rhone’s joggers, or working out and jogging in Vuori’s Sunday Performance Joggers, and etc. In addition, we also considered joggers tested and recommended by a panel of style experts we’ve interviewed and trust. Lastly, we also combed through Reddit reviews to consider the real-life, hands-on experience of people wearing and testing out different joggers.
Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products
To get a feel for how these joggers for men really felt and how they held up, we vetted our options by taking notes of their fit, comfort, fabric, inseam, price point, versatility, and performance such as stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability. We examined whether they fitted well and true to size, whether their fabric could withstand hours of movement, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion. Our testers also include a diverse range of body types to help us ensure an unbiased result for selecting the best joggers for men.
Comfort Test: We meticulously evaluated the fabric and materials of each jogger. We examined whether it’s stretchy or has four- or two-way stretch, whether the fabric could wick away sweat and dry quickly, how thin or thick it is, as well as how breathable and soft it is against the skin.
Durability Test: To see if the joggers could last and withstand wear and tear over time, we put each jogger through at least six cycles of wash and dry cycle, wear-tested for at least six hours per day over a duration of two weeks, as well as examined the stitching and overall construction to ensure their durability.
Fit Test: To see if the joggers are true to size and will fit well on big thighs, we paid attention to the seat and thigh areas to see if they’re roomy enough, and wear-tested each jogger to see how the tapered leg fits as well. In addition, we examined the elastic waistband and drawcord to see if they were able to help ensure a personalized, secure fit.
Versatility Test: More than just about style or whether this particular jogger looks great with X, Y, or Z, our versatility test is based on performance and the activities each jogger is suitable for. So we meticulously assessed whether the jogger can be worn for lounging, training, jogging, traveling, outdoor activities, casual everyday wear, etc. In addition, we scrutinized features—such as pockets—to ensure they meet the demands of everyday carry.
In addition, our tested selection focuses not on trendy or trend-chasing joggers; instead, our picks of the best joggers for men all fit great athletic guys with big quads, provide great value and performance at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now. This article was updated in August 2023.
Maverick Li is a former Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covered clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
18 All-Day, Every-Day Travel Pants to Buy Now
Jumpstart Your 2024 Wardrobe With These Brands
Dress Sneakers for Every Budget and Occasion
11 Best Men's Base Layers for Cold Weather
Chinos Are Now Cooler Than Ever—These 13 Prove It
Don't Sleep on These Versatile Zip-Up Hoodies
20 Stylish Hats to Wear Everywhere This Winter
You Deserve a Lazy Day in These Comfiest Pajamas
17 Rugged Work Pants That Are Built To Last
15 Incredible Underwear Worth Buying Now
19 Best Workout Shoes for Men
The 25 Absolute Best T-Shirts a Guy Can Own
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Corduroy Fabric Green ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.