These Editor-Approved Workout Pants Will Keep You Motivated to Hit the Gym

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

The New Year is a great time to invest in the best workout pants for men. While we can't promise that they'll help you crush your 2024 fitness goals, the best workout pants for men can help you feel fresh, comfortable, and locked in. After all, looking and feeling great will help you stay motivated to hit the gym. At Men's Health, we've tested countless workout pants for the past decade to create a shortlist of the best ones worth shopping now. Our favorites have breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that draw away sweat from the body to help keep you relatively dry during even the most sweat-inducing workouts. They also had a hint of stretch, whether it be from elastane or spandex, to help support a range of movements. We also found workout pants that had some nifty features like ankle zips, extra ventilation, and pocket storage to keep your valuables in place.

Of course, we wanted workout pants that looked great (after all, who wants to look like a slob in the weight room?), and had plenty of styling opportunities. A few of them are even sharp enough to wear during your casual weekday errands, or weekend hangouts. Whether you prefer joggers, compression pants, or anything in between, we rounded up the best workout pants to shop now.

ABC Jogger

One of our favorite menswear brands, Lululemon is a purveyor of athleisure wear that merges style and functionality. Their ABC Jogger has both qualities, which explains why it nabbed the top spot in our testing. It's designed with a classic tapered fit, four-way stretch and anti-ball-crushing technology, which relieves tension from the crotch area.

We appreciate that these pants give your thighs and glutes ample breathing room as you're working out, so you're always comfortable through a range of exercises. Not to mention, they're stylish and versatile enough to wear anywhere. You can go from running errands or the gym to grabbing dinner and drinks with friends. Another bonus: the fabric quickly absorbs moisture and dries even faster. Yes, the pants are a little steep in price, but you can still get everyday wear out of them compared to other workout pants on the market.

What Do Buyers Say? "I wore these so much I bought another pair, and wore those so much I bought another pair I can wear to work,"says one lululemon.com customer.

Read more: Best Workout Shirts for Men

UA Vital Woven Pants

For those who prefer bottoms with a looser fit for workouts, Under Armour’s Woven collection includes pants made from a sturdy-yet-lightweight ripstop fabric. Perfect for a variety of sports, this option features ankle zips that provide extra ventilation to cool down after a hot workout.

Our editors recommend these pants for runners that don't mind exercising in brisk temperatures. They rave about their breathability and fuller cut because there's no clinging to the skin, which feels a lot more comfortable to break a sweat in. Plus, they're suitable for longer legs and easy to pack into your gym bags, so you can literally take them anywhere.

What Do Buyers Say? "These have become my go-to pants for so many activities. I love the woven material that they are made from,"says one underarmour.com customer.

Read more: Best Winter Running Gear

Sunday Performance Jogger

A lot of joggers feel restricted, especially with the ribbed cuffs—but Vuori's pair moves with you like a second skin. Equally stylish and functional, this soft mid-weight knit joggers are made with 4-way stretch, zippered pockets and a moisture-wicking fabric that feels oh-so comfortable.

Throughout our trial run, we've found that the Sunday Performance Jogger is cut out for almost every occasion. Whether you're going for a morning jog, taking a trip the grocery store or meeting friends for happy hour, it's designed to hold up for anything you throw at it. Given the trifecta of high-quality, functionality and versatility, these pants will become a staple in your wardrobe.

What Do Buyers Say? "So soft and comfortable, yet still a leisurely pant that looks nice in any situation," says one vuoriclothing.com customer.

Co-Op Pant

Workout pants should feel so comfortable you'll hardly notice you're wearing them. Take this sleek Alo pant, which has an elastic waistband and a water-repellent fabric for plenty of movement and moderate protection from the elements.

We've worn these workout pants while running in the rain and they held up quite nicely. The material may be too thin for extreme cold temperatures, but they're perfect for most indoor activities. It's worth noting that these pants retained their shape after multiple washes.

What Do Buyers Say? "I use them to lounge, go out or do yoga. They also make me look taller since I'm on the shorter side," says one aloyoga.com customer.

Form Dri-FIT Tapered Versatile Pants

If you prefer a more relaxed fit, consider this Nike sweatpant, which has a roomy-yet-tapered cut. That means it has plenty of breathing room for your thighs while still looking polished. We also like its polyester fabric, which was pretty moisture wicking, and was smooth yet incredibly durable. Ankle zips at the hem allow a bit of ventilation for extra breathability.

Our editors say that the Dri-FIT offers an outstanding amount of flex and mobility, making this a great everyday pant as well as workout bottom for running, training, and yoga.

What Do Buyers Say? "The pants fit true to size. They are light weight and extremely comfortable. I was able to do yoga and the pants didn’t move at all. The material kept me cool throughout my workout as well," says one nike.com customer.

Spar Jogger

Rhone's marquee jogger is strong, soft, and flexible. One editor says it's comfortable enough to wear all day, and it was durable enough to withstand all sorts of stretches and lifts. We love to wear these during just about every type of workout.

We can arguably say these are the most durable tapered workout pants that we've tested. Yes, they're made to be close-fitting, but the fabric doesn't restrict your movement. Though we did notice that the pockets, while roomy, didn't hold our stuff in place. A couple of editors noticed that when they stored their phones in the pockets, while running, their gadgets bounced around quite a bit.

What Do Buyers Say? "They are extremely comfortable and do not fade when washed. I really enjoy wearing these pants at the gym and when relaxing," says one rhone.com customer.

Arrival Woven Joggers

Gymshark makes a streamlined jogger pant, crafted from a lightweight polyester-elastane blend. In other words, the fit is breathable and supportive for ease of movement. Also, there's a range of colors and sizes available—going up to 3XL.

While these pants may not be too light for outdoor runs in the cold, they're still practical for indoor training. They will wick away moisture, store your valuables, and easily slide on and off—thanks to the ankle zips. Plus, the pair is sleek enough to wear for recreation or travel.

Ace Sweatpants

Remember when comfortable sweatpants meant bearing the brunt of being weighed down? Mack Weldon’s uniquely designed fabric addresses that very issue with its micro-brushed French terry that’s as snug as it is flexible and naturally, fit for any purpose.

If "soft as a pillow" was a pair of workout pants, it would be the Ace Sweatpants. The stretch and quality design make them equally functional for hitting the gym as well as grabbing breakfast and coffee. And we just love the endless amount of pocket storage to stash away our valuables.

What Do Buyers Say? "These are easily the best sweatpants I own now. They are versatile - meaning I can wear them around town, lounging around the house, or even lifting at the gym! So happy I went with these pants, and will likely get another pair," says one mackweldon.com customer.

Midweight Compression Tight 27"

Tight-fitting leggings cover your thighs and knees without much bulk. Our editors layer this option from Nobull underneath their gym shorts during cold weather workouts. We love how stretchy it is, while still feeling extra durable, while the open mesh leg design helps regulate body temperature.

That means Nobull's compression tights will keep your bottom half comfortable and locked in during all sorts of exercises, and its breathable fabric helped us feel relatively fresh. We also like the reflective detailing for extra visibility during nighttime runs.

What Do Buyers Say? "Excellent compression! Perfect fit. Easy to wash and they dry quickly," says one nobullproject.com customer.

The Go-To Jogger

This tapered-fit pair of joggers by Fabletics is made with heavy-brushed fleece, which does a remarkably good job at keeping you warm during early morning jogs.

Our fitness director, Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., even gave this a 2024 Men's Health Fitness Award, calling it, "a soft, warm jogger that fits perfectly whether you’re going for a light run, a weight room session, or an easy evening walk."

What Do Buyers Say? "These joggers are great for on the go or around the house. Love that they have different length options,"says one fabletics.com customer.

Running Pants

When On was founded in Switzerland, its goal was to transform running gear. The result? Flexible, water-repellent workout pants with UV protection and superb knee ventilation. Another plus? The unfixed zips and meshes that can be changed for year-round wear.

Read more: Best On Running Shoes for Men

High Stride Pant

Made for high-sweat recreation, the High Stride Pant from Outdoor Voices has all the components necessary to rise for the challenge. We're talking—very lightweight and quick-drying fabric, sweat-wicking technology, and 4-way stretch for unlimited movement.

What Do Buyers Say? "It’s a rare pair of pant that fit me just right but these do. For that reason and because I love the feather-light fabric and pleasing colors, I have multiple pairs. They’re perfect for walking in the park as well as dressing up," says one outdoorvoices.com customer.

Stadium Jogger

You can never have too many lightweight options of workout pants. Public Rec offers a pair with a relaxed, athletic fit that provides ample room for your glutes and thighs to breathe.

What Do Buyers Say? "Public Rec never ceases to amaze me! They have outdone themselves with these joggers. Super comfortable, breathable material- that can be worn in various settings," says one publicrec.com customer.

Powerblend Fleece Sweatpants

Casual sportswear brand Champion makes decent sweats at an even better price. Made from a quality polyester-cotton blend, these joggers keep muscles warm thanks to the brushed-fleece interior, while additional stitching provides extra toughness.

We love the open bottom that gives a sense of freedom and air flow. They're ideal for anyone who enjoys taking early strolls in the AM or wants to lounge around the house. Might we add, the pockets are sufficiently deep enough to hold your essentials.

What Do Buyers Say? "Good-looking and comfortable lounge wear is not the easiest thing to find, but after a bit of a search I found these, and they are perfect. Soft and durable, mid-weight fabric, with a drawstring waist inside the waistband, as it should be, these fit exactly as described," says one Amazon customer.

Basic Active Fleece Jogger Pants

If you're balling on a budget, Southpole has the best workout pants to meet your everyday needs. The brushed-back fleece construction of these joggers offers supreme comfort whether you’re on the couch or out for a run. Plus, with double-stitched seams, these pants guarantee that no workout will be too much to handle.

Despite the small price tag, these pants pack a huge punch. For starters, we're fans of these sweats because of the heavyweight material alone, which keeps us warm and comfortable in colder months. Also, the uber-large size pockets are beyond convenient to carry your belongings as long as you're not running. And of course, the inclusive sizing is a big score.

What Do Buyers Say? "For the price these are great sweatpants. Thicker than most sweatpants that cost more. Very soft and comfortable," says one amazon.com customer.

Read more: Best Winter Pants for Men

Men's Mixed Media Training Pants

The iconic Dick’s Sporting Goods name launched its own menswear brand VRST in 2019. And they’ve impressed. Case in point: This pair in a four-way stretch fabric that’s combined with sweat-wicking tech and SILVADUR™ antimicrobial treatment.

What Do Buyers Say? "Very light weight fabric, they are still warm enough for chilly days. Roomy enough for the gym, but nice enough to wear to a casual dinner. The color is nice mellow green, looks great with dark or light colors,"says one dicksportinggoods.com customer.

Interval Pants

Ten Thousand aims to create exercise clothes that allow you to push yourself to new heights. Featuring breathability panels, quick-drying and sweat-wicking properties, as well as an anti-odor silver ion treatment, these interval pants ensure you’re kept as fresh as possible no matter how much you move.

What Do Buyers Say? "Great mid layer that works for travel, lounging around, or going out with the boys. I love its versatility and it's been my go to since it came in the mail,"says one tenthousand.cc customer.

Core Tech Jogger

The premium performance label’s stretchy jersey-knit joggers wick moisture and provide UPF 40 sun protection. Not only do they look smart, but at nighttime, a reflective logo keeps you visible to potential dangers.

What Do Buyers Say? "I have other competitive brands that are solid, but Greatness Wins is simply a superior product," says one greatnesswins.com customer.

What to Look for in Workout Pants

Finding the best workout pants will mostly come down to what sort of exercise you engage in, as well as any personal likes or dislikes you may have regarding the style of pants. General factors related to how clothes should function when you’ve increased physical movement—such as comfort, material flexibility, breathability and resilience—are pretty universal.

Many brands have honed in on these requirements by developing gear that’s lightweight, wicks moisture and tackles odor. Workout pants that transcend the realm of exercise and double up as lounging or casual clothes might add anti-wrinkle properties to fabrics.

That said, those who participate in specific exercises—take runners and hikers who often spend time outside, for example—might take to more advanced gear, like wind- and water-resistant materials and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings to guard them from the elements.

Weightlifters and yoga practitioners, on the other hand, should prioritize ultra-stretchy and more form-fitting fabrics to support their precise movements. Regardless of where or how you work out, secure pockets for keeping your belongings are almost always going to be a win when you’re more active.

Who Should Wear Workout Pants?

There's a variety of movements and workouts that specifically call for workout pants. However, athleisure wear is no longer reserved only for gym-goers and rather acceptable for personal style. Workout pants are suitable for anyone running errands, attending happy hour with friends, traveling on long flights, and more.

Our active guys who are runners should have a pair of workout pants in their arsenal for the coldest winter months to brave the elements. If pilates or yoga is a part of your physical routine, it would be practical to wear them as this particular exercise requires moving different body parts and landing in several poses. Workout pants are also fitting for anyone that partakes in the following activities: weight-training, HIIT, cycling, beach sports.

Are Joggers Good for the Gym?

Once again, this might come down to personal choice, but overall, joggers are considered a good fit for the gym. Firstly, they’re comfortable. It’s as simple as that. Secondly, in case of accidents, they act as a direct protective barrier between your legs (especially your vulnerable shins and knees) and potentially injurious gym apparatus or environmental factors. They also reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens like bacteria and viruses that can enter damaged skin from unclean exercise equipment.

Other practical advantages of joggers come down to their material weight. Heavier joggers can trap heat, which warms up your muscles faster. Thicker joggers are also useful if you’d intentionally like to sweat more during a workout. With that in mind, more lightweight joggers still protect your lower half, but can be found in more breathable fabrics.

How We Selected

As editors at Men's Health, we practically live in workout pants. To create our shortlist of the best ones to shop now, we consulted with our fashion director and fitness director, who have tested more than 50 pairs of pants in the past year. They evaluated their design, performance, and durability.

Shop More of Our Favorite Workout Clothes, Below

Best Running Shoes | Best Workout Shirts for Men | Best Athletic Shorts | Best Gym Shorts | Best Compression Shirts | Best Thermal Shirts | Best Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts | Best Undershirts | Best T-Shirts | Best Compression Shirts

You Might Also Like

• The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now

• 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein