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Whether you prefer a loose or tight fit, there’s a perfect track pant for every occasion
Joggers are no longer the reserve of athletes and gym-goers. With millions working from home and many more simply wanting to be comfortable, athleisure has been adopted by the masses in recent years, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
As a fitness writer who lives between their laptop and the gym, trackies have replaced chinos and jeans as my default daily option. This has meant investing in a couple of quality options, rather than relying on the same raggedy old bottoms from my uni days.
In the process of finding my favourite pair, I’ve road-tested some of the best joggers on the market, including those made for sit-ups, sit downs and everything in between.
Whatever their primary function, I believe a top pair has to be incredibly comfortable, while also offering plenty of stretch for full freedom of movement. A rest day set might offer a fleece lining to keep you at a comfortable temperature through the colder months, while sport-specific joggers need solid sweat-wicking credentials to help you stay dry during intense workouts.
Below, you can find options to suit all budgets and functions, all tried and tested by yours truly.
I tested the full range of joggers, from loungewear to technical trousers designed for your sweatiest workouts. Each pair was assessed on its quality, practicality, price and versatility. This meant seeing how they fared in a number of scenarios, from drinks down the pub and casual days in the office to intense gym sessions and long runs.
If I were only allowed to wear one pair of trousers for the rest of my life, it would be the Vuori elevate kore pant. Slipping into these joggers felt like I was wearing warm water, with the soft material moving beautifully with my body whether I was walking, squatting or completing an intense CrossFit workout.
I also liked the inclusion of a boxer brief liner, which helped me feel supported during high-impact HIIT workouts and runs. But these joggers didn’t just impress in the gym.
After workouts and washing, they dried in no time. And they remained incredibly comfortable during a full day sitting at my desk, keeping me at a Goldilocks temperature while WFH in the winter months – the material is thin, and not as warm as some of the fleece-lined options below, but it still offers a decent amount of heat.
The fit is stylish and slim, without vacuum-packing my calves (as so many tracksuit bottoms have tried to do over the years), and they look smart enough to fly under the radar in a more relaxed office environment. The high price (£150) is a deterrent, granted, but if you can find a good deal on these joggers then I can’t recommend them highly enough.
With clothes prices seemingly on a continual rise, high street stalwart Marks and Spencer is a constant source of quality clothing at relatively affordable prices. These joggers come from the brand’s brilliant Goodmove sportswear range, and come in at half the price of other joggers of similar quality.
They’re probably the best pair on this list if you want joggers that will go over a pair of shorts, with the zipped ankles letting you take them off quickly without having to remove your trainers. With a looser leg than other choices, this pair is also a great pick for those who like a roomier fit, while still keeping that smart, slim silhouette.
Compared to rivals, there is a drop in quality on the fabric front, with the material being quite thin (although we didn’t have any trouble with it being see-through). But there is still enough durability and quality here to make these joggers a great economical option.
New Balance has long threatened the crown of sportswear’s top two – Nike and Adidas – and for good reason. With its loyal fanbase, retro stylings and technical know-how, the brand will always be a solid choice when buying sportswear, and these joggers go above and beyond what you’d expect.
The fit is slim but still roomy enough to squat in, while the fabric is light and moisture-wicking – it’s a silky-smooth material that offers incredible warmth for those colder winter days, too.
Plus, with minimal branding and a clean look and feel, these are the sort of joggers that blend effortlessly into a variety of scenarios – perfect for when you’ve got a post-office gym session to go to. Put simply, these pants are hard to beat.
These joggers from French sportswear company Salomon are quite unlike any of the other choices in this list, with a ton of hidden features that set them apart. Most will know the brand for its hi-tech trail running shoes, and these joggers are similarly designed for long-distance runs, with limited seams and stitching to minimise chaffing and ventilation holes to keep your legs cool. They’re a bit like a cross between skin-tight running tights and joggers, with a lot of stretch in them to allow for movement.
The most surprising features are the water-repellent finish (perfect for those unappealing wet-weather runs) and a hidden back pocket in the waistband, which fits a phone and keys easily. While it might look odd protruding from your back, the waistband pocket is hidden by your tee or jacket, and there’s no interference with the ease of movement, whether you’re running or sitting down on the sofa.
If you’re looking specifically for joggers to get you through those winter runs, the high-performance tech in these trousers will be perfect, although some might find the lack of versatility frustrating.
Plant-based brand Pangaia was only founded in 2019. But it experienced a meteoric rise during the Covid-19 lockdowns, largely thanks to its colourful loungewear and sustainability credentials.
These joggers from the brand come in 22 different colours – including orchid purple and travertine beige – with matching sweatshirts and hoodies also available, if you’re after the all-in-one look. They’re also made out of 100 per cent organic cotton, which feels fantastic – perfect for when the heater’s on the blink.
The fit is fairly roomy and loose, but the cuffed ankle keeps the shape from looking sloppy. Instead, these are as smart-looking as loungewear can get, with a hefty dose of streetwear style.
However, the shape is very obviously a sweatpant, which might make you feel a bit out of place in the office. That and the price point may push you to look elsewhere – although, if you do decide to choose them for their pop of colour and bold style, the quality and fit won’t leave you disappointed.
Italian luxury sportswear brand Colmar might not have the same name recognition outside of their homeland as New Balance and the like, but after 100 years of perfecting their craft, you’d better believe they know what they’re doing.
These fleeced joggers from the brand aren’t flashy, but they’re of incredibly high quality. The fleeced fabric feels substantial – perfect for WFH lounging – while details like the ribbed knit cuffs and the metallic aglets on the adjustable drawstring are great touches.
They’re oozing Italian class, with a neat slim silhouette that’s more than smart enough for the office and socialising. Some might find them too thick and not moisture-wicking enough for extra sweaty workouts, but that’s a moot point with a pair of joggers this well-made.
In my eyes, these are not the joggers for you if you want a pair for running or intense workouts. But if you’re after something to wear for slower-paced activities like yoga, or you just want to be in supreme comfort while walking around the house, they’re among the best choices you can make.
That’s not to say you couldn’t wear them for sweatier sports. I did, and the four-way stretch fabric performed admirably, while the moisture-wicking properties didn’t let me down. But, superficial though it might be, I think they lack that sporty aesthetic, and certain features are missing such as an internal lining for extra support and zipped pockets.
What you do get for your (admittedly, significant) investment is a pair of joggers made from a beautifully soft material, which sit with just the right amount of tightness from your hips to your ankles.
As a yoga and Pilates partner, they excelled, allowing me to move through all manner of poses and positions uninhibited. The same applied for keeping my legs a little warmer on dog walks as the mercury dropped. And when I wore them for a movie marathon, they performed so well I started to question whether my pyjamas were all that comfortable after all.
These aren’t versatile joggers, and they’re not meant to be – just look at the name. Don’t expect technical features, sweat-wicking or extreme levels of flexibility if you wear them for exercise.
But these trackies are fit for their intended purpose: cosy loungewear. On the outside the material is soft to the touch, while the inside is fleece-lined for warmth and comfort, saving me from reaching for the thermostat so soon after temperatures dropped. At times, they were even a little too effective at keeping the heat in while I was tapping away at my laptop.
The fit is slightly more relaxed than most rivals on this list, but the joggers aren’t so baggy that it looks like you’ve rolled out of bed and into town if you want to wear them for a few errands.
Often worn as part of a full three-stripe tracksuit, the Adidas adicolour jogger is a classic of the genre and a cultural touchstone adored by music royalty and the cream of Hollywood alike. But how do they square up against the competition?
Well, if you’re looking for thick, fleecy joggers that will serve you well through the winter months, this pair is a worthy option. The fit is slim but not constrictive, with a neat taper leading to an elasticated cuff, while the zipped pockets are handy for keeping your phone firmly tucked away while you’re running or bench-pressing.
In terms of style, the three stripes down the side are a bold statement. As such, these joggers are probably more suited to those playing sports outdoors, lounging around the house, or going to the pub with their mates, rather than those looking to get away with leaving the suit trousers at home on a Monday morning.
You might be familiar with Myprotein’s protein powders but the brand’s clothing range has built up its own reputation among the gym-goers it’s aimed at.
Constructed from a tough, shower-resistant fabric, these cargo joggers are designed for outdoor workouts. Although, we were surprised by how smart and versatile they looked in person. Worn with a sweatshirt or jumper, these joggers are easily wearable around the office or down the pub, while the abundance of pockets is perfect for carrying the essentials.
The joggers don’t have the same cosy feel and warmth of other options but, if you’re looking to spend a little less (especially keeping in mind the regular sales Myprotein has online), this pair offers a solid mid-range choice, with plenty of versatility and good looks.
Founded in 2006, BAM specialises in silky-soft, sustainable clothes made from breathable bamboo. The plant fibre has natural antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties, so works well for sportswear.
It’s also a comparably more sustainable material than other traditional sportswear fabrics, as bamboo grows incredibly fast and requires zero pesticides and very little water.
This all makes these jersey joggers a great sustainable alternative to others on the list. They’re designed for yoga, and the far roomier fit and drop crotch are ideal for downward dogs. The fit and feel are a bit like a pair of pyjama bottoms (WFH loungers might also love these). However, the thinner, drapey material might leave you feeling exposed outside of the home or yoga studio.
OG loungewear maker Hanro has been conjuring up high-quality, uber-comfortable clothing – mainly underwear – since the 19th century. That results in a whole lot of technical innovation and nous, and these casual leisure trousers are truly a product of that.
Made from a viscose-elastane temperature-regulating blend, the fabric is like silk against the skin, placing these joggers among the most comfortable bottoms on this list. The straight leg is smart, and the crop sits tidily at the ankle.
However, despite being sold as versatile trousers that can be worn for outdoor leisure, they are much better suited to indoor pursuits. The fabric is thin and the look more closely resembles a pyjama bottom, albeit a very smart and luxurious pyjama bottom. They’ll get you to the corner shop and back but probably not through a day in the office.
During my uni years and beyond, Myprotein and charity shops were my main source of sportswear on a very tight budget. So it’s good to see the brand is still undercutting the competition with affordable options that outperform their price tags.
The Myprotein men’s training joggers do pretty much everything you want from a good pair of workout trackies. They kept me at a comfortable temperature when strength training, provided plenty of stretch for squats and didn’t feel restrictive during any of the activities I wore them for.
The fit, especially around the calf, was a little too tight for my liking, but this is down to personal preference. I also missed zipped pockets, which are handy for stashing my phone and keys when running, and felt the slight shine on the material gave them a less-than-premium look.
But if you’re after a pair of very solid training joggers on a budget, they’re a great option, especially if you can get them in the sale or save some extra cash using one of Myprotein’s signature discount codes.
The competition for the title of best men’s joggers was fierce, however, we felt the versatility, fit, quality and extreme comfort of the Vuori elevaste core pant makes this pair worthy of the top spot. If you’re looking for joggers to take you from home to office to gym, these are perfect. The New Balance tech knit pant was unlucky to miss out on the top spot, the Colmar soft fleece trousers boast impeccable quality and fit but don’t quite have the versatility, while the Marks & Spencer Goodmove joggers prove a solid budget buy.
Want more sartorial inspiration? Stay warm this winter, with the best men’s cashmere jumpers