The Best Joggers Make Rest Days Look Good

If “gateway jogger” was ever a thing, the title would belong to Vuori’s Sunday Performance Jogger. For the uninitiated, Vuori’s activewear is noted for its excellent performance and affordable price point. (With all due respect, the brand has sort of been eating Lululemon’s lunch over the past few years.) And between the stretchy, ultra-soft fabric and cozy overall fit, their joggers are some of the most respectable (and comfortable!) house pants you’ll find for under $100. They excel at the only two things that ultimately matter for a jogger: Lounging and working out.

The working out part was especially impressive to me, given that a lot of guys only really wear Vuori to relax in. But these held up to my sweat sessions, and were more than stretchy enough to take on everything from lunges to sprawls. A notable drawback is that the fabric does have a sheen to it, which makes them stick out a little more. Though hey, there’s no shame in being into that.

Best Golf Joggers: Adidas Ultimate 365 Sport Jogger

Fit: Classic | Fabric: 100% polyester | Sizing: S-XXL | Colorways: Charcoal, Collegiate Navy

For anyone interested in golf’s big makeover and on the hunt for a pair of joggers that can pull double-duty on the links, Adidas’ Ultimate 365 Sport Jogger was designed with a golf-specific stretchy fabric, giving you a full range of motion that won’t compromise your game, and a design that can transition from the course to the clubhouse in a snap.

One more nice detail about these joggers is that long front zip pockets can actually be zipped down a little further to reveal an open-weave breathable mesh insert that gives your legs some extra space on the links. For a pair of roomy pants that look great and won’t impact your swing, look no further.

Best Cashmere Joggers: Nadaam Off-Duty Cashmere Jogger

Fit: Classic | Fabric: 100% cashmere | Sizing: XS-XL | Colorways: 11 colorways

These were hands down the most stupid-comfortable joggers I tested. Like a cashmere blanket for your legs, these joggers are thin and roomy while still being comfortable, breathable, and cozy. Basically? They’re the platonic ideal of a house pant, designed for professional loungers and frequent long-haul fliers alike. In short: Unadulterated luxury.

Cashmere does have its drawbacks. For one, the exorbitant price, which understandably is a stretch for many. Second: For all comfort that comes with the cashmere, the fabric isn’t particularly sturdy, and therefore the pants overall lack structure. Still, for many people this will all be something worth looking past for the sheer pleasure that comes with putting these on.

More Jogger Pants We Love

What to Look for in Jogger Pants

Today’s joggers are every bit as versatile as you want them to be. When it comes to choosing the best pair for you, your decision should always come down to intended use—are you looking for a gym-to-car pair, or a couch-to-bedroom fit? To get it right, you’ll want to take into account the following:

• Material: Most joggers will be made out of nylon with some polyester elastane built into the fabric for stretch. (Materials like these help joggers pull double-duty at the gym.) You’ll also see joggers made from cotton or fleece, which brings them closer to sweatpant territory. That’s all fine and great, just know those are less workout-friendly.
• Cut and Fit: These days, joggers are usually designed to be baggier at the seat with a tapered leg, which means zeroing in on fit can be hit-or-miss. If you like your pants with a looser fit, consider sizing up—there’s usually a drawstring to adjust the waist accordingly.
• Special features: You should look for joggers that have features that accommodate your intended uses. For example, those made with moisture-wicking fabric and finished with a water-repellent coating would be great for hiking and camping, while pairs with drawstring waistbands and big open warm pockets would be good for general lounging. Zippered pockets, on the other hand, would be ideal for running.

How We Tested

GQ has been tracking the rise and fall (and rise again!) of jogger pants since the 2010s. For this guide, I spoke with GQ staffers to bring together an array of contenders of past favorites and new entrants, and whittled the list down by looking at material, fit, and style. I then tested over 25 pairs myself in a variety of settings—including a 20-hour international flight—taking into account everything from appearance to durability. I also worked out with as many joggers as I could, taking note of performance aspects such as stretch and moisture-wicking ability.