The Best Women’s Sweatpants for Everyday Wear

Sweatpants are warm, casual trousers that are soft to the touch and have an elasticized or drawstring waist. They may or may not have pockets and elasticized cuffs at the hem. They also tend to be loose-fitting, though in recent years, more slim-fitting options have become available, especially for women. Sweatpants are most commonly worn during athletic pursuits and lounging, though many people now wear them when running errands or enjoying other casual activities. Some women have even found ways to dress up sweatpants a bit so that they can look put together and feel comfortable at the same time. While some use the terms “sweatpants” and “joggers” interchangeably, there actually is a slight difference between the two. Sweatpants are made of thicker materials meant to be warm and work up a sweat, while joggers are made out of thinner fabric since they’re designed to keep the wearer cool and wick away sweat. Here are a few pairs of women’s sweatpants we recommend.

What to Consider in Women’s Sweatpants

Here are a few things to think about before buying a pair of sweatpants:

• Waistband: Like standard trousers, pants, and jeans, women’s sweatpants offer multiple choices in their waistband height. Low-rise sweatpants are not the most common option, but they do exist. Midline or medium-rise sweatpants that sit right on the waist or just below it are probably the most widespread type. High-rise or high-waisted sweatpants are a fairly popular option as well. Consider which type of waistband you like in your regular pants and look for sweatpants with a similar cut.
• Material: Cotton and cotton fleece are the most common fabrics for sweatpants. These are both soft and cozy, though if they aren’t made of premium cotton, they may lose elasticity after multiple washes. Cotton blends (most commonly cotton and polyester) are good options if you want sweatpants that are still comfortable but offer a bit more in structure and shape. Some may have a touch of spandex or elastane, which give the sweatpants more stretch, ideal if you plan to use them for athletic endeavors like yoga. If you want extra-warm sweatpants, look for a pair with an interior Sherpa or fleece lining.
• Style: Baggy gray sweatpants are not the only option these days. Slimmer cuts are available, as are a wide array of colors, patterns, logos, and designs. Cropped, tailored, or cuffed ankles can add a little bit of flair. Some are wider in the leg but more fitted at the waist and hips. Models with pockets sometimes have zippers, handy for keeping your belongings safe next time you make a quick run to the store. And, of course, you have the choice between a drawstring or elasticized waist, a small detail that can impact both your comfort and the appearance of your sweatpants.

Most Color Options: Leggings Depot Women’s Track Cuff Sweatpants

While sweatpants aren’t thought of as a chic item of clothing, these sweatpants are here to challenge that notion. Unlike their classic loose, baggy cousins, these are slim-fitting while also retaining the traditional comfortable feel for which sweatpants are known. The premium brushed polyester-spandex blend is buttery soft to the touch and stretchy so that they won’t feel restrictive despite their slim fit. Even better, the fabric stretches without becoming see-through. The waistbands are also designed to be as comfortable as possible. In addition to the stylish slim fit, these sweatpants are available in an impressive number of colors, with more than 150 options available. No matter which shade you want, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find what you’re looking for in this array of colors. Sizes start at S and run up to 3X. Hand washing is recommended to keep these sweatpants in the best possible shape, but you can machine wash them on a cold cycle if desired. Hang them to dry either way.

Best for Cold Weather: Yeokou Women’s Warm Sherpa Lined Sweatpants

These warm, comfy sweatpants can be a true blessing during colder months, for those who get cold easily regardless of the weather, or for those nights when you want to curl up warm and cozy under a blanket with a good book or your favorite movie. They’re made of 100% cotton with a polyester and fleece lining for a warm, cozy feeling. The ribbed, close-fitting ankle cuffs help keep your body heat in and the cold air out. The elasticized waist with a drawstring allows you to adjust the waistband for a better, more comfortable fit. These sweatpants also have two pockets so that you can keep your phone or other belongings right at hand. They’re also machine washable for your convenience. You can choose between five solid colors: gray, light gray, black, navy, and pale pink. If you don’t want the Sherpa lining, these sweatpants are available in black or gray without the fleece lining. Sizes run from XS to XXL.

Best Classic Design: Willow Dance Women’s High Waist Sweatpants

If you prefer classic, loose-fitting sweatpants above any other type, these are for you. The cotton blend fabric is soft and breathable with a baggy, sporty fit. They’re ideal for yoga, jogging, workouts, and any other sort of fitness or athletic activity, though they’re also great for lounging, daily, or casual wear as well. They’re so soft and breathable that you may even want to wear them to stay comfortable when traveling. The high waistband is elasticized for a more forgiving fit, while the cinched ankles prevent cold air from sneaking in. These sweatpants also have two side pockets for storing belongings like your phone, wallet, or keys. They can be washed by hand or in a washing machine in cold water. For best care, hang dry and do not bleach. Besides the classic light gray hue, there are ten other colors to choose from if you want a slightly more stylish or colorful look and six sizing options.

Also Great: Hanes Women’s Midrise Sweatpant

For a pair of sweatpants that doesn’t look precisely like sweatpants, this pair gives you all their well-known comfort and relaxed feel with a slightly less casual look. They’re perfect for those days when you want to feel as comfortable as possible while running to the bank or store but don’t want to sacrifice comfort for style in the process. The wide, flat elasticized waistband lacks the drawstring most sweatpants have while still offering a flexible, accommodating fit. The cinched leg opening gives you a snug, secure feeling while preventing cold air from sneaking in at the ankle. The waistband extends to midline height and is tag-free, so you don’t have to bother with removing an itchy, scratchy tag. The fabric is soft and the 7.5-ounce weight feels pleasant regardless of temperature, weather, and climate. It’s made of a cotton-polyester blend and comes in eight colors. Sizing ranges from S to XXL, and they’re machine washable.