10 Best Sweatpants for Women, Tested By Fashion Experts

Credit: Phillip Friedman For Women's HealthProsThey don't cling or ride upHit just above the ankle for a put-together lookTons of color optionsConsHave to size up for a cozier, roomier fitIf you’re looking for a simple pair of sweats that you can wear with anything, this is our top pick. I have these in both the jogger and wide-leg versions, and both are in my regular rotation all fall and winter. Plus, they have such a flattering drape that doesn’t emphasize my hips or belly. “It has that classic old school sweatpant texture that’s soft and thick,” says Saladino.I love the extra-soft cotton material that feels so cozy to slip into on chilly mornings and lazy evenings. They’re made from a mid-weight terry cotton that feels as comfortable as your college hoodie, but has 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 roomy 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.Materials77% cotton 77%, 23% polyesterSizesXXS—XXLColors24StyleJogger (also available in wide leg)Credit: Phillip Friedman For Women's HealthProsSweat-wicking and breathable Wide size rangeDeep and sturdy side pocketsConsCan look unflattering if they're too oversizedThese sweatpants are lightweight enough to wear in the summer, but cozy and thick enough to be your go-to in the winter thanks to the super soft cotton and elastane blend. I find them to fit similarly to the Gap pants above, but they’re just slightly thicker, and they have a drawstring on the outside of the waistband, which I like. Also similar to the Gap pair, they’re super soft and cozy. At the same time, they’re breathable, so you can totes wear them to a workout class and be dry by the time you walk out the door.The size options that these sweatpants come in also blew us away, ranging from XS all the way up to 3XL. 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. Style contributor Lily Wohlner usually wears hers with sneakers, but says slides or boots in the winter work great, too.Like the Gap sweats, these pants have side pockets, but we found them sturdier and deeper. 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.Materials94% cotton, 6% spandexSizesXS—3XLColors11StyleJoggerAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Phillip Friedman For Women's HealthProsStretchy elastic waistband feels snug around the waistDon't make you feel constricted or too hotLoose, comfortable fitEven 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 is 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,” Wohlner says. “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 one size—or even two sizes if you want them to feel a bit more snug. Wohlner usually wears a large in sweatpants, but went with a small in these. They’re still roomy but not so baggy that she wouldn’t wear them out for a walk or a quick grocery run.Materials47% cotton, 48% modal, 5% elastaneSizesXXS—4XLColors2StyleStraight legCredit: Phillip Friedman For Women's HealthProsSuper soft and lightweightTons of color optionsFleece lining makes them super breathable There are a few straight leg options on this list, but I 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, too. They look great with most casual fits, but our style team loves wearing them with Alo’s color-coordinating jackets and hoodies for a chic, monochrome vibe.They are made with a French terry cloth, and 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’m into the oversized look and love that these sweats don’t fit too tight on the lower belly, since other popular sweatpants I’ve tested can emphasize that area too much. Wohlner also prefers them a bit bigger, as she 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.Materials65% cotton, 35% polyesterSizesXXS—XLColors16StyleStraight legAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Phillip Friedman For Women's HealthProsHave a vintage-y broken-in lookRoomy, comfortable fitButtery soft interiorConsPricey, but Saladino says that their premium materials are worth the spendSaladino 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 they look great with everyday fits like a wool coat, a chunky knit sweater, and paired with socks and sneakers.Materials50% polyester, 38% cotton, 12% rayonSizesXS—XLColors16StyleJoggerProsSuper chic and comfortableWarm and cozyAdjustable waistbandConsYou have to size down if you don't want them to be too baggyLike 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, Wohlner says. 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.Materials78% cotton, 22% polyesteSizes2XS—2XLColors17StyleWide legAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Phillip Friedman For Women's HealthProsSuper breathable and stretchyGreat for layeringNot too bulkyConsWe 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 Oversized Fleece Sweatpants over shorts when we run to and from the gym as the temp drops. They’re warm enough to protect from the cold, but lightweight enough to keep us from overheating and feeling sticky. 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!).However, if you’re looking for an ultra-warm pair of sweatpants to keep you cozy during long treks outdoors, you might be better off with another pair on this list (like the Aritzia Cozy Fleece Mega Flutter Sweatpant).Materials95% modal, 5% spandexSizesXS—XLColors8StyleJoggerCredit: Phillip Friedman For Women's HealthProsThin and lightweight, yet still feel like butterSuper soft and cozy Waistband stays in placeConsThey run largeA bit too casual for errandsWhen 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. And when I tried them on for the very first time, my suspicions were confirmed. In comparison to all the others, these feel like butter, but they’re pretty thin and lightweight, so they don’t feel too heavy. I usually find joggers to be less cozy than wide-leg sweatpants, but these fleece joggers feel like absolute heaven—I’ve even fallen asleep in these a few times.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.Materials68% modal, 27% cotton, 5% elastaneSizesXXS—XXLColors6StyleJoggerShannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Reviews Editor at Women's Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.