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 really wanted 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 and 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,” she adds.
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 | Colors: 3
Stretchiest: Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant
Pros
- Feels silky and cooling
- Stretchy
- Available in multiple inseam lengths
Cons
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 melty butter on warm toast.
Worth noting: I’m five feet five, and the regular length is slightly short on me. The hems hit at the top of my feet, which I think looks odd because of the pants’ flared silhouette. If I could go back, I’d opt for the tall inseam instead.
Material: Modal, polyester, elastane | Sizes: XS to 3X | Colors: 8
Most Lightweight: Vuori Performance Joggers
Pros
- Light, thin fabric
- Slimmer fit
- Available in a couple inseam lengths
Cons
- Some may find them too thin
“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 | Colors: 7
Best Maternity: Kindred Bravely Bamboo Maternity & Postpartum Jogger
Pros
- Soft and stretchy
- Ankle bands are comfortable, even when feet are swollen
- Fabric feels cooling
Cons
- Not available in many colors
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 9 months pregnant and overheated all the time,” one tester wrote. “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 | Colors: 3
Best Straight Leg: Alo Yoga Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant
Pros
- Soft and stretchy
- Comes in a bunch of colors
Cons
“These are my new favorite sweatpants by far, and I am 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 through all these hours of activity.
Material: Cotton, polyester | Sizes: XXS to 2XL | Colors: 16
Best Cashmere: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweatpants
Pros
- Breathable
- Great value
- Sleek style
Cons
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. They’re made from 100% Mongolian cashmere—and, based on my experience with Quince, they should feel fluffy (not scratchy) and cozy (but still breathable).
“Are cashmere sweats extravagant? Yes. Do you need them in every color? Yes,” one Quince reviewer wrote, adding that these are “light as a feather, but surprisingly warm.”
Material: Cashmere | Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 7
Get more of SELF’s stellar product recommendations delivered right to your inbox (for free!).
Related: