How to Pick the Right Sweatpants: A Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Quick Answer
For year-round wear, pick a cotton-rich midweight fabric (roughly 280 to 320 GSM) in French terry if you run warm or brushed fleece if you feel the cold. Choose a tapered jogger for the gym and errands, or a straight or wide leg for lounging and a smarter look, and check the inseam against a pair you already like.
Key Takeaways
- GSM (grams per square metre) tells you how heavy and warm the fabric is.
- French terry breathes better, while brushed fleece traps more heat.
- A little polyester helps sweatpants keep their shape and dry faster.
- Cuffed joggers suit active use, and open hems look neater with trainers.
- Cotton-heavy pairs can shrink noticeably on the first hot wash.
Step by Step: Finding the Right Sweatpants
- Decide what they're for: lounging, gym, travel, errands or all of those.
- Pick a fabric type (French terry or fleece) based on how warm you run.
- Check the weight in GSM if it's listed, and the fibre mix.
- Choose a leg shape: jogger, straight or wide.
- Measure your waist, hips and the inseam of a favourite pair of trousers.
- Compare those numbers with the size chart rather than guessing your usual size.
- Look for pockets, a drawcord and a gusset if you'll be active in them.
Fabric and Weight
Most sweatpants are either French terry, which has small loops on the inside and feels a bit like a towel, or fleece, where those loops are brushed into a soft, fuzzy layer. Terry is cooler and resists pilling better, so it's the better pick for spring, autumn and warm flats, while fleece is cosier on cold mornings and dog walks. The fibre mix matters too, and pure cotton feels soft but stretches out and shrinks more, whereas a cotton-polyester blend (often around 80/20) holds its shape and dries faster.
| Weight (GSM) | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 200 to 260 | Light, drapey | Summer lounging, travel, warm climates |
| 280 to 320 | Midweight, all-round | Most people, most of the year |
| 330 to 400 | Thick, structured | Winter, outdoor wear, a heavier look |
| 400 and up | Very heavy, stiff at first | Cold climates and streetwear styling |
Leg Shape and Length
Joggers taper to a cuffed ankle, which keeps them out of the way at the gym and on a bike, and they look tidy with trainers. Straight-leg styles sit somewhere between loungewear and casual trousers, and wide or barrel legs are comfy and fashionable but can catch on pedals and drag on wet pavements if they're too long. For length, most men's sweatpants come with a 30 to 31 inch inseam, which is short if you're over about six foot (cuffed joggers hide it better than open hems), so check whether a tall or long option exists.
Details Worth Checking
Small features are often what separate the right sweatpants from a pair you merely put up with. Zip or deep pockets stop your phone sliding out on the sofa, a proper drawcord inside the waistband means the elastic doesn't have to do all the work, and a gusset (a diamond of fabric at the crotch) lets you squat and stretch without strain. Flatlock seams are also worth having if you'll work out in them, because they don't rub.
What to Expect at Each Price
You don't need to spend much to get the right sweatpants for lounging, though more money usually buys heavier fabric and neater finishing.
| Price | What you usually get |
|---|---|
| Under $25 | Lighter fleece or blends, basic waistbands, fine for lounging and sleep |
| $25 to $50 | Midweight fabric, better pockets, more cuts and colours |
| $50 to $90 | Heavier cotton, pre-shrunk fabric, cleaner finishing |
| $90 and up | Premium heavyweight terry and designer cuts |
Care
- Wash inside out on a cool cycle to reduce pilling and fading.
- Skip the hot tumble dryer for cotton-heavy pairs, or size up slightly if you know you'll use it.
- Avoid fabric softener on performance blends, as it can stop them wicking sweat.
- Wash dark pairs separately for the first few washes in case the dye runs.
Sweatpants We Stock
These pairs cover the main shapes, from cuffed joggers to wide legs.
The Men's and Women's Casual Sport Fleece Sweatpants for Comfort is $12.34, for anyone wanting a cheap, cosy pair for home.
A good everyday lounge pair at a price that makes it easy to buy two.
The Mens Straight Leg Casual Sweatpants Comfortable Streetwear is $19.21, for men who want something smarter than joggers.
The straight leg sits nicely over trainers and looks fine for a coffee run or a casual Friday.
The Women Baggy Barrel Sweatpants Wide Leg Sweat Pants with Pockets Elastic High Waist Loose Fit Casual is $22.50, for women after the relaxed barrel shape.
The high elastic waist and roomy leg make them very comfortable for long days at home, and the pockets are a real plus. Check the length if you're petite, since wide legs can drag.
The Jogger Pants for Men – Cotton Casual Sweatpants with Customizable Design is $31.88, for men who live in cuffed joggers.
Cotton joggers like these work for the gym, travel and weekends.
The Retro Wide Leg Sweatpants for Women Soft Lounge Daily Wear is $36.56, for a softer, slightly dressier lounge look.
Pair them with a fitted top to balance the wide leg.
My Advice
To get the right sweatpants first time, I'd buy a midweight cotton-polyester pair in the leg shape you'll actually wear most, checked against your inseam rather than your usual size, then add a heavier fleece pair for winter. For men's styles, see our best sweatpants for men, and if you want something sturdier for weekends, our guide on whether cargo pants are good covers the alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should sweatpants be tight or loose?
The right sweatpants feel comfortable through the seat and thighs with room to sit cross-legged, but not so loose that the crotch hangs low.
Do sweatpants shrink?
Cotton-rich pairs can shrink several percent on a hot wash, so look for "pre-shrunk" or wash cool and air dry.
Are joggers and sweatpants the same thing?
Joggers are a type of sweatpant with a tapered, cuffed leg, while "sweatpants" covers straight and wide styles too.
What colour is most versatile?
Charcoal and navy hide marks and wear better than light grey, which shows sweat and stains easily.
Can I wear sweatpants to the office?
Dark, straight-leg pairs in a heavier fabric can pass in relaxed workplaces when worn with a smart top and clean trainers.