Clothing > Pants & Jeans

9 Best Basic Men’s Sweatpants that Won’t Break the Bank

By Beau Hayhoe  |  Updated December 21, 2023

9 Best Basic Men’s Sweatpants that Won’t Break the Bank
Courtesy of Todd Snyder x Champion

Here at WERD, we’re of the mind that there’s hardly a time to cut corners getting dressed – even when you think things might be at their most casual. Sweatpants are a nice way of standing up to the doldrums of casual dressing – think high-quality, and even a touch stylish, rather than sloppy.

After all, sweatpants are practically a must in any man’s wardrobe these days: Lounging, heading out to a coffee shop, hitting the gym (of course) or hitting the road. And yes, there’s a way to find a pair of the best sweatpants without breaking the bank or landing on a pair that’s too outrageous.

Classic materials, colors and details abound – athleisure is here to stay, and the best sweatpants can help you nail a perfectly casual look.


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
  • Comfort meets casual style. Once reserved solely for the gym, sweatpants are now a widely accepted casual style move and as ready for lounging as they are for quick weekend outings.
  • A trend here to stay. Athleisure, or incorporating performance gear into daily looks, is a trend with staying power, and sweatpants in the right cut and color fit the mold quite nicely.
  • Made for the moment. Traditional athletic brands still make some of the best men’s sweatpants, but you’ll find that casual everyday fashion brands are embracing the category in many ways.

Best Overall

Champion PowerBlend Fleece Joggers

Why did I choose it?

One of my first memories when it came time to bundle up on cold days was wearing one of my dad’s oversized Champion sweatshirts.

The brand just has loads of longevity and quality, and the same very much holds true for its utterly classic sweatpants. In terms of affordability, durability and variety, there’s hardly a better option on the market.


Best Premium Sweatpants
Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Cuffed Sweatpants

Best Budget Sweatpants
Hanes ComfortSoft Fleece Sweatpants

Best for Lounging at Home
BALEAF Casual Men’s Sweatpants


Best Overall

Champion PowerBlend Fleece Joggers


$27
 

What goes around comes back around, or sometimes, it never really leaves. Such is the case with timeless Champion sweatpants, made from warm fleece and featuring an elasticized waistband and thick-knit ankle cuffs for a perfect fit. Pick ‘em up in as many colors as you please, because they’re as affordable and dependable as it gets.





Best Premium Sweatpants

Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Cuffed Sweatpants


$125
 

Among the best men’s sweatpants, you’ll find plenty of options made from materials like soft French Terry cotton. The fiber is durable and midweight, neither too heavy or too flimsy, and Reigning Champ uses it to make some of the most durable, high-quality sweats in Vancouver using a classic cuffed ankle finish.





Best Budget Sweatpants

Hanes ComfortSoft Fleece Sweatpants


$13
 

Hanes gives other picks for the best sweatpants a run for their money in terms of quality and value, using a fleece fabric that resists pilling (and comes in a year-round weight, no less). Pair these with a basic T-shirt and cozy slippers when weekend comfort is the name of the game.





Best for Lounging at Home

BALEAF Casual Men’s Sweatpants


$36
 

Not every pair of sweatpants needs a tapered cuff for streamlined performance – sometimes, a more relaxed fit is agreeable, and can provide even more range of motion. For days at home and mornings in the yoga studio, give these cotton-blend sweatpants a try.






Los Angeles Apparel Garment-Dye Fleece Sweatpants


$75
 

Buying American-made menswear feels like more of a quest than ever these days, but when you find a brand doing things properly, and making a vast array of product in the process, it’s worth another look. Such is the case with Los Angeles Apparel, which uses a heavyweight fleece that’s been garment-dyed for softness in these sweatpants.






Todd Snyder x Champion Midweight Jogger Sweatpants


$118
 

For more than a decade, American men’s clothing brand Todd Snyder has focused on updating his menswear favorites of the past for the modern fella.

Take Champion sweatpants. The brand suddenly made the crewneck sweatshirt and the jogger sweatpant cool and even luxurious again by using ultra-premium materials and streamlined fits, and these even feature interior chainstitch detailing.






Alternative EcoFleece Men’s Sweatpants


$25-30
 

The best sweatpants shouldn’t require too much thought – simply reach for them, throw ‘em on and forget about ‘em (other than how comfortable they feel).

Alternative uses its eco-friendly soft fleece in a flattering slim-fit silhouette to deliver a pair of sweatpants made for comfortable lounging or on-the-go style with crisp sneakers.






Buck Mason Storm Venice Wash Brushed Loopback Trouser


$98
 

Remember what I noted earlier about upgrading your casual style, even in off-duty situations? Buck Mason is a brand I certainly trust to get the job done, and they’ve put plenty of careful thought into these brushed French Terry cotton trousers in a flattering slim fit.






Bonobos SuperSoft Fleece Sweatpants


$89
 

I personally love the fit and fabric of Bonobos’ classic men’s chinos, but when the day’s work is done, it’s nice to trade those pants in for something even more comfortable. The details remain on point with these ultra-soft fleece sweatpants, which add a handy back patch pocket and feature classic details like ribbed ankle cuffs.





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